Good afternoon.

I have a 1981 Ford Bronco that I inherited several years ago. The engine has gone out and needs to be replaced.

I am not looking to turn it into a show piece, but I'd like to find a shop that could get it up and running for me for a few thousand dollars. I don't need it fast since it isn't a daily driver, just looking for someone who enjoys working on older cars and give it some more life.

If you know of any place that fits that description, please point me in the right direction.

Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

JB said:

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Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

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It's actually brown.

I'm in Cherokee. Between San Saba and Llano

Might check with Martin's Customs in Lampasas. Brant has been in business for nearly 20 years.

https://martinsrodandcustom.com/

I wouldn't tell any shop you aren't in a hurry. That'll ensure yours is the job that keeps being forgotten or pushed to the back burner for other work.

Is it a 302 or a 351? I know you said you don't want it fast, but if you need to replace the engine, I'd also go to a Sniper fuel injection setup. It's throttle body style injection that works well and will keep the engine bay looking original. All your stock gauges are mechanical so no crazy wiring needed either.

Post up some more pics! A few of us have OBS Broncos.

It's a 302.

Thanks for the ideas. I'll put up some more pics, but it's just sitting under the barn right now. I feel guilty every time I see it out there!

96ags said:

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It's a 302.

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Never mind that. Does it have an 8-track?

Why yes, yes it does!

96ags said:

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It's a 302.

Thanks for the ideas. I'll put up some more pics, but it's just sitting under the barn right now. I feel guilty every time I see it out there!

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I know that feeling. The fuel pump in my 95 went out for the 6x due to how much it sits. It's a lot easier to change out once I cut an access panel in the bed under the carpet

It's great you have it under cover. Have you had a chance to check the roof corners for cracks? They really like to rot inside the b-pillar where the mid-body seam is and where the shoulder belts mount at the floor once water starts getting in corners or thru cracked seam sealant in the gutters. There's likely some really mushy foam insulation up in the b-pillar. I would check this area for soft spots if you plan to keep the truck long term. Also, the dome light wiring goes thru there on the drivers side and likes to rot out causing a short.

Ford issued this TSB with details:

https://www.grandmarq.net/oldfuelinjection/files/TSB_96_20_11.pdf

You can get a repro repair kit on ebay for $100 or maybe thru bronco graveyard. The 80/81 Broncos tend to flex more, especially with the top off, leading to more roof corner issues IMO due to the extra holes in the frames

96ags said:

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JB said:

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Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

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It's actually brown.

I'm in Cherokee. Between San Saba and Llano

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Go indians!

96ags said:

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JB said:

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Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

---

It's actually brown.

I'm in Cherokee. Between San Saba and Llano

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If Wayland Dobbs is still around, he could probably have it running in a week even if he's never worked on a bronco before.

Now there is a name I haven't heard in a long time!

I know for certain that the top has never come off. I have looked around as best I can and haven't found any leaks but maybe that is because the top has never been removed!

96ags said:

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I know for certain that the top has never come off. I have looked around as best I can and haven't found any leaks but maybe that is because the top has never been removed!

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Sounds like you have a winner!

Looking forward to seeing it cleaned up and back on the road. The bullnose is my favorite era of Bronco.

RikkiTikkaTagem said:

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96ags said:

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JB said:

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Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

---

It's actually brown.

I'm in Cherokee. Between San Saba and Llano

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If Wayland Dobbs is still around, he could probably have it running in a week even if he's never worked on a bronco before.

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Is he the metal work guy off of 16 in town with the big spur entrance? Think he did the spur in lampasas as well

Howdy Dammit said:

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RikkiTikkaTagem said:

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96ags said:

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JB said:

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Dang!. Nice rig. I have an 86. If you ever want to sell it, let me know!

What part of CenTex are you in? Is it black or dark blue?

---

It's actually brown.

I'm in Cherokee. Between San Saba and Llano

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If Wayland Dobbs is still around, he could probably have it running in a week even if he's never worked on a bronco before.

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Is he the metal work guy off of 16 in town with the big spur entrance? Think he did the spur in lampasas as well

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That is Jr, yes.