Model A on Bronco II chassis

[Shran]

I don't know how long this link will stay valid but I was very intrigued by this build that happens to be in my area.

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Allegedly it was built with 1975 parts but I'm guessing he meant 1985 based on the steering wheel, gauges, etc. Looks like it got hit in the front. The bumper, license plate, hood and radiator surround are kinda bunged up. Driver's door is obviously not lined up right/not closing correctly.

The body work and a lot of the custom parts look awesome. I would like to meet the builder and see why there was so much time spent on paint and wood trim but then the ripped up seats and Ford carpet were reused... why is there a whole AC HVAC plenum in the trunk but no AC compressor... why does it look like the majority of the smog junk was left intact instead of a Duraspark swap? Why cut corners and re-use a 40 year old upper radiator hose that is also kinked? I'm sure I could nit pick more but aside from my complaints, it IS a very cool build and incredibly unique. Has to be one of not very many 4x4 Model A's, and it is for sure a great start to a very cool rig that really just needs a lot of little details ironed out.

Pic dump 'cuz I'm sure the FB link will be dead sooner or later:

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The only thing better than the shiploads of effort they put keeping the factory cluster is relocating the BII's HVAC box to the trunk.

I wonder if the axles are geared so the 4wd will still work with staggered tires...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Thats pretty cool

 

[Shran]

The only thing better than the shiploads of effort they put keeping the factory cluster is relocating the BII's HVAC box to the trunk.

I wonder if the axles are geared so the 4wd will still work with staggered tires...

I kind of doubt it but who knows. Why would you know to do that if you didn't know that a Duraspark swap is stupid easy...that type of deal... seems like maybe some "I didn't know better" or project fatigue set in. I'm trying not to be too critical, I would drive the wheels off that thing 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

I can't tell but I'm curious if it's a steel body or fiberglass. Looks like the hood, trunk, doors, maybe the fenders are steel for sure.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I kind of doubt it but who knows. Why would you know to do that if you didn't know that a Duraspark swap is stupid easy...that type of deal... seems like maybe some "I didn't know better" or project fatigue set in. I'm trying not to be too critical, I would drive the wheels off that thing 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

I can't tell but I'm curious if it's a steel body or fiberglass. Looks like the hood, trunk, doors, maybe the fenders are steel for sure.

I don't see a lot of the emissions garbage that would have been on the fender... but with the guys dedication at relocating thingss (like the charcoal canister behind the dizzy) that doesn't mean a whole lot. There may have been some aftermarket ignition back in the day that was e-coil friendly too.

It smells like a pre internet build or an older fellow that wasn't internet savvy and just kitbashed with what he had.

 

[Curious Hound]

I like it. Nice mix of new and old.

On a similar note, Casey Ladelle has a really nice Wyllis Wagon on an XJ chassis and drivetrain.

Casey Ladelle, Cascade Heavy Towing on YouTube, for those who don't know.

 

[pentode]

Some nice work integrating the dash /gauge cluster too. Somehow I'd rather have a vintage steering wheel in that car, but hey, cruise control.

Looks like a labor of love.

 

[RobbieD]

That's insanely cool.

Big dose of Deja Vu- that's a Viracon Funroof, which was the top-of-the-line pop-up sun roof back in the 80s. It cost almost three times what a base pop-up cost, back in the day.

t smells like a pre internet build or an older fellow that wasn't internet savvy and just kitbashed with what he had.

I agree; I'm leaning towards this being an older customization, VERY well preserved. A lot of the details scream "eighties"; like the dash wood work, the Encore interior fabric.

I love it that's a 2.8; the host B2 was probably an '85.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I love it that's a 2.8; the host B2 was probably an '85.

Cruise is on the wheel, 2.8 with the four window cluster message center, I agree with 1985.

 

[Shran]

It has a current style license plate on it from what I can tell and I think the blue stickers were from last year or the year before. So it has at least been registered recently.

Seems to me that it would be pretty easy to fix a few things and make a nice driver out of it. I would have to ditch the factory air cleaner housing for a chrome one...maybe a few more chrome goodies under the hood too. Aerostar headers would look right at home there. I'd maybe think about replacing the AC HVAC plenum with a non-AC one and just run a heater core back there - maybe Vintage Air makes an AC kit that would work better than the B2 stuff.

I'm on the fence with the front suspension & tires. I might run a slightly larger front tire or it needs a wider D35 swapped in or something. I like the rake but the front tires need to fill up the wheel well just a little more IMO.

So who's gonna buy it and put 1 tons and 38 boggers under it????????????????