Zimmer edition?

[Mthorn]

Got a question, when my son turned 15 he decided he wanted a Bronco II for his first car. We found him a running 1987 in extremely good condition and got it. My question is has anyone else heard of the Zimmer edition? This thing has more plush seats, a built in CB, curtains in the back windows and a odd “scoop” over the rear. I can’t find any information on this vehicle.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Maybe an upgrade option from a specific dealer.
Got more pics of the oddities?

 

[zachwabbit]

More pics!

 

[Mthorn]

More pictures

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome to TRS. Good score on a unique B2 (Bronco II).

Zimmer is (was?) a "conversion" company, mainly customizing vans, but also pickups and early SUVs, as yours. Here's a TRS article on Zimmer trucks with more info:
https://www.therangerstation.com/articles/zimmer-ford-ranger-conversion/

You made a great score. I like it for what is- 1980s pre-packaged automotive "coolness", that most people these days look at and think "What in the hell were they thinking?".

Yours looks to be in amazingly good and original condition. It likely has not been used, or been outdoors, much in it's 33 years. There weren't many of these Zimmers made or sold. I don't know if, or what, the market would be now, for such an odd relic, but it may be worth looking into how much it could possibly sell for to the right person, before changing anything.

Thank you for posting this truck; I really like it, for its cool funkyness.

 

[robber364]

might also be cool to update that zimmer article with some pics/info from this build, on the rare chance someone else finds one in the wild and doesn't know what it is. either way, super cool score dude thanks for sharing

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

@Jim Oaks

 

[Ranger850]

very cool B2. Somebody in my Family had a "Zimmer" Van. I cant remember who it was, but the fam called it "The Van" and it got loaned out to whomever was going on a road trip and wanted to take it. Those curtains … wow.

 

[RobbieD]

I'm amazed that the curtains are still intact, and look to be in good shape. They usually faded quickly and became so brittle they'd just fall apart after just a few years. The B2's tinted side glass helped, I'm sure, but even the paint looks to be good. I don't think that this truck sat out in the sun much over the years.

If given a good detailing, paint polish, buffing and wax, I'd bet this truck would really be a looker.

The seats look stock, as the center console, but the overhead console, CB and dome light are aftermarket. Also looks to have a old-school fender-key alarm. No visible dash cracks, and still has the stock radio. Upholstery, including headliner, looks to be in great shape.

The "cautions". It has an A4LD (the broken shifter handle is in the passenger seat) and the 2.9 with the earlier heads. With an ATF bottle and antifreeze jug being in the back, it'd be good idea to check the oil filler cap for "snot" and make sure the engine cooling system is in top shape. I hope the tranny is still all there, and that it has an external ATF cooler.

At the time, a Zimmer was considered the "Cadillac" of conversions. If I came across this truck, I'd buy it in a heartbeat at a reasonable asking price.

 

[Blmpkn]

That's a sick first vehicle. I love the rear scoop/spoiler/whatever it is.

 

[Mthorn]

I'm amazed that the curtains are still intact, and look to be in good shape. They usually faded quickly and became so brittle they'd just fall apart after just a few years. The B2's tinted side glass helped, I'm sure, but even the paint looks to be good. I don't think that this truck sat out in the sun much over the years.

If given a good detailing, paint polish, buffing and wax, I'd bet this truck would really be a looker.

The seats look stock, as the center console, but the overhead console, CB and dome light are aftermarket. Also looks to have a old-school fender-key alarm. No visible dash cracks, and still has the stock radio. Upholstery, including headliner, looks to be in great shape.

The "cautions". It has an A4LD (the broken shifter handle is in the passenger seat) and the 2.9 with the earlier heads. With an ATF bottle and antifreeze jug being in the back, it'd be good idea to check the oil filler cap for "snot" and make sure the engine cooling system is in top shape. I hope the tranny is still all there, and that it has an external ATF cooler.

At the time, a Zimmer was considered the "Cadillac" of conversions. If I came across this truck, I'd buy it in a heartbeat at a reasonable asking price.

It was a reasonable price and we jumped on it fast. The truck is very clean and doesn’t have any major issues. Even the AC blows cold.

 

[RobbieD]

It was a reasonable price and we jumped on it fast. The truck is very clean and doesn’t have any major issues. Even the AC blows cold.

You did real good; that's a great score on a rare truck. Thanks again for showing us such a "blast from past" gem.

And don't be a stranger; if you have any questions post 'em up. This is a great forum, and there's some real knowledgeable people here.

 

[Mthorn]

Anyone know what size socket I need to change the wheel bearings?

 

[Mthorn]

I'm amazed that the curtains are still intact, and look to be in good shape. They usually faded quickly and became so brittle they'd just fall apart after just a few years. The B2's tinted side glass helped, I'm sure, but even the paint looks to be good. I don't think that this truck sat out in the sun much over the years.

If given a good detailing, paint polish, buffing and wax, I'd bet this truck would really be a looker.

The seats look stock, as the center console, but the overhead console, CB and dome light are aftermarket. Also looks to have a old-school fender-key alarm. No visible dash cracks, and still has the stock radio. Upholstery, including headliner, looks to be in great shape.

The "cautions". It has an A4LD (the broken shifter handle is in the passenger seat) and the 2.9 with the earlier heads. With an ATF bottle and antifreeze jug being in the back, it'd be good idea to check the oil filler cap for "snot" and make sure the engine cooling system is in top shape. I hope the tranny is still all there, and that it has an external ATF cooler.

At the time, a Zimmer was considered the "Cadillac" of conversions. If I came across this truck, I'd buy it in a heartbeat at a reasonable asking price.

More pictures

 

[Franken5liter]

D

More pictures

Congrats!!! Definitely a sweet score man!!! Keep the updates and pics flowin!!!