Thread: Everybody that is currently building a car...

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Got a bit of time in on the Bronco today and put some time in on the top chop.... I want to keep the stock windshield rather then have to pay the big $$$$$ to get one made... The A pillars on the Bronco were at a 44* angle, I did a pie cut at the bases of the pillars and brought the angle down to 38*. Then had to get the roof level again, so another pie cut on the pillar just above the windshield and increase that angle to make the roof flat again....Having fun and enjoying the build. The pics show the cuts and angle changes at the base and top of the A pillars, and one shot of the windshield frame after the base of the pillars were back together, but before the top angle was corrected.

It's looking good, just the way I visioned it would

This is gonna be really cool, Dave. Keep em comin.

Thanks guys. The math came out close Tom!!!! Ride height at the top of the roof will be between 51.5" and 53" dependant on what I choose for tires and wheels....aka, strip or street.... I calculated the windshield would drop 7*, but I stopped at 5.5* as I had the look I wanted. Actual windshield angle is now 38.5*, about where I wanted it. Gonna be a fun one, though I might chicken out and kick the wheelbase back a bit from 95" to 98" so I can run a 30" ladder bar instead of a 4 link..... Long time to think about that though.....

Ok, took time for a bit of cutting and fitting today. Got the trial fit of the left side panels and pratial roof done. The actual chop of the roof ended up being 3 1/4". Here's the cut amount, stock height, and 2nd fit after the chop and some trimming. Also put some pieces inside the lower part of the pillars to add strength to the weld when it goes back together. I'll do the final fit later before welding.

Because the windshield posts get narrower as they are laid back, I'll have to pie cut the B & C pillars to lean them in (skinny up the top) in order to fit the sides to the windshield frame.

Having fun with the chop. Starting to look like a Bronco II for a soccer Mom with really short kids!!!!

It's also starting to look proportinately correct with the low ride height and short wheelbase...

Wow Dave you've been busy! It looks like you took the whole body off the frame. Besides the vertical chop you were mentioning adding some length I think? Any idea how much?

Originally Posted by stovens

Wow Dave you've been busy! It looks like you took the whole body off the frame. Besides the vertical chop you were mentioning adding some length I think? Any idea how much?

I'm considering adding a few inches to the wheelbase...I have to put in tubs and replace the partial panels on the lower quarter panels anyway..... Long time till I need to decide for sure. Body is off the frame, going to build a new frame for it so I can get it down a bunch, probably set it at about 5" to 5 1/2" of ground clearance. Just going for a bit of street action and maybe some bracket racing once in awhile..... Got to get Tom's coupe ready to go back to his house by Thanksgiving so won't have a lot of time to put into the Bronco, mostly just a bit of time when my hands and arms get too sore from the blocking and sanding, which doesn't seem to take real long anymore!!!! Don't seem all that long ago that I could do it all day!!!!!!

Got a bit more fitting done on Tom's Coupe today and got the old plywood off the top. Got to do a bit of reinforcing, then add a couple bars across the top to hold up the canvas top Tom wants to put on it.

Also, got the lower posts leaned in to match the windshield frame and tacked everything a bit to hold it in place.

Dave seeing a lot of bronco ll model i see you hit the roof line on the money . They did always look to tall for the wheel base . Your bringing in the picture it don't have to be old tin to make some body changes to look a whole lot better .

Yeah Bobby, sometimes I think I'm getting a bit fried on the old stuff... Just like to have something different then what most are building... Lots of newer stuff around that is for the most part just being ignored by Hot Rodders.

Well your bringing in the new generation here i see . It opens the doors for a few more hands to get wet in this hobby . Affordable projects and something that will be a little different when done . When some one Googles chopping a Bronco ll this thread will go on .

Dave I hear you on the block sanding. I'm good for only about three hours these days, when I use to hand sand woodworking projects all day!

Originally Posted by bluestang67

Dave seeing a lot of bronco ll model i see you hit the roof line on the money . They did always look to tall for the wheel base . Your bringing in the picture it don't have to be old tin to make some body changes to look a whole lot better .

The same with the 1rst gen Bronco's. Always thought they'd look better with a trim.

Dave G

Originally Posted by Stovebolter

The same with the 1rst gen Bronco's. Always thought they'd look better with a trim.

Dave G

Got to agree with ya Dave.... Thought of doing one of the early one's, just haven't ever tripped over a likely candidate. I settled on the '88 Bronco II cuz it's totally ignored by Hot Rodders, off roaders, and well, most everybody I guess....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Got to agree with ya Dave.... Thought of doing one of the early one's, just haven't ever tripped over a likely candidate. I settled on the '88 Bronco II cuz it's totally ignored by Hot Rodders, off roaders, and well, most everybody I guess....

Ha. Here's proof that I'm not manufacturer biased. Who says Bronco's cant be cool! I love the look of this truck/suv! Since reading about your project Dave, I've been envisioning a prostreet 65+ Bronco slammed to the ground...

And in a recent magazine...cant remember which one though....just know it was truck related....I saw a 57 Ford that was absolutely sweet! I never before could imagine one of these looking this nice....til I saw this one.

I actually drive by one of the 57's every day on my way to work. They've put Subura brat seats in the bed...you know...for those Ozark dirt road trips. Anyway.....I think it can be bought....it sat half a year with a 4 sale sign and the hood up. Now it looks like they pushed it back into the cedar trees and abandoned selling it. I may have to check it out this week while I'm on call.

Dave....are you seriously concidering a move to Texas? If so....I'd enjoy a trip to meet you!

Dave G