Posted on 12/10/2018 9:35:23 AM PST by Red Badger
Everyone’s excited about the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco, in part, because of what the nameplate means to American culture: adventure, ruggedness, and fun. It was the first-gen model that created this meaning, so it’s cool that one Illinois company is now building those old Broncos from the ground up as a Ford-licensed product. But they’re not cheap.
A company out of Illinois, Gateway Bronco has been finding pristine early Broncos and restomodding them for a couple of years now, getting its start in 2016. Recently, the outfit that “reimagines” Broncos announced that it’s the first builder officially licensed from Ford to create first-gen Ford Broncos from scratch, and also the first certified to recondition used Broncos according to Ford standards.
CEO and President Seth Burgett told me over the phone that his company offers three main types of Bronco builds: originals that have been restored, new bodies on original frames with VINs and titles, and new Broncos from the ground up including both a new frame and body.
The company describes the new Ford agreement in a press release, saying Gateway will build 1966 to 1977 Broncos thanks to the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015,” a program that makes it easier for low-volume manufacturers to get past safety and emissions barriers-to-entry. One way that the Act does this is that it allows low-volume automakers to “install engines from vehicles that have been issued certificates of conformity.”
And on that front, Gateway Bronco says it’s using 5.0-liter Coyotes as its primary power plants, with plenty of bolt-on options, like twin turbos, a Borla fuel injection system, or even a Shelby supercharger.
Burgett told me Gateway gets its body panels from supplier Wild horse 4x4, who sources the sheetmetal from a distributor somewhere, going on to say Gateway adds structural enhancements throughout. Here’s what he told me about the new bodies’ fitment:
We have pulled data from so many untouched, original paint Broncos with original production markings still intact that we have developed our own database of dimensions and a process to ensure the integrity of our gaps and fitment every time. We have applied modern manufacturing techniques in the USA to assemble our bodies which has gained the attention of Ford and in part, enabled our bodies to be Officially Licensed Ford Product.
The frame, Burgett told me, comes from a subcontractor, and either comes to Gateway’s Illinois facility complete, or as just the rails. That frame can be modified, Burgett told me, to facilitate either a solid front axle or an independent suspension setup.
Gateway’s website shows three main models ranging in price from $120,000 to $180,000, and offering both automatic or manual options, and warranties as long as five years.
I don’t know much about Gateway as a company, but I do know that the Broncos in these pictures look lovely, and if they’ve got Ford’s stamp of approval and a warranty, that also sounds lovely, even if the price tag doesn’t.
Yeah, I guess if you got that kind of money for a hobby driver, any of these could be your thing. My problem is I remember when I bought a new 914 in 1974 for $6,700 cash. For another couple of grand, I could have had a brand new leftover ‘73 911 in silver with salmon leather interior. With sunroof. Stupid choices when you’re young.
I DON'T WANT THE UNDERCOATING!..................
Have my Willys truck roadworthy, working on the cosmetics now. Well, at least after I remodel the kitchen.
You can get one on autotrader
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars-for-sale/1977-ford-bronco-for-sale
The plan is to buy the rebuilding kits and other underneath stuff next month and send it to a guy.
He has a garage and will treat it like a project. I know his wife so she will keep him in line. Not worried. Been around for decades and known in the area. He is also close by.
Not many sports cars in the under $35k range. The new Fiat 124 Spider approximates the old 914/911 experience, maintenance-wise. Mazda Miata might be a saner choice. Subie BRZ, Toyota 86, even a Nissan 370Z for a little more money.
Fortunately, there are many hot hatches, coupes and small sedans that are relatively affordable with good handling and sub-6 second 0-60 times.
Just noticed the screen name 9422WMR, i brought mine in 76 with the first paycheck I ever got... and its still my favorite. A little wear in the bluing but I love it. It is not the xtr either. [Hat tip]
Never liked hummers, they can’t fit in places I would go.
Too much engine, too complex, too much glitz, TOO expensive for anything but limited production and not for me.
I thought maybe 25 to 30 with a good 5.0 would be the offering.
This is a drive around town show off never leave the pavement thing.
That is my recollection as well.
I never saw a Chief that got gas mileage that good! Really light footed it I guess.
The things were tanks made from sheet steel. I wonder what gauge they really were.
Don,
This is what we had except it was not jacked up like this one. Same color with the fake wood on the sides.
http://davidsclassiccars.com/images/full/1973-international-harvester-travelall-1.jpg
Nice ride!
Pity my Scout isn’t roadworthy. The salt hammered it. The doors won’t even close anymore.
I’m not sure why I keep it, it’s not likely to ever be on the road again. Sigh.
Mine was just the 9422. Wished dad had of spent the extra $ for the magnum version. It was my first rifle. Still have it and can still hit what I aim for with it!!
I put mine on farcebook to start up a .22 group but its not getting traction as most owners wouldnt be the fbk type I suppose. https://www.facebook.com/groups/434632503617821
we had a couple scouts. They ran like crap but they ran pretty much all the time even when parts that seemed necessary fell off
One had a bearing seize up front and it just flipped right over and nearly killed the driver.
Ill pass on short wheel base vehicles these days
That is the problem with most of these trucks from up north. Especially, from New York state where all the rock salt comes from. Rock Salt is cheaper than sand to put on the roads.
The Fords were the worst though. Those things started rusting out as soon as you drove them off the lot.
I remember replacing the floor on the driver side of my 1975 GMC pick up truck. I riveted it in place. I replaced it with galvanized steel. That was typical in the 1980s because the cars just rusted out in the Buffalo area.
...before i get remarks about larger calibres and rifles and why I show no interest.. its because I was in Army Reserves (aka Nat Guard in US parlance).
There are no Jeep parts in a Jeepney ... most run ISUZU engines ,, all bodies are locally produced ..
For my money I’d import a Isuzu Trooper diesel direct from Japan... it’d be easily under $10K with shipping and is second only to the mighty Land Cruiser in off-road ability.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
