BaT Auction: 1970 Ford Bronco

This 1970 Ford Bronco was first delivered to Bluff City Motors of Natchez, Mississippi, and was acquired by the seller in October 2019. Subsequent work included conversion to a full hardtop as well as overhauls of the engine and axle seals and replacement of the fuel pump and shocks. The truck is finished in Carmel Bronze Metallic with cream accents and a white hardtop over a reupholstered brown vinyl interior, and it is powered by a 302ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Additional equipment includes 15″ wheels with chrome covers, manually-locking front hubs, power steering, air conditioning, and a Kenwood CD stereo. This Bronco is offered with recent service records, a Deluxe Marti report, rubber floor mats, a removed half-cab hardtop, and a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

Originally a half cab, the truck is said to have been refinished in Carmel Bronze Metallic with a cream lower section and striping in 2018. A white hardtop was installed under current ownership in 2019, and a half-cab hardtop is included in the sale. Brightwork includes chrome bumpers, dual side mirrors, and Bronco Sport fender badges. The front bumper was replaced in March 2020. The seller notes scratches and chips in the paint as well as a dent on the hood, and the driver’s door is misaligned. Photos in the gallery show the truck prior to the full hardtop conversion.

Steel 15″ wheels with chrome covers wear BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The truck is equipped with manually-locking front hubs and power steering, while braking is handled by front discs and rear drums with power assistance. The shocks were replaced in 2020.

The cabin features aftermarket front bucket seats and a rear bench that were reupholstered in textured brown vinyl in 2019, at which time the rear bulkhead was removed. Color-matched replacement carpets cover the floors, and matching trim adorns the door panels. Amenities include a center console with cupholders and a locking storage bin, air conditioning, and a Kenwood CD stereo. Air conditioning hoses were replaced, and a system recharge was performed in June 2020.

A wood-rim steering wheel with a Ford center cap fronts a white-painted dash. Instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer flanked by ancillary gauges. The five-digit odometer reads approximately 800 miles. True mileage is unknown.

The carbureted 302ci V8 was rebuilt in early 2020, at which time the crankshaft was refurbished, the valve guides were replaced, and the engine block was painted blue. Other work at this time included replacing the engine mounts, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, distributor cap, and exhaust system. An aluminum radiator is fitted, and the fuel pump was replaced in April 2021.

Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Service in spring 2020 included replacement of the clutch and flywheel gear. The truck is equipped with limited-slip front and rear differentials, which were resealed in March 2020 along with the gearbox. The seller notes play in the driveline and that the front-axle U-joints are in need of repair.

The Deluxe Marti report indicates a build date of October 8, 1969 as well as door data plate information, factory options, and other production statistics.

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