Arne's non-Porsche projects - Now a 1969 Bronco

[Arne2]

New milestone today. Read on.

Since the post above, three new p-brake cables have been installed. Which means the brakes are all new except for the upcoming front disc conversion. Later this spring, I'm guessing.

Four new shocks have also been installed, so the suspension is mostly done.

Finally, the last few days have seen the beginning of the complete re-wiring project using the wiring harness kit I picked a while back. But here's the new bit—today I actually started the engine using the key in the original ignition switch! No more hacked or McGivered wiring and switches needed. And since I replaced both the alternator (slightly upgraded) and the regulator (external solid-state) while doing the wiring, I've confirmed that it is delivering a nice, stable ~14.4v to the battery.

Lots more wiring yet to do. Stay tuned.

[J4yDubs]

Love following your projects. Thanks for posting them.

[Arne2]

Been a while since I've updated you all here. (I post a lot more regularly on the Bronco forum.) Since the last post, the wiring is complete and tested, except for the wipers and heater blower, neither of which are installed now. I found a couple issues with the gauges, but should have that handled soon.

Completely replaced the fuel system as well—both tanks, hard and soft lines, selector switch (now electric), and rebuilt a slightly newer carb with auto-choke. Starts and runs much better now.

Next up will be to strip the engine for re-seal, all gaskets and seals, new water pump, check the timing chain, yada, yada, yada...

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[Arne2]

Spent the past couple of days stripping the engine. Dropped the pan, pulled the water pump and timing cover, and started assessing it all.

First thing I found is that the engine is not a 302. Crank casting ID is 1A, which is the 289 crank. Frankly, that's not a big deal in my opinion, not much difference between a bone-stock 289 and similar 302. About the only difference this will make is that I won't drill the new fenders and install new 302 badges.

Water pump was installed by someone who was... shall we say, generous with RTV. Yuck. And everything is seriously grimy, much cleaning will be required.

Found a couple of issues, none major since I found them now. Distributor shaft has more play than I like, the balancer has a noticeable groove worn where the seal rides, and the timing chain is about as loose and sloppy as I've ever seen.

I'm putting together a big parts order now. Included will be timing chain and both sprockets, water pump, Speedi-sleeve for the balancer, complete electronic ignition conversion package, and all the normal stuff—many gaskets, t-stat and housing, plugs, molded hoses, gauge senders, heater core and valve, etc.

Lots of cleaning and painting will start tomorrow. Parts probably won't all be here for a week or so.

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[Arne2]

Progress is continuing. Haven't got the oil pan cleaned and on yet.

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[Ken G]

First thing I found is that the engine is not a 302. Crank casting ID is 1A, which is the 289 crank.

I assume that the car would not have originally come with a 289. Correct? I thought ford had switched to the 302 prior to 1969.

[Tom]

First thing I found is that the engine is not a 302. Crank casting ID is 1A, which is the 289 crank.

I assume that the car would not have originally come with a 289. Correct? I thought ford had switched to the 302 prior to 1969.

My friend's 74 had a 302... He converted to a 4 speed and it was a real stump puller.

[Arne2]

I assume that the car would not have originally come with a 289. Correct? I thought ford had switched to the 302 prior to 1969.

Correct, the original in my '69 would have been a 302. Ford introduced the 302 for cars in '68, but the 289 was the only V8 option in Broncos through '68, the 302 became the only V8 option in '69.

But since I'm not trying to be "stock" or "original" it really doesn't matter which it has, as long as it is healthy and good. And it's getting close to that now.

[Arne2]

Actually, the only reason I searched the crank for the casting mark is because the guy I bought it from said he vaguely remembered that the guy he bought it from (12 years prior) told him that he had heard from the person that he bought it from may have swapped the engine for a less-worn one some years back. And the guy I bought from said he was never able to determine for sure (a) if the engine was in fact swapped, or (b) if it was swapped, was the swap a 289 or 302?

It turns out that there are no reliable external clues between a late 289 and an early 302. The only surefire indicators are the stroke length (if you have a cylinder head off), or the crank marks.

I won't fib to buyers, it is what it is. I will not put 302 badges on the fenders, nor have a 302 label on the air cleaner. And past that, no one will be able to tell any difference.

[Arne2]

A quick addition. I was looking at the 'original' distributor tonight (replaced with a newer DuraSpark electronic), and decoded the date and part number. The distributor was built on Aug. 23, 1967, and was intended for use in a 1968 Fairlane. That is enough different from a '69 Bronco that I suspect it is original to the 289, and so my engine was most likely salvaged from a Fairlane. The swapper did use the '69 Bronco carb though, which makes some sense since the trucks all used manual chokes, and the exhaust heated auto choke of the cars wouldn't adapt easily.