Surprise find in cargo area, 79' Custom

That's freaking cool! what's the rest of the truck look like?

L.R.

I like finding stuff like that.Its sort of automotive archeology.

@ loneRanger In several parts at the moment but getting closer to original each day!
Was 2 of these labels on the filler, guessing was on top of the pallet. Can see one peeking out from pad on upper left.
Pulled the floor out to refresh the original rubber mat and inspect for rust. Looked like it had never been detailed, literally.. Brought the mat back to life and left the labels on there for someone else to find someday lol

@Bronco5.0 Yeah! This Bronco was just drove and parked, by the same person since new with very little mechanical work done and has a ton little details that are typically lost over time, even has the original dealer license plate frames. Was seeing a hand written "54" in many places, even under the floormat lol so I checked the factory build sheet and could only find a 1654 as the "Rotation Number".. Then remembered seeing that number somewhere.. Oh yeah in the passenger fenderwell! lol wild goose chase

How did you come across this truck?

L.R.

Bronco was in a small town in the northwest US. A farmer purchased it new for his wife to use during snowy winters and she did for many years. Just light use without modifications or significant repairs. Was parked under a carport most of it's life and I hear it sat idle for about 17 years until they decided to sell.. So.. One day driving to work saw the 73-79 grill and sale sign out of the corner of my eye.. I had to make a u-turn and look even though I wasn't looking for a new Ford lol. Was a solid classic Bronco and loved the 38-year one-owner backstory so bought it immediately with the intention of 4" lift and 38's. Once I started maintaining it, realized it was like an untouched relic from a mechanical standpoint, so rather than ruing that with off-road modifications, started looking at preservation.. Tried to sell recently but auction site would not accept in barn find condition, so been refreshing it with original and vintage OEM parts. Thing is like a time capsule, last tune-up sticker was dated 1990 with 89k and has 117k now.

History pic: Deluxe Tu-Tone, Dark brown metallic over Light sand base-coat. Under antenna base is virgin dark brown color, then faded into the sand base coat where you can see-through to the bi-directional basecoat sanding haha.

What were you looking to get price wise?

L.R.

Most 2nd gens have been going for around $10K-35k. This one is somewhat unusual being very original but also a bit rat rodded on the outside by nature so not sure. I think the original paint is a plus compared to new on this one, but to each their own. Would hate to cover up those sanding marks! lol