Storm Intercept Concept Vehicle Using the Bronco Sport

CycloneCowboy

Oct 08, 2020

This is a very rough, modified image showing my design for our chase team's new vehicle. I tired to contact Ford marketing to send us a better image for the concept, but never heard back -- thus the rough edges.

We would likely change the front "push-bar" to a more off-road style bar. It is lifted 2-3 inches in the picture and I added some different rims with larger tires. The options not shown would be a flat roof rack with RotopaX gas cans.

If the Sport can indeed handle 2-feet of water as promised, that would be a real plus during hurricane season.

Bronco70_71, ResidualGenius

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 08, 2020

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Oct 08, 2020

As a ham radio volunteer with our county's Dept of Emergency Management, this looks very interesting.

Commodore, CycloneCowboy

Oct 08, 2020

The Cyber-Orange would also look good for the concept.

TrailReady, Commodore

Oct 08, 2020

CycloneCowboy
This is a very rough, modified image showing my design for our chase team's new vehicle. I tired to contact Ford marketing to send us a better image for the concept, but never heard back -- thus the rough edges.

We would likely change the front "push-bar" to a more off-road style bar. It is lifted 2-3 inches in the picture and I added some different rims with larger tires. The options not shown would be a flat roof rack with RotopaX gas cans.

If the Sport can indeed handle 2-feet of water as promised, that would be a real plus during hurricane season.

View attachment 4170

Real nice!
By now you must have seen the Overland build. Do not care much for the placement of the ham radio antenna. If that was your build, where would you place it. On the roof? Just forward of the cowl light on the passenger side? Shorter length perhaps? Thoughts?

Commodore

Oct 08, 2020

I'd place my antennas on the roof at the rear, after making sure of the placement roof racks, etc., first, so there are no mistakes in drilling. Antennas always work best on top with at least 12"+ of metal around the base.

Commodore, BuzzyBud

Oct 09, 2020

I run a pair of ham radios on my other rigs, so one goes up on the front fender near the driver's mirror and the other goes on the back. The plastic top isn't going to help the signal, so mine will likely go on the spare tire mount to help keep the 6' separation between antennas.

First Edition 4dr
1967 Bronco
1993 Mustang Notchback

Commodore, BuzzyBud

Oct 25, 2020

Here is my updated image for our Bronco Sport Storm Chase Interceptor.

(Original image with permission by Matt St-Pierre - Motor Illustrated - Concept additions by Warren Faidley)

ResidualGenius, JFord

Oct 25, 2020

I’m gonna make my Cyber Orange one look like a school bus. Lol

TXArchitect - 1719
[O=BRONCO=O]

Commodore, CycloneCowboy

Oct 30, 2020

I ended going back to the black Badlands. I'm concerned from looking over a wealth of pictures that the current "cyber-orange" is too yellow, and yes, it looks like a school bus administration vehicle. I was hoping for a more golden tint. I can already hear the jokes echoing from future smarty-pants about the "short bus." lol (:

Level3Looper, Deano Bronc

Oct 30, 2020

First off, this is freakin awesome. Secondly...well...there's no secondly, this is just super cool.

Bronco Nation Member #144
David in the Bronco Nation Forums
BroncoTroubadour on Instagram

benjaminkrawiec, IL21Bronco

Nov 18, 2020

#10

Found this picture today of our first storm chasing vehicle, a Ford Explorer from the 1990's. Kind of interesting the new Bronco Sport kind of looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer.

JFord, Deano Bronc

Nov 18, 2020

#11

CycloneCowboy
Found this picture today of our first storm chasing vehicle, a Ford Explorer from the 1990's. Kind of interesting the new Bronco Sport kind of looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer.

View attachment 5667

My first car was a '91 Explorer. It wasn't in that good of shape though or as kitted out. :D

Bronco Nation Member #144
David in the Bronco Nation Forums
BroncoTroubadour on Instagram

SierraHotelBronco

Nov 18, 2020

#12

out of curiosity.. what types of radios are going in there.. Ham/GMRS or CB? What is best for Overlanding etc.. btw that storm chasing Intercept Bronco Sport is pretty sick!

benjaminkrawiec

Nov 18, 2020

#13

jlaliberty
out of curiosity.. what types of radios are going in there.. Ham/GMRS or CB? What is best for Overlanding etc.. btw that storm chasing Intercept Bronco Sport is pretty sick!

We only use 2m and 440 MHz now days. CB is rarely used. A large number of off-roading participants use FRS or Ham radios. About 90% of chase regions have cell coverage, so we do a lot of hands free texting. We also use ham frequencies after major events like hurricanes to get on the disaster networks to deploy if needed. Some areas still use ham frequencies for storm spotting, but phone calls to NWS Offices are generally easier as s lot of storm spotter frequencies are "closed" to anyone who is not a registered member.

jlaliberty

Nov 18, 2020

#14

CycloneCowboy
We only use 2m and 440 MHz now days. CB is rarely used. A large number of off-roading participants use FRS or Ham radios. About 90% of chase regions have cell coverage, so we do a lot of hands free texting. We also use ham frequencies after major events like hurricanes to get on the disaster networks to deploy if needed. Some areas still use ham frequencies for storm spotting, but phone calls to NWS Offices are generally easier as s lot of storm spotter frequencies are "closed" to anyone who is not a registered member.

I'm sure it is dangerous, but storm spotting/chasing sounds like an adrenaline rush. Are you employed by the NWS or is this a volunteer type job?

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Nov 18, 2020

#15

Everything we do is 100% volunteer.

ResidualGenius, Deano Bronc

Feb 18, 2021

#16

CycloneCowboy
Everything we do is 100% volunteer.

Awesome build! Getting the Bronco and figuring up my build for it now. So, most likely a late season when the Broncos get delivered.

WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered

Feb 19, 2021

#17

CycloneCowboy
The Cyber-Orange would also look good for the concept.

Plus being visible In low visibilty conditions.

Feb 19, 2021

#18

CycloneCowboy
Found this picture today of our first storm chasing vehicle, a Ford Explorer from the 1990's. Kind of interesting the new Bronco Sport kind of looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer.

View attachment 5667

Imagine storm equiptment 30 years later evolved. Is there much use in the older equiptment still or mix of old and new.
.
Or no old tech now?

Feb 19, 2021

#19

BuzzyBud
Real nice!
By now you must have seen the Overland build. Do not care much for the placement of the ham radio antenna. If that was your build, where would you place it. On the roof? Just forward of the cowl light on the passenger side? Shorter length perhaps? Thoughts?

View attachment 4172

Ditto Awkward antenna placement

BuzzyBud

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