1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

[Gary Lewis]

Looks great.  Hope you get a chance to put it on later today.  

[Gsmblue]

Finally got to installing my regulator/gauge set up.

I made 2 errors in my set up.

1. My fuel pump output is a 1/4in NPT. I thought it was 3/8 so I did not have the right shiny blue bits to put on and I had to use the existing hose.
2. The location of the fuel filter did not clear the distributor. I had a 45degree -6AN swivel so that bought me just enough space.

I made some mods and got it all to fit with parts from the parts box as outlined above. I have ordered the needed shiny blue bits to make it look nice :)

When I installed the FPR/gauge the pressure was 7psi. I got it set to 5PSI. Oh boy. What a difference. So much more pick up and now I know it was all feeling very "boggy".

The plan is to drive it as is for a few days, monitor the AFR gauge then make changes to the carb as needed.

In all of this, I replaced the blue vacuum hoses to black and it looks much better under the hood.

Somewhere along the line the shifting is really hard now, not sure if that is just the tranny throwing a fit today or if some of theses changes have upset it.

While I was out there in the dry I replaced the dash bezel and the instrument cluster voltage regulator.

Productive day. I even worked and mowed the lawn.

I have big plans this week, but don't want to give the game away as I may not get it all done. But I have a free weekend - so weather cooperating Espy will have some news to share :)

[Gary Lewis]

That seems like a very productive day, in spite of the lack of glitz.  Getting the fuel pressure down will have effectively lowered the fuel level in the carb and leaned the mix out, and it was obviously too rich.

As for the tranny, I don't know unless you are using so much less throttle that it shifts differently?

[Gsmblue]

Well, Tranny is not happy with me.. hard shift into 2nd. Grabs OD so late… I will take her in again I guess..

In the meantime, spot anything different?

[Gary Lewis]

New shoes!!!  And new wheels!

[Gsmblue]

Correct!

Here is the before/after:

[mat in tn]

I cannot tell a lie. I still like the factory 95 wheels better. but you really can't go wrong with a bullnose bronco on mt wheels .

[Gsmblue]

I was VERY nervous about how it would look and it is far from factory. But I really like it.  Obviously not for everyone.

[mat in tn]

don't take that as criticism. it looks good. and not trying too hard like so many aftermarket wheels.  I'm just really fond of the factory look in "most cases" . even if i do paint the factory wheels red

[Gsmblue]

Oh, I totally get it, no sweat. :)

I think the wheels will really pop when I put the wheel arch flares on. Another stylist choice that is not for everyone!

[mat in tn]

are you going to use something like flex flares or the stainless or aluminum trims?

[Gsmblue]

More like flex flares. I am painting them to match the body. As you can see 3 are done. The 4th one i tried a “blue mica pearl” 1k clear coat and it really was not clear, terribly yellow so i need another can of base to redo it.



Here you can see the pearl and how yellow it went on. Seems to be a common issue with dupli color perfect match.. The cap is the actual base color.

I used a better 2k clear for the others.

[mat in tn]

"flash back" cool!

[Gary Lewis]

I like those.  Have considered them for Big Blue given how far out the tires sit and the mud they throw.

[Gsmblue]

I think they are gonna look good. The new tires are a little wider and as my mate said “just say no to poke” 🤣

But first I need to redo my rust repairs as some is coming back through. I thought I got all the inside but clearly not. Ordered some POR-15 and will go full attack at it!!

[Gsmblue]

Minor update. Finally got the fuel filter, braided hose, regulator and gauge in. The gauge is reading about 4psi. When I get Espy mobile again i will pay more attention. The TV cable kit should arrive tomorrow but i am away for a week or so..

The big news.. i found an old school parts store!! They stock all the cool
Mods for our old trucks. The people that work there are super nice to boot.  No more AZ or O for me!!!

Bad pics of fuel line… look for the braided hose… and you can see the blue/ red filter down past the oil pressure sensor




You can see the regulator, the gauge is completely concealed by a hose…

[Gary Lewis]

Looks great!  Professional.

On the parts store, I think we would call something like that a speed shop around here, and most of those have gone out of business. So it is great that you have one.

[Gsmblue]

Yes! A speed shop!

Next time I am there I will take a pic and post.

[Gsmblue]

Started on the TV cable. The transmission end was simple.

The carb end will need some thought. The OEM throttle cable does not fit the new bracket. From the OEM mount there is a large angle. I circled the mounts in blue and the attachment point in red.

Any suggestions?

I plan on going to my Speed Store tomorrow for a chat.

[Gsmblue]

Looks Lokar makes the cables. Throttle cable XTC-1000HT36

https://www.lokar.com/assets/instructions/INS0002-ThrottleCable.pdf


And cruise control cable with adapter plate for “Rostra style cruise controls”- CC-1601HT Stainless Housing Cruise Control Cable

https://www.lokar.com/assets/instructions/INS0126-Cruise-Control-Cable-Instructions.pdf


Is the Ford factory speed control the same as a “Rostra style cruise control”? Any comments as whether this will work or not?