Well guys, I'm getting married and the Bronco is a source of tension. I'm thinking of selling but don't know how much I should ask. Here's what I have:

1972 Frame Off Restore (frame and body blasted, POR15 on frame, SEM bedliner, new external paint)
351w EFI
C4 with shift kit
D20
9" rear, 4.56 gears and Detroit Locker
D44 front, 4.56 gears and Gleason Torsen Locker
2.5" block lift (needs new shocks)
Beard front seats - 3 point seat belts
Toms Bronco Fold and Tumble Rear Seat
Tuffy Center Console
Bikini top only
BCBroncos 23gal fuel tank, fuel lines, throttle linkage
RJM Engine harness
Centech Body harness
No bumpers
No heater

There are a few odds and ends that need to be completed but overall it is very finished. I hate to let it go but I think its time to move on. What do you guys think?

Really depends on the quality of work as to what you can get for it. Was the body/engine work professionally done? Is it running?

In my opinion, these things take so much work that it's hard to let them go, but the challenge of building one is most of the fun anyway. Once you lose the drive and passion for a project, it's better to move on otherwise it will most likely sit. My father started a 1950 Ford truck project 20 years ago but lost the desire to finish it 17 years ago. Instead of selling and moving on, he stored it because of the time and money invested. It stresses me out to have things sitting around, I prefer to clean house and move on.

I followed your build and I saw you transform what most would have tossed into the scrap heap, into a real gem! I am really sorry to hear that it's causing issues. Part of a relationship is learning to at least tolerate the others passions, within reason.

But it shows huge commitment on your part to be willing to do this. I just hate to see it come to this.

I'm not going to say you should or shouldn't sell it. Thats your decision and I hate that you have to make one like that. But when I got married 13 years ago, I had a '48 Willys & my Bronco that I was in the process of getting parts together for a restore. I also had a Honda 250XR. I had all three before I met my girlfriend (now wife) and she made a comment when we were dating about the EB being a POS. I simply told her then that the Bronco, Willys & bike were mine before she was and if she didn't like it, she could find someone else. It made a point which is what I wanted to do. My point being, ask her why she doesn't like it, what is the point of contention with it and maybe you can get somewhere on common ground with it. My wife's dad & brother used to give me massive amount of crap for the Bronco until I pointed out that #1 I can fix it when something goes wrong or breaks & #2 that the monthly car payment that they had was as much money as I put into general maintenance per year on the Bronco. Even with them driving a newer PU truck and gas prices, I was coming out ahead of where they were annually. The addition that I can go everywhere they can and also places that they never dreamed of pretty much put a sock in both of their mouths. I haven't heard a single word about it from either in at least 10 years. I guess what I am saying is talk to your gal, ask her what is the problem with it and why she doesn't like it. Get it out in the open because I will tell you right now, if you get rid of it without knowing why you did, it will still be a wedge between the two of you for years to come. If she makes you sell it and you don't really want to.....honestly, it isn't anywhere that you want to start an even ground on because you won't be on even ground. Let me put it to you this way, I still have both the Willys & my EB. I got rid of the bike because I ran it into the ground, but my wife has asked me why I don't go buy another one. My 8 year old son has already claimed my Willys for when he is 16.


**Edit**
I should also mention that if you are ok, and solid with selling it, then do it, but I would research extensively what you have vs. what the going rate is and then put it on Craigslist in California, New York, Texas & Florida. You can get top dollar there for it.

[Social worker input]I think you shouldn't sell it unless you're sure you'll feel OK about 5 years from now. It may be a source of tension, but the sale may also turn into an issue if there is lasting resentment on your part. [/Social worker input]

What size tires are you running? The truck sounds rust-free, is that a safe assumption? How long ago was the restore?

Prices are tough to set right now since the market has been pretty volatile. Broncos are worth 25-40% more than they were a couple of years ago. Pics will help a lot, but it sounds like you may have a 10-15K rig in the current market, especially if you take care of some of the little things like bumpers.

Sbolt19 has very wise advice.

"I guess what I am saying is talk to your gal, ask her what is the problem with it and why she doesn't like it. Get it out in the open because I will tell you right now, if you get rid of it without knowing why you did, it will still be a wedge between the two of you for years to come."

I've been married 13 years as well but my wife never pushes me to give up my Broncos. She understands it's more than money and time, it's peace of mind which makes for a better marriage.

But, if you both agree it's doesn't have a place in your mutual goals and interests, let it go. I would look on ebay for equivalent style/upgrades and price it that way.

Sbolt and Justin,

I am okay with selling it. I really think it is time to move on and the tension it has caused was only the primer for my final decision. I'd like a newer vehicle and something I don't have to worry about getting stolen as much. I'd like to get into rafting (something we both enjoy) a little more and having the Bronco as a shuttle vehicle and leaving it at parking lots with a softtop and soft doors is more than disturbing. Of course there are other ways to address this problem; I could buy another vehicle, etc. Then again, that's what I would do if I sold it.

There is no rust. It's been garaged since completed last summer. I'm going to take it to the car wash today to rinse off the dust and will post some pics.

Glad to hear it. Sounds like it is very likely a 15k rig.

If you read my 25 year restoration post I started you know where my opinion lies. Yours is mostly done! The EB has become a cult classic. Prices will only continue to rise. With the increased value it is a great investment. If you sell it she is going to resent the lustful looks you will always have for any Bronco that passes you on the street...kind of like looking at another girl. Plus, your raft won't look as good being towed by any other vehicle! Keep it for now and see how it goes. My dad sold his Porshe 356 speedster in 1958 to buy living room furniture! I think he cursed the coffee table every time he went by it! Make sure it's not a sign of things to come! Bring it to the lunch on the 6th. Peter

Pictures as promised. She cleans up nice...

Wow! Looks great...keep the truck!!! Peter

There is no easy answer. And you are asking opinions of a bias crowd... But a lot of us are married and knows what comes along with it. I know my wife has complained about the time I have spent in the garage or on a wheeling trip, but she knows that this is my "me" time. I could be spending that time in a bar doing who knows what, but I choose wrenching instead.

Your rig is among the nicest in the club and I'd hate to know how many of your hours were spent bringing it back to life. And it wasn't long ago either.

sbolt is right tho. If you sell it and regret it later, you've gained nothing. And having been down that road and known many others who have as well (with different vehicles), I really think you will regret this. As Peter said, you can make it into an awesome rafting rig. Find a nice hard top, doors, paint and you are reasonably secured. You can put in some sort of electrical hidden switch to kill power if you are worried about it being stolen.

See what it is she hates about it. See if you can work that out. Is there a project shes spent years and countless hours on so she can understand how much of your life was poured into this? And getting something new isn't going to be cheap, so spending money on this shouldn't be the source.

Communication - just don't let it get heated.

the answer is simple. keep the bronco and ditch the soon to be wife. There is a lady out there that will love the bronco. Problem solved.


On a serious note sad to see you think about selling it. I saw your first posts on colo4x4 about it and give big kudos to you for bringing a new life back to what was a serious rust bucket. Good luck on what ever you choose and im sure you'll regret selling the bronco.

Looks like a nice truck.

If you are going to sell it spend a few more bucks and put some bumpers on it. It will show much better.

I would also find some used wheels to get rid of the white wagon wheels.

I think you should get good money for it.

Great suggestions. I've seen some cheap used bumpers on Craigslist so that shouldn't be a problem. Wheels are pricey though, I'll see what I can do.

All I have is the bikini top. Nice tops are $$$

IF you do decide to sell, your timing couldn't be better. It is shocking to see what is happening in the EB market due to recent TV exposure. I sold my Bronco for a down payment on a house less than a year ago and now that I am ready to get back in, dog crap is selling for more than I sold mine for. It also seems to be a common theme on cb.com. Your Bronco is the type that most buyser are looking for. It looks amazing in pictures and would do really well on eBay. Like stated above - chrome bumpers and finish any loose ends and it would sell super fast. May be an easy way to let the free market decide if you should sell i.e. put it on there with a reserve of $xx.xxx and if it hits that amount, sell it. If not, wait till spring or don't sell. Dont forget the classified ads on cb.com - that is one of the places that I watch consistantly. Also, nothing wring with puting it on the craigslist of someplace warm - it is starting Bronco season here in Phoenix so make sure you market it to warmer climates, just disclose your location. a $500-700 delivery fee is nothing to a potential buyer when they find the right truck.

BTW - It is great to finally see pics of your Bronco. It turned out amazing and should be very proud of what you built. I know it was a hard build and the time, energy, and frustration really paid off.

My advice on selling the Bronco: rate your Bronco and rate the significant other - it one is a 10 and the other is an 8, the decision is easy :) Totally kidding - ho's before Bronc-ho's. Best of luck in your decision and keep us updated.

Best guess, you've got a 10k Bronco, although I'm not sure with the current market. As was said above, chrome bumpers and a nice set of craiglist wheels will tack at least 2k onto that. As Entourage said, your truck is perfect for ebay.

Whatever number you pick, start high. The market, ebay especially, seems to be willing to bear idiotic prices right now.

I would agree 20k plus, I'd list it around 22-25 to start, like Chris stated you have a lot of desirable mods. And I don't believe a recently restored eb with efi and a 351 priced in that range is far from idiotic, I believe that in some cases people expect way to much out of a 10k truck, so much so that they believe they should get a truck that has 60k in it for 20k

Did you ever sell your bronco?If so do you have a haynes manual you want to get rid of?

Well guys, the time has come. I'm officially listing the Bronco for sale. I'll post it in the for sale section this weekend after I finish a few more things. I'm going to to try and sell it locally first but will put it on Ebay if it doesn't sell within a week or 2.

I took some of your suggestions to heart and got some polished slot wheels and new black bumpers. I also finished up some interior work with new interior quarter panels, new stereo, amp and speakers.

Listing it at 25K OBO.

Couldn't find a compromise? I got the green light from the lady to get another bronco.. but I have to buy her a vw bug first.. (I told her only way is if we make her bug as cool as we can). Give take..

Its really more of my decision at this point. There are other things I want to spend the money on.