Using my "ready, shoot, aim" approach, I am trying to get a couple things done on my Bronco. I am wanting to remove rusted portions of body panels and floor boards, and as well remove the dash and clean up the wiring rat's nest. Can anyone give some direction as to how the rust removal should be done correctly and/or tips, things to watch for, etc. in working the dash?

cut out the section of rust and tack up some sheet metal. Where is the rust your attacking? How badly rusted? Sometimes it's just easier to replace the panels such as floor pans. Or if it's not that bad using a inhibitor works as long as it hasn't got all the way though.

Got some rusty floors? This might be a good browse for you:

And if your welding skills are as rusty or absent as your floors, stick around. I'm sure as the weather continues to stay nice out someone else will start cutting and patching. A good opportunity to stop by and witness this first hand.

Couple of tips for the wiring work. First, buy the little 15$ tool the vendors sell for getting the bezels off. Makes a huge difference. Second, you may want to pull the dash. You can do it in under an hour (the first time) and it will make accessing everything 100% easier. Finally, if you've got the dough and your wiring is bad enough, you may want to consider a replacement harness. I put a Centech in my truck rather than repair some really ugly wiring and it was a really good decision. Just the difference in the headlight brightness is worth it.

Here are a couple of pics of what I am working with. Also, I am curious about the compartment on the passenger side. Is that stock on some Broncos or did someone add that along the way? I just haven't noticed it in other pictures before.

Grant,

I thought that it might be you in the new member post. I recogonize those floors....

I am really glad you decided to keep your rig. Your floors are a priority. That passenger side is so bad that the structure of the tub / door post is lost. I would order or pick up some new pans at one of the vendors listed above. The bronco hut is local. Once you have the new floors, you can see exactly how much to cut out. Then if you pick a date - post when you want to do it in the staging area and I am sure there will be plenty to help.

Your wiring is a mess as well. I would go with the suggestion of a new harness. They are availabe from the vendors also. It is something that is on our short list too.

You will need a welder, grinder with cut off wheels and some flapper disks make clean up a ton easier.

No shortage of good help here, just ask. Shoot, right now my computer is cleaning itself up and that is all thanks to help from these guys here on this board. Been scanning itself for 3 hours now.

I look forward to seeing you at club events, breakfasts and of course seeing your rig as it progresses.

maybe a "wiring weekend" get together is in order.

Thanks for the advice fellas, I'm probably a ways on out the wiring harness. I got rid of my angle grinder awhile back so I suppose I'll be picking up another. I'll make a post when I've got all the materials together and see if we can de-flintstone my Bronco.

I bet the passenger loved riding in that thing. Didn't have to pull over when you had to pee that's for sure. LOL