Time for a frame off restoration

[cullen]

OK, after over 30 years, I'm finally at the point of where my 1970 Bronco needs a good frame off restoration. I'm looking for recommendations on any good body shops that you'd take your Bronco to and trust their work. Looking for any shops in Northern California, I'm the second owner of this Bronco and it's a part of the family. So yes, I'm looking for a shop that pays attention to detail. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[Broncrick]

Re: Time for a frame off restoration

Dave Viga here on NCB, does fantastic work! Virga Customs .... only guy to touch my Broncos, Sacramento area...

[904Bronco]

Re: Time for a frame off restoration

Welcome to the site Cullen!

I am in the middle of a frame off, so when I get more that 5 minutes, I will post up some thoughts for you... Doug

[904Bronco]

Re: Time for a frame off restoration

Dave Viga here on NCB, does fantastic work! Virga Customs .... only guy to touch my Broncos, Sacramento area...

Having spoken with Dave recently I can say:

Dave has accepted a full time position... He is going to continue doing roll cages, and he has one more Bronco to finish before he stops accepting big jobs. Dave will have to chime in if he is doing smaller jobs, if at all...

[904Bronco]

Re: Time for a frame off restoration

Cullen,

It is a lot of work, when you say frame off. Every system of the Bronco will be rehabilitated. This generally means many hours and many parts. Think $$$. Broncos will nickel and dime you!
Paint the frame or powder coat it. Rust on the frame? Are you going to repair all the body rust, if any? Are you going to have the body blasted? A full paint > over and under and the hard top... Changing the color?

Up grades: rebuild the suspension, with a Lift, gear changes, wiring, more motor or just a rebuild to stock. EFI conversion? Service the Tranny and T-case? Stock interior, with up grades? New glass? Brake upgrades?

Start a list > There is the must do, should do, and nice to do. You will be better prepared when you start interviewing shops to do the work. Ask to see some of their work, maybe contact other customers. Have a set time frame, withhold funds if they do not met it. Give them a small amount to get started. Plan on visiting the shop during the process or have them send you pictures weekly. Do not sign off on things until you are satisfied. Are you doing any of the work yourself, will they work with you on that?

Just some things for you to think about...

I would also 2nd Cage Dave, but... Andrew Norton of Baja Broncos in Petaluma... There are a few others, but I am not sure what their status is...
Do you know Paul Brannon (Dirtdonk) at Wild Horses? He works Mondays and is a good guy and a great resource. He is on this Board and on ClassicBroncos.com He can handle your parts needs. Tom's in Eugene, OR is good, but shipping can be a killer. This is a great place to ask questions

[cullen]

Re: Time for a frame off restoration

Thanks for your input, I'm putting together a parts list this weekend and then creating a price list from 4-5 different vendors. Yes, it will be a detailed spreadsheet but I know that the prices of parts can vary. I'm keeping everything stock but will converting to an EFI. Wild Horses gave me detailed information on how well an EFI system will work both in Tahoe as well in the Valley. Plus, I want all of the major parts looked into and rebuilt if necessary. Luckily, my Bronco is rust free and very straight, it helps being the second owner. You are so right about getting referrals from previous customers, they will give you the straight. I also realize that this type of project could take 9 months, just throwing out a number and yes, it could even take more time. It needs to be done right, because I'm passing this Bronco down to my son in another 30 years. Yes, it will be just like brand new when finished but worth every dime to me. I'm staying with body shops in California because their under the control of the BAR. In Nevada, it's the wild west and you have no recourse. You're also spot on, once a week visits to look at the progress, it's a must. I'll reach out to some of the guys that you suggested, yes, I wass told by Wild Horses to join this website because of the unlimited knowledge and experience that all of the members have.