1/25 Scale Bronco Models part 7: Interior parts

This is the last post of our continuing series on upgrade parts for the Revell 1/25 classic Bronco model kit. This time we look at the interior parts that are available.

If you wish to see the previous posts, click on the links below

Part 1 Lift Kits

Part 2 Body Parts

Part 3 Bumpers and Roll Cages

Part 4 Engine Parts

Part 5 Accessories

Part 6 Tires and Wheels

Roll cages should have been included in this post, but I put those with the bumpers, tire carriers and racks.

Seats are one of the things most often upgraded on classic Broncos, and we have a few to choose from here

These first two are from VCG Resins by Reese, 

They also have a selection of steering wheels include this one that mimics the look of the Lecarra wheels used by K-Bar-S on their Broncos.

Two more:

Texas 3D Customs has these next three sets of seats available

Here are some classic baja style seats from Competition Resins

Whether you use the stock seats or aftermarket, this set of seat belts from Gofer Racing with set them off nicely. House of Hobbies has them. They come in a multitude of colors.

House of Hobbies also carries this Detail Master gauge kit, you can use this kit for multiple models

Detail Master makes this phot-etched steering wheel kit that allows you to pick the style. Ted's Modeling Marketplace has them for you

Also available from Ted's and Detail Master is this photo etched hurst floor shifter set

Ted's also has extra shift knobs in multiple colors

Ted's also carries this roll bar padding from Pro-Tech

The Parts Box has some interior pieces you might want.

Here is one of their steering wheels, a classic that would look at home in a Bronco

Here are two different gauge clusters

Most of the seats sold by The Parts Box don't really fit a Bronco, this old school Recaro style would

If you want to create the look of real carpet, The Parts Box has flocking in 40 different colors, see 'em here

Calnaga Customs has these retro gas pedals popular in the '70s and early '80s

Bronco Cryptozoology #10: The African Safari Broncos

Cryptozoology is the study of mythical creatures that may or may not exist.

This applies to Broncos how? Well, there is a lot of mystery and myths surrounding certain Bronco models and specialty-built Broncos.

So, this new segment at the blog will focus on these prototypes, one of a kind, special editions and the most historical Broncos ever built.

To keep the posts short, we will include only a brief story of each

We will try to separate fact from fiction and possibly come up with more questions than answers.

At first, I was going to compile this into one post, but it got waaay too long.

The story begins with Henry Ford II's (aka the "Deuce") Honeymoon trip to Africa in March of 1965, the trip was to include an animal viewing safari. You see his new bride, Maria Christina, loved elephants and wished to view them in the wild.

Unfortunately, the safari ended before the couple could see any animals. This was due to the caravan of Nissan Patrols constantly breaking down. Henry & his new bride returned to the U.S. without getting to see the elephants. Henry promised her a return trip.

The Nissan Patrol

It was at this time the first couple of dozen Broncos were in final testing for production.

The Deuce had four 1966 U-13 Bronco Roadsters shipped to Bill Stroppe to be modified for a second African Safari. These Broncos were among the first to get the 289 V-8 engines. 

The Broncos would be equipped with double shocks, traction bars, limited slip differentials, power steering and upgraded alternator and dual batteries. The fenders were trimmed, and rear flares added to accommodate the 9.50 series tires and wide wheels.

A six-point roll cage was added for safety and to hold the roof. The Broncos were Holly Green with white interior, the roof was covered in green felt with gold fringe.

Below is one of the few known pictures of one of these Broncos, Bill Stroppe is behind the wheel, testing out the Bronco on the hill above Long Beach.

The Broncos were shipped to Tanzania and were waiting for the Fords when they arrived there the first week of December 1966.

The safari was successful, the Broncos performed without a single hiccup, much to the delight of Ford.

At the completion of the trip, Ford donated the Broncos to the tour guides where they served without failure for quite a few years. 

Did this really happen? 

Yes and no, there were some Broncos built by Stroppe for an African Safari, but it was not for Henry Ford II and his wife they instead were built for Texas Sportsman John Mecom and shipped to South Africa. I don't know how many were built or if this is the only one, see the Ford Times article from August 1967 below:

In addition, I found January 1971 issue of Camping Journal Magazine in which they talked about Broncos going to Africa.

Here is a picture of the 1966 Bronco from the article (also featured in 1974 in Ford Truck Times) actually on safari

A different Bronco in Africa (also featured in 1974 issue of Ford Truck Times)

Then I found this picture of a Bronco that apparently spent time in Nairobi, or at least was meant to look like it had......

If you have any verifiable knowledge of the stories above, post in the comment section below

Random Bronco Pictures X

 

We'll start this post with the most random Bronco picture ever

Over the years Peterson's 4 Wheel & Off Road did several classic Bronco dedicated issues

From the 1972 Clint Eastwood movie Eiger Sanction

Meanwhile on the Oregon coast

are Icelandic people that strong or just crazy?

We'll finish with this '66 U13 Roadster, which was used, abused, neglected and finally saved.

Bronco Vanity Plates 3

 Another round of classic Broncos with vanity plates, enjoy

Bronco Barn Find: '66 Blue Budd

 See what I did with the title there?

For those that don't know the first 200 or so Broncos body tubs in 1965 (66 model year) were not built by Ford. They were built by the Budd Company.

The Budd Company was a Detroit fabricator founded in 1912, they became a huge supplier to the Detroit automakers for custom parts and pieces for concept vehicles. They even (as in this case) provided complete bodies.

This 1966 Bronco falls into that 1st 200 Broncos ever built. As you can see it is in poor shape, but as long as you have the frame and VIN tag, all else can be rebuilt. Of course, that kind of ruins the idea of having an original Budd body.