Restomod 1969 Ford Bronco

You have to give it to America, when it comes to wild four-wheel drive builds. In Australia, our automotive regulations are ruled with an iron fist, making it extremely difficult and expensive to create one-off machines. It’s possible, but certainly not to the scale of what you can build and drive daily in the US of A. That’s also why restomodding older 4WDs has become so popular. It’s the best of both worlds with retro styling cobbled together with modern engines and tech. Why? Because you can, that’s why.

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Take one look at this 1969 Ford Bronco, and tell us you don’t want one. Not only does this beast owned by Isaac P (he’s asked his last name not to be published) look absolutely stunning, it’s got the off-road and performance creds to match.

That’s the joy of building a one-off creation such as this weapon of a Bronco, you can make it what you want rather than what a manufacturer thinks you want. The process certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing, which almost goes without saying considering no vehicle build is easy, but the results and amount of effort involved really speak for themselves. A uniquely cool off-roader, that is just as at home on the Vegas Strip as it is on the Rubicon.

When asked about the build, Cameron Chin the owner of Nefarious Kustoms had this to say: “All of these custom touches result in a very classic package, preserved with a fresh modern take. The 460hp Coyote Engine and 6-speed box provide the power and reliability one would want in a classic restomod, the coil-over suspension is supple with great road manners, and the interior is as comfortable as any modern luxury vehicle.” It’s hard to argue with that, and I have to say, I really want one.

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That sleek front bumper is a Toms Bronco front-winch type, which is solid without being overbearing

What's the story?

Starting with a 1969 Ford Bronco, the owner brought this much-loved old-school Ford to a workshop, which will remain nameless, in 2015 for some cosmetic enhancements and minor tweaks. Well, we all know how that goes, and the modification list quickly snowballed in to a major build. We’re talking multiple body-panel replacements, the frame was stripped down to the rails, the suspension removed and fitted in place was an ill-conceived coil-over conversion using Ford Ranger shocks. The new 450hp Coyote engine and six-speed automatic which had been transplanted, was installed so badly it was leaning against one shock tower. It wasn’t going to plan, basically.

This is when the owner and shop originally commissioned to do the work tapped out, and had the somewhat sad Bronco sent over to the team at Nefarious Kustoms to correct the suspension set-up and install the drive line properly. The build by this stage had taken five years, so it was decided the best plan of attack was to now cut ties with the previous workshop, and let the experts from Nefarious take over the build completely, creating the final product you see before you. With all the bad stuff out of the way, it’s time to take a closer look at the fine ingredients that make this delicious looking Bronco.

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It’s a tight fit, but it fits. Micah got the 5.0L Coyote engine sitting pretty in the classic Bronco

Engine & driveline

Powering the 1969 Bronco back in 1969, was most likely a 302 cubic inch V8 engine. While plenty powerful back in the day, there are so many better choices these days for more power, reliability and reduced fuel consumption. Now taking pride of place in the engine bay is a 5.0L Ford Motorsports Coyote crate motor, which produces a very healthy 460hp.

The Coyote has been mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox for a relaxed driving experience on and off road. A Dana 20 transfer case has been made to fit, with the whole package made easier to install thanks to an engine swap kit from BC Broncos. The engine is fairly stock, however, while the work was being undertaken, BC Broncos headers and stainless-steel exhaust system, Powermaster alternator relocation kit, and a Ron Davis alloy radiator with electric fan were also fitted up for a rock-solid reliable and powerful engine package.

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Suspension & axles

Taking a look at the front end of the Bronco, the ever-popular Dana 44 axle was fitted up and so far, handles the abuse of the Coyote and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres mounted on Method Race Wheels no problem. This wasn’t the first axle housing of choice though, originally a Dana 30 was in situ, however it was determined that the axle housing was bent. Halfway through doing the disc-brake conversion, the Dana 30 went in the bin, and the wise decision to fit the bigger Dana 44 was made.

Suspension wise, the Nefarious Kustoms crew (namely Micah Gamponia) selected and installed and fabricated the adjustable trailing arm suspension set-up, as well as HD steering arms, a disc-brake conversion and Warn hubs completing the package. While the welder was out, the excellent decision to include King coil-overs in the front end was cemented, allowing the Bronco to ride like a couch on road and through the desert, as well as flexing well on the rocks.

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At the back end, a beefy Ford 9-inch rear end has been bolted up, and again is more than up to the task of getting power to the ground without shattering. The 3.5-inch lift leaf springs give the desired ride height, and are well-matched to a pair of King 2.0 Smooth Body shock absorbers. A 2-inch body lift was also installed, which allows for the 35-inch tyres to clear while articulating (or jumping dunes). As per the front end, disc brakes have also been fitted, ensuring the Bronco stops just like a modern car.

Inside & out

It's hard to ignore the stunning paintjob the Bronco wears, which was all done in-house by the Nefarious Kustoms team. The colour is officially known as Matte Metallic Charcoal, expertly laid down by Cheyenne Ruether. Gloss powder-coating on the exterior trim as well as a bright centre grille finish off the job, and really make the Bronco pop as well as balance the exterior with the rich distressed leather and black stainless steel found in the interior. Life is all about balance, right?

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Now that is a neat interior, with so much lovely brown leather … four cows worth apparently

There’s a fair bit going on inside the Bronco, too. Starting with the door cards, which were supplied by the mad scientists at Icon 4x4. They also supplied their rear panels and map lights. Some matching corrugated metal was sourced and laser cut for the glovebox fascia as well as gauge bezel inserts that house the Dakota Digital instruments. A custom glovebox was 3D printed, as well as all external trim rings laser cut. What I’m seeing, is not just an impressive level of attention to detail, this thing is just next level.

Creature comforts haven’t been left out either, with an Air Hurricane air conditioning system installed to handle heating and cooling, it was also chosen for its compact size. A good tip for those at home wanting to fit AC to an old vehicle. Nu-Relics power windows were also fitted, as well as power-folding steps and a universal power-lock system. It can’t just look good, the Bronco needed to be safe. As such, a roll cage was fabricated and powder-coated by the team at 6651 Customs in North Las Vegas.

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From the information we’ve been given on this vehicle, a total of four cow hides were used on the interior, wrapping the seats, dash, steering wheel, door and quarter panels. That’s a lot of cow! The interior work was handled by Ian’s Auto Interiors, and at the same time he hand stitched the carpet in a German Square Weave pattern with an Alcantara headliner made for the hardtop. This is one serious impressive interior, rounding out a seriously impressive Ford Bronco.