The really hard part

I have spoken to a couple of body shops, and they are all in agreement that the Bronco is in remarkably good shape for being 42 years old.  The best time estimate I've gotten is 6-8 weeks for paint and body.  That leaves chassis and everything else to me - I guess I am going to have to find storage for the body because it will be done long before I am ready.

In the meantime, to save on labor costs I have begun scraping away at the undercoating.  I am told that sandblasting will not remove this stuff, just bounces off.   It scrapes off rather easily, just time consuming.  I have finished both front inner wheel wells and 1 1/2 fenders.  Here is the 1/2 that is left

I also purchased some front suspension hoops so that I can make sure of the fender clearances prior to taking the body off.  This is a perfect fit for an off-the-shelf product.  Not too shabby.  This is the first part of the 2 1/2" suspension lift - still need way too many parts for me to even think about for the lift alone.  The shock in the picture is on the stock mount which will come out.  The hoops will allow for dual shocks.

AND ...  I've been working on my welding skills.  Seems that Broncos are rather week when the doors are removed and are likely to crumple when there is no support, following the advice of many on the various lists out on the Internet, I made these brackets to support the door frame.  I am getting better with welding.