Analog Wheels on a 2023 Bronco - Fifteen52 Photoshoot

[peterh]

sorry I may have confused the issue - the clear coat - was it flat, gloss, semi?

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[Manx]

sorry I may have confused the issue - the clear coat - was it flat, gloss, semi?

Not satin, not flat. I did not specify a sheen, and it's been my experience that when you don't specify, most paint suppliers and body shops give you gloss. I just confirmed with Galpin Auto Sports that they used gloss clearcoat as I suspected.

 

[gringoloco]

@Manx Please talk about what you did for the center caps. This thing is killer!

 

[Manx]

@Manx Please talk about what you did for the center caps. This thing is killer!

Sure. I’ve told the story before, but I don’t mind telling it again, and maybe this time with more detail.

The wheels I bought have about a 4” diameter hole through the center. (note that the Bronco Heritage wheels have a smaller diameter center hole, closer to 2” fwiw) The first-generation Bronco full wheel covers have a red plastic center piece. They sell reproductions so I bought them. They have plastic nubs on the outer diameter edge that help hold them in the wheel cover and I didn’t need them, so I removed them. (it’s plastic so easy to sand/file/smooth).

The caps are a little larger than the 4” hole, but I wanted them to sit down in that hole as much as possible. I had adapters 3D printed that snap into the wheel just like the caps that came with the aftermarket wheels. (I even reused the retailing springs from the original caps). Lastly, I bonded the red Ford center caps to the 3D printed adapters and snapped them onto the wheel, just as you would the install cap that came with the Analog wheel. Here’s a video of the 3D printer making the adapters. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Rx2VK4rJUfhQcFN8

I’m sure there are other ways to accomplish this. If anyone does something similar, please share, I’d love to see it!

 

[6gtexanbronco]

Great looking retro ride. Do you mind sharing how you did the grill? Looks like you used some vintage FORD letters. How did you mount them? Thanks

 

[Manx]

Great looking retro ride. Do you mind sharing how you did the grill? Looks like you used some vintage FORD letters. How did you mount them? Thanks

The grille is the IAG I-Line Vintage Grille. It's ABS plastic and comes with holes and provisions for the camera and the BRONCO letters. I wanted mine to say FORD so I had the center covered with a blanking plate made of plastic, painted it all Wimbledon White and installed the reproduction red letters from Scott Drake. The letters have pins on the back so you can drill holes in the plastic and fasten them with the nuts provided or with adhesive. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[6gtexanbronco]

The grille is the IAG I-Line Vintage Grille. It's ABS plastic and comes with holes and provisions for the camera and the BRONCO letters. I wanted mine to say FORD so I had the center covered with a blanking plate made of plastic, painted it all Wimbledon White and installed the reproduction red letters from Scott Drake. The letters have pins on the back so you can drill holes in the plastic and fasten them with the nuts provided or with adhesive. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Very impressive. I saw the post on the wheel center caps too. You are quite the craftsman. I have the Braptor but this has me wanting to add a 2dr to the stable.

 

[peterh]

OP I forgot to ask but by any chance do you have the paint code for the Wimbledon White?

 

[Manx]

OP I forgot to ask but by any chance do you have the paint code for the Wimbledon White?

In the 1960s I believe the Ford paint code for Wimbledon White was M1619 and that translates into PPG 8378. But please don't take my word alone, ask your paint supplier or body shop to be sure.

 

[peterh]

thanks wilm do thats great info

 

[Manx]

I'm pretty happy about my Bronco being recognized by Motortrend, though the visionary designer got no mention
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-ford-bronco-heritage-galpin-auto-sports-suv-off-road/

 

[gringoloco]

I'm pretty happy about my Bronco being recognized by Motortrend, though the visionary designer got no mention
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-ford-bronco-heritage-galpin-auto-sports-suv-off-road/

Way cool!

@Manx I noticed something when I reviewed that article, which I hadn’t before. What is going on with your rocker panels? A cover? An electric step? Thx

 

[Manx]

@Manx I noticed something when I reviewed that article, which I hadn’t before. What is going on with your rocker panels? A cover? An electric step? Thx
[/QUOTE]

Go Rhino power steps. Hides the pinch weld, looks good, useful.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sdf4Bgj7uJ5NLTH16

 

[BroncocnorB]

I’m gonna dissent. Too much poke ruins the retro look

 

[Manx]

I’m gonna dissent. Too much poke ruins the retro look

Thanks, and I agree. I want less tire poke, too. I wish I could find a 16" wheel with the correct offset, the old school look, and not steel. Ford Heritage wheels were not yet available when I put this all together. Also, I wish the flares were a little wider. Compromises were made to achieve what I felt was the best overall first gen look. Other than the poke, I'm happy with the result. As more parts come available, I wouldn't mind reducing the poke. If someone knows where I can get these wheels today, please let me know. I know I could do custom one-offs, but those cost more than mass produced wheels. In fact, if you know of someone making a steel 16" wheel with the correct offset, I'd consider them. I am resisting 17" because I think the 16" are better proportioned for the look I'm after. If I went with 17" I feel I'd have to increase tire diameter to make up for it, and now I'm moving away from first gen tribute and more towards monster truck/rock crawler look, which is not my goal.

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