Nate & I have a soft spot for vintage and antique items. We love going to thrift stores, pawn shops, flea markets, etc. in search of that special treasure. It is an inherited trait coming from both of our families. We rarely buy new, if we can find slightly used instead. As hard as it is to admit, we have both been guilty of “rescuing” stuff at the local county waste site. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But we firmly believe that some things are better left for others. Or so our recently adapted motto goes, in an attempt to simplify and share the love of stuff. But that’s for another story.
My husband is the proud owner of a 1972 Ford Bronco with a V8 351 modified engine. It is a 3 speed standard transmission and 4 wheel drive. The Bronco has had minimal driven miles, sporting 16” mud tires. It is a collector’s item, taking place among our most favored possessions. Now before we go any farther, I need to tell you it’s also a custom model. They are extremely rare. I have never seen another like it. Nate & I tease each other, as to who is the owner, he or I. We drive the Bronco almost daily. It is our main vehicle. I should add that we use our Bronco to do chores on the ranch too. Big W even knows how to run the hydraulic levers and lift. See our Bronco looks quite similar to a forklift.
We purchased the Bronco, six years ago. Aside from our favorite cow dog, it might possibly be the best gift we ever purchased for each other. The Bronco had began it’s second life as forklift hyster, for a local bee apiary company. The company had several new and improved hysters, having retired the Bronco from hard labor. We brought it home and it became an all terrain ranch vehicle. We have loaded just about anything imaginable with the Bronco. It can load large hay bales, become a lift hyster when trimming trees or help an ill down cow to her feet. The Bronco makes my small stature able to lift heavy objects, while helping Nate accomplish tasks way above his reach. From building fence, feeding cows or structural demolition, the Bronco has done it all. The Bronco has one forward gear, along with three reverse speeds. The motor sits behind the driver seat, thus it’s the opposite of it’s former life. When being driven from point A to B down the highway, reverse is the preferred method of speed travel. The 4 wheel drive is extremely helpful, when loading hay during mud season.
The Bronco takes a special series of instructional steps to start the engine. First you must pull the choke cable out just so, then press the gas pedal partially in. Too much of either will leave the engine flooded, delaying your progress. Next you will turn the ignition key for a few random tries before everything engages. Then you must adjust the choke cable, depending on the outside air temperature. Too much extra help, and you’ll be back to the beginning. Next, the shifting requires pushing on the clutch pedal, then pulling the gear shift towards you. Pulling it back engages forward motion, pushing to the front, you start in reverse. Nate is sure the space shuttle requires a similar process prior to launching. The Bronco’s newest after market addition is an extra hydraulic motor mounted on the front frame. Now it can run a cement mixer, round hay bale feeder, etc., adding to it’s endless list of uses.
We are so thankful to have the mighty Bronco in our life. It has helped us through various, difficult situations. Hopefully with some TLC and a personal parking spot in the machine shed, the Bronco will be around for many years. Maybe someday the little cowboys will feed their own cows with it. The most difficult part about the Bronco is explaining it’s mid life transformation. For instance, “ Hello I’m here to pick up a new starter/alternator for my forklift. Umm, it is a former 1972 Ford Bronco V8. Yes I believe that’s the correct match.” Or, “Yes, I need to have loss insurance on my forklift. What model and year? 1972 Ford Bronco. Umm, yes it’s a forklift not a classic vehicle. Replacement value? Priceless!”
