1979 Ford Bronco customized by Mobsteel

A  Ford Bronco Built for a Good Time

If you feel like this Bronco looks familiar, you’re probably right. Originally built for Jeff Trapp (owner of Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard) as a promotional display vehicle, the build was well documented on History Channel’s “Detroit Steel TV” show a few years ago when it was customized by Mobsteel. Since then, the old Bronco has been plastered all over the internet, becoming one of the most recognized second-gens out there.

It obviously didn’t start out that way. In fact, the ’79 was in pretty rough shape when Adam Genei of Mobsteel first dragged it into the Detroit-based shop. When your client is in the business of selling every Bronco restoration part imaginable, however, you’re already a few long strides ahead in the game.

With the entire Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard catalog at its disposal, the Mobsteel crew didn’t have to worry about waiting on parts. They got right to work by knocking out all of the bodywork, and even painting it white in its first iteration! But once they stepped back and looked at the color, they decided that it didn’t quite represent the Mobsteel vibe well enough.

Let’s Try Again

It’s always tough to start over when you’ve gone this far, but everyone (Jeff included) knew that the faster they ripped off the Band-Aid, the sooner they could move on and get the project finished. So, out came the sanders once again, and the truck was prepped and primed for its new finish: Axalta Sunrise Orange! And with some 3M DI-NOC woodgrain vinyl graphics added between the fresh aluminum trim, this Bronco was already looking better than ever before!

This flashy and perfectly retro paint scheme posed a unique problem, however: Anyone who opened up either door was bound to be sadly disappointed unless the interior was just as killer! All black would have definitely been classy, but it just wouldn’t have the same impact without the added orange plaid inserts on the seats, custom headliner, and side panels. But then, there’s also the chromoly rollcage and custom-mounted JL Audio speakers, including the subwoofer in the customized Jerry can. The rest of the inside was restored back to factory specs—you know, for the purists.

C6 Engine Makes it Right

Obviously, it’s not uncommon to find just about any engine swap under the hood of any given vehicle these days, but the choice was made to keep things within the Blue Oval family. A Coyote engine would certainly fall under that category, but Jeff and Adam agreed that something a little less common for something of this nature was in order. A perfect blend of old and new, the Bronco received a period perfect, C6-backed 460 crate engine, which was brought up to today’s standards with a Holley Sniper fuel injection system. It was built up with a mild cam and roller rockers. It sounds plenty healthy thanks to its stainless steel Magnaflow exhaust.

The impressive stature of the Bronco comes thanks to a 7-inch Deaver Super Flex suspension, which lifts the truck mightily over the 22-inch Detroit Steel Wheel Zug wheels and 37-inch Interco SS-M16 tires. Oh, and in case you didn’t already know, Detroit Steel Wheel is a sister company to Mobsteel. Now we’re all in the loop.

And, as you may or may not have seen on the Detroit Steel show, the Bronco was pretty much complete at that point and headed to Jeff’s showroom as its centerpiece. But as much as Jeff loved having it around, Adam kept thinking about it and realized that there was just something special about the Bronco. Whether it was because it was built during such a pivotal time in the business’ history, or because it perfectly captured everything he loves about old vehicles, Adam needed that thing back in his life. So, after some long conversations with Jeff, Adam brought it back to Mobsteel and has been driving it regularly ever since. From family barbecues to the Eyes on Design show at Edsel Ford’s mansion, the Bronco has been the center of attention everywhere it goes.

The Next Chapter

Sadly, though, all good things must eventually come to an end, and Adam realized that in order to take on other projects, the Bronco would have to go.

By the time you read this, it will have crossed the auction block at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottdale event and will likely already be under the care of its new owner.

The Mobsteel ‘79 Bronco is one of the most beautiful and detailed of its era, so we hope it will continue to be enjoyed out in public as much as it was before it left the Mobsteel family!

Owner

Mobsteel
Detroit, MI
1979 Ford Bronco

Chassis & Suspension

• Work performed by Mobsteel
• Powdercoated factory frame
• Quad shock towers
• Deaver 7-inch Super Flex suspension lift
• Doetsch Tech Pre-Runner 8000 shocks and steering stabilizer
• Rear disc brake conversion

Wheels & Tires

• Mobsteel 22-inch Zug wheels w/faux beadlock rings
• 37.inch Interco SS-M16 tires

Engine & Drivetrain

• Ford 460 crate engine
• Upgraded with mild cam and roller rockers
• Holley Sniper fuel injection system
• Holley Hyperspark ignition
• Custom 2.5-inch Magnaflow exhaust, rear exit
• C6 transmission
• DTS Ford 9-inch rear end w/Strange third member, Yukon axle shafts
• Eaton Detroit Locker rear differential
• Dana 44 front axle w/Spicer chromoly axle shafts
• Eaton Detroit Truetrac front differential

Body & Paint

• Work performed by Mobsteel/Ron Coan
• Exterior restored using parts from Jeff’s Bronco Graveyard
• Painted Axalta Sunrise Orange
• 3M DI-NOC woodgrain vinyl graphics

Interior & Stereo

• Upholstery work performed by Mario’s Upholstery
• Maverick upholstery material w/orange plaid inserts on seats, side panels, and headliner
• Custom chromoly roll cage
• Retrosound head unit
• JL Audio marine speakers mounted on roll cage
• JL Audio 10-inch subwoofer custom mounted in Jerry can