Broncitis of the Classic Broncos forum has recently purchased one of the infamous balloon chaser F100 and will be giving it a full restoration. You may notice the ambulance Bronco in the photo, which belongs to his father and is also being restored.
Overall, the 1977 F100 stepside is in pretty good shape for being stored outside for the last 20 years. It definatly needs some paint work, the rims will be changed to slots or turbines (both were used) and a mild 460 has replaced the 351m.
Make sure to check the restoration thread out on Classic Broncos and hear some of the wild tales of chasing a hot air balloon across America. Being thrown in jail in Mexico, Ford rescinding their sponsorship…what an adventure!
I worked for Bud Blankenship @ RVI in Torrance CA. Went on the balloon chase. Met Bill Strope , Walker Evans, worked for Scoop Vessels. I have alot of magazines and old pics. We built a GMC pickup for Billy Carter. Chuck Norris ,, Big Fun!!! Those were the days!… Paul Husbands
Hi,my name is Don CRIVELLO and I am one of the original painters of these chase vehicles. We painted those broncos which we had to completely tear down and paint orange and the comp stripes.we did all the work at JackAnd Todd’s custom paint in Gardena California. It was a fun project and I was blown away when I found these on the internet, brings back memories.
Thanks for commenting Don. That’s awesome.