Ford Truck Fender Flares

Broncos can ride again with new bodies

The Bronco is back.

In the late summer of 1965, Ford introduced its first sport utility vehicle, the Bronco, though at the time there was no SUV craze. The Bronco and its competitors, Jeep's CJ and International Harvester's Scout, were simple, rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles designed for people who really needed them.

Like Ford's Mustang, the Bronco was developed under Don Frey and Lee Iacocca. It launched in three versions — wagon, pickup and Jeep-style roadster. Ford sold nearly 24,000 Broncos in the first year of production. Although styles and size would change through the years, the Bronco stayed in production for three decades.

And now it's back, and in its original wagon form, as Dynacorn Classic Bodies Inc. of Camarillo, Calif., prepares to introduce its all-new first-generation Ford Bronco body shell.

Dynacorn is a nearly 30-year-old company that produces replacement body shells for several classic Ford and General Motors vehicles, including the early Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds, Chevelles and 1950s GM pickups.

Dynacorn was founded by Paul Hsiao to sell replacement auto parts being produced back home in Taiwan by his brother-in-law. Dynacorn now holds licenses from the automakers to produce complete replacement bodies, which it makes from 1006 universal automotive grade steel that, Dynacorn notes, not only is thicker in gauge than the steel the automakers used back in the day, but also is made with fewer additives so it's easier to finish than an aged and largely rusted body from a junkyard.

To show what might be done with one of its new bodies, Dynacorn borrowed a rare 1973 Ford Bronco Special Edition Bill Stroppe Baja Bronco from Dennis Carpenter Reproductions of Concord, N.C., to display at the most recent SEMA (automotive aftermarket equipment) Show. Carpenter's is a 41-year-old company that specializes in reproduction parts for Ford vehicles and Cushman scooters.

Ford worked with off-road racer Stroppe and stock car racers Holman and Moody to build 651 Stroppe Baja Broncos from 1971-75, in part to celebrate Stroppe's victories in major off-road races. The truck featured special paint, a 302-cubic-inch V8 engine, revised steering hardware, fender flares, reinforced bumpers, special suspension, Detroit lockers, Mag wheels and Gates Commando XT tires. Options included racing safety belts and a "cactus smasher" pushbar.

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