"Why did I promise myself I'd never sell it?" Brett's 45-Year Bronco Story.

The Teenager Who Made a Pact With Himself in 1978… And the Restoration That Proved Him Right

Love at First Sight: Summer of '78

Brett's Bronco journey started the way so many great stories do—with a sixteen-year-old kid tired of driving the family hand-me-down. In the summer of 1978, he spotted a red and white 1975 Bronco Sport sitting roadside with a for-sale sign. One look, and he was hooked.

Within hours, Brett was shaking hands with the original owner, who’d bought it brand new from the local Ford dealer. Working construction that summer gave Brett just enough earning power. With his dad willing to co-sign (with the understanding that one missed payment meant the Bronco became his dad's), the deal was done.

Building the Brotherhood: High School Adventures

The Bronco didn't just change Brett’s transportation situation—it launched him into a lifelong brotherhood. High school adventures with his “Bronco Buddies” through the river bottoms and hills of eastern Oklahoma forged decades-long friendships and earned him the nickname that stuck: "Bronco Brett."

College Years and First Impressions

College came next, with the Bronco making the trip to the University of Oklahoma. Brett’s future wife got her first taste of Bronco magic on their first date in that red and white ’75. (We all know the Bronco’s got serious style points when it comes to making good impressions!)

By sophomore year, Brett was writing check number 36—the final payment on that bank loan. Looking out at his Bronco, he made a promise to himself that he’d never sell it. Smart move, Brett.

"Looking out at his Bronco, Brett made a promise to himself that he'd never sell it."

The Separation: Deer Camp Duty

Life took Brett to Kansas City after college, but the Bronco found its way to what might have been its golden years—serving as the deer camp truck in Oklahoma's Kiamichi Mountains. Brett's father-in-law took it on annual fall hunting trips for about a decade, with plenty of barn time and TLC between adventures.

The Reunion: Dreams Take Shape

When Brett moved back to Oklahoma, he and his Bronco were reunited, and the restoration dreams began brewing. He set up a "Bronco Fund" (to match his wife's "Couch Fund")—a hundred bucks a month toward making those dreams reality.

Some dreams are worth the wait. Twenty-plus years later, the restoration finally began.

The TOMS OFFROAD Difference: Quality Parts, Expert Support

This is where our TOMS OFFROAD family comes in. Brett's restoration was the kind of meticulous, no-corners-cut project we love to support. Every component was either completely refurbished or replaced with quality parts—approximately 75% of them sourced right here from TOMS OFFROAD. We've got the parts, the expertise, and the passion to help Bronco owners like Brett bring their dreams back to life.

Living the Dream: Old School Meets New School

Today, Brett's got the best of both worlds. His 2021 WildTrak handles daily driving duties and modern off-road adventures, while his restored '75 is ready for those special trips down memory lane. Every startup of that 302 still sends the same rush of adrenaline through his veins, and he's still proudly wearing that "Bronco Brett" nickname he earned all those decades ago.

Build Specs

• 302 Complete Rebuild - with EFI Conversion
• Sheet Metal - Driver and Passenger Inner Fenders; Door Pillars
• Chrome Bumpers with Bumperettes
• Windshield Chrome Kit
• Weatherstripping Kit
• Upper Door Chrome Kit
• Full Set Grill Chrome
• H4 Halogen Headlight Conversion Kit
• Steel Hood
• 3 Pt Shoulder Belts