Chevy Blazer vs. Ford Bronco

Blazer vs the Bronco. Classic vehicles that collectors love. Some years were garbage but if one was going to buy and restore one, which one would you pick? Serious survivalists gravitate towards the older models that are said to be EMP proof. Many here have owned, restored and have knowledge of these vehicles. My son is really thinking about restoring one of these classics. So what years, what vehicle…


Chevy Blazer-

Everything you need to know about the Chevy Blazer (so far)
What years are the best for restoration? Opinions appreciated?



Ford Bronco

The Complete History of the Ford Bronco
Any years to stay away from? Best for restoration? Opinions welcome

 

Side note for the people who have a fondness of these classics, both Chevy and Ford are reviving these vehicles. Sadly Chevy has turned their Blazer into a crossover that will appeal to some but those who love the true Blazer will be disappointed.


Ford will be releasing a new Bronco in 2020. So far Ford has yet to release an image of. But from the released pictures, Ford may have kept the classic Bronco look. If so, Jeep will have some competition.



I have greater hope for Ford creating a vehicle like the ones of the past. A vehicle that will live up to the reputation of previous years.

 

MM, I have to say, I thought the same thing for a pretty long time. However, I recently viewed a video that caused me to second guess my original view on this topic.

Scott Hunt, aka Engineer775 on YouTube, mentioned a project where 37 vehicles were tested against an EMP. The idea was to see if they were EMP "proof". Here is that video:


Here is a related video, regarding batteries and EMPs:


So, while I am pretty sure older vehicles, like you mention in your OP, are naturally hardened against EMPs, more modern vehicles may not be quite as bad as some of us originally thought.

Now, regarding your original post, I would have to go with the Ford Bronco, since I am a Ford guy, true blue.

 

I'm a bit biased myself,,,I'm a ford guy as well.

 

My favorite vehicle in that class is the International Harvester Scout, but parts/knowledge for it may be harder to come by. For the Bronco and Blazer should be pretty equivalent in both parts availability and resources. I lean to the Bronco, but I'd go with whichever I found that was in the best condition especially where body rust is concerned.

 

I don't know which Vehicle is better. But I am a huge fan of the Chevy small block engine. Very versatile. Good lb/hp ratio. LOTS and LOTS of after-market parts and add-ons available. Carb or injection.

 

I was reading an opinion piece that said some of the newer vehicles can be crippled by a lightening strike.
When a car is struck by lightning, some of the current can flow through the vehicle’s electrical systems and metal things attached to the car such as radios, cell phone chargers, GPS units as well as car door handles, foot pedals, the steering column and the steering wheel. Even your hazards will not work.

That is why we always like to have an older car in our household. Currently we have a 1990 XJ jeep. But we are looking to get something older.

 

I will stick with a 3rd option.........

 

Well, I have to admit, having been out of the US for so many years, I have no idea what is, or isn't EMP hardened. But, since I had recently viewed those videos, I felt I would throw them in the mix.

But, as far as lightning goes, I have no idea if older vehicles would be immune to lightning strikes, or not. I would think they would be affected in some fashion, though?

Lady, you impress me more with every post you make. XJ's are cool. A number of friends had them when I was still in the US. Personally, I had a '90 YJ. If I ever go back to the US, I will buy another one and build it better, strong, slower than my previous one.

 

Not immune but much easier to get up and running again.

 

Do you have one of those? Is that yours? I really like these older vehicles. They look sturdier and have ground clearance. I do wonder about parts and if you can swap general parts among some of these vehicles.

 

Back in the late 80's, before the Navy and I parted ways, I worked with an electrician, who owned two older Broncos. Maybe 73, or 74 models?
He would drive one, while he was rebuilding the other. Once completed, that became his driver, while he rebuilt the one that had been. Over and over and over, he'd do this. Don't know if he was just a dedicated tinkerer, or if, being Fords, they fell apart that quickly??

 

97 or older dodge with a manual transmission and a 12v Cummins or an old Jeep Wagoneer would be my choice.

 

My BIL has a 95 Bronco, with an aftermarket Jasper 302/351 motor, he’s not sure which. Everything works, seats a little worn, could probably get it for 3500,, started to get it. Got to much stuff laying around now.

 

I do know , but I do not know , which year , but if you look at the bronco ,,there's a year or so that had a really bad turning radius. Seems like it was somewhere in the 80s. Good luck.

 

I really hate the term "crossover" - merely an adspeak buzzword having no definition. A way to convince a gullible customer to buy their smaller cheaper vehicle, that it can do the same thing the too-expensive bigger vehicle can do. Keeps the customer from going to the competition.
As to "SUVs" (another vastly overused incorrect term), don't forget the Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster. Large utility vehicles based on the Dodge truck, shortened frame. Earlier models had removable fiberglass hardtops. Very good tough trucks. I had a 1985 Ramcharger 4X4, and it was a good truck. Wish I had kept it. 1985 was the last year with standard carb, no electronics except the ignition.