Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

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BroncoProblems
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Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by BroncoProblems » Wed Feb 09, 2022 11:41 am

Hello everyone, looking for some help and/or opinions.


Got a decent deal on a 1967 Fender Bronco. All original, save for some previous modifications on the bridge/vibrato system that I'd like to try to return to as close to original as I can get.


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The two original bolts that held the upper bridge plate to the body had been replaced by the everyday drywall screws you see here. Right now the guitar is playing fine, just playing it as a hard tail.



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As you can see, a previous owner installed a Mustang style vibrato. The dowels you see were installed by the shop from which I purchased the guitar. They are there to make the connection between the lower vibrato plate and the body more secure and seem to be doing that job well.



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The missing bolts, from what I understand, originally screwed into threaded thimbles set in the body, allowing you to raise/lower the bridge, and securing the top bridge plate against the vibrato plate. The way this is set up now, the screws simply secure the plate to the body of the guitar, not allowing for much vibrato action, and not allowing any bridge height adjustment.



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Finding similar bolts is probably not too difficult, but I would imagine that finding these original thimbles would be near impossible at this point. If I were able to find something resembling the original bolts, would it be a good idea to perhaps secure some 5/16" nuts to the underside of the lower vibrato plate, serving the same function as the thimbles in holding the bolts but also allowing for height adjustment and motion?

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s_mcsleazy
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by s_mcsleazy » Wed Feb 09, 2022 6:11 pm

i'm sure pat will be along soon because he knows these guitars inside out (i still dream about his old broncoblaster)
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by cooterfinger » Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:12 am

I studied these bridges for awhile years ago. PM me your email and I'll send you what info I have. I started a list of screw type, sizes and lengths. I also found that you can use small Floyd Rose trem posts as a replacement for the post you're missing.
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by andy_tchp » Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:35 am

BroncoProblems wrote:
Wed Feb 09, 2022 11:41 am
Finding similar bolts is probably not too difficult, but I would imagine that finding these original thimbles would be near impossible at this point.
5/16 “Threaded inserts” is the search term you are looking for. You’ll end up with a whole bag of them for <$20.
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by BroncoProblems » Thu Feb 10, 2022 10:46 am

cooterfinger wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:12 am
I studied these bridges for awhile years ago. PM me your email and I'll send you what info I have. I started a list of screw type, sizes and lengths. I also found that you can use small Floyd Rose trem posts as a replacement for the post you're missing.

Message sent 👍

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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by Deltakidd » Tue Jan 17, 2023 1:22 pm

Hi all,
I'm new here and in need of some help. In my Fender Bronco bridge I have some metric screws that dont hold the saddle very well, so it moves and has vibration issues when playing. I'm addressing to you because i'm (desperately) trying to find the original saddles screws online to replace them, and wanted to ask you if you know the exact measure.
Thanks in advance.

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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by Teebz999 » Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:20 pm

BroncoProblems wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 10:46 am
cooterfinger wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:12 am
I studied these bridges for awhile years ago. PM me your email and I'll send you what info I have. I started a list of screw type, sizes and lengths. I also found that you can use small Floyd Rose trem posts as a replacement for the post you're missing.

Message sent 👍
Message also sent ! :w00t:

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mjd78
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by mjd78 » Wed Oct 18, 2023 6:25 am

Teebz999 wrote:
Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:20 pm
BroncoProblems wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 10:46 am
cooterfinger wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:12 am
I studied these bridges for awhile years ago. PM me your email and I'll send you what info I have. I started a list of screw type, sizes and lengths. I also found that you can use small Floyd Rose trem posts as a replacement for the post you're missing.
I am doing the exact same thing! Would you mind sharing any information you have as I have along way ahead of me! Thank you so much!
Message sent 👍
Message also sent ! :w00t:

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mjd78
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by mjd78 » Wed Oct 18, 2023 6:31 am

mjd78 wrote:
Wed Oct 18, 2023 6:25 am
Teebz999 wrote:
Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:20 pm
BroncoProblems wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 10:46 am


I am doing the exact same thing! Would you mind sharing any information you have as I have along way ahead of me! Thank you so much!
Message sent 👍
Message also sent ! :w00t:

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mjd78
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Re: Bronco Vibrato parts and restoration?

Post by mjd78 » Wed Oct 18, 2023 6:32 am



Bronco Trem
https://www.ebay.com/itm/125801800927

Here is the term that I just bought

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