1973 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

Finding the correct restoration parts for your vintage '73 Bronco can be quite intimidating. The main challenge lies in identifying the original components specific to your Bronco. You can easily overcome this hurdle by decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and data plate of your 1973 Bronco.

Simplify the process by utilizing a Bronco VIN decoder, which allows you to effortlessly locate the essential parts needed for your restoration project. Decode the VIN to uncover crucial details such as the series, body style, transmission, axle ratio, and color of your '73 Bronco. The engine code provided by the VIN will assist you in restoring your Bronco to its original state. This information aids in identifying any aftermarket components that may have been installed by previous owners.

1973 Bronco VIN Number Location

Locating the VIN on your first-generation Bronco is simple once you know where it's stamped. The optimal location to find the VIN is on the frame rail situated beneath the engine, just before the firewall. Due to the engine setup, reading the VIN directly from the engine bay may prove challenging. If the VIN stamp cannot be easily read from the engine bay, we recommend turning the wheel as far right as possible and positioning a camera to take a picture of the VIN from behind the wheel well.

1973 Bronco VIN Plate Location

The full VIN plate is inside the face of the glove compartment door. It includes codes containing your '73 Bronco's production information. The top line of the data plate displays the following code categories: color, type, body, transmission, axle, and DSO.

1973 Bronco Trim Packages

The year 1973 brought advancements with the introduction of the Ranger trim and the Explorer Special package. The Ranger offered additional features alongside or as substitutes for the unchanged Sport package from the previous year.

Explorer Special Package

The seasonal option group known as the Explorer Special package shared similarities with the Ranger trim. It was available in eye-catching Grabber Blue or Burnt Orange colors, accompanied by matching "random stripe" pattern cloth seats. The package also boasted an "Explorer" badge on the glovebox and a distinctive "Explorer" spare tire cover.

The Bronco Explorer holds a high level of rarity since it was exclusively released during the springtime as a strategy to boost truck sales. With primarily cosmetic distinctions, it can be challenging to determine its authenticity at first glance today. A closer look at the unique cloth pattern on the seats provides a more reliable means of authentication. Some owners opt to enhance their base Broncos to resemble Explorers.

Related: Learn more about what came standard with your 1973 Bronco's trim package.

Tackle Your Next Restoration Project with Our 1973 Bronco VIN Decoder

Now that you know what the codes mean on your Bronco's VIN, you can be confident in finding the correct restoration parts. Delve into our comprehensive collection of 1973 Bronco parts, where you can effortlessly locate all the crucial components required to restore your Bronco. Remember to sign up for our newsletter, granting you exclusive access to invaluable guides, practical tools, and pertinent content designed specifically for owners of classic Broncos.

If you want to see what came stock on other first-gen Broncos, check out the VIN and data plate information for these Bronco years: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977.

Sources: 1973 Ford Buyer's Digest, Ford Heritage