1976 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

1976 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

Last Updated February 23, 2024 | Kevin Brent

The process of selecting appropriate restoration parts for your vintage '76 Bronco can be overwhelming. Many Bronco owners face the challenge of identifying the original components specific to their model year. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and data plate of your 1976 Bronco.

You can use a Bronco VIN decoder to make things easier. This tool simplifies the task of finding the necessary parts for your restoration project. By decoding the VIN, you will uncover essential information about your '76 Bronco, including its series, body style, transmission, axle ratio, and color. The VIN allows you to determine the engine code, which is crucial for restoring your Bronco to its authentic condition. This information will also help you identify any aftermarket components that may have been installed by previous owners.

1976 Bronco VIN Number Location

Locating the VIN on your first-generation Bronco is a straightforward task once you know where to look. The ideal spot to find the VIN is on the frame rail, positioned below the engine and just before the firewall. However, retrieving the VIN directly from the engine bay can be challenging depending on the engine configuration. In case the VIN stamp is not easily legible from the engine bay, try turning the wheel fully to the right and take a picture of the VIN from the rear wheel well.

1976 Bronco VIN Plate Location

The full VIN plate is inside the face of the glove compartment door. It includes codes containing your '76 Bronco's production information. The top line of the data plate displays the following code categories: color, type, body, transmission, axle, and DSO.

1976 Bronco Paint Codes
ColorCodeSampleNotes
Raven Black A
Dark Jade Metallic B
Ginger Glow F
Glamour Color Paint
Chrome Yellow G
Bahama Blue I
Castillo Red K
Also Called Bright Red
Wimbledon White M
Bali Blue P
Sequoia Brown R
Midnight Blue Metallic S
Candyapple Red T
Glen Green U
Medium Green Glow W
Glamour Color Paint
Indio Tan X
Mecca Gold Y
Copper Metallic Z
Cayan Red 2
Hatteras Green Metallic 8

1976 Bronco Trim Packages
FeatureSportRanger
Exterior
Dual Windshield Wipers S S
Windshield Washers S S
LH Outside Mirror S S
Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters S S
Hood and Lower Bodyside Tape Stripes, White Stripes with Orange Accent - S
Chrome Headlight Rings S S
Bright Metal Windshield and Window Trim S S
Chrome Taillight Bezels S S
Chrome Tailgate Release Handle S S
Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers S S
Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) S S
“Sport Bronco” Emblem S -
Swing-Away Spare Tire Carrier O S
Spare Tire Cover, White Vinyl with Orange Accent - S
Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) S S
Interior
Pleated Parchment Vinyl Front Seat S -
Cloth and Vinyl Seat Trim in Ginger, Blue, or Avocado - S
Hardboard Headlining with Bright Metal Retainer Moldings (Wagon Models) S S
Parchment Vinyl Simulated-Carpet Front Floor Mat with Bright Metal Retainers S -
Color-Keyed Full Carpeting (Including Tailgate and Wheel-Housings) - S
Rear Floor Mat (with Optional Rear Seat) S S
Vinyl-Covered Door Trim Panels with Bright Metal Moldings S S
Color-Keyed Vinyl Door Trim Panels with Woodtone Accent - S
Color-Keyed Vinyl Trim on Rear Quarter Panels - S
Satin-Finish Instrument Panel Molding S -
Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Paint - S
Cigar Lighter S S
Coat Hook - S
Satin-Finish Horn Ring S S
Fresh Air Heater & Defroster S S
“Bright” refers to chrome finish. “LH” refers to lefthand and “RH” refers to righthand.

Related: Learn more about what came standard with your 1976 Bronco’s trim package.

1976 Bronco Build Month
CodeMonth
A00000 - A24999 August 1975
A25000 - A49999 September 1975
A50000 - A74999 October 1975
A75000 - A99999 November 1975
B00000 - B24999 December 1975
B25000 - B49999 January 1976
B50000 - B74999 February 1976
B75000 - B99999 March 1976
C00000 - C24999 April 1976
C25000 - C49999 May 1976
C50000 - C74999 June 1976
C75000 - C99999 July 1976
D00000 - D24999 August 1976

1976 Bronco District (DSO) Codes
District CodeDescription
11 Boston
12 Buffalo
13 New York
14 Pittsburgh
15 Newark
16 Philadelphia
17 Washington
21 Atlanta
22 Charlotte
23 Memphis
24 Jacksonville
26 New Orleans
28 Louisville
41 Chicago
42 Cleveland
43 Milwaukee
45 Lansing
46 Indianapolis
47 Cincinnati
48 Detroit
52 Dallas
53 Kansas City
54 Omaha
55 St. Louis
56 Davenport
57 Houston
58 Twin Cities
71 Los Angeles
72 San Jose
73 Salt Lake City
74 Seattle
75 Phoenix
76 Denver
83 Government
84 Home Office Reserve
85 American Red Cross
87 Body Company
89 Transportation Services
90 Export
A1 Mercury of Canada - Central
A2 Mercury of Canada - Eastern
A3 Mercury of Canada - Atlantic
A4 Mercury of Canada - Midwestern
A6 Mercury of Canada - Western
A7 Mercury of Canada - Pacific
B1 Ford of Canada - Central
B2 Ford of Canada - Eastern
B3 Ford of Canada - Atlantic
B4 Ford of Canada - Midwestern
B6 Ford of Canada - Western
B7 Ford of Canada - Pacific
I2 Export

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1976 Bronco Rear Gear Ratios
Axle CodeGear RatioCapacity
A 4.11 2900 lb.
B 3.50 2900 lb.
B8 3.50 2900 lb.

1976 Bronco Transmission Codes
CodeDescription
C 3 Speed Direct
G C4 Automatic

1976 Bronco Assembly Plants
CodeDescription
L Michigan Truck

1976 Bronco Series Codes
CodeDescription
U14 Pickup (Includes Sport and Ranger Variants)
U15 Wagon (Includes Sport and Ranger Variants)

1976 Bronco Engine Codes
Engine CodeEngine TypeDisplacementBoreStrokeCompression RatioHorsepower
G V-8 302 CID 4.00" 3.00" 8.0:1 138 hp (In BHP) @ 3,600 RPM

The 302 cubic inch V8 was the only engine configuration offered in 1976. The six cylinder option from previous years was discontinued due to smog regulations.


Tackle Your Next Restoration Project with Our 1976 Bronco VIN Decoder

Begin your restoration journey with confidence, armed with the info from your decoded Bronco VIN. Explore our vast assortment of 1976 Bronco parts, carefully curated to fulfill every requirement for restoring your 1976 Bronco to its original factory state. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, granting you exclusive access to invaluable guides, handy tools, and tailored content designed specifically for classic Bronco owners such as yourself.


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, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977.

Sources: 1976 Ford Buyer's Digest, Ford Heritage

Image Credit: Ford Heritage

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.