Sorry OJ, NIL8 Is The Most Iconic Ford Bronco Ever Built

For those of you who were planning on attending the 2019 Detroit Autorama, you might want to make a note to go check out this stunning 1966 Ford Bronco. Built by Maxlider Brothers Customs for the United Pacific Industries 2018 SEMA booth, this build is commonly referred to as the NIL8 Bronco, a finalist in the “Top 10 Trucks” in the SEMA Show’s Battle of the Builders competition.

Even if off-road vehicles aren’t your thing, you have to give credit for the way in which this restomod build has been pieced together. Conceived and assembled by Bronco specialists’ Maxlider Brothers Customs, this two-door Bronco is without question one of the cleanest specimens we’ve ever seen. Being that this company is known for creating Bronco builds that cost anywhere from $225,000 all the way up to $500,000, it comes as no surprise that every inch of this machine was combed-over and either refinished or replaced with a high-end aftermarket upgrade.

By teaming up with United Pacific Industries (UPI), a company that is widely known for its high grade reproduction parts, Maxlider was able to not only guarantee OEM fitment, but stellar finishing appeal as well. Erik Barnlund, CEO of Maxlider Brothers Customs explains why this collaboration was so crucial to the build’s success.

“What’s really awesome about United Pacific is that they design exact replica parts to the highest standards possible. Every part is created to work with the other Bronco parts created by the company and with the original Bronco parts made by Ford. That’s great for us because we build highly customized Broncos at Maxlider Brothers, and we need the best materials for these vehicles.”

While Maxlider hand-formed the tub, UPI supplied many of the replica parts to make this custom Ford Bronco a reality. This meant providing basics like door shells, doorjambs, rocker panels, windshield, window frames, both bumpers, taillight housing panels, and lamps and lenses. All told, more than sixty UPI components were used during the build, with the most notable exceptions being a four-point roll cage, fuel tank, and a long arm four-link front/three-link rear suspension setup from Black Beard Broncos.

Other aftermarket touches worth noting include an ICON console, a Classic Instruments gauge cluster, custom leather by Twin City Upholstery, AMP Research powered running boards, and a Steerco/AGR steering box attached to a Flaming River steering column. Meanwhile, Wild Horses 4×4 provided the truck with a wiring harness, along with both body lift and bushings, glass, door handle components, mirrors, switches, seat belts, a hardware kit, and fender flares. Underneath all that you will find period-correct 15-inch wheels clad in 33 x 12.5-inch BFGoodrich KM2 tires, Fox coilovers, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes and accessories, followed by a slew of axle and differential upgrades.

Some of these undercarriage components include Currie axle housings, Yukon Gear & Axle differentials and axles, and driveshafts courtesy of Randy’s Driveshaft Services, which tie into an Atlas 2-speed transfer case from Advance Adapters. From there you will find a heavy-duty 4R70W transmission from Bowler Transmissions, complete with CompuShift electronic controller, and a Ford Performance 5.0-liter Coyote V8 powering it all. The Coyote motor is finished with brackets, a cooling system, engine mounts, A/C, and exhaust from BCBroncos.

Jai Baek, Marketing and Creative Director for United Pacific Industries, speaks of the build with great admiration. “Maxlider Brothers really shows builders what can be accomplished with our Bronco parts, and we know other builders in the industry have been looking to Maxlider to see what they’re using in their Bronco builds. To know that United Pacific parts are top choice for Maxlider Brothers is incredible.”

About the author

Micah Wright

Raised on LEGOs by grandfathers who insisted on fixing everything themselves, Micah has been a petrolhead in training since age four. His favorite past times include craft beer, strong cigars, fast cars, and culinary creativity in all of its forms.
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