Inland NW Bronco Club Member Spotlight:
Nick Stangel
Name: Nick Stangel
Location: Spokane, WA
Member Since: 2022
Nick’s Journey with Broncos: a Family Legacy
Nick’s love for Broncos started early, inspired by his father's own Bronco. This early connection led him to pursue his own journey with these iconic vehicles.
Nick’s Bronco 1978 Ford Bronco
Nick originally owned a 1979 Bronco, but after a rollover accident at 7-Mile ORV Park, he decided to rebuild the 1978 Bronco, which had initially been purchased for parts. His Bronco story is one of resilience and creativity, transforming a parts vehicle into a standout off-road machine.
Customizations and Modifications:
Nick’s 1978 Bronco is nothing short of a beast on wheels. It features an 8-inch front lift and 9-inch rear lift with Skyjacker Softride suspension. Under the hood, Nick has built a 408 Ford Modified engine with a full roller camshaft, ported and polished heads, delivering 402 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque.
Other impressive modifications include:
Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles with 4.56 gears
Lock-rite no slip locker and RCV axle shafts
Custom front and rear receiver hitches and Nerf bars
Holley Sniper Fuel Injection
C6 short-shaft transmission and NP205 transfer case
Factory air conditioning with a custom HVAC box
Custom diamond plate dash and rear panel work
Ultra Type 50 wheels with 38.5-inch Maxxis Creepy Crawler tires
Life with the Inland NW Bronco Club
Favorite Club Event
Nick’s favorite INWBC event is the Bronco Games. He enjoys the thrill of slinging mud and testing his Bronco’s capabilities in a fun and competitive environment.
How the Club Has Enhanced His Bronco Experience
Being a part of the INWBC has expanded Nick’s perspective on Bronco ownership. Meeting knowledgeable members and seeing the variety of Broncos in the club has inspired him with new ideas for upgrades and accessories.
Bronco Adventures
Favorite Adventure
One of Nick’s favorite off-road experiences was driving up the old Snowshoe Lake trailhead near Libby and Troy, Montana. The challenging terrain of the washed out road made for a memorable (and bumpy) trip.
Dream Road Trip
Nick's dream Bronco adventure would be a road trip to the Brooks Mountain Range in Alaska. The breathtaking beauty of the region is a big draw for him, combining his love of off-roading with stunning natural landscapes.
Future Plans
Nick’s next project for his Bronco involves body work and paint, aiming to make it as impressive on the outside as it is under the hood.
Beyond Broncos
When he’s not working on or driving his Bronco, Nick stays busy—so much so that he jokes, “What is free time?” He also enjoys backpacking and camping, balancing his passion for vehicles with a love for the outdoors.
Something You Might Not Know About Nick
In addition to his deep knowledge of classic Broncos, Nick also has extensive expertise in modern European automobiles, showcasing his well-rounded automotive skills.
Final Words
Nick loves being part of the INWBC community, appreciating the camaraderie, knowledge sharing, and adventures that come with being a member. His journey with Broncos is far from over, and he’s always looking forward to the next adventure.