My Jeep Restoration Project

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
So I've had this Jeep since 1986. Been parked with a broken tranny since 1997. Pulled it inside this past January and took it down to the frame.
Imageshack Slideshow
Yeah, it's lame, but that's where I have the pics.
Here's what it's going to be when I'm done:
1981 CJ-7 Renegade
Engine:
406 Small Block Chevy
9.8-1 compression
Dart Iron Eagle heads
Comp Cam 270H
Scat 5.7" rods
Crosswind polished intake
Holley Truck Avenger carb
Balanced/Blueprinted
(all this engine stuff is sitting in my garage awaiting assembly...machine work is completed)

Trans/Transfer Case:
NV4500 5 speed, granny gear and O/D
Centerforce clutch
Hydraulic cluch setup
Dana 300 transfer case with twin stick
LoMax 4:1 gear set
Advance Adapters HD output shaft
(again, all this stuff is here, in-house, awaiting installation)

Axles:
Dana 44's front and rear (both installed in the frame now)
4.11 gears
ARB Air Lockers front and rear
Eagle Alloy Type 102 wheels, 15x12
Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires, 33x15.50 (fat baastards)

Body/Frame
All sand blasted and rust repaired
Frame was coated with POR 15 rust encapsulator
(even though there was no rust on it at that point..now there never will be, hopefully)
Replaced a few body mounts and the rear crossmember
New front floors
New rear corners
New left fender
Body is currently coated in epoxy primer, awaiting some minor
finishing work and paint.

Suspension
Alcan custom 4" lift springs
Daystar shackles
Shocks to be determined
All Urethane bushings
Swaybar disconnects


Interior
Wide open at this point. I sold the seats, so I have to buy some new ones.
Probably with Herculine the inside.
Definitely will have a good stereo with some sub action
Roll cage of some sort...one that'll let me still use a top.


I guess I'll update this thread as I assemble it.
I have a pile of parts sitting here, and more to order.

Update 9/04/07:
Pics of the rolling chassis and tub
http://img504.imageshack.us/my...?image=dsc02687pk9.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/my...?image=dsc02688di3.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/my...?image=dsc02689wb3.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/my...?image=dsc02690lo0.jpg
http://img504.imageshack.us/my...?image=dsc02691kv2.jpg

Small Update 12/11/07
Finally got motivated (and got the time AND stopped being sick) and assembled the short block tonight. This pic won't mean much to anyone other than gear heads who like looking at engine internals.
Shortblock
Now I have to clean and paint the outside of the engine, and finish the assembly. Still need rockers and pushrods. Can't believe I forgot to order them on my last Jeg's order.

Update 12/30/07:
Engine is FINALLY assembled...mostly. I had one more interruption: The rod bolt hit the camshaft....due to using longer-than-stock connecting rods. I was aware this was a concern when you use a 400 crank in a 350 block to make a 383, but didn't know it was a problem in an actual 400. So I had to order the cam again, except custom-ground on a smaller base circle. And the rods clear it now. Pic of both cams below, you can see the difference. Now just have to get my rocker arms here, then measure for and order custom length pushrods. And I have a brand-new, lubed/installed/removed cam for a Small Block Chevy I need to sell.
Cams
Shortblock
Oil pan
Front of engine
Top View
Engine again
Fuel pump installed

Update 3/20/08:
Okay, here's the latest: Engine, trans, transfer case sitting in the frame. Stock skidplate makes the whole assembly sit too high in the back. Even makes the engine tilt forward a bit.
It needs to come down at least 3 inches in the back. So my choice is to fab up a new skidplate, or modify my stock one. I'm attempting to modify the stock one for a temporary fix.
I cut out the middle where the trans mount bolts up, and am lowering it. Just tack-welded on right now. My big MIG welder's Argon regulator blew the relief valve when I turned it on tonight, so I couldn't use it. So I used my little flux-wire MIG. This metal is slightly too thick for it to weld up completely, but it's okay to tack it together with.

Text
Text
Text
Text
Text
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
I still say you are crazy with D44s!

Did you think about going to a YJ tub since it's galvanized? Those floorboards weren't looking too hot. I think that AMC was injecting rot into their stamping presses while they were building them.
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
For a rock crawler, D44's wouldn't be the best. For a trail/street Jeep, they are just fine up to about a 36" tire.

No YJ tub...this is my original tub. Sand Blasted, front floor pan replaced, rear corners replaced, ALL rust was replaced.

Epoxy primed. It ain't gonna rust again.
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Originally posted by: j00fek
:thumbsup:

keep a log of your progress, id like to see how it comes out (former jeepin fewl!)
Will do. This is the 6th Jeep I've owned. Had it for over 20 years now.
Assembling the engine is what's next. My last parts for it should be here today. (main & rod bearings, freeze plugs)
So cleaning all the parts once again, and slapping 'er together is next. Then into the frame it goes.

 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Originally posted by: Jeeper94
Any updates on this project Jeep?
The frame is has the axles under it and is almost ready to be a rolling chassis.

Haven't worked on it at all in the last month because my practically-new air compressor died and I'm trying to get Sears to do something about it. It's technically out of warranty, but researching found that my problem is the exact same problem lots of others have had with this exact compressor.

Plus, we had lots of family visit in July, so I was quite busy.
 

Prong

Senior member
Jul 11, 2000
539
17
81
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Originally posted by: Jeeper94
Any updates on this project Jeep?
The frame is has the axles under it and is almost ready to be a rolling chassis.

Haven't worked on it at all in the last month because my practically-new air compressor died and I'm trying to get Sears to do something about it. It's technically out of warranty, but researching found that my problem is the exact same problem lots of others have had with this exact compressor.

Plus, we had lots of family visit in July, so I was quite busy.

What model of compressor is yours? You're making me nervous about mine...
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Originally posted by: Prong
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Originally posted by: Jeeper94
Any updates on this project Jeep?
The frame is has the axles under it and is almost ready to be a rolling chassis.

Haven't worked on it at all in the last month because my practically-new air compressor died and I'm trying to get Sears to do something about it. It's technically out of warranty, but researching found that my problem is the exact same problem lots of others have had with this exact compressor.

Plus, we had lots of family visit in July, so I was quite busy.

What model of compressor is yours? You're making me nervous about mine...
Got it fixed. Found a new pump for 179 and slapped it on there. Works like a champ for now....it IS the exact same pump as the one that has failure problems, though....but now I have a fresh 1-year warranty.

Will be in the garage tomorrow turning some bolts and grinding some metal!

Prong, the compressor is a Craftsman Professional 919.184191
60 gallon, 150 psi, oil-lubed.
 

Prong

Senior member
Jul 11, 2000
539
17
81
Thanks for the update. Hopefully my 6hp 33gal will hold up (air cooled). Keep up the jeep updates. I'm getting ready to do the paint/bodywork on my 79 K10 here in a couple of months.
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Minor update: Got the rear axles in, rear wheels on, and the monster tie rod on....I have a rolling chassis now!

But it's only temporarily rolling....after I get the powertrain in and the body on, I'll have to set the pinion angle, tack weld the spring pads, then pull the rear axles again and pull the rear housing to fully weld the pads on.

Still, it looks much better sitting on the tires. What I'd really like to do now is push the chassis outside, put a couple pieces of wood in place of the body mounts, and sit the body on the frame just to get a visual.
If I get help to lift the body tub, I'll take pics and post them.
 

IGBT

Lifer
Jul 16, 2001
17,961
140
106
..amazing effort. I wish they would use All Urethane bushings in stock factory suspension. makes a big diff.
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
I wish I knew how to do crap like this.
Buy yourself an old Jeep or truck and have at it. Best possible vehicle to learn on. Simple, cheap, and every part for it is still readily available.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,358
8,447
126
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
I wish I knew how to do crap like this.
Buy yourself an old Jeep or truck and have at it. Best possible vehicle to learn on. Simple, cheap, and every part for it is still readily available.

would taking classes down at community college be advisable? they have a full auto body and repair program. and i wouldn't have to buy tons of stuff up front (what do i know about arc, mig, and tig welders?)
 

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,377
126
Man this is cool, and close to what I have plans for in about 9-12 mos. I want to get either a late 70s Grand Wagoneer, or late 70s CJ. Probably go with the Wagoneer though, more room for camping + family stuffs.
 

FDF12389

Diamond Member
Sep 8, 2005
5,234
7
76
What was the point of taping your garage if you were never gonna paint it? I see that all the time, makes no sense. Nice jeep btw.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Man this is cool, and close to what I have plans for in about 9-12 mos. I want to get either a late 70s Grand Wagoneer, or late 70s CJ. Probably go with the Wagoneer though, more room for camping + family stuffs.

Get a CJ-8 then. 24" longer than a CJ-7. Being able to take the top off is what makes a Jeep a Jeep.
 

Pacfanweb

Lifer
Jan 2, 2000
13,149
57
91
Originally posted by: FDF12389
What was the point of taping your garage if you were never gonna paint it? I see that all the time, makes no sense. Nice jeep btw.
That's what I wondered. It was like that when we bought it. I'll get around to painting it one day.
Since I'm planning on painting the Jeep in there, I figured I'd wait on painting the garage so I wouldn't ruin my white walls with black overspray.
 
sale-70-410-exam    | Exam-200-125-pdf    | we-sale-70-410-exam    | hot-sale-70-410-exam    | Latest-exam-700-603-Dumps    | Dumps-98-363-exams-date    | Certs-200-125-date    | Dumps-300-075-exams-date    | hot-sale-book-C8010-726-book    | Hot-Sale-200-310-Exam    | Exam-Description-200-310-dumps?    | hot-sale-book-200-125-book    | Latest-Updated-300-209-Exam    | Dumps-210-260-exams-date    | Download-200-125-Exam-PDF    | Exam-Description-300-101-dumps    | Certs-300-101-date    | Hot-Sale-300-075-Exam    | Latest-exam-200-125-Dumps    | Exam-Description-200-125-dumps    | Latest-Updated-300-075-Exam    | hot-sale-book-210-260-book    | Dumps-200-901-exams-date    | Certs-200-901-date    | Latest-exam-1Z0-062-Dumps    | Hot-Sale-1Z0-062-Exam    | Certs-CSSLP-date    | 100%-Pass-70-383-Exams    | Latest-JN0-360-real-exam-questions    | 100%-Pass-4A0-100-Real-Exam-Questions    | Dumps-300-135-exams-date    | Passed-200-105-Tech-Exams    | Latest-Updated-200-310-Exam    | Download-300-070-Exam-PDF    | Hot-Sale-JN0-360-Exam    | 100%-Pass-JN0-360-Exams    | 100%-Pass-JN0-360-Real-Exam-Questions    | Dumps-JN0-360-exams-date    | Exam-Description-1Z0-876-dumps    | Latest-exam-1Z0-876-Dumps    | Dumps-HPE0-Y53-exams-date    | 2017-Latest-HPE0-Y53-Exam    | 100%-Pass-HPE0-Y53-Real-Exam-Questions    | Pass-4A0-100-Exam    | Latest-4A0-100-Questions    | Dumps-98-365-exams-date    | 2017-Latest-98-365-Exam    | 100%-Pass-VCS-254-Exams    | 2017-Latest-VCS-273-Exam    | Dumps-200-355-exams-date    | 2017-Latest-300-320-Exam    | Pass-300-101-Exam    | 100%-Pass-300-115-Exams    |
http://www.portvapes.co.uk/    | http://www.portvapes.co.uk/    |