Build Thread 1983 CJ7 Novice Build

[jim817]

In 2009 I got a wild hair and decided I had to have this CJ7 I saw on CL. I rationalized it to the ol'lady that we needed it for tooling around on some light trails in Colorado for camping. "Seriously Honey, I will not put anymore money into it and drive it until it dies". He wanted $2200 for it and he got $1300.

 

[CJ]

:ww:

Are you going to post a thread that chronicals the build?

 

[mtnwhlr]

:ww: from Colorado where those trails are at.

 

[jim817]

Yes, just need more time to type it out.

 

[jim817]

All around Cheyenne Mountain. You can go to REI in COlorado Springs and pick up a great Topo map of all double track trails in the Pikes Peak region. Gold Camp Road area is pretty sweet.

 

[Petescj]

:ww: Wow that looks alot like mine when I first got it. A little better shape but wow.

 

[jim817]

As I started to get some of the baked on rattle can paint off of it, I found more cancer than expected. The rot just kept showing up everywhere. I bought a new side panel then found more rot. I quickly got in over my head since I cannot weld and decided to do a tub swap. I definitly think that a tub swap is the way to go when you find major rot. Picked up a rust free YJ tub for $300 from a junkyard. Take pictures of everything before diassembling and bag and tag all small parts. The pics really saved me. As stated before, I have Limited mechanical skills, this swap went smoothly, and was not difficult. Also able to take care of some surface rust on the frame and get that under control. This is also a good time to take care of any problems while the body is off. Fixed some fuel and brake lines and changed the fuel sending unit.

Sold the Acme top to an apparantly rich guy who gave me $900 for it. He said he wanted a light top for his son's 4cyl YJ. Definitely glad I drove the CJ to Home Depot that day. Got a set of rust free CJ hard doors off of CL for $200.

I retired from the Army and then there was no more money.

 

[jim817]

Body work is complete and turned it in for paint.

Just got it back from the paint shop and reassembled it. I used spray bedliner on the flares and I they they turned out great. They look brand new.

She is completely rust free and back to stock condition. Runs great with the exception of stalling at stop lights when not warmed up well. Time to get some new Tires and screw up this paint job.

Jeep with Acme top - $1300
Doors - $200
Top - $300
YJ Tub - $300
Fuel Sending Unit - $26
Paint Job and some body work - $1000
Spray Bedliner - $7
Rustolium for hinges - $14
2 Door Paddles - $48
New Light Covers - $36
Optima Yellow Top Battery - $225
Hood latches - $10
Cowl Seal - $42
Total - $3508 - $900 for selling Acme top
Grand Total = $2608

 

[BC CJ]

Well done sir!

 

[CJ BRIAN NJ]

awesome job ! there are lots of us just starting out builds so its great to see what we have to look forward too after we get done!

thx brian

 

[jim817]

Far from done Brian. I have a feeling that it will be never ending in fact. Only thing done is that it is rust free and protected. Well almost protected, still needs to be line-xed

Now the real fun starts. Got to do something with the T-5 tranny, 3" BDS lift, shackles, tires, front/rear bumpers, and a winch. I am sure that plenty will pop up that needs to be done in the process. This is definitely an addiction.

 

[0822]

Very nice job.