Build Thread 1986-83 CJ7 build

[jeepardy]

This is an as I go Chronical, so be patient.
So Far. Picked up this 1986 project Jeep. The PO had dismanteled it to “3link, coil-over and extend the frame” 6 years ago and never got around to it and gave up. I loaded it on the car hauler brought it home.







Was told everything was there except windshield, seats, and Transmission . I Picked it up for a song, so I didn't feel bad when after taking a quick inventory, I found out a lot more was missing. What upset me the most was I was told the Dana 300 was in the pile. Figured I could pick up the needed parts as I go along. This quickly became a bigger and more expensive task than I expected and happen to come across this....

It's a 1983 with a 44 rear, 30 front, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l auto/Dana 300 . It ran rough and didn't stop. But I figure I can fix it up and play with it while I'm rebuilding the 86, be ahead of the game parts wise and swap the things I need all at once. A can of carb cleaner, a master cylinder and a lot of vacuum caps and its on the road wheelin. Since this one is now licensed and insured, it will be the VIN for the rebuild.


Not planning on building a show piece or something that will last 50 years (I won't). I just want it to handle 32's or 33's. Have my choice of driving it or towing it to the wheelin sites and go til I break it.

 

[jeepardy]

Removing Tub

My Case 646 FEL helped out alot with this

 

[jeepardy]

Frame

The frame gets wire wheeled, rust proofed and painted with some Ford Safety Blue tractor paint I had left over

 

[gillmore]

Was there something about this Jeep that called out to you as a project, or were you just looking for a resurrection challenge? Its a serious question. I don't have the skill, space, equipment, money, or patience to consider doing this...but I'll sure enjoy watching your progress!

 

[jeepardy]

Was there something about this Jeep that called out to you as a project, or were you just looking for a resurrection challenge? Its a serious question. I don't have the skill, space, equipment, money, or patience to consider doing this...but I'll sure enjoy watching your progress!

Nothing special about this particular CJ. I did want to try my had at a frame off rebuild. I've owned Cherokees for over 10 years and was tired of dealing with the UniBody. Don't like the looks of YJs and wasn't gonna make it look like a CJ. The TJs I looked at would have required just as much work and 4 times the price.

 

[jeepardy]

Managed to get the tub into the garage before all the snow came here in Michigan. Gonna start on the bodywork while I let the frame cure.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

sweet build, thats a cool <-BAD WORD-> little tractor. my ? is why not build the jeep that is more complete?

 

[fzsk4p]

Like to watch this one.

 

[jeepardy]

sweet build, thats a cool <-BAD WORD-> little tractor. my ? is why not build the jeep that is more complete?

Yeah I'd be lost without that tractor. It's my 3rd, 4th & 5th hands alot of the time. The other Jeep has a real bad frame that would need rebuilding/replacing and the tub is in alot worse shape. That and I can wheel that one while I'm building this one.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

ah i see.

 

[Old Dog]

looks like a great project. Is it going to see silver lake when it's done?

 

[jeepardy]

looks like a great project. Is it going to see silver lake when it's done?

Oh yeah love that place, I do have a bet that it will see the Jeep blessing in Mesick on April 30th. Might be trailered up there but I hate loosing bets.

 

[jeepardy]

Was doing some clean up on the tub, and decided I needed to test my equipment. The PO did a hack job around the Tran/TC hole (trying to make room for a the shifter?). Wanted to see if my little .30 wire 110volt Flux welder will do the job on the tub




Lots of splatter and not enough control. Burns holes real easy. Looks like a new welder is in the mix so I can go with .23 wire and gas shielding. I would really prefer a Miller, but can't afford one right now. Looked at the Hobart , Century and Chicago Electric 140's and for the price will prob be visiting HF tomorrow. I know, you get what you pay for. But I do have a bet on finishing this Jeep and have the money for HF today. Can alsways upgrade later

 

[jeepardy]

Was talking to a friend about keeping a lookout for a hardtop for me. Just happens that he a couple extras from YJ's he's collected for parts. Gave me a great deal on one that came along with a YJ tub. Heck, factory galvanized and alot less work to get it where I want it




He wants the axles and springs back and the frame is shot, but who wants 5x4.5 hubs and that stupid vacuum lockout.

 

[jeepardy]

My job required I pick up one of these.

So I decided to take a look on the inside of my frame. Looks in pretty good shape, here's some pics


I do think I'll go ahead and spray inside down with boiled linseed oil and seal the inside

 

[jeepardy]

Work and weather have put a damper on my progress. Did manage to get some time in this w/e, and thoought I'd catch up.

This is a great tub for Michigan. Its had 17 years of michigan winter and salt.

Removed PO's hack job of floor pan replacement.

 

[jeepardy]

Did a little bodywork thats needed

 

[Rescue Diver]

Great progress! I'm going to have to keep an eye on this build thread. It's the direction I would have gone if I my project hadn't come with a glass tub included.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

thats a good score on the new tub. they don't call it the rust belt for nothing.

 

[cromag]

You wouldnt happen to have a pic of the rear endgate where the cable attaches to the body? I am swapping out a 77 cj with a 95 yj tub and there was nothing left of the 77 body. am welding up what I think will work.