Build Thread '83 CJ Restoration

[apereziv]

I am restoring this awesome piece of history. I will chronicle my progress and would love to hear your feedback. I am not a mechanic and have never done anything like this before(except for repairing my lawnmower). I am looking at it as an adventure. I hope you enjoy watching my progress and maybe I can pass on some advise for the next CJ owner.

 

[tonkatrucksryan]

:ww:Nice looking rig you have there. These guys on this site Rock!!!

Welcome again

 

[mtnwhlr]

:ww: hey if you can fix a lawnmower you will do just fine.

 

[apereziv]

I agree. They do rock! I have been digging around sites for a few days and found that this forum is full of enthusiasts who are willing to help get you to your goal instead of push you to do what they did. I also read many posts by CJ and was very impressed by his professionalism and of the other "senior" members and moderators. I am very comfortable with sharing my progress here.
God knows that will need all the guidance I can get!

 

[Petescj]

Thanks for making a thread out of this.

I am restoring this awesome piece of history. I will chronicle my progress and would love to hear your feedback. I am not a mechanic and have never done anything like this before(except for repairing my lawnmower). I am looking at it as an adventure. I hope you enjoy watching my progress and maybe I can pass on some advise for the next CJ owner.

 

[CJ]

We thank you for your compliment. I cannot speak for all of our members, but I'm pretty sure I do - we just want to supply good info in a friendly environment...

Thanks!

 

[apereziv]

Thanks to all! My goal is to get it as factory original as I can so my 6 year old can trick it out to his taste one day.

So far it is all research, studying, reading, and praying.

 

[bullseye]

Here is my thread where I tried to document everything I did as I went along for my restoration. Still hard to believe that this was more than 2 years ago... Time flies.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f98/cj7-restoration-progress-advice-please-2920/

Page 3 post #24. After I removed the roll bar and discovered the rot. That was probably the worst part of the project because I wasn't prepared for it. I hate to say it, but you too will have it as well.

When you remove the stock rocker guards:

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/stock-rocker-guard-hardware-4973/

That's all I can think of now.

Let me know if I can ever be of help. A lot of good guys here to help with the technical stuff.

 

[rr41mag]

Shortly after joining this forum I felt as though I belonged to a family. It'sthe best forum I have ever been involved with. There is no shortage of someone willing to help.

 

[CJ]

Shortly after joining this forum I felt as though I belonged to a family. It'sthe best forum I have ever been involved with. There is no shortage of someone willing to help.

you can't tell but I'm blushing...

 

[Kurtsara]

I just bought an 83 also, I will watch your progress as I slowly work on mine.

 

[apereziv]

Ok. So here is my plan of attack.-buy stock in Anheuser Busch

1. Brakes: Start at the rear and move forward. Bleed lines check for leaks. Clean/service or replace. check axle seals repair/replace.

2. Fuel system. remove from tank forward. flush/clean/ or replace.
Reserching emmissions items I can omit.

3. Chassis work. Align and check boots, struts, springs, rods, ends, etc. Service front rear and diffs., Transfer Case , and Transmission . Clean remove rust on undercrriage and seal or refinish.
(researching undercarrage protection? Paint? powdercoat?)

4. Engine: Replace all hoses, clamps, fluids, belts.
check seals, for leakage. repair as needed. rebuild or replace carb(apparently never worked well since it was replaced).

5. Chase down voltage issues. regulator/wiring/plugs, etc. Replace or repair any bad wiring found. Undo P.O. radio wiring. check all dash operations wiring, lights, gages, knobs, etc.

6. Get it running! timed, tuned.

7. Fit and finish. remove rollbar and repair body rust(welding). replace/repair body mounts. rust preventative and paint. Refinish rims. get tires. Buy rear set. Clean and refinish seats.(new seat covers?) Kid friendly rear seat? Seatbelts?

Take my wife and kids for a victory drive to the beach!!


This will take approxamatly 18 months! I hope. Teardown begins next weekend!

ANY THOUGHTS??

 

[CJ Passionata]

Sweet project!!! Looking fw to more pics

 

[Austin]

Hope the project is coming along well!!