Build Thread 85 CJ7 resto/makeover

[OKCJ7]

It's been awhile since I've posted on here! In the past few months I have sprayed the frame with U-POL Raptor Liner. I'm very happy with how it came out and how easy it was to apply. I also just finished painting the rear axle, and have the front axle ready for paint. Hopefully in a week or so I will have a rolling chassis.

 

[OKCJ7]

Here are some pics of the frame with the Raptor Liner on it. I am very happy with the results.

 

[OKCJ7]

Here are the axles after I painted them.

 

[OKCJ7]

Here is the engine block after paint. My son wanted the whole Jeep to be orange. I couldn't commit to that, so I decided to paint the engine orange. Thankfully he is satisfied with that.

 

[Petescj]

Looking good. The axles cleaned up nicely.

 

[OKCJ7]

I finally finished a jeep build! Sort of. I think the boy is mocking me since I finished his first. I have made some progress on mine, but it has been slow going. The engine is partially assembled and I have been painting engine and suspension pieces. I'll post some pics when I have more time.

 

[gert]

I finally finished a jeep build! Sort of. I think the boy is mocking me since I finished his first. I have made some progress on mine, but it has been slow going. The engine is partially assembled and I have been painting engine and suspension pieces. I'll post some pics when I have more time.

Yep I think you are being mocked

 

[OKCJ7]

Learned another lesson the hard way this weekend. FYI lifters must be installed BEFORE you install the head on the block. Pulled the head back off the block, ordered a new head gasket (22 bucks), and installed the head again. Started cleaning the rockers and push rods. I got one set installed and ran out of time. Hopefully I can finish this up tomorrow.

 

[gert]

Learned another lesson the hard way this weekend. FYI lifters must be installed BEFORE you install the head on the block. Pulled the head back off the block, ordered a new head gasket (22 bucks), and installed the head again. Started cleaning the rockers and push rods. I got one set installed and ran out of time. Hopefully I can finish this up tomorrow.

I beat you wont make that mistake again

 

[OKCJ7]

No gert I wont do that again. Bonehead mistakes seem to stick with me for awhile. I did get the rocker arms and push rods installed on my lunch break today. The other pics are of when I had the head installed the first time. I placed some black pieces on there to see how it is going to look. I think it will look pretty good once it is all back together.

 

[OKCJ7]

I made some good progress this weekend. It was beautiful weather outside and I got to take advantage of it and get the axles and my 2.5" lift kit installed. I've been wanting to get this done for a while so I am super stoked I got to do it. I'm waiting on a stainless steel bolt kit to arrive so I can finish assembling the engine. Hopefully it will be here in the next few days and I can finish that up to. It feels good to finally be making some good progress.

 

[OKCJ7]

I couldn't get these pics to upload last night. I live out in the boonies and my interwebs is horrible. Here ya go!

 

[OKCJ7]

My stainless steel bolt kit arrived today and I was able to get most of it installed after work. The thermostat bolts were wrong, but other than that I am happy with the purchase. I got the measurements I needed from the old ones and will pick up some locally tomorrow. For now I used the old ones.

 

[OKCJ7]

The 3 ton hoist at work made quick work of setting the engine in the frame. This weekend I hope to get the Transmission cleaned up and painted. If things go well I should have it in the frame also in the next few days.

 

[OKCJ7]

Can someone help me identify what type of carb I have. I can tell it's a weber, but is there any other info I need to know before ordering a rebuild kit. This is my first carb rebuild and I don't want to start it off by ordering the wrong kit. If I need to take more/better pictures let me know and I will. Thanks in advance.

 

[OKCJ7]

Last night I got the Transmission in the frame. One of the bolts had a V notched in it. I took some measurements and will get some new ones soon. The Transmission mount bolt holes weren't lining up with the skid plate. I'll take the skid plate loose and try to get it all lined up today.

 

[OKCJ7]

Busy day yesterday! I got the exhaust installed, carb rebuilt and on, and the driveshafts installed. I know the paint will burn off the exhaust but I couldn't help myself. At least it will look good while I am finishing the project. Definitely getting a new air filter and painting the housing. Lesson of the day: don't paint driveshafts until after you install the u-joints. You just beat the out of the paint while installing them.

 

[OKCJ7]

One step forward, two steps back. I got my brake and fuel lines cleaned up and ready to go in the frame. I then start wire wheeling the fuel tank to get it ready to paint. That's when I knocked off a piece of rust and notice a small hole. I poked at it with my pocket knife and there was nothing there. I guess my already tight budget just got a little tighter.

 

[OKCJ7]

Still waiting for my new gas tank to arrive. The right rear corner of the Jeep was pretty beat up so cut out the old one and am waiting on a new one to show up. The top of the wheel well/bracing for the corner was bent pretty good. I finally got to use a hammer and dolly for the first time. I really enjoyed doing this, it was fun to watch the dents come out right in front of me. I had to resist the urge to get a BFH knock the out of it and I am glad I did. It came out really nice. No one will ever see it, but I think it came out nice!

 

[OKCJ7]

I haven't had much time to post on here lately, but here is a quick update. I cut out the rust that was behind the driver's seat where the roll bar mounts. I still have to sand it down smooth. Pretty proud of the results. It's not perfect, but it is my first time so go easy on me.