Build Thread Deerejeep's '81 CJ7 Iowa

[Deerejeep]

Appreciate y'all reading and your comments(help) I think it's great some of you have read the entire thread. I enjoy sharing the shop upgrades because I believe you all enjoy seeing it. I also happened to get a cable line run into the garage and put a 32" LCD I had in there. All I need is a urinal and a bed and I'll never go in the house! I'm not bragging here, just sharing this with folks who can appreciate a little investment in the garage.



The side panels came in from classic this week too. My photo upload site is not working so I'll get some pics up later. They look nice.








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[gert]

I do have a suggestion on your lighting. Along with your Florescent light tubes add a couple regular light bulbs (or their equivalent). Florescent lights strobe as does any light. The idea is by mixing lighting types that strobe at different frequencies they cancel each other out. Why? Like a timing light at certain speeds a turning fan or pulley or any other thing that turns looks like it’s standing still. This was a problem in machine shops where machinists were mangling themselves by sticking their hands into running mills.

OUCH brings back memories of shop class

 

[Deerejeep]

Well at the beginning of the thread I shared that I've owned 4 Jeeps 3 of which I currently owned. Change that to 4 Jeeps 2 of which I currently owned. Yeah it has a HEMI. Hate to see my all black Jeep garage welcome a Dodge but I think I'm going to like this one. Also believe they will probably make a Jeep version in the future too.



Not much CJ work going on right now. I've been busy with the shop upgrades mention and shoveling snow etc. still hoping to get the body into the shop but it appears that will be after the new year.


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[Deerejeep]

Worked to remount the engine yesterday. When I originally installed, I snapped the last bolt of 8 when attaching it with the stainless steel hardware. Glad I did.

I learned that stainless requires less torque for clamping than normal and that anti seize is required. So I installed it correctly this time (with all new hardware, ouch that was an expensive mistake) and also added in the forgotten cross brace that has been debated here. Some have it some don't. My iron duke did so i blasted it, painted it and it fit with a little TLC with the V8 motor mounts. Glad I took pictures of how it was installed however.

Glad to share a mistake along the way, learning everyday.

Next up will be to concentrate on finishing out the engine, I think. Until I can get the body off and worked on I'm kind of at a stand still









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[Deerejeep]

Well -19 windchill, but it was warm enough in the garage to wear a sweater, without the heat cranked up all the way. Had it at 60!

I did some work installing some new pegboard tool hangers and again focusing on making the garage more usable..... While watching football of course. I've not been working too much lately with the holidays and my motivation has ben low despite having the heater. I'm going to start installing more engine components soon.

Today, I got the sandblaster fired back up, working in the steering column mount brackets. It would have been a funny sight to watch. I think I've mentioned before the HF cabinet light is less than what's needed for the cabinet, however my portable halogen work lights with the shop vac, compressor, TV and overhead lights, heater fan tends to be too much for the ol' breaker. So I worked in the dark so the cabinet light would be bright enough. Put the cabinet light on, vac, compressor and TV, using a flashlight to check pressure, while it was complete darkness in the garage. Its funny no one will ever see these brackets, but I'm treating then like a show piece. This thing is going to be awesome.




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[mtnwhlr]

The difference in a good build and a great one is the attention to the small details and I think yours is going to be awesome.

 

[74G8R2]

DJ, just enjoyed reading the entire thread and am now a subscriber, and a big fan of the work you are doing. Thanks also for posting your garage/shop upgrades, I like that part of it too. One quick question, which AMC blue paint did you use? As I'm sure you know, there are several variations.

Glad you got your heater so we can all enjoy watching you work through the winter.

 

[BC CJ]

The difference in a good build and a great one is the attention to the small details and I think yours is going to be awesome.

x2. What he said! Super clean work.

 

[Deerejeep]

DJ, just enjoyed reading the entire thread and am now a subscriber, and a big fan of the work you are doing. Thanks also for posting your garage/shop upgrades, I like that part of it too. One quick question, which AMC blue paint did you use? As I'm sure you know, there are several variations.



Glad you got your heater so we can all enjoy watching you work through the winter.

Seymour engine paint AMC blue via eBay. I can't tell you how well it will hold up! The heat is a nice upgrade, at least that is the word until the first gas bill comes.



Appreciate the kind comments! I'm learning as I go. Seriously I read a lot, have decent tools and no fear! I'm half thinking about learning to weld, while my perfectionist mentality tells me to have a "pro" do it, I'm starting to think I might be better off learning to do it. Full speed ahead.


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[truk820]

I second the fact that your attention to detail is amazing. I'm plowing through mine and consciously neglecting a few things with the 'I'll get back to it' mentality - not you! And your garage...oh man am I jealous

 

[Deerejeep]

I second the fact that your attention to detail is amazing. I'm plowing through mine and consciously neglecting a few things with the 'I'll get back to it' mentality - not you! And your garage...oh man am I jealous

We'll thank you Sir appreciate it, just want something I can be proud of later on.


The garage is a constant battle, once the CJ is done I'm planning to really get it organized and more of a showroom/ man cave. Added a Xmas present to the wall.


Since I'm still waiting on the bodywork, I've decided to blast and prep more of the parts that will need to match the tub.

Tailgate and passenger door hardware.



Oh handle and glove box lid. I used air craft striper a plastic scraper and then followed up with a typical palm sander with 100 and then 220 grit and used a Dremel with wire wheel to finish them out. The PO loved bed liner and the aircraft stripper work well and in some cases quicker than blasting. In addition, wanted to be less abrasive than the cabinet. It's interesting to see the imperfections in the glove box lid. You can see the weld marks of the hinges in the front.


Here's an example of the aircraft stripper working on the passenger side and the driver side after scraping it.



I'll have a good chunk of time this weekend to work so hope to finish out these pieces, blast some more and get a start on engine assembly.





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[Deerejeep]

Dana 300 , rebuilt progress. What do you think of the paint?



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[mtnwhlr]

Looks good but you know nobody is going to see it when your done

 

[Deerejeep]

Looks good but you know nobody is going to see it when your done

You are right. I've turned into a crazy man with cleaning and painting. " hey honey check my forehead for metal slivers".




Another glamour shot.


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[Deerejeep]

Got the sandblast cabinet working a little better today. I've been having problems with clogging etc. I think the media maybe wet and also the supply tube kinks quite a bit if you don't hold the gun the right way. I'm going to get another piece of tubing and see if that will help some. Also replaced the gloves. I ripped one the other day(May or May not have been when I was cussing at the cabinet).

Cleaned up the yokes and the rear seat brackets.


I guess it was worth the time. Looks like the yokes go for about 45$ a piece, and well the seat brackets nobody will see them. But I know I've got awesome seat brackets.



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[Deerejeep]

And the award for best rear set bracket and yoke refinishing goes to.









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[Petescj]

And the award for best rear set bracket and yoke refinishing goes to.

Well Im gonna have to say you. Nice job on cleaning everything up.

 

[Deerejeep]

I just can't leave well enough alone. I was taking a look at the pedal assembly and there was a good amount of surface rust, in addition the pedals were covered with bedliner, the PO loved the stuff. Pulled apart, blasted it and I'm painting it. Driver seat brackets too. I was asked the other day what percent of complete is my CJ project. I don't have a clue. Maybe I should be focused on spending time on something else. But for now it's clean up parts and parts and parts.









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[Petescj]

Dont worry about figuring out what percentage is done. Keep doing what your doing. Im sure youll be proud of your results.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

You are right. I've turned into a crazy man with cleaning and painting. " hey honey check my forehead for metal slivers".




Another glamour shot.


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Nope, not crazy…. Anal, maybe,…… someone taking great pride and enjoyment in what their doing ,absolutely! Looks fantastic. I have been looking at the blaster and the oven bake for home powdercoating. Keep up the jam up work.

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