Man does everything change fast.

[danray48]

Well, now I've went and done it. I posted a few week ago that I started a brake job, then it turned into pulling my rear AMC20 and decided to go with one piece axels. I blasted my axel, and painted it and clear coat with some cast color paint from Napa. While I was laying under my jeep the other day, I found some holes in the rear of the frame, and the frame had already been patched a little in the same area, so I decided to get some new steel and repair the bad part. (Still haven't got the brakes done) I also found where the spring hanger in the rear is mounted, it only had 1 bolt on each side holding that on. A little sick, but determined to get this right, I thought I'd just check on CL like I always do for a frame. Well I'll be, some guy had a brand new Matkins level 1 frame that a friend was going to build a jeep with about 5 plus years ago and he wanted it out of his barn. Yes, stored inside and never been on the road. Also new shocks, SS brake lines installed, AMC20 rear end with one piece axels and spring over set up front and rear with new springs. New gas tank shield and heavy duty steering parts. This is a beast sitting on old flat 36" tires which will be off tomorrow. I cant wait to get started on this project. I still might drop it down some, because I'd need a staircase to get in it. Plus I don't like em too high. The guy sold the motor that was in it, but I got that guys # 360. I had to wheel and deal, and feel I got a great deal on all of it. Anyway it's mine now, and it's home.... Oh yea, also new brakes, wheel cylinders and brake back plates.....

 

[somedude922]

Does it really TRULY ever end!!! Sounds like you got your work cut out for you but I'm sure it will be worth it. Good luck!!

 

[Torxhead]

Sounds like your Jeeps have created a monster.

 

[Hedgehog]

Sounds like you've got a great start to an extremely capable hybrid. Are thinking of a fiberglass jeep like body or is yours repairable?

 

[danray48]

Sounds like you've got a great start to an extremely capable hybrid. Are thinking of a fiberglass jeep like body or is yours repairable?

What is good about this is my fiberglass body is already done and the interior. I bought this jeep over a year ago from a friend that painted it, and airbrushed the flames and airbrushed the dash to look like diamond plate. Really none of the mechanical was really done, and that's where I come in. So the body is coming off the not so good frame and going on this. I installed a new wire harness last year. I never felt comfortable driving the jeep without knowing every bolt was there and right. So now I'll know.

 

[Hedgehog]

Sometimes the further you get away from AMC the better. So, will you be keeping the 176 or is there another Transmission in the vehicles future? One thing nice about a fiberglass jeep like body is that you can fearlessly use big fluffy carpet without worrying about rusting the floor boards.

 

[danray48]

Sometimes the further you get away from AMC the better. So, will you be keeping the 176 or is there another Transmission in the vehicles future? One thing nice about a fiberglass jeep like body is that you can fearlessly use big fluffy carpet without worrying about rusting the floor boards.

Yes I'm planning on using the T-176 with a Dana 300 I've got. I'm looking for an AMC V8 for it also, but not in a hurry just yet. Have a lot of work to do. Was thinking on using the spare AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l block I've got to mock everything up then change to a V8 if that's even possible. If I keep it at spring over set up everything will have to be set up and lined up to weld the spring perches on. They're not welded on yet, just installed and I'm happy about that. Gotta do some serious research on that.