Build Thread My lust for no rust 82 Cj-7

[Petescj]

So what do you do when 2 of your last 3 CJ7 projects have ended in part outs due to frame rot? Buy one that has some of course. This time around I've already talked to my welder and the frame will be the first thing to be fixed.

 

[Petescj]

Craigslist cruising is a dangerous sport for me. I can always find some Cj item that I'd like searching there. Through Craigslist and a few other websites I've met a lot of Cj crazy guys over the last 20 or so years. I've met guys all over the Atlantic Coast now. That's what makes it kind of odd I hadn't dealt with this guy right here in Pa. until recently.

 

[PaRenegade]

I know of that same lust for an 82 you speak of. That's exactly why I went this route...



http://www.jeep-cj.com/gallery/files/8/1/2/4/img_1923small.jpg

 

[Petescj]

I know of that same lust for an 82 you speak of. That's exactly why I went this route...

Yours turned out so sweet. I love that color combo along with the decals. This one is going to be the daily driver now.

 

[Petescj]

A few months back I lost oil pressure in the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in the Laredo . I've seen these ads in Kingston Pa all the time on Craigslist. I called and a few moments later I was sending payment for my next AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l through PayPal. Unfortunately soon after that I tore the meniscus in my right knee. I had just gone back to work when I saw that little red beauty above come up on Craigslist rather cheap. This guy usually parts Jeeps but says this one is to nice to part.

Coming off knee surgery and selling the Scrambler to keep my head above water was a real bummer and still left me broke. After texting back and forth we struck a deal that I pick it up as soon as I get my tax refund. Can't wait to get it here. I'll update more then but figured I'd start a thread with the pics I have

 

[caveman]

So what do you do when 2 of your last 3 CJ7 projects have ended in part outs due to frame rot?

I'm going with a new frame from Matkins. Jeep frames, scrambler frames, shackles, Price List Here in the northeast there is no such thing as a good used factory frame because of the rust. I've got to many hours into my rig to start with another and my frame is toast.

 

[HackFabrication]

I'm going with a new frame from Matkins.

Not my first choice. When I tried to contact him (years ago) his voice mail was full, his email was full, and he seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth. Probably taking a few unfilled orders with him (?) Don't know, but that was enough to turn me away from him.

TDK: Throttle Down Kustoms Jeremey is the guy you want to do business with. He built my cross member / skid plate:





It took a total of eleven days from initial phone call (I spoke directly with Jeremy) to having it in my garage.

If I were to do this again (and I'm not), I would have dropped the $$$$ and ordered a custom frame from him.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Nice looking Jeep to start with Pete. Glad you're going to get another daily driver. I miss driving my Jeep, so that motivates me to keep rebuilding it. Unfortunately I live on a very fixed disability income, so buying parts comes slow. I feel like 2016 is going to be a good year though and my plans are to "Gitter Done"! I've had both knees totally replaced, so I hope you can get yours back in shape and keep it that way. Be sure to post lost of pictures once you get it. In the meantime tease us with some ideas you have for it. Good luck with the build!

 

[Petescj]

I'm going with a new frame from Matkins. Jeep frames, scrambler frames, shackles, Price List Here in the northeast there is no such thing as a good used factory frame because of the rust. I've got to many hours into my rig to start with another and my frame is toast.

A new frame is definitely to labor intensive for this project. Just a little daily driver build. Both sides of the frame in the rear shackle area will get fixed.

 

[Petescj]

Nice looking Jeep to start with Pete. Glad you're going to get another daily driver. I miss driving my Jeep, so that motivates me to keep rebuilding it. Unfortunately I live on a very fixed disability income, so buying parts comes slow. I feel like 2016 is going to be a good year though and my plans are to "Gitter Done"! I've had both knees totally replaced, so I hope you can get yours back in shape and keep it that way. Be sure to post lost of pictures once you get it. In the meantime tease us with some ideas you have for it. Good luck with the build!

It's kind of strange for me but I haven't thought about a lot of modifications for this one. To start I've got the frame fix and gas tank replacement right off the bat. There's also a small hole in the front floor that will need patched. Then going over all the wear items like brakes , tie rods along with complete fluid changes and tackle any leaks.

I'd also like to find some cleaner stock wheels and wrap them in new rubber, probably 31x10.5x15. I will be going over the underside of the Cj and cleaning/painting everything. The only mod I have thought about is the small Old Man Emu lift for a better ride but that would be quite a way down the road. I have the engine swap on the Laredo and the Cj trailer project as well. :wasted:

 

[PaRenegade]

Yes, Matkins is long out of business and Advanced Frame Works is now Throttle Down Kustoms run by Jeremy Pulse, a former worker/manager at Advanced FW's. It's the only remaining manf. of Jeep frames. Quality stuff though.

 

[Petescj]

I didn't really have anywhere to post this but today I started turning the rusty Limited into a trailer. Here's what I started with :

 

[Petescj]

After a few hours a couple cutting wheels , and a few sawzall blades I ended up with this:

 

[Petescj]

Now I had brought this project up to my brother a long time ago and he was supposed to do my sheet metal welding. Apparently he forgot so I'm probably on my own for this one. To box the front in I was thinking of doing a mirror image of the rear. I'd buy the two taillight panels and I already have a spare tailgate. if I can't get the remaining sheet metal welded in I may use pop rivets and seam sealer. Maybe some of that Flex seal I keep seeing on TV.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Looks good, Pete. What other plans do you have for making it a camping trailer?

 

[Petescj]

Looks good, Pete. What other plans do you have for making it a camping trailer?

Well I don't know if you've seen my current set up by just my dog takes up the whole rear floor area of my Jeep. The rack is loaded and all sorts of other things are tucked in the Jeep like a jigsaw puzzle. I've learned after doing this a few years that a little more stuff comes with every year.

We hit all sorts of campgrounds over the Summer. They all have facilities but I want to equip the trailer so we are self sufficient. That means a shower , commode, and a propane grill. The one thing I haven't figured out is keeping ice for a longer period of time. The ARB fridge/freezer isn't cost effective. I'm thinking about a Yeti cooler but their pretty expensive as well.

 

[Peanut Butter]

The one thing I haven't figured out is keeping ice for a longer period of time. The ARB fridge/freezer isn't cost effective. I'm thinking about a Yeti cooler but their pretty expensive as well.

Take a look at Sam's Club if you have one. Pelican (the co that makes the cases) makes one. Basically the same thing, better lid locks, and cheaper. Cheaper, but not cheap. COOLERS - The Best Portable Ice Chests Made in USA | Pelican Products, Inc. Amazon has a 65 qt for $270.

PS: You definitely need a trailer. Lots of ideas on the web, search tiny trailers and off road trailers. Also take a look at this for your shower: http://www.amazon.com/Eccotemp-L5-Portable-Tankless-Outdoor/dp/B000TXOJQ4

 

[Petescj]

Take a look at Sam's Club if you have one. Pelican (the co that makes the cases) makes one. Basically the same thing, better lid locks, and cheaper. Cheaper, but not cheap. COOLERS - The Best Portable Ice Chests Made in USA | Pelican Products, Inc. Amazon has a 65 qt for $270.

PS: You definitely need a trailer. Lots of ideas on the web, search tiny trailers and off road trailers. Also take a look at this for your shower: Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower - Portable Hot Water Heater - Amazon.com

Thanks for the links. I do have a Sams Club membership in fact. When I started drawing up this project I had come up with my own shower set up using pvc pipe and tarp which would fasten to the side of the trailer to anchor it. Then I thought about the preparation we have in making our camp set up quick and easy to put up. I'm still going to make a awning of sorts off the side of the trailer to cover my grill so I can cook in the rain. I'll probably go with the tent shower/commode for an easy and quick set up.

 

[PaRenegade]

I love to watch trailer builds. This will be my next project down the road. I was torn between wanting the looks of the Jeep trailer like yours or a military 416 type. With my plans for it's flip top it will be better suited to work with a rectangular tub, so I think I'll go the 416 direction.

 

[Petescj]

I love to watch trailer builds. This will be my next project down the road. I was torn between wanting the looks of the Jeep trailer like yours or a military 416 type. With my plans for it's flip top it will be better suited to work with a rectangular tub, so I think I'll go the 416 direction.

I had thought about the 416 type as well. Having the rusty CJ7 made my decision easier. Since mine is mainly for Summer use I figure a soft tonneau cover will be fine. My buddy brought up using a old hardtop and modifying it but I haven't put a lot of thought to it. I'm still a bit behind financially from my knee surgery but it shouldn't be to long before I get really started on it.