Officially started my frame restoration on my 78 CJ 7

[heff]

Purchased another frame($75) that needs repair but not nearly as bad as the one I have now. Started cutting out the rusted metal and welding in new. Also fabbed some spring hanger mounts to weld to the outside of the frame rail to accept the Dana 44 front axle. Yesterday I cut some 3/16 steel to reinforce the side of the frame for added strength. Body is off the old frame and on the trailer and I`m hoping to get the axles and motor transfered to thr new frame soon, but a lot going on this summer that will cut into it. Lots to do!

 

[Air Force]

Looks good. I like the repair panels you made for the rear section. I have been working on a 78 CJ7 frame off restoration as well. My rear frame was really bad, so I cut it off and found some replacement section on line to fix it. Welded it all back up and coated everything with POR15.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

good job on the outboard attachments.. what did you use for your measurements for the hangers? Im going to start doing the same thing here in a few weeks although mine are not as fancy as yours are.

 

[heff]

The spring hangers mount pretty much flush to the outside of the existing frame rail. I can take some measurements if you need. I used a Dana 44 from a Scout front end. It really works nice. I reversed the shackles and made my own mounts for the front spring hanger as well.

 

[heff]

Thanks Air Force, Is that POR 15 a good rust inhibitor? I see a lot of people using it.

 

[Air Force]

I am happy with it. Only time will tell if it is as good as they say. It is UV sensitive and needs a top coat to protect it. They (POR15) make a black chassiscoat paint that goes over it and looks good. Just do not get any of the POR on you if you use it. It will not come off until it flakes off with your dead skin.

 

[oldguy]

Bud Light template and woodworking clamps -- SWEET!!! Now that's Michigan fabricating! I wish the frame on the 5 had been in salvagable shape, would have saved a lot of time. I'm very interested in the front axle conversion your doing - please keep us posted with lots of pics. And as Air Force said POR 15 is great stuff. I've used it on a couple of Jeep frames, a Mustang restoration and a Furguson tractor but also like he said you should top coat it. I used rattle cans on the Jeeps, PPG on the Mustang and Rustolium on the tractor and they all seemed to hold up fine.