Build Thread Operation Sky Blue Water Trip Build

[Hedgehog]

Were either of you around when we had those pull tabs? They were great until you cut yourself on one or the tab broke off before the can was open. My x-wife used to get so upset with me for removing the tabs on todays cans. Why I don't really know. I hate those tabk polking me in the nose while I drink so off they come.

 

[007]

Yesterday I was able to pick up the hitch I had fanned up. It has an ACME bumper mount receiver mounted on 3x3x1/4 angle iron. It's patterned off is one I think Torxhead made.

I need to sand and brush or wheel a bit to cleans couple spots then paint it up. Once it's one we will make some brackets to tie it to the frame behind the crossmember.



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[007]

Were either of you around when we had those pull tabs? They were great until you cut yourself on one or the tab broke off before the can was open. My x-wife used to get so upset with me for removing the tabs on todays cans. Why I don't really know. I hate those tabk polking me in the nose while I drink so off they come.

I sure do remember those tabs that came off. You know, putting them in the can was actually a courteous thing to do, I mean, its either that or toss it somewhere to be (or not be) picked up later. I think I'll start doing it again for the heck of it (future conversation piece).

As to the build, I got the correct master cylinder on but waiting on some warmer weather to back it out and get the whole thing bled out the right way. I'm going to work on getting the silly hitch the PO put on the front off so I can mount my 2" receiver up there, also going to mount a set of flat tow brackets on the front bumper. Why? Not sure yet, but I think it would be nice.

I've ordered some ignition parts and waiting on others to do the ignition upgrade. Also got a manual choke kit I case I can't make this OEM setup work right.

I have my CB bracket I need to trim down a touch, ordered some 16lb magnets to hold it to the dash so I can remove it easily.

Pricing shocks too... More pics to follow tomorrow.

 

[Dolamite]

As to the build, I got the correct master cylinder on but waiting on some warmer weather to back it out and get the whole thing bled out the right.

I'm starting to fear warmer weather will never come. Back below zero by Thursday.

 

[007]

Well I did manage to get the bumper/hitch mounted tonight. I was astonished that ALL my bolt holes lined up. I think this turned out great. Very pleased. Last piece of this is to add a couple ties to the frame behind the crossmember where it bolts up.

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[Old Dog]

Looks good

 

[007]

I'm starting to fear warmer weather will never come. Back below zero by Thursday.

No kidding... It's been a long time since we've had a winter this long and as consistently cold. It's really, really getting old quick.

 

[007]

I came to the realization not long ago that my having a nice short aluminum trailer in the near future was about as likely as, well, you can imagine (read -not likely). But I still need to move my Jeep front time to time (especially in this weather). I'd like to get some things done without driving it there and getting a ride. Etc. So I decided to get a Reese tow bar.

I have a QT so flat towing is pretty simple so long as the right precautions are taken.

This unit mounts directly to the front bumper. It says to mount the brackets between 2 feet and just over 3 feet apart. The bolts a hold the front bumper on my CJ are about 28 inches apart and there was already a 7/16 hole on the face of the bumper right there. So I took a step drill-bit and bored the hole out a bit and mounted one side of my first bracket.

Here's how the brackets attach.

The other side worked out about the same way. My brackets are spread about 25 to 26 inches apart. Had I used that same first hole and flipped them out to the outside I would've put all my pulling stress on the outside ends of each bumper end.

Here's the hitch completely finished and lowered.

Here's where the hitch attaches. Just take the snap pin out on both sides and you can remove the hitch. Or you can flip it up and ratchet strap it to the grill.

There's a separate safety chain kit that comes with four chains two for the bumper side and two for the towing vehicle. I'll pick one of those up next week and get that attached as well.


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[mtnwhlr]

A lot like mine I mounted the the bumper mounts where the bumper mounts to the frame which put one bolt on each side of the frame and have been flat towing it for many years with no problems and I tow it over high mountian passes.

 

[007]

Good deal. I may change the bolts that hold the bumper to the frame just for good measure. Maybe that's stupid but at least I'll know they're good?


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[007]

I managed to get my master cylinder bled and the lines attached. I also went ahead and plumbed in my vacuum reservoir and vacuum gauge.

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[cj7inthetwigs]

Looking good, love progress

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[007]

No photos yet, but the Jeep's been dropped off at the muffler shop. I'm doing that part a bit out of order, but the guy that I trust there is going to be out for an extended time that would have put the exhaust project out past when I needed it done.

No fancy plans for exhaust, just standard muffler with a 45 degree down and 45 degree out tail dumping behind driver's side rear wheel.

Photos when it's done...

 

[Posi]

I also went ahead and plumbed in my vacuum reservoir and vacuum gauge.

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If I could only have one diagnostic tool it would be a vacuum gauge. Their a handy tool for timing your engine, tuning your carb, along with diagnosing the valve train and exhaust. I've installed one in most of the Jeeps I've owned.

Well done!

 

[007]

So I got the Jeep back from the muffler shop. They went ahead and one-upped me on the muffler and a couple other things. But it's cool I know he knew I'd want it done. So in pleased. Cost a little more than I expected but it's done right and sounds good. Went with a Flowmaster muffler and thick walled 2 1/2" pipe. It's got a nice little rumble at idle and it goes away at rpm. The tail pipe is 45 degrees down and 45 degrees out, right behind the rear wheel - just what I asked for. This insures the rear wheel drafts the exhaust and mixes it with fresh air and keeps it out of the passenger areas. I didn't put the sticker on, he did - but I like it.

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[Hedgehog]

Takes a lot of nerve to put a big ol' sticker on a customers jeep without permission. I wonder if you had him put an exhaust system on a Hemi Road Runner or Super Bird would he have put the sticker on? It is a good thing you like it.

 

[007]

Yeah in 99 out of 100 cases that would have been a mess. In this case I know the guy pretty well and he knew this tub and this "project" so it's all good.


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[cj7inthetwigs]

Agree with Hedge! Glad you like it. Wanted Flows until I bought a everyday driver with flows… .its like LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME, although, my 7 has a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and my gmc is a 5.3

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[Dolamite]

So I got the Jeep back from the muffler shop. They went ahead and one-upped me on the muffler and a couple other things. But it's cool I know he knew I'd want it done. So in pleased. Cost a little more than I expected but it's done right and sounds good. Went with a Flowmaster muffler and thick walled 2 1/2" pipe. It's got a nice little rumble at idle and it goes away at rpm. The tail pipe is 45 degrees down and 45 degrees out, right behind the rear wheel - just what I asked for. This insures the rear wheel drafts the exhaust and mixes it with fresh air and keeps it out of the passenger areas. I didn't put the sticker on, he did - but I like it.

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I like the Hamm's decal better.

 

[007]

Agree with Hedge! Glad you like it. Wanted Flows until I bought a everyday driver with flows… .its like LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME, although, my 7 has a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and my gmc is a 5.3

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The thing i like about the muffler is that it has a bit of a rumble at idle then it goes away with rpm.


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