Build Thread Scrambler resto-mod build

[lloydwithAf]

I was very fortunate of getting a call from my great uncle in Nevada about his scrambler he would like me to have. I’m very excited as I mostly(90%) completed a build years ago and would like to redeem myself after selling it. The scrambler is a 1982 auto inline 6, factory ac, and has the original bedside wood in pretty good shape. I have towed it from his place to Las Vegas and will bring it home to TX this Thursday. Any pointers would be very much appreciated as I will be slowly documenting the build here. I have not decided exactly what I’m going to modify other than a 4” lift, wheels, and tires at this point. I’m undecided on if I want to go the 4bt route or keep the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l gasser as this Jeep is a family heirloom and will be passed on to my children later in life. With that said, I’m not good at keeping things factory so I’ll probably just play it by ear. Either way, take a look and I’ll post pictures as I go. It’s a great starting point for a fixer upper!

 

[Petescj]

I know this , if your not keeping that rear bumper and it has both the plastic end caps on it there's quite a few guys out there that would pay good money for it.

Good luck with your build. Get her running and stopping good first then go from there. I like the idea of lifted while still keeping a mainly stock appearance. If you don't have to sell the parts you take off I'd keep them in case you decide to return it to stock or someone in the future does.

 

[lloydwithAf]

I will be keeping all the old parts in storage. I wish I could help someone out with that bumper but I just wouldn’t feel right selling anything off this Jeep. I’ll post more pictures tomorrow since my phone decided to turn all my pictures sideways.

 

[lloydwithAf]

A little update on where the scrambler is. I found the old mechanical fuel pump decided to out, got it switched out, cleaned up the venturi’s, and have it running but very poorly. I am going to erase some vacuum lines and see if i can sort out the idle. I have an HEI waiting to be installed. I also installed a 4” lift, changed out the old tie rod end and drag link. Added 33x12.5” tires. I’m waiting on some factory paint to come in to spray a small area of the floorboard before I reinstall the interior. I’m also waiting on a new valve cover and gasket as the current valve cover leaks horribly. Next I’ll be ordering some new 3.54 gears and some new glass for the front windshield. I’m tentatively looking to be road worthy by February.

 

[lloydwithAf]

I pre-turned the pictures this time so hopefully they come out straight!

 

[TnCJ]

I pre-turned the pictures this time so hopefully they come out straight!

Still sideways but I don't mind turning my head lol.
Your project is looking good! Thanks for the update.

 

[lloydwithAf]

The Scrambler finally left my shop today...and made it about 30 yards. Tranny fluid was low and got that refilled so she's moving!


Figured out that I kinked the factory rear brake line after installing the 4" lift and 33" tires. It took me 2 hours of anger to figure out why I couldn't get the damn things to bleed lol. Extended brake lines are now installed all the way around with a new master cylinder.

Installed a 4" rough country lift, HD front shackles-factory height, tie rod ends, ball joints, and new rear U-joints.

Removed all the emissions junk and vacuum lines that I could, leaving just the charcoal canister, pcv, vacuum advance, and brake booster to help eliminate some issues. I ended up finding a small check valve ball/BB about 4" inside of a hose coming from the Non- linear valve after I removed all the hoses.

Replaced the leaky plastic valve cover and installed an Omix aluminum valve cover....Looks great but kind of a pain in the butt having to tap holes for something that should be a pull and replace part. I did find that the guy that rebuilt the engine put a pcv valve in both valve cover vents holes instead of a non-valved elbow in the rear. Possibly why the thing leaked so bad.

Rebuilt the old Carter BBD(my first carb rebuild), took me about 5 hours to get the right tools/calipers and rebuild it all to spec. It took another couple hours of chasing my tail until I finally got the carb tuned right since I had to pull the venturis out a second time and give them a good blow through to finally get the jeep to idle. The mechanical fuel pump lifter was broken so I replaced the fuel pump, the soft fuel lines and filter.

I have a big test I'm studying for scheduled on Wednesday, after that I will have some time to install the new HEI, bring her on test run, and go get her inspected and registered.

When cash allows I will be re-gearing and probably looking for a new lift. The 4" lift is too tall and it appears that I have a lot of wiggle room to drop it down some. So most likely a 2.5" lift in the future.

It's been a bunch of part store runs for minor things, waiting for parts, knuckle busting, diagnosing, and fixing but I sure do love working on this thing!

 

[lloydwithAf]

let's see if this picture is right this time

 

[lloydwithAf]

other pictures after re-cropping and adjusting for the rotation. Sorry for all the posts!

 

[lloydwithAf]

A couple more pictures of some of the original cool-rare stuff. Scrambler bed mat, Jeep mud flaps, nutmeg interior(needs a new seat bottom)