Build Thread StormRider's 77 CJ7 Golden Eagle Restoration.....

[Stormrider]

The motor is almost done. It should be done in few days. Today I replaced the rear brake line with a longer braided one and also installed the rear leaf springs, u bolts and shocks. I should be done with the front tomorrow. I got a chance to look at the brakes for the first time today and they look horrible. The rotors are eaten up beyond turning so I will replace them and put new pads on along with the rear drums and shoes. I will also try to fix the parking brake.

View attachment 4834

View attachment 4835

View attachment 4836

 

[Project86]

Yep, I'm still lurking over your shoulder. I bought the mechanical assembly for my parking brake repair last week. I haven't even thought about the length of the new cable. Let me know how you determine the length and where you buy your new one from.

 

[Stormrider]

I got done with the lift for the front today. New springs, u bolts, shocks, stabilizer bar, beefier tie rods, dropped pitman arm, sway bar end links, and stainless braided brake lines. Had to get bigger u bolts for the stabilizer bar bracket and cut 2 of the bolts for the leaf springs off but other than that, it went pretty smooth. I will replace the brakes and check out the parking brake in a few days. I love the new height of the lift. I think that it's exactly what I was looking for. The first picture is of before and the second is now.
View attachment 4843

View attachment 4844

View attachment 4845

 

[polish85]

Man its looking good!!! you def are doing this thing right! Wish i had some extra time to do all this sooo fast!

 

[Stormrider]

Man its looking good!!! you def are doing this thing right! Wish i had some extra time to do all this sooo fast!

Thanks man. I am trying hard to get it up and running in about a month. I am almost finished with the drive train, suspension, and brakes. Next, I will tackle the dash and wiring and paint and then new interior. With 3 kids, and I do most of the cooking, I don't have much time but I get on it every chance that I get. Oh, and I only sleep 5-6 hours a night...

 

[Stormrider]

I finally finished with the brakes for the front and rear. New rotors, pads, drums, shoes. The braking parking didn't work because it was adjusted right but it works good now though. I also pressure washed all the tires and wheels to get all the dirt and mud off. I painted them black and put about 3 coats of clear on them to make them shine and also makes it easier to clean them. Next week I should be ready to start sanding the body and getting ready for paint.
View attachment 4918

View attachment 4919

View attachment 4920

View attachment 4921

 

[oldguy]

Looking better all the time there Louie. Your doing it right.

OG

 

[Stormrider]

Looking better all the time there Louie. Your doing it right.

OG

Thanks OG. I am doing my best.

 

[Project86]

I was taking a closer look at the pix you put up on 3/14. Whose the cutie in the purple swimsuit? Or is that your calendar. Second pix with the pumpkin.

 

[Stormrider]

I was taking a closer look at the pix you put up on 3/14. Whose the cutie in the purple swimsuit? Or is that your calendar. Second pix with the pumpkin.

Just a calender on the wall.....

 

[Stormrider]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've been busy sanding and prepping the body for paint. Hopefully I can have it painted in about 2 weeks.
View attachment 5029

View attachment 5030

 

[Stormrider]

I finally got to priming the Jeep this week. I picked up some YJ doors for $300 buck that were still in good shape. Much cheaper than trying to fix the doors that were on the CJ. I primed them and the grille too...just forgot to take a picture of them.
View attachment 5139

View attachment 5140

 

[Stormrider]

Here's what the Jeep looks like with paint and clear. It's a light canyon yellow that the early Hummers used. I did get some dust particles on the clear but was able to wet sand it off. Not too bad considering we didn't have a booth to shoot it in. I still have to paint the fender flares, top, bumpers, and rocker guards black. I am also taking off the roll cage and dash to paint them that tan color.
View attachment 5141

View attachment 5142

View attachment 5143

 

[Project86]

Can you feel the wind blowin' in your hair yet? The color looks as sweet as coconut pie. Mmmm Mmmm. Really lookin' good.

 

[Stormrider]

Can you feel the wind blowin' in your hair yet? The color looks as sweet as coconut pie. Mmmm Mmmm. Really lookin' good.

Thanks Project86! Yes I can feel the wind blowin' in whatever I have on my head. My hair decided to leave me awhile back so since then, I have gone with a shaven head but yes I can feel the wind......

 

[Stormrider]

It's been over 3 months since I've posted because I have been very busy but this is what the CJ looks like now. Got the motor in and after adjusting the dizzy and the carb, it's running great! Also got the custom exhaust welded on and out the side rear. I put dynomax mufflers on it because I want the V8 sound but didn't want it to be too loud. The wife will be driving it at times. I still have the interior to do and alot of tidying up but she's getting there.

View attachment 6113

View attachment 6114

View attachment 6115

 

[Stormrider]

Well, I tried to trace some of the wires and ground wires for all the electrical system but it's was such a mess that I have decided to go with the Painless harness kit. I am installing the kit in the next few days.

 

[polish85]

Well, I tried to trace some of the wires and ground wires for all the electrical system but it's was such a mess that I have decided to go with the Painless harness kit. I am installing the kit in the next few days.

Havnt been on in a long time but it all looks really good! Let me know how the painless install goes. i was thinking about ordering one the other day and decided to go against it until everything else was done.

 

[Canadian CJ 7]

StormRider, I really enjoyed following your restoration. I am currently restoring my 1985 CJ7 . Thanks for helping me stay motivated. Keep posting your progress.

Brian

 

[Stormrider]

Havnt been on in a long time but it all looks really good! Let me know how the painless install goes. i was thinking about ordering one the other day and decided to go against it until everything else was done.

Thanks polish85! It's taking alot long than I have thought but I am getting there slowly but surely. I am giving myself 2 more weeks to have the harness completely wired and all electrical installed, carpet installed, seats and seat belt holes drilled and installed, and also clean up my gas tank. I think that my pick up tube or tube filter is clogged with junk. It ran great unless the other day when it wouldn't start. No gas was going into my inline filter near the carb and I saw some rust and brown in the filter so I will drop the tank and clean it. I don't think that it's the fuel pump because it's mechanical and it's brand new.

Oh the painless kit is very nice. All the wires are numbered and labeled. The best thing is their technical support. You can call them or join their forum and ask questions as you go along as I have many questions. They are very helpful and respond pretty quick. I would highly recommend it.