Watching Everyone's Builds Progress - Areas of Interest

[JAG811]

So I've got a few things about to be shipped from the US to ol Oz.

It's been very cool watching everyone's builds progress as they mostly start the same way, either bit by bit or a full scale tear down.


The more I watch though it's apparent that most blokes will have areas of importance or interest and then there are the standard paths that differ ... For instance ignition - Even though it looks as though the vintage of the CJ still plays a major part in decisions made.


I thought the top four areas for me are Brakes, Electrical, Cooling and SEAT BELTS !!
But I guess as I'd hoped for a very cool daily driver, that's capable for me to disappear into the bush for a few days, I hold the first three high. Given I'll more then likely have two little ladies riding back seat, I'm keen for some over shoulder three point seat belts too ...


Brakes - New lines, rotors, calipers, pads and disks on their way. Rear are in good order and I'll be fitting a power assisted booster at the same time.

Cooling - New three core radiator and hoses on the way. Thermostat housing and thermostat at the same time. Water pump felt really good so no need to touch that. I'll make up a shroud and that should be it for the cooling.

Electrical - I'm sorting out the engine bay now and once I'm onto the interior (final stage before paint) I'll have totally checked all wiring and gauges. Hopefully all wiring for duel battery, winch and an inverter will be ready to go.

Last job on the list will be Seat Belts - This may come after road worthy or the build is finished but I'd like to look at a modified roll bar and three point seat belts to protect the little ladies !!

I'm keen to know everyone else's areas of interest on specific things they'd like to improve along the way !!!

Cheers,

Jon

 

[73CJ]

HEI really lights them up. One wire. Couldn't be easier.

Brakes - 4 wheel discs Why did I wait so long? Duh

Cooling has never been an issue. Original radiator.

Electrical - totally rewired using new connectors, adding relays, fuel injection and removing all the unnecessary wires. Takes some time, but I feel much better with new rather than 40 year old wiring.

J(ust) E(mpty) E(very) P(ocket).

 

[alpha6]

How important is the shroud for cooling? Mine doesn't have one, and seeing it was -15 this morning and 5 more months of winter it shouldn't be a problem...but let's say I wanted to go to Texas for a beer and some hog...

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Oil seals are pretty important to me. Everything soft on the engine is being replaced. Old Blue ran well, but oil is expensive these days!

Electrical. There has to be at least 250' (or 76.2 meters) of extra wires hanging in my garage than what was sent out of the factory door with my jeep! Hopefully Painless can correct that.

Suspension. I could drive over a dime and tell you if it was heads or tails up before the wrenches attacked after Thanksgiving. Throwing out and replacing every bushing, spring, and shock should go a long way to a more comfortable ride.

When hog hunting in Texas, you don't want to have your beer shaken up!


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[tinhorn]

I'm keen to know everyone else's areas of interest on specific things they'd like to improve along the way !!!

SIMPLICITY / RELIABILITY.
No computer, no sensors, no electronics, no proportioners. Parts available EVERYwhere!

STOPPING.
PO installed a new master cylinder; four brake cylinders arrived by UPS today. Existing shoes look good. (Yeah, shoes all around--see SIMPLICITY, above.)

WINTER UNSTOPABILITY.
Well, it's a CJ5 with studded L78 "Snowbiters". Blazer blower upgrade? We'll see. Gotta learn more about the intake manifold with a water jacket. Don't want to experience carb ice at -30 again.

FUN TO DRIVE. In an MG TD kind of way.
Light-colored leather buckets planned, anti-roll bars, 2" drop. Maybe a radio.

 

[Kilo19]

Why do I feel the beer and hog reference was about me. Just cyz I offered free beer to the first three guys doesn't mean..... Oh I forgot.... First three guys to help me get the body off gets free beer :big grin:


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[JAG811]

Wow, some great insights here !
And to think most people say "It's just a Jeep" ....
Only we have months of planning and 3 different build stages in our heads ... ... with some very specific details !!!

 

[JAG811]

Oh and Alpha6,
I think a shroud may only work to stop you from chopping up your hands ....
They're supposed to just direct the air better - Pulling it through your radiator more.
Not sure you'll ever have cooling issues unless you do make that Texas trip
You might need to invent a HOT air induction system !!

 

[mtnwhlr]

Hey Alpha6 if you buy my winch I will throw in a fan shroud.

 

[alpha6]

Man, I am bummed I can't buy that wench from you right now... and a free fan shroud too...

 

[JAG811]

Why do I feel the beer and hog reference was about me. Just cyz I offered free beer to the first three guys doesn't mean..... Oh I forgot.... First three guys to help me get the body off gets free beer :big grin:


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What about a free airfare ??? Then I might be able to help with the free beer ?? Oh, and the tub

 

[johnnyreb]

I guess brakes would be on the top of my list. Then body, body mounts, and suspension. I'm pretty happy with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and T-176 . I'm old school on my cj's. I guess it comes from my very early years in off road racing.