84' Sebring Red CJ-7 Project

[keith460]

Hope to have this old CJ back to it's original glamour when I ordered and bought it in 1984. It's a Renegade package but the stripes were removed in 92' when it got repainted. Going to try to get it as close to original with the exception of the suspension lift, shocks and BFG 32x11.50 tires.

I finally got the Tub removed today and all the little accessories that are bolted on to it. Will buy a new Repli-tub for replacement sometime next year when the frame is completely redone.

[chrisd0729]

Is that a garage or basement? Did you drive it through the double doors??

[keith460]

Basement, and we pushed that Jeep in there with a little help from a shoe-horn!

It was tight even with the doors removed!

[pghjeeper]

Get a YJ tub half the price and better metal than the repli-tubs.

[itselliott]

A yj Tub will require some mods. depending on how detail oreinted you are,
the defroster ducts are an issue that requires some cut and weld of the tub in order to get the air flow into the windshield frame. There are options,......
but return to OEM requires cut/weld. also the rear frame to body mounts will require modification that leaves you with an oval shaped hole or ......weld the existing mount closed and re cut. There is 1 more substantial difference that I can't think of at this time.............

The repli tubs from Willis Overland in Toledo are about $2900,... but!!!!! they take the same tub that everyone MUST IMPORT from the Phillippines as they are the only ones in the world that make them........and completely go through and alter them to original standards...........read that to say "direct bolt on fit"

I don't have mine yet, but most certainly will when I'm at that point.
Good luck with your project!

[bighause]

Looks like a fun project, you don't look old enough to have ordered that jeep in 1984 though!

[keith460]

Believe me, I'm old enough. Pushing 47 something.
I guess you are refering to the first posted picture....that's my youngest son, Ryan and in 1984 he was not even thought of yet. I wasn't even thinking of marraige either.

[bighause]

Yeah, I figured that was your son, just messing with you. Good luck!

[xjclassic98]

awesome project. i wish i could hold on to one that long...i seem to get bored.

[keith460]

OK, it's been awhile since I posted to this thread but now that things are starting to move along, I will try to post more often.

I left off with the engine and drivetrain removal so I will show pictures from then till now.

Frame stripped down and ready for some minor repair work.


Frame headed to the Sandblaster.


Frame at the Sandblaster.


Freshly painted frame by me with three coats of Eastwood chassis black and about three coats of Boiled Linseed Oil in the inside portions of the frame.

[keith460]

Now, on to the axle rebuilding.
Axles were stripped and sandblasted and then I powder coated them with Eastwood chassis black (semi-gloss black) powder coating. Nice to be working in the Bakery Equipment business and have the large ovens at our office in order to powder coat large pieces like axles and gas tanks.

All new 4.10 gears, from Superior Axle, with new bearings, seals, u-joints, etc.
I retained factory AMC20 2 piece axles as I wanted factory parts installed. This part of the project has taken the longest as setting up the gears required me to make some special tools in order to achieve the correct gear wear pattern.

D30 rebuild with new gears.


AMC20 rebuild with new gears.


Installing OEM 2 piece axles.


Checking for required end play.

[SKIBUMNCO]

Wow..... Looks like you know what your doing.... Wish I was that detailed..
Supose if I was I would still be cleaning nuts and bolts for fresh paint.. LoL..
No but really looks like your hard work in the end is going to be a great looking CJ....... Good luck... Send me some of those bakery items... Need some for my coffe this morning...

[keith460]

Now that the axles have been rebuilt, it was time to the Tie Rod flip and then install the new Black Diamond 3" lift kit with axles.

Tie Rod flip complete. Only did the Drag Link as I want to keep the OEM Steering Stabilizer brackets in their original location.


Drag Link new location about 3 inches higher...nice!


Prepping steering box and spring hangers


Spring Hangers


Installing rear AMC20 axle.


Another shot of AMC20 install


Another


Installing front D30 axle.


D30 install


Another D30 install


Axles and Suspension are in

[keith460]

I was at our shop yesterday powder coating the sandblasted gas tank and skid plate. Installed it when i got back home.

Fuel tank and skid plate.

[keith460]

Now that the chassis is complete, it's time to move on to the rest of the drivetrain. Next will be transmission, transfer case and then the engine in that order. I will post as I progress with these items.

Will probably do fuel and brake lines today.

Chassis complete

[DISLSMOKE]

You going to have it done for the PA jeep show this year? Just don't rush it.

[keith460]

No, this project will not be complete until April 6th of 2010.....my 50th birthday.

[CJ hotscot]

Sure does look good, keep us all posted on the progress and lots of pictures

[Military Jeeper]

Wow, that is impressive........keep the pics coming.

[CJinPA]

Looking good. I wish I had that much room in my basement. It must be nice to have a heated area to work on the Jeep.