[hold24]

I've started a full frame off resto on my 78 cj7. Things are going slower than I like because of two things funds are low and I'm running solo on this job. I do have friends but there not into jeeps. I guess I need to get new friends (jk). I thought I'd share my progress and frustration with guys that would definately understand. Here are some pics of my start... I'll be showing my rust issues in the next group of pics

[danheit]

Man, I feel ya. I had to remove my old tub on my own, and put the new one on all by myself. Not fun without a few extra friends. If I can ever offer any assistance, let me know! I am not THAT terribly far from ya.

[certifiablejeep]

I take my tubs off by myself all the time... cherry picker works wonders, just get some chain, put them on bolt holes for the seats front and rear and wala, pick points. My wife jacks it up/down (I have done it myself as well) and then you just maneuver the tub on/off. Not too bad.

http://www.certifiablejeep.com/images/freejeep/page50/large/170_7040.jpg

Glad to hear you have friends... even non-Jeep friends can help. Like I said, have them to the easy stuff, and you do the grunt/moving stuff. This way they don't get dirty...

cb

[hold24]

I wish I had a cherry picker for this job.That's a nice tub you have wish mine looked that good. My next step tonight is removing the steering collum and the front dash....Even though it's a lot of work ....I enjoy every minute of it.... except for those stuborn rusty bolts.

[82cj7401]

Good Luck, It can be done, I have under $2000 total in mine, including purchasing it for $600. Sell what you can on EBAY and buy only what you really need (brakes, seals, bearings) Buy handfulls of grade 8 bolts at local tractor supply stores.
I have been at it for about a year now, only working on it when theres some time which is pretty hard to find.

I have tons of pics and have it about 85% completed, should be running by XMAS.

I cant access photobucket at work so, you can see a small pic in my profile.

[certifiablejeep]

OK, getting it off is pretty easy by yourself, getting a new one on or this one, depends.

4 saw horses or equivalents.
2 big boards

take all the body mounts out, lift up the body and put it on blocks to create space.

Then put the boards through
Then put each end of the board up on each sawhorse.
Now you have the body lifted up higher then the frame and you can scoot it out.

You will have to remove shifters and such. Manuals this is easy, Autos, more connection linkage I think, not sure.

Again, I have done it this way, it is no fun,b ut it work... also once the frame is out of the way, you can get under it to see any damage... just make sure the boards are new and won't snap.

cb

[Coiz]

Looking good. As you saw in my thread I am in the same situation as you just a bit further along. I am in the same boat with the friends. Plenty of them to come over and help drink my homebrew but getting them to help on the Jeep is like pulling teeth. One friend helped me for about 2 hours one afternoon, other than that I have done the whole thing solo. Although, I did get a coupe neighbors to help pull the tub and lay it on its side next to the frame.

Take lots and lots of pictures. Zip lock bags for bolts helps to. I wish I would have done more of this from the beginning. I am a little impatient and want everything to be done now but it is important to pace yourself and don't get burnt out. I try to complete one task at a time so you feel that sense of accomplishment and are excited to get started on the next task. It gets overwhelming if you try to do too much to fast. Getting over the filthy dirty tear down, fabricating, cleaning and painting hump to everything nice shiny and clean going back together was a big morale booster for me. Now I am just fighting the weather as working in a 30* garage sucks! I'll be all giddy once I get the rolling chassis back together just to be kicked in the nuts again when I start in on the tub. The chassis and tub really are two separate full scale projects.

So what are some of your plans? Keep it stock like? Lift, wheels, color, tub liner? Fill us in.

[certifiablejeep]

I am just a bit in front of you... I have the chassis rolling and everything I can hooked up on it, but the tub has been kicking my butt... 2 hours a night is what I can do and basically cleaning, sanding, grinding the underside and inside for the herculiner/bedliner and then the ouside sanding and getting it to primer really takes its time.

I can't agree more with PATIENCE. I am extremely impatient and I have learned quite a bit in doing each and every Jeep... the more time you spend now the more you will enjoy it later and not kick yourself for not doing something this way or that.

I look at the first one I did and I say, one day I will rip it all down and fix the things I should have... do this, do that... I know that day probably won't come, but it is a nice thought.

I am really going all over and all out on this latest one. It really is looking good, I just need another 100 hours or so...

Oh yeah, make sure you tape everything off... it takes a long time, but it well worth it. Here is some inspiriation!

http://www.certifiablejeep.com/images/freejeep/page62/large/100_1268.jpg

cb

[hold24]

I'm bagging and labeling every bolt. I've broke 2 bolts so far and hope that's it. Your right about finishing one task at a time . It makes you feel like your moving forward and gives you a bit of stamina for the next step. Plans are to get the body soda blasted and the frame sand blasted. Por 15 the frame with a chassis coat black on top . I'm definately going back with the factory color Loden green metallic with new renegade graphics from phoneix. I have perfect Levi interior to go back in. I also have the 30 year old original levi carpet kit in excellent condition to go back in after a steam clean. I'm kind of an all original guy. I have a nos parts fetish that's emptying my wallet. I will install a three inch blackdiamond kit with rough country ..bolt on shackle reversal. 32inch bfg muds with old style factory polished slotted wheels. The 304 will be gone through it only has 66k on it but it's been sitting for years. I want to add edelbrock intake and carb with polished in frame headers. That's about as far as I want to stray from the factory equipment. Reading all these rebuilds I'm thinking I paid to much for my jeep to start with. I know Jeep cj's like the back of my hand and have a good idea what their worth ,but I wanted this one. I liked buying it from the original owner and the jeep has not been modified at all. Plus all the documents that came with it got me excited.

[hold24]

Here are my rust issues. I think I'm leaning towards patching these areas instead of total panel replacement. What do you guys think? The only thing that concerns me is the patch after it's finished. I do not want to be able to tell there was patches installed on either sides. I bought some repacement pieces from classic industries. I heard they make good quality panels. The only panels they did not make are the corners. I'm picking those up from certifiablejeep. He has two new rugged ridge panels. One more question do you guys think I can weld those small holes in the passenger side below the doors.

[certifiablejeep]

OK, now I see some of your frustration.
So, what is the plan? New tub, or do you want to fix this one?
If you want to fix this one, get it blasted to see what damage is really there... by blasting it all over, it will blow out any weak areas... then you can see if you want to continue with all new metal on this one, or go Wrangler tub... either way, you have some work to do... good luck!

cb

[hold24]

I would like to fix this tub....it's the original tub and would hate to put a yj tub on for conversion. I'm totally against body filler.... New metal it is! I did not see all the issues when I bought it. As I started to tear it down the rust jumped out at me.

[certifiablejeep]

Rust seems to always be there, you just keep digging until you don't find anymore... It looks like you need rockers and rear corners so far, plus the wheel houses... that is a bunch of work but it would be very rewarding.

Also, can't see it too well, but the area down behind the seats, in the lower pillar areas would be another area to look at. Also, when you flip it over, make sure all the braces are in good shape.

cb

[hold24]

The front floor boards are next to perfect the drivers rocker is clear there is a place below heaterbox looks like fire wall spot. My question is should I patch panel or replace complete parts

[neals80]

I would video everything and mark all the jars & boxes