The build begins

a84jeepCJ7 · 02-22-2006, 05:06 AM

Well, last week I finally got back from Iraq. It was a long year, but the good part is that I was able to buy all the stuff for the build up (yeah, the wife was REALLY happy about that). While I was over there I had a friend drop in a built SBC and it runs awesome. Still taking it easy for another couple of hundred miles, but the thing is really strong. He mated that to a SM465 tranny. This thing is huge!

This past weekend I was able to start on the floor. I sanded the floor all the way down to the metal, then welded up all the cracks and little holes, then primered everything. I had to make a new tranny tunnel cover since the trans/tc moved over. This weekend I will start on the Durabak18.

I can tell this is going to take me a lot longer than I planned, but I'm going to take my time and do it right. I'll be taking some pics along the way and will post updates as they happen.

Ken

**BESRK** · 02-22-2006, 05:55 AM

Welcome back! Now... let's see some pics.

jadams68 · 02-22-2006, 07:52 AM

Thanks for serving!

plmoss21 · 02-22-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadams68

Thanks for serving!

Took the words out of my mouth

. Good luck on the build. Can't wait to see pics.

**Scrambler82** · 02-22-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadams68

Thanks for serving!

Ditto... just going takes a lot.

Good Luck with the build up, take your time and do it right the first time.

My project is about 3/4 done and it has taken me about two years, money and time alway going some where else.

Luck,

a84jeepCJ7 · 02-23-2006, 06:29 PM

well, today I dropped the old gas tank and sanded down/primered the skid plate/brackets. Tomorrow I will install the new tank. The old tank had a bit of rust in it, so I decided to go with the 21 gal. poly tank. So far, the install has gone pretty easy. Also, I plan on starting the Durabak tomorrow. While the Durabak dries (between coats) I will start the rear brake conversion. I bought the kit from TSM. I have a buddy that is going to come over Saturday and help me finish the brakes if I don't finish them tomorrow. I will keep you up updated on the progress.

Nashdaddy · 02-23-2006, 10:13 PM

Sounds cool. I'm sure I can't say enough for everyone on how much our troops are appreciated. Rock on with the Jeep and keep us posted. I'm in the same process with a new Vortec 5.3...I'll post more later

BigYellaJeep · 02-23-2006, 10:17 PM

Where are you stationed at currently? What unit? Branch?

Military brat here.

CJmadison · 02-23-2006, 10:27 PM

how much did your converison kit cost.....? I'm looking at doing the same with my jeep. I'm recently back from a year long deployment in the Gulf also, did my year on a Coast Guard Cutter. Glad you made it back alive.

a84jeepCJ7 · 02-24-2006, 07:04 AM

I'm currently at Camp LeJeune, NC (USMC). CJ..welcome home. I know how great it feels.

The total SBC install ran me close to 5K. You can cut some corners and do it cheaper. Also, if you do the work yourself you can save some, but there wasn't much labor included in mine (friend did it). If you need a breakdown on parts/cost let me know. Also, for mine, that 5K includes the new tranny (SM465). I have heard of people doing the swap for around 3k..and you can, if you have the engine to start with.

02-23-2006, 06:29 PM	#6
a84jeepCJ7 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 95 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	well, today I dropped the old gas tank and sanded down/primered the skid plate/brackets. Tomorrow I will install the new tank. The old tank had a bit of rust in it, so I decided to go with the 21 gal. poly tank. So far, the install has gone pretty easy. Also, I plan on starting the Durabak tomorrow. While the Durabak dries (between coats) I will start the rear brake conversion. I bought the kit from TSM. I have a buddy that is going to come over Saturday and help me finish the brakes if I don't finish them tomorrow. I will keep you up updated on the progress.

02-23-2006, 10:13 PM	#7
Nashdaddy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Sounds cool. I'm sure I can't say enough for everyone on how much our troops are appreciated. Rock on with the Jeep and keep us posted. I'm in the same process with a new Vortec 5.3...I'll post more later

02-24-2006, 07:04 AM	#10
a84jeepCJ7 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 95 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'm currently at Camp LeJeune, NC (USMC). CJ..welcome home. I know how great it feels. The total SBC install ran me close to 5K. You can cut some corners and do it cheaper. Also, if you do the work yourself you can save some, but there wasn't much labor included in mine (friend did it). If you need a breakdown on parts/cost let me know. Also, for mine, that 5K includes the new tranny (SM465). I have heard of people doing the swap for around 3k..and you can, if you have the engine to start with.