CJ-Metro Project

[gmshades]

Hey guys,

Thought I would start a thread on my project I'm working on. Here are the spec's.

1979 CJ-7
1984 CJ-7 Frame
AMC 360 Motor
TH400 AT
Quadra-Trac T-case
D35 Front, AMC 20 Rear 3.73 Gears

Before I get any haters on this, I want you to know I am a die-hard 4x4 enthusiast. I have wheeled with many different types off vehicles out there. The Jeep is the most common. I figure there is a reason to this. What makes a good 4x4? The guts. That is what I kept from the CJ-7. But, since so many people have Jeeps, I want to be different.
When I did my homework, I found the Metro and CJ-7 have the same wheelbase, and thought how funny it would be to make one of the smallest cars out there a capable off-roading 4x4.

The first pictures I have taken is after I welded the frame back together and put the wheels back under it. Some of you may have already seen these.



Don't even ask how long it'll take. Good news, my work schedule is 4 on, 4 off. Bad news, I'm low on cash and Winter is coming.

I'll try to keep updating as I go.

[gmshades]

Finally got the motor is proper position. Had to move it forward 12" to clear the Metro firewall. My friend ran out of gas while welding the motor mounts, so they are not braced yet.
The T-case skid had holes narrow enough so I could drill solidly into the frame to secure it. The driveshafts are now 26" and 29" at rest, making a better angle to the rear. I will make homemade shafts after I flex it out and get the proper size.
I also did much more work to the body. I pulled all the wires unneeded to run things like headlights, etc. Also have the whole front end and rear suspension cutout. I'm hoping to test fit it this weekend.

[Rookie130]

Just because you can, does that mean you should?

[DeltaSigCJ5]

Have fun man...Its your time and money! Keeps the pics comin'... Im sure its gonna look interesting.

Hales

[GP_Pete]

(**crying**)

[Bard]

If we all pitch in a few bucks, we can get you a Jeep tub....

So you plan to put a rollcage inside of the car and do lamborghini doors which open like wings?

Progress looks good with the set up. Keep em' coming.

[jeepwhore]

Keep an eye on those welds on the rear frame. If you beat on it hard there's a good chance you'll see some cracking there. Interesting build though, definitely get alot of double takes with that thing on the trail.

[gmshades]

End of this 4-day, what I got done was:

Installed manifolds
Completed mating the trans to motor. (Flywheel)
Test fit #1, found out where I needed to cut firewall.
Cut firewall
Test fit #2, should fit but ran outta time before had to go to work today.

I did buy hockey pucks at play it again sports, guy there said he sells more pucks to 4x4 guys than hockey players, lol.

Hopefully this weekend coming up I can be more productive. Just found out today it as to be out of the garage by winter, so there goes any progress during that time. I'll just use it to save money for the parts I need.

Glenn

[bill in the hil]

Looking good. I just seen a metro done at the mudbogs last month. It had the top chopped off and custom rollbars and bumpers. Turned out pretty good. I know all about the haters. I do have a cj but I also hacked up my 66 bronco and frakenstined a VW beetle on it sitting on 35's. Still got it in the yard in "resto" mode. DARE TO BE DIFFRENT. I have done a nova, camaro, and this bug. I got two cj7's sitting here also. Got my eye on a amc gremlin sitting down the road...... I think it would look good up about 6" with some swampers. Keep us posted. Always love to see stuff out of the norm.

[jeepmor]

If you cross a jeep and a metro, you might be a......

[gmshades]

The Body and Frame united for the first time.



The body WILL be lowered a bit. I ran out of time as I got the 4x4's out from under the body. Depending on how much bodylift I install, the front will go down 4-7" and the rear 1-4."

For some reason, it looks so much taller than my wife's TJ with 4" lift and 33's. And it still has stock tires .

Glenn

[gmshades]

Originally Posted by jeepmor

If you cross a jeep and a metro, you might be a......

Northern REDNECK? You'd be right. I live in a trailer, I use cinder blocks and 4x4's as a car hoist, and duct tape is best for anything. Did I mention the only sports are Nascar and Monster Jam?

Glenn

[JoonHoss]

I am 100% for whatever you want to do, BUT, I also recall seeing a dodge neon on a 4x4 frame with 38's on craiglists here in WA for months, and months, and months (and months).

I'm not telling you what to do, I just hope you :

a. plan to keep it for a long time; or
b. give it a proper burial when done.

I DO think it's a bit ironic that you are starting with a Metro tub that has more rust in it than most jeep tubs.

either way, Have fun!

Hoss

[jeepmor]

I use cinder blocks and 4x4's as a car hoist, and duct tape is best for anything.

No worries, I had the cinderblock and 2x6 TV stand well into my 30's because I spent my money on important stuff like my vehicles. I had friends give me grief about, use that line on me and what not. The same friend who started a deck 3 years ago and has done exactly nothing with it since that time. The cinder blocks from that deck are good and settled now, time to finish it up, y'know the drill.

BTW - have you tried Gorilla tape brand duct tape, it's duct tape on steroids.

Whatever puts lead in your pencil, have fun with it and keep us posted. It's pretty obvious you're not a NYC liberal, thank goodness for that.

[gmshades]

10-1-07 Update.

Got the body on the frame. I even have 2 bolts between the 2 right now! I just have to cut and reweld the rear body mounts underneath a hole in the body, and add 2 more bolts. I'm slowly getting more done before winter.






I love the look cause it looks like I just added a normal body lift to it, and its not a fot plus like other people do.

Next break, welding on Saturday, and Off-Roading with the TJ on Sunday!

Glenn