Jeep Enthusiast Forums banner

Paul's 1984 CJ-7 Build Thread

149K views 1K replies 69 participants last post by  Jim1611 
#1 ·
As summer gets close to ending, its time to begin thinking about the rebuild of my '84 CJ-7. Actually, I have been thinking about it for quite some time and now it is time to get on it. Keith460, Fatman, Coiz and 243's builds have inspired me to give it a go. :thumbsup: I probably look at these builds several times a month. My plans are simple... rebuild/refurbish/replace everything that is wrong with it. I'm not going for an OEM restoration but build something close to stock with modifications to suit me.

I have already done a lot over the past three years. I have a spare 258 at the machine shop now. I have a beautitful 79 or 80 frame and a YJ tub for my build. I have already rebuilt both axles (still need to re-gear the D30), TF999 and D300 as well as other major components.

I will begin on the frame this weekend. I need to weld a few nuts, move the rear body mount holes. Once I strip the old frame figure out position for the bolt-on shock mounts (I cut the older welded style off already). I also need to measure to drill new holes and weld nuts for the skid. The hole positions on this frame are much different than mine.

If I can find a reasonable price I will have it sand blasted and primed with epoxy primer. If not, I will do it myself. Although the thought of that mess in my driveway will put me in the dog house with the wife.

Well, there it is... the official start to my build thread. The wife does not want me to do it because she loves riding in the CJ. But I ain't getting any younger and now is the right time. I hate to put a timeline on it, but since I have already rebuilt and painted many of the major components I am hoping I can do it in a year. I know... wishful thinking....
 

Attachments

See less See more
1
#137 ·
First light top coat applied. I resisted the urge to cover the primer entirely with the first coat. Second coat tomorrow. It sprayed pretty good. I may cut it some with Xylol for the next coat. That's all for today. Gonna take the CJ out for a spin now....
 

Attachments

#144 ·
Thanks guys! I was really stressing out over getting this done but now I am comfortable using the hvlp gun. Two more coats and that will wrap this up. I will leave it on the stand for a week or two with a heater in the garage to let it cure fully. Then it goes back on it's side (wrapped up) until I am ready for it. Will probably wheel my engine block to the driveway next weekend for a good wash so I can start on it next. Then comes teardown of the CJ.
 
#151 ·
Ohhhh, is it your 360? :D

Wash, rinse, repeat. I think I washed it 4 times. Alternated between hot soapy water and hot diluted purple power. I forgot I picked up this engine cleaning wand at HF a few months ago but then remembered! For a couple bucks this thing is money! High pressure wash at your finger tips. The angled tip made it easy to clean hard to reach areas. I blew every thing dry with compressed air and is now drying some more in the sun.

Guy at the machine shop recommended wiping down the cylinders with marine fogging oil... which I did.
 

Attachments

#154 ·
What is that, welded?, to the center freeze plug?

Interesting build so far. I'm waiting for the tear down portion. I'm about as far as you on my build (and will soon start a thread) but I started with a new frame, used the internal paint, and then POR'd the outside. Now I'm waiting for a stone mason to get done so I can finish up my last "other" project which requires the use of my tear down space in the garage. Then it's time (about 2 weeks yet). I'm rarinnn' ta go!
 
#157 ·
You're correct, Dave.

Rich
 
#159 ·
The small medallion in the center of the freeze plug is made of a softer metal, like lead. It will melt if the engine overheats. Many engine rebuilders use these freeze plugs when they offer a warrantee. The warantee is void if you cook the engine, and this lets them know that you've overheated it.

Rich
 
#161 ·
I pulled out the oil pan that came with the engine I am rebuilding and not sure about this thing. It has no skid and no evidence that it ever had one. I placed it on the block and while most of the holes line up, all of them are not perfect. I guess I need to look for a new pan. I thought I read the OMIX and/or Crown pans had fitment issues. Anyone know?

If I can find an OEM pan that is not beat to crap I will go that route. I don't want to use the one on my running 258.... it had a hole in the side at some point that someone welded a patch over.
 
#163 ·
Kinda stalled for the moment. Had an issue fitting cam but turned out to be a small burr that was preventing it from sliding in. Machine shop took care of it with a bearing scraper. I sent my torque wrenchs out for calibration and glad I did because they both required adjustment. I should get them back on Tuesday. Spent the morning cleaning the crank, cam and pistons. Everything is ready to go.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top