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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....
 

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#1,027 ·
A flanging tool. That's what I used on the tunnel side of my one floor. If it's a cheap one from HF, don't use it on any new 18 ga. but the old body metal should be fine. They break pretty easy. And the puncher gets clogged easy and won't release from you metal without dissassembly. It's a handy tool if it's good quality.
 
#1,030 ·
Focus on the prize at the finish line, Paul! It looks real good!

Rich
 
#1,034 ·
This brings back nightmar.... er, I mean memories. Yeah that's it, sweet memories!:(
Looks good Paul. How is the fit of the "S" curve corner compared to the tub? It looks to match pretty well. I don't recall hearing of KeyParts. Is it a rebrand of MD Juan's stuff or a different stamping?
 
#1,037 ·
Nightmare is correct, but hopefully it will end later today! The fit is pretty much spot on. I only had to persuade one small section of the S curve to match up.

Looks good P! On the 86 when I put the family bar in I will need to patch the areas under the roll bar behind both front seats. I am paying gas, beer, and pizza for when you come to do them.
Nooooooooooooo. I actually found the front pan easier to deal with than the section under the roll bar.

I think KeyParts are one of those companies overseas that make crash panels for the Jeep CJ. Korea or Taiwan made pieces that are exact dimensions so they fit but on the down side they are a little thinner in gauge. Only 1mm thick and not 16 or 18 OEM gauge. :( Still, on the floor you will never notice and it looks good from here.

I can see it has the proper holes in the right location for E-brake cable, drain holes and even the holes for mounting the factory side steps if you have them. MD Juan Repli-tub parts and flooring would never have those holes.
I will have to measure a cut off piece. I held it next to an OEM piece and it looked pretty close. It also felt sturdy handling the pan.
 
#1,036 ·
I think KeyParts are one of those companies overseas that make crash panels for the Jeep CJ. Korea or Taiwan made pieces that are exact dimensions so they fit but on the down side they are a little thinner in gauge. Only 1mm thick and not 16 or 18 OEM gauge. :( Still, on the floor you will never notice and it looks good from here.

I can see it has the proper holes in the right location for E-brake cable, drain holes and even the holes for mounting the factory side steps if you have them. MD Juan Repli-tub parts and flooring would never have those holes.
 
#1,039 ·
Not sure where they are made but they claim they are 18 gauge. I like them compared to some out there. They fit 76-86 CJ 7's & 87-95 wranglers. If they fit CJ 7's why wouldn't they fit a 78 CJ5? I'm talking just the front.

Very nice work Paul!
 
#1,046 ·
gazzo said:
PFFFT. We can't get beer from a grocery store. Youse all are so lucky.
Gaz, We have Foodmart that sells booze. Bit pricey though.

CJ7 under construction - frame up restoration 4.6l stroker, AX15, YJ suspension
 
#1,047 ·
We can't buy beer or wine in any grocery store here in Pennsylvania either. Have to go to 'Beer Store' and PALCB controlled liquor store for wine and spirits. Pennsylvania is the largest buyer of liquor in the world by the way :). My wife is a manager for the PALCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board).
 
#1,049 ·
My wife is a manager for the PALCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board).
So the JEEPForum (CJ section) should probably get a pretty sweet group discount then right???? As a wholesale vendor of course.:cheers2:
 
#1,050 ·
Renegade82 said:
So the JEEPForum (CJ section) should probably get a pretty sweet group discount then right???? As a wholesale vendor of course.:cheers2:
Hah, she can't even get discounts herself! She/we pay the same price like everyone else.

Sent from my iPhone using JeepForum
 
#1,053 ·
You can buy beer/booze from pretty much anywhere here in Florida, from a guaranteed bona-fide Indian store, too. But Wal-Mart is the biggest Bubba store we have. You can get underwear, jeans, smokes, chew, bait, beer, wine, tires, batteries, tools, groceries, and drugs, all at once!
 
#1,054 ·
Skerr said:
You can buy beer/booze from pretty much anywhere here in Florida, from a guaranteed bona-fide Indian store, too. But Wal-Mart is the biggest Bubba store we have. You can get underwear, jeans, smokes, chew, bait, beer, wine, tires, batteries, tools, groceries, and drugs, all at once!
NV is the same. Except you can gamble and get a hooker too.
 
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