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Another Jeep CJ7 Build

72K views 162 replies 74 participants last post by  tiledawg92 
#1 ·
Hello everyone. I enjoy keeping up with all the different builds on the forum and thought others might enjoy mine. Nothing fancy or spectacular here. My goal is to restore my jeep to as close to factory original as possible. I am not a mechanic or a welder, but I am pretty handy. So here goes...

Searched Florida for about two months. I was looking for an original, unmolested CJ7 with a solid frame. I finnally gave up. They seem hard to find around here and were too expensive.

Got one on ebay for $2,000.00, but I had to drive to Louisiana to get it. Probably paid too much, but it was just what I was looking for.



Spent about a month taking it apart. I wish I had been a little better organized, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.





Engine only had 72,000 miles on it and ran great. No smoke or any other issues.



With the exception of the rear crossmember and the back four frame to body mounts, the frame was in great shape. 90% of the paint still and no rot.



Replaced the rear crossmember



And the back four frame to body mounts. That was a monumental task. I was very careful to put them back on in the same place. I used the ones from 4wd hardware. They seem alot stronger than the ones that were there originally.



Spent the next several weekends removing the paint with aircraft remover and sandpaper.

More posts to follow.
 
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#63 ·
Thanks guys.

Copper I have been debating whether to line the inside with Line-x. I liked the Herculiner for the bottom but I dont think I would like it for the interior.

I am not really sure what I want to do. Part of me agrees that it would be great protection but I am balancing that with my desire to keep it as original as possible. I need to decide pretty soon though. At most this jeep, as offensive as it may be to some, will only see some ocasional light trails and mud.

My goal this week is to install the wiring harness, wire the dash and install the pedals, including bleeding the brakes etc.
 
#64 ·
... I have been debating whether to line the inside with Line-x. I liked the Herculiner for the bottom but I dont think I would like it for the interior.

I am not really sure what I want to do. Part of me agrees that it would be great protection but I am balancing that with my desire to keep it as original as possible. I need to decide pretty soon though. At most this jeep, as offensive as it may be to some, will only see some ocasional light trails and mud.
I vote leave it painted, you've got enough protection with having the underside coated.
What a nice finish. You've set a high standard for restoration quality.

WOW!
 
#67 ·
Amazing job! Just more inspiration for me when I get time and money.

Originally Posted by andresesquire
At most this jeep, as offensive as it may be to some, will only see some ocasional light trails and mud.
I for one don't find it offensive. If I put as much time and work as you have I wouldn't take that jeep off the asphalt!
 
#68 ·
Wow! I've had to scroll back to that interior shot 4 times already. I can't stop looking at it. :cheers2: I'd hate to shoot any liner on it but it won't stay that nice for long once you start to climb in/out of it everyday. Maybe just shoot liner in the foot wells for the "high traffic" areas? Leave the tranny tunnel and area under the seats shiny. Great job!
 
#69 ·
Well since were talking about line X or whatever your brand might be.. How do you guys like it on the bottom of the tub? I think Fatman did his like that and now you andresesquire.. Just wondering how it will work when it gets dirty? Will it hold alot of dirt or will it come clean easy..


Other than that the jeep looks sweet.. Cant wait to the the rockers on it..
 
#70 ·
AAH....Besrk beat me to it!! I would say that great mind think alike, but based on what I have gathered on this site from pics, thread replys, and his reputation, my mind (and skills for that matter) aren't even close!! I like the "spray in" floor mat idea. Spray only the high traffic areas of the floors and definitely leave the rest of the floor looking like that. Use some of the natural body lines as a clean line and a divider and I think that would look really good. The paint is dark enough to contrast a little, but also accent the great paint job. It would be a shame to hide all that great body and paint work. WOW!! That looks great. Very envious!!
 
#75 ·
#79 ·
Thanks Fatman and all others for the input. I have decided, as it seems to be the consenses and I was kinda leaning that way anyway, not to line the entire interior.

I really like Besrk's suggestion. I could even have Linex match the color of the paint. On the other hand, maybe some rubber floor mats that collect the sand and whatnot. I will have to visualize it.

The color is sherwood green metalic. It was a factory color until 1983 I believe. The color with the metalics looks awesome when you see it in person. I had never seen this color on a vehicle other then in pictures myself before picking up my parts from the paint shop. My buddy spent about a week painting it. He is a truly talented painter

As far as how the the Herculiner will hold up/clean up, everything I read has been positive, but have no personal experience. Fatman probably has a better idea since his build has been complete for a couple of months.

Floridazed, I still do the same with others' jeeps and builds. Last thing I do before I go to bed is scan the forum.
 
#82 ·
Got new glass in my windshield and installed it. Installed the roll bar. I am about half way done with the wiring harness. What a pain! I should have the front clip installed after I Herculine the bottoms of the fenders. Hopefully I will be able to test drive it by Monday. I will post pics this weekend.
 
#83 ·
Very nice restauration! :thumbsup: I really like the color! :drool: The interior, which color is that? Nutmeg? I would install a nice carpet, like original.

Are you planning to use the original decals? Renegade or Laredo (and which year)? Or leave it like a basic?

I drive an all orginal CJ7 from 1982, chestnutbrown with Nutmeg, factory paint, from first owner. And imported it from the states to Belgium!

Ps: Sorry about the English, I'm from Belgium :shhh:
 
#87 ·
Lookin' good, but hate to tell you that your tailgate hinges are on upside down![/QUOTE]

Ouch! I guess I do. I'll have to flip them over this weekend. I wasn't sure, but since you mentioned I went back and looked at some pictures and sure enough. It's too bad most aftermarket parts don't come with instructions.

Thanks
 
#102 ·
Lookin' good, but hate to tell you that your tailgate hinges are on upside down!
Ouch! I guess I do. I'll have to flip them over this weekend. I wasn't sure, but since you mentioned I went back and looked at some pictures and sure enough. It's too bad most aftermarket parts don't come with instructions.

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Well that's it. Not worth following along anymore since you can't put the parts on the right way.:p Ok just kidding. Looks (fill in the blank) OUTSTANDING!

I think I hate you too. I look at your work and start getting mad how I'm not moving forward at all on my projects. HATE YOU! Ok I'm ok now. Nice work man. Nice work.
 
#88 ·
Jeep looks great Andre! By the way, guess what came on the tube last night, yep, Clerk II. I about fell out of my recliner. That guy really does look like you. LOL! As soon as I saw him, I thought of you and your build. Funny huh? Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there. Great build, keep the pics coming, I live for this SH**.
 
#92 ·
Chugging along, I have been wanting to post more pics as I went, but since I only get to work on the project on Saturdays I don't always have time. Got rained out last weekend, but managed to get a few things done anyway.

Here are some pics. BTW I installed an old seat only so I could test drive and move it.















I am pretty pleased with the progress. Installing the wiring harness was pretty easy and I can't read wiring diagrams. I got rid of all the computer stuff and wires and fabricated my own engine harness with Jeephammer's diagrams. With two diagrams from John Strenk and a few from Jeephammer I got it to run first time. I don't see why the Painless harness costs so much.

Really there are five harnesses: the rear, which includes tail lights, gas sender etc.; the drivetrain, which includes the transfer case, trans. etc.; the front lighting harness; the dash and the engine harness.

Got the choke, manifold heater, oil pressure switch set up and working. Also got egr, cto, canister working.

Just thought I would mention all this stuff in case anyone is considering doing any of this, if I can do it, anyone can with a little help from the Jeepforum. So, to all those that have helped me along the way without even knowing, thanks! :2thumbsup:

Still got a lot of detail work to do and will be posting more pics as I progress.
 
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