85 cj-7

[jmking9]

I dont see too many Jeep projects going in here, so I thought I would post some pictures of mine. Its an 85 cj7. It originally had a 4.2L I6 with a T-4 and a Dana 300 Transfer case. The PO swapped out the 4.2 and put a SBC in it using Novak adapters and mounts. They actually did a very good job on the conversion. The first thing I did after driving it for a couple days was put in a T-176 4 speed that I had bought for a previous CJ. I had to have new drive shafts due to the difference in length from the t4 to the t176. After pricing some Tom Woods units, I got some shafts out of a Cherokee that have the double cardan joint from the factory and had them cut and lengthened. Made a huge difference. I had a noticeable vibration due to angle at the trans case. (Spring over lift) After that, I did nothing but drive the crap out of it all summer. Anyway here are the pics from when I brought it home.

[jmking9]

And a couple with the top and doors

[jmking9]

This is the cleanest CJ I've seen in this area. There were two rusty spots on the rocker that were about the size of a half dollar. I cut those out and patched them up. In late November I started tearing it down for a paint job and general refurbishment. This thing is so clean and solid underneath, I decided to just do a basic frame on paint job. I still plan on using it and driving it regularly, so a total frame off would have been a waste off time/money. It will be solid white when finished. More pics.

[Willowrun]

I'll follow along as I have an 86 CJ7 in about the same state as yours (too many projects....). How was the windshield frame? Are you going to single stage paint it? CJ's are great to paint as the factory waves on the tubs are a badge of honor.

[jmking9]

A few more random pictures from paint.

[jmking9]

...

[jmking9]

Originally Posted by Willowrun

I'll follow along as I have an 86 CJ7 in about the same state as yours (too many projects....). How was the windshield frame? Are you going to single stage paint it? CJ's are great to paint as the factory waves on the tubs are a badge of honor.

Thanks. Yeah I'm using PPG single stage white. The windshield frame was in great condition. I only had to cut out, and patch about a 2" section of the pinch weld where the glass sits. And yes, these things don't have a truely flat panel anywhere. They were wavy, and you can see every spot weld on the entire jeep. I blocked about 90% of the imperfections out, but it still wont be perfect. But hey, its a Jeep!

I plan on shooting the rest of the white this weekend. I'll post up some pictures if I get it done.

[Willowrun]

Looks great so far man. What did you do with the dash/gages? I'd like to do a color change on mine (it's red currently just like almost every other CJ) but I don't want to mess with pulling all of the gages.