|
|
Project Jeep CJ-7
|
|
A frame up Restoration
&
Buildup
of a Classic 1978 Jeep CJ-7
The budget Rebuild by Ralph Hassel
Contact me here:
 |
 |
| |
|
 This
ongoing project started in October of 2000. The idea behind this project
is to build a well equipped CJ-7 from the frame up, paying attention to every system
while being ever so mindful of the limited budget. Being on a limited
budget helps force one to think of creative ways to re-design things and be
resourceful. For my project most parts were acquired through some means of bartering or
bargaining which included several trips to swap meets. Keep in mind as you
read this project that this Jeep never started out as a whole Jeep. It
wasn't a "frame off" restoration. It started as parts from all over and
from many vehicles, some not even Jeep parts. The first part I bought was
a Jeep tub, followed by a CJ-7 frame.
From there I just kept finding and buying the parts I wanted to use. Many parts like the Centerforce II clutch and the T-18A rebuild kit
as well as seats, Bestop softtop, 3 core radiator, engine parts for the tune up,
drive shafts were
purchased new but items like the AMC 360, T-18 Transmission, Dana 44 axles were
all bought piece by piece as came across lucky finds at bargain prices.
Eventually this Jeep hit the trails and plays hard. The main part of
this project took about 2 1/2 years in my spare time. After I began, it
soon became evident of the scope of the project I was undertaking.
However I'm not one to cut corners and I like to plan things out down to the
details so attention is paid to everything as things progressed. To this
day its still a work in progress. With the help of a digital camera,
project details in most cases eventually followed behind work done especially
the custom projects. Updates to documenting the project are sometime a
bit behind the actual project's progress. This page is the main index of
each area of work as it is documented.
REMEMBER: I'm not an expert! I'm an average backyard
mechanic. These pages are not meant to replace the manufacturer's
instructions or be taken as a how-to, rather these pages are just my account
of the project for your amusement only (just like the rest of the website).
You might find a few tips in here and and maybe even a few blunders. If
you choose to engage in these activities or undertake any project, it is by
your own free will and at your own volition. I assume no liability for how any
particular individual chooses to use the information presented in the pages of
this project. With that out of the way ... Enjoy!
Ralph Hassel Offroaders.com
|
|
|
Dana 44
Axle Swap - Out Rigging the Frame
Suspension
System
Steering System
Custom CJ-7 Skid
Plates and Protection
Manual Transmission - T-18A - Cast Iron w/ 6.32:1
1st Gear
Transfer Case - Dana 20
Body Work
The Frame
Engine - AMC 360
Offroad Lights
CJ-7 Wiring
Diagrams
Storage, Storage Storage
Custom Bumpers
Cool
Modifications
Miscellaneous
|
| |
|
|
Home-built
Serious Skid-Plate protection for the Oil Pan for under 20 bucks!
