New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

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Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

With the bottom, interior and firewall painted, it was time to come off the rotisserie. I had to think the steps through as I do not have a lift or helping hands.

First step was to position the rotisserie with good access all around and four jack stands underneath:

ImageIMG_3972 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Next, lowered the body on to the jack stands and removed the rotisserie:

ImageIMG_3973 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Nice thing about this rotisserie is you can take the two ends and use the jack screw and hydraulic lift to get a lot of lift ... which I need to roll the frame back under:

ImageIMG_3978 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

To get the rear tires over the rotisserie lifts, I used a floor jack under the rear axle and pulled the rolling chassis back.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Just line up your body above the body mounts and lower in place. Worked much better than I thought it would; was forecasting a trip to the ER but hardly broke as sweat. As it now sits:

ImageIMG_3980 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_3981 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Do I wait for the expected ... 'why in the world did he not fix the rear fender flares before getting this far?'

Simple, I'm not doing the exterior paint. Real paint man will do that and his metal man will cut and repair the fender flares. I did spray PPG DT 90 on all of the wheel wells, but I only shot the 3M rubberized coating up to half way across (far from metal work). Once the fender flares are repaired, will spray the remaining 3M and the paint shop will paint the wheel wells. There's actually not much body work to do on what you see here. But I've still need to work all of the front end sheet metal, prime, block, and paint all of the non-exterior sides. Then assemble and deliver to paint shop.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Looks like a Dynamat bomb blew up inside the Chief. Using Dynamat Superlite on most of it as will add layer of Dynaliner on top. Will be curious to see what it sounds and feels like at highway speeds. The nooks and crannies for the inside of the exterior body panels are getting Dynamat Xtreme.

ImageIMG_4289 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_4288 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_4285 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_4278 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

What are pros and cons of sealing off the air vent at kick panels? This Chief will have A/C, so what's the benefit of the vent? I was thinking of making an access panel instead, but essentially sealing off the vents.

ImageIMG_4298 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

We have been busy at work this year, little time to work on the Chief. Just some weekends here and there and on days off. To make some time up, got some help via soda blasting removing the remaining paint on the body panels. After cleaning, wiped them down with Fast Etch pending a coat of DTM epoxy primer.

Image397 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_4335 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_4332 by [url=https://www.flickr.ImageIMG_4330 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickrcom/photos/156384986@N06/]Max Bouthillette[/url], on Flickr

ImageIMG_4331 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Nov 11, 2018 6:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Inside the tailgate and doors, used internal frame coating as it is meant to get into hard to reach spaces and seal off / coat any remaining areas that could rust. This is after removing most of the tape and paper; it shoots through a tube with a 180 deg. spray head so you actually want to seal off the area before applying.

Image054 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

I picked and chose smaller projects along the way as work schedule has been tight. The Cherokee badge on the tailgate was damaged. Used some clamps and a 2x4 to walk back to flat. It will need to go into the 'to be chrome pile'.

Image2160 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2161 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

For the fenders, I first shot DTM epoxy primer.


But there was some movement between the pieces that make up the panel, so I drilled holes and place some additional spot welds at the seams between the panels.

Image2761 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

After the spot welds, touched up the DTM, and then shot with 3M 8964 rubberized body schultz.

Image2278 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

After the second coat:

Image2907 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Close up view of the 3M stuff:

Image2909 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Mon Nov 12, 2018 3:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

This is after applying the PPG color base coat and clear:ImageImage

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Mon Nov 12, 2018 4:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

I had one more thing to do on the suspension; the steering stabilizer. I wanted to go with Bilstein for the stabilizer since I'm using Bilstein shocks, but no such thing for the FSJ. To keep the OEM location and looks for the suspension, just upgraded parts, I went with a Bilstein stabilizer for a mid 90's Dodge 2500. The compressed and extended lengths are about right and both ends are eyelets, just wrong size.

To adapt, I cut off the posts from the OEM mounts, keeping the mounting base, and drilled holes through the base for the right size posts:

Image2895 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

I used long bolts with smooth shanks and welded them in place:

Image2897 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2898 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2901 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The finish install of the stabilizer; also had to center the steering wheel and adjust so that full turn left and right on the steering box.

Image2902 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The roof braces are painted on both sides and re-installed. Started adding 1/2" Dynaliner across the roof.

Image2913 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2911 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

I stripped the dash down to metal and prepared for primer and paint.

Image2925 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2926 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Paint for the dash is what will also be used on the exterior flat black for the OEM Chief paint scheme; this is called PPG 'Hot Rod Black' which is an exterior quality flat black finish and is spot on to the original color code. Single activated stage paint; goes on very well.

Image2930 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2931 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Also painted the steering column with same PPG black:

Image2934 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The dash pad was in good condition other than some cleaning and color deterioration. Refinish the dash pad with SEM products first their soap applied with 3M grey scotch pad, then their vinyl cleaner and prep, then their paint for vinyl in Landau (flat) Black:

Image2968 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr


Image2969 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Image2966 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The windshield wiper motor and mechanism behind the dash are refurbished, tested and installed. I also installed the hydroboost unit and brake pedal assembly.

Image2943 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"
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