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 »

Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:06 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 »

After a full can of PB Blaster, an overnight soak, all of the bolts on the front clip came out without an issue.

ImageIMG_0906 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr


And the powder coated wheels with the new BFGs are here!
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:12 pm, edited 3 times 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 one left me scratching my head ... did Jeep not even prime the bottom of some pieces?

Top side was still good paint; back side cleaned up easily in blast cabinet. Just odd to not even bother with a primer coat. Cost savings on all our FSJs or factory oversight on this one?

ImageIMG_0903 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:14 pm, edited 2 times 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"
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Tatsadasayago
Posts: 3684
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:22 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

Odd. All of my FSJs had at least a cursory coat of primer on the bottom side.
I suppose someone in the paint shop was in a hurry on yours.
Another place you see bare metal is inside the body panels around the shoulder and above.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation
User avatar

Tatsadasayago
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Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

BTW: We should compare VIN sequence numbers. I wager ours were built together that year.

Mine is J7A17MP128924
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation

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

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The rust came off easily with a light blast, but I saw no signs of primer. I did measure the location of the rubber bumpers for later re-install.

ImageIMG_1316 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:14 pm, edited 2 times 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 »

With the front clip off, drivetrain removal gets easy. Just had to push Jeep outside to get clearance. Since working alone, used the yellow strap to control the pitch of the transmission.

ImageIMG_1289 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:15 pm, edited 2 times 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 »

Tatsadasayago wrote:BTW: We should compare VIN sequence numbers. I wager ours were built together that year.

Mine is J7A17MP128924

This one was built June 1977, so I would say late for 77. But your VIN is higher than mine ... 120035
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 the door jamb sticker ... looks like Jun 1977 to me. I'll check the build sheet.
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:16 pm, edited 2 times 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"
User avatar

Tatsadasayago
Posts: 3684
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:22 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

Mine was built in July. That fits with the sequence numbers since 77 was the highest production year of all if memory serves. (Something like 18k total)
If I recall correctly the production lines would run a batch of J-trucks, then 4 door wagons then 2dr models. Dad told me that most of the Chiefs that were ordered in the 77 model year arrived in late summer through winter because they were last in line for production.

Still it's kinda cool that our jeeps were born around the same time.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation

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

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The well named coffin tank is out. Clean tank ... inside nice and shiny. I've set it aside for later sale. If anyone is interested, please PM.

ImageIMG_0955 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:17 pm, edited 2 times 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 tore out the front suspension and steering and started to clean up the frame.

ImageIMG_1347 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

This number is stamped on the frame. Anyone know what it represents? Jeep was built in June 1977, so maybe just a date stamp for the frame?

ImageIMG_1348 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:25 pm, edited 3 times 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 »

With both the front and rear suspension out, I decided to make a first pass at cleaning up the axles. The plan is to go through both of them completely, and figured might as well start with cleaning up the outside for later paint.

ImageIMG_1377 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Working alone, these axles can get a bit heavy to lug around.
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:27 pm, edited 2 times 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"
User avatar

Tatsadasayago
Posts: 3684
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:22 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

1977ChiefLS3 wrote:I tore out the front suspension and steering and started to clean up the frame.

Image

Anyone know if Jeep in 1977 was using mechanized / robotic welding or still done by hand?

The welds on the frame are say rough, and weld splatter everywhere. I'm grinding smooth as a I go, don't know why, just seems that if going through the trouble of prime and paint might as well knock off the pimples.

This number is stamped on the frame. Anyone know what it represents? Jeep was built in June 1977, so maybe just a date stamp for the frame?

Image
That appears to be a date code. 6th June 1977 day shift.

The last 6 of the VIN should be under the drivers seat on the frame rail.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation
User avatar

Tatsadasayago
Posts: 3684
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:22 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

And no, AMC/Jeep never did go automated on the FSJ production. All humans did the welding and it shows.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation

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

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

I've left the body and frame alone for a while, focused on the axles.

Drained the fluids, disassembled the brakes, knuckles and backing plates, and then pulled the axles and removed the carrier. Spent some time removing all the grease, residue and preparing for paint.

The upgrades include Detroit TrueTracs by Eaton for the front and back axles and Yukon 4.10 gear sets.

ImageIMG_1443 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

New Timken bearings throughout.

ImageIMG_1452 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Preparing final assembly of the knuckle and hubs:

ImageIMG_1459 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1455 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:29 pm, edited 2 times 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'm detailing parts as I go along. For the silver color, I'm using POR 15 Detail Paint - Stainless Steel.

ImageIMG_1456 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:30 pm, edited 3 times 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 »

For the axle, chassis and other parts in black, I'm using Eastwood's Extreme Chassis Primer and Black Paint in Satin
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Jan 14, 2018 12:37 pm, edited 2 times 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 »

For the rear axle, installed a disc brake conversion from BJ's Offroad. Some trial and error to get right and to end up with the parking brake set-up facing the rear and to the top side.

ImageIMG_1447 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1446 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

Kit comes with assortment of spacers, and you just have to work the various adjustments (bolt holes and spacers). This looks right, but won't know for sure until mounted and cabled up.

Set the axles aside and will come back to finish up detailing during frame build-up.

ImageIMG_1448 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:32 pm, edited 2 times 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 »

Next worked on lifting body off frame. Based on warnings on this forum, I used PB Blaster on the body mount bolts several times a day in advance. The PB either worked, luck or just fortunate California Jeep, as all of the bolts came out with an air wrench without spinning any nuts.

ImageIMG_1495 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:34 pm, edited 2 times 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"
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