Hey all.
I impulsively decided to buy a '78 Chekokee after seeing how much my JK build was going to cost, pulled the trigger on a '78 Cherkoee S Levi Edition, 360 Auto.
$_59.JPG
As far as I know, I'm the second owner. It was the seller's uncles, and had been sitting in a barn, with the last plate sticker being from '93. Not knowing much more than what i could find from a wee bit of searching, I looked over the truck, and found it to bein surprisingly good shape for South Western Ontario. A bunch of surface rust all over the belly pan and frame, but no visible cracks and no visible holes. Floor looked solid from what I could see. and minor rust around the fenders, rocker panels, and rear gate. Nothing too major. The owner didn't have the keys and wasn't sure if it will start, so i took a bit of a gamble there, but for the price, I was ok with it.
IMG_2788.jpg
IMG_2784.jpg
I got the rig home and started to give it a bit more of a look through. looks like mice made a nice home in the air breather, but the resident raccoon seemed to keep them out of the cab for the most part.
The crap stained interior was actually in pretty good shape, maybe even better than my '08! Tan Levi seats, with all the buttons present. A bit of carpet and some of the side panels is torn up from the bed area, and there's a whole in the headliner, but not bad considering. Pulled the spark plugs, sprayed some penetrating oil into the cylinders, and the next day was able to turn the crank with a ratchet. What a relief!
I removed the rear window lock cylinder, and brought it to a locksmith, to have some keys made. Then I was able to check through the electronics. Turned the key, and to my surprise, radio: working, headlights: working, tail lights: working, corners: working, wipers: working, rear window: working, starter: not so much.... but everthing else is good! Quick starter swap, and the engine now cranks.
My plan is a very budget Restomod. Fixing the rust, and getting it somewhat presentable. Making the Jeep a driver. Mild offroading, winter driver, and maybe somthing to use hunting. I'm thinking a 4" lift, and maybe 33s. Maybe swapping more later down the road.
I pulled the rear brakes, and ripped out all for the brake rusted through brake lines. Removed the rear axle, decided to drop the tank too. I am hitting as much of the belly and frame as i can reach with a wire wheel, and giving it a generous smothering with POR15. I have new brake lines ready to install as soon as the new proportioning valve comes in, and have ordered a new fuel sender, and pickup, an Edlebrock 600 cfm four barrel carb, and an electric fuel pump. I have new Doug Thorley headers on their way as well.
As it stands right now, I need to address how I'm going to get the fuel from the tank, thinking about using hose instead of hard lines, for simplicity. I to wire the fuel pump and the electric choke, and hope the tranny is good!
Basicaly just need to get the jeep to start, run, drive and stop.... almost there!
I would love to hear some input and advice from you guys. I'm pretty decent with cars and repairs, but have not been around old Cherokees before, don't know much about them specifically
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.