I've been gearing up to start my build/restoration of my 78 Chief. Since buying it a month and a half ago I've been reading on here and the "Mother ship" a lot and didn't want to intro myself and my build until I was ready to get started
I've been around jeeps for over 20 yrs, and somehow I even convinced my wife to trade her Mercedes she had when we met for a JK 4dr.
I wasn't really looking for a FSJ or any rig at all when I found this one on Pirate, and it had a look I liked, next thing I knew I was arranging shipping from California to Missouri... Shipping cost as much as the jeep did to buy.
Spec's are pretty simple, 78 Cherokee Chief WT, 360 TH400, Quadratrac with part time conversion, 87xxx orig miles, 4" of spring lift, not sure what brand yet. not sure of the gears yet (haven't checked), 33x12.5's. Just your standard specs.
Motor sounds good, it runs down the road well, except that the gauges don't work consistently, and I need to check the qtrac chain.... doesn't seem to be skipping but I feel like there is some slack there.
My goals are to build a reliable rig that when finished (I know this is a long term project) will be reliable, look good, be slightly wheelable (I have a TJ for serious wheeling) kinda an Expo type rig. I like the original look and styling so I will be doing this build as much as possible without detracting from that. I want a rig that I can drive anywhere, mildly wheel and then roll back home all in comfort.
Short range goals...
The Interior is Roached.... get it where it's comfortable, quiet "er", not trashed... so this means sound and temperature dampening, new carpet, seats, dash restoration/wiring, headliner, all water leaks stopped, rust in floorboards fixed (obviously probably first). I'll probably end up yanking the AC, dash and column to repaint them at this point and reseal the windshield at this point if I'm not ready for paint.
Tires, they are dryrotted; Roof rack resealed, engine wiring PO wiring fixes included running new wires when one didn't work.
Short/Mid range goal. full repaint and any rust repair (rear flares in a few spots
) It was repainted at some point, poorly in areas. I am going to go back factory paint colors, and probably oe paint scheme. I'll end up doing all of the disassembly work, possibly some prep, and then if the stars and pocketbook align I'll be able to get my father in law to get it in his auto-body shop for that part
otherwise I'll do the rust repair and then a buddy and I will shoot it.
Long range is pretty simple.... 5.3/4l60e/not sure on tcase swap or either 4bt or 4bdt1 swap. leaning towards the 5.3 right now. get the AC working, start daily driving it
as always, these plans are subject to change at any point and time
Discussion is always welcome, I've never documented a build like this before so this will be a new experience.
Now for some pic's!
Just some minor dents and dings... Rear flare rust on both sides
has anyone used the BJ fiberglass ones?
Good Dash Pad and awesome Shifter knob!
Does anyone know if there are any differences between California tuning and other states?
Weird Water rust path....
I started by yanking the seats and carpet out to see what I have to work with I'll get them posted hopefully tomorrow.
Brad