1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

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Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Howdy! Just wanted to drop a quick update that things are moving really slow but things are moving. The roof was painted last week and the body is ready to be painted however, the paint hasn't shown up yet. We have the black for the windows but the body needs to be painted first.

I've also had a set back with the A/C setup. The stock compressor is not compatible with Vintage Air. With the help of sonoraed (much appreciated), we've been working out details. I've called a number of places trying to find a compressor that mounts to the stock location but there's none. The issue with the stock compressor is that on the GenV motors, it's computer controlled, there's no clutch to activate. I called ICT Billet whose power steering pump kit I currently have and checked if they have a solution. They suggested I try their LS7 p/s kit with their GenV a/c kit. They sent me out the a/c kit and p/s brackets to check fitment. The head bolt pattern on the GenV might not match with the LS7 and the p/s bracket mount to the head. The other option is to go with a Kwik Performance kit that has both p/s and a/c. This is a new solution that wasn't available when I was searching for p/s. ICT has been great to work with and I'm hoping their kits will work.

Once the a/c and p/s is sorted, I'll work with sonoraed to finish up the details of the a/c system. Again, Ed, thanks for all the help!

With the Jeep in paint booth it's hard to keep moving forward right now but it gives me time to sort out other issues that might come up. I have found a floor shifter that will work with the 6L80 and I get to keep manual shifting. I've also got a cable t-case shifter on the way.

More to come.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

Great! I have been WAITING for an update...

I too have the Gen V compressor.. But am told it will work by two different places that deal with Gen V wiring?

Watch this video.. from the beginning.
This is the way mine is wired up... And the pressure switch will bump the idle when engaged.
I used SwapTime for my harness, not the video guy.
I have not attacked the AC yet, but expect it to work? Compressor does have clutch btw..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

Good luck!
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

CU4WHLN wrote: Tue Jul 21, 2020 9:34 pm Great! I have been WAITING for an update...

I too have the Gen V compressor.. But am told it will work by two different places that deal with Gen V wiring?

Watch this video.. from the beginning.
This is the way mine is wired up... And the pressure switch will bump the idle when engaged.
I used SwapTime for my harness, not the video guy.
I have not attacked the AC yet, but expect it to work? Compressor does have clutch btw..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

Good luck!
I just caught up on your thread over at the mothership. WOW!! Great work and moving quite fast. Glad to see that you got the engine running so easily. I cannot wait to get mine running but I'm a long ways off. Need to get the paint done...the wait is killing me!!!
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

irondawg wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2020 7:55 am
I cannot wait to get mine running but I'm a long ways off. Need to get the paint done...the wait is killing me!!!

I bet the wait is killing you !

Hell, it's killing me ! I can't wait to see your project in color ! :P

Moving fast? Eh, doesn't feel like it sometimes! Remember, I am ONLY doing the powertrain this year . . .

As for the AC...
I am in search of an AC block that will fit the stock compressor... If I find one I will let you know.
Getting a stock line and having a shop modify is a serious option.
Will advise as I find a solution.

Get that shop moving ! LOL :fsj:
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

CU4WHLN wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2020 11:45 am
irondawg wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2020 7:55 am
I cannot wait to get mine running but I'm a long ways off. Need to get the paint done...the wait is killing me!!!

I bet the wait is killing you !

Hell, it's killing me ! I can't wait to see your project in color ! :P

Moving fast? Eh, doesn't feel like it sometimes! Remember, I am ONLY doing the powertrain this year . . .

As for the AC...
I am in search of an AC block that will fit the stock compressor... If I find one I will let you know.
Getting a stock line and having a shop modify is a serious option.
Will advise as I find a solution.

Get that shop moving ! LOL :fsj:
With Ed pointing the way again, we found one!!!

Thanks to Ed again, he pointed me to Cold Hose. Here's the link. I called them up and talked with a tech for a bit and said this should fit. I've ordered one and it's on the way. I'll let you know if it works.

https://coldhose.com/catalog/product/vi ... tegory/39/
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Got a call from the shop to swing by...

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It'll be in my garage Friday. Then my work starts. Plan is to get most of the work under the hood, inner fenders, rad support, and some wiring done before we get the doors, outer fenders and grill/light support back on to minimize paint touch ups. Once that works done it'll go back to shop for black window surround paint and final body assembly like hood, doors, fenders, tailgate, and a possibly a couple other ideas we've been throwing around.

Long time coming and very happy with results... :-bd
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

That looks SO KILLER !!

Very nice build going on there !!

I love seeing a SJ body get that kind of love. :fsj:
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Got some work done. The engine wire harness is back in and engine put back together...to a point.

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Got the a/c compressor adapter installed. Don't have a picture of the nut I used. It was a tight fit but it worked. Cleaned the surfaces and lubed up the seals.

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Next up was the windshield wiper mechanism. I wanted to get that in before the a/c evaporator just in case any fitment issues. The gaskets were shot so I had to make some up. I used a sheet of neoprene rubber I had laying around.

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1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Installed. But looking at how much they stick up I'm going to paint them black to match the rest of the bits.

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The wiper motor needs a bit of cleanup and the rubber grommets replaced. I've got them on order so that will have to wait.

I finished up the remainder of wiring harness, engine bits, and brake lines.

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Since I had the parts laying around, I installed the tailgate pins.

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Next up was more adapters from ICT for vacuum pump block off, oil cooler and trans cooler line adapters.

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For the vacuum pump removal, I used a couple grub screws to block off the oil passages but was not convinced they would hold up.

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Replaced with this kit.

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The two center holes are the oil passages and where the grub screws installed. It leave a lot of area exposed.

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The ICT plate installed.

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Next is the oil line adapter that uses AN fittings.

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And the transmission adapter. Same setup.

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Next up is the fuel lines and wiring for the pump and sender.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

Progress! Nice work.

So that AC block adaptor worked out, correct? I need to order one... Part number please?

Was the attaching nut an issue? Will it clear the fitting when attached?

EDIT: There was a link to this part.. I missed it.

https://coldhose.com/catalog/product/vi ... tegory/39/
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

No issue with the fittings. I'll grab a pic later.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Yesterday I began working on the front drive shaft rebuild. I've had it torn down but not cleaned. I'll blast it and rebuild this weekend.

I also wanted to see how the inner fenders and rad support fit so got those mounted.

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Mounting the ECU and fuse box for the engine will be on drivers side. I'm going to lose a spot for the rad overflow or windshield washer bottle. I'll need to come up with something.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

irondawg wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:49 am No issue with the fittings. I'll grab a pic later.
I ordered that part.. Thanks!

As for a rad overflow.. i am using a "HotRod" style one. Tall and skinny - fits on rad support. No pics...

Progress looks great! Be careful with that paint ! LOL Stressful I bet.
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Been doing more investigation on the a/c and fan setup for the L83 swap. There's a connector for the a/c pressure switch that connects to a the high side of the stock a/c lines. The ECU uses pressure to determine the speed of the compressor.

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Since I don't and will not be using the stock lines and using a Vintage Air setup, another option had to be found. After a bit of research on the LT1 and other GenV swap forums, I found that you can get the pressure switch either as a weld in, crimp in, or bolt on options. Since I also need a drier, I opted for a drier that has the bolted on connector and the binary switch.

For CH4WHLN, here's the link:

https://www.bp-automotive.com/product/l ... ransducer/

Next thing on the list to resolve, engine wise, is an evap vacuum sensor. Since I don't have a evap system, I was wondering if I should just block off the vacuum line and connector open or if I could make or find a block off plate.

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I did a search and low and behold, my go to engine swap company ICT Billet happened to have a solution.

https://www.ictbillet.com/lsa-superchar ... gen-v.html

I've been working on the oil and trans cooler lines, and determining mounting locations for the ECU, ECU fuse box, my acc relay/fuse box, and a main relay/fuse box to replace the stock one. This new main box will bring the wiring into the 21st century. More to come on that.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

I also did a test fit of the radiator and while I was at it, put the good bump stops and springs in. I got the radiator from an Australian company as I wanted a dual fan setup...it gets hot in TX and if one fan breaks, you have a backup. These fans are not staying however. They are cheap 80 watt fans that only have around 450 CFM per fan. I'll be swapping them out for PWM controlled SPAL fans.

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I have sourced an upper radiator hose that fits but still need to find a lower hose.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

Pressure switch.. Interesting.

My understanding was the switch just bumped up the idle when it senses pressure? Going to have to ask Mitch about this.

Rad hoses:
I made a wire form that went from center to center of the openings..
Then went to NAPA and found hoses that had that shape somewhere in them.. and cut that part out to make it fit.
Worked out well.

Exciting to see it coming together !!
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

:arrow: :fsj:

Soo . . . It's been awhile.

How's the build progressing ? :?:

Inquiring minds want to know !! :-bd
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

Topic author
irondawg
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:13 pm
Location: Leander, TX

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by irondawg »

Hi y'all. With school under way and dealing with kids logging in and both myself and the wife working from home, things had to be sorted out. We had to upgrade our internet to a Gig which turned out to be lucky as we are one of the few neighborhoods with it. Plus setting up spaces for everyone was a bit of a challenge. I'm sure everyone is feeling the stress.

Anywhooo...work is continuing. I've picked out some wheels that I thought would look good with the blacked out look I'm going for. I got them on sale (ebay) for cost of steel wheels. They are 15x8. Had to pick up some slim lugs to fit. I may have to swap out the studs as they are just long enough to get 7/16 of threads. If so, I'll go with 1/2 lugs as it seems longer studs are easier to find.

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I was a bit concerned about the offset but things lined up nicely.

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View of the other side comparing the ball joints.

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Not sure which tires yet...no hurry there.

I've made some mounting brackets for the oil cooler and got that installed.

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Got the ECU and engine fuse box installed. At first I didn't have the hood hinges and messed up a little. Luckily I was using existing holes. The hinges are bigger than I remember so had to shuffle things around and they landed here using as many existing holes as I could.

The silver gizmoid low in the picture is a Derale inline oil thermostat.

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On the passenger inner fender, in order, is a fused power distributor, fuse box for most all electrics (I'll get into this later), aux fuse box that I build. I decided to use a terminal strip instead of connectors to cut down on the clutter, terminal strip for the positive aux wires, and a ground bus.

The main fuse box is rubber mounted and I did this for the ECU as well.

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Main fuse box with cover off.

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I found this fuse box online while helping a friend re-wire his Triumph TR6. He opted for a more conventional fuse box (didn't need all the features) but looking at the specs I thought this would be a very good update and keeps all functions in one location. It's got relays for headlights, horns, ignition, turn signals, hazards, and multiple other circuits. The turn and hazard flashers are also digital so installing LEDs is a breeze. It comes with a BIG colored wiring diagram as well as instructions.

Here's the link. https://classic-technologies.com/

Here's a shot with the power distribution. The main fuse box has 3 inputs, lights, accessories, and direct power.

The four connectors are plugs that can be removed. Each wire is screwed into the ports and everything is numbered and labeled. It's made of steel as well...no cheap plastic parts.

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I've also been working on the drivers side inner fender mud/dirt baffles. I used a aircraft grade engine baffle silicon sheets cut to size. The stuff is 1/8" thick but sturdy. 1/8" aluminum pop rivets hold it in place.

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For the lower baffle, I used some 3/16" rubber I had laying around that I used for flooring. I figured it takes most of the beating and is tough stuff.

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I'm still waiting on the Vintage Air kit but got message from Ed that's it's on the way. I've also got the power steering cooler on the way and should be buttoning up the oil and transmission lines, the passenger side baffle, and getting the steering box mounted. The PO had it removed and I had no bolts. I manage to find a source and have them on the way.
1978 Cherokee Chief WT in a thousand pieces
Previous Jeep: 2001 Grand Cherokee

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

Looks Great!

Nice update.
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins

CU4WHLN
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:18 am
Location: Michigan

Re: 1978 Chief WT - Code Name Gerald

Post by CU4WHLN »

OK - DANG !!!

:arrow: :shock:

It's been a MONTH since you gave us any updates??

I've been waiting... WHAT is happening with your project ??

:fsj:
It's not YOURS until you BLEED on it !

+ 01 XJ Cream Puff +16 JK Daily Driver + 85 CJ locked and loaded
+ 03 Rubi + 77 Chief 401 + 79 Chero - Madness: Sold

77 Gen V swap http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=188457
77 401 build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
79 "Madness" build: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthre ... ief+begins
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