Hey all!
First off thanks for clicking and checking out the start to my journey here. The goal of this build thread is to document my journey and also get some input on ideas and some successes you guys have had with your builds. I'm also thinking about vlogging my build and posting it on YouTube so I'll let you know if I decide to do that.
So I recently picked up my dream/forever Jeep which is a 1978 Cherokee Chief! She's got the brilliant blue and fell in love with the color the second I saw her. She's got the 2-barrel 360 with the TH400 auto transmission (might swap for the T18 manual down the road but let me know your thoughts!) She's also got some cool options like cruise control which I plan on keeping. She has a secondary gas tank installed by the PO which isn't hooked up right now. Also has the rear automatic window control which I plan on cleaning and fixing up!
Here are a few of my plans and what I'm currently working through right now and could use your input!!
Wiring:
- Original just had the battery draining and ended up going gung-ho and started pulling the entire dash apart.
- Currently (slowly and steadily) labelling all wires and I'm going to get the wiring kit off of Z&M Jeeps soon
Dash:
- Dash pad is cracked so I'm going to pull both
- Might take the dash-pad to an upholstery shop to repair and delete the top vent
- Sand and clean up the metal dash and repaint (maybe with raptor-liner?)
- Thinking about going a different color with the dash. Maybe sand? Might look good with the brilliant blue.
Sound:
- I'm a huge music fiend and need a great sound system
- Plan on throwing in a DIN- style head unit
- Install an amplifier and sub but where should I put them?
- The vents in the doors, do most people put the front speakers there? Can I?
Gauge:
- I'm thinking about going digital with the gauge but not sure what requirements that would need?
- I've seen Dakota Digital make some cool gauge units but not sure of others?
- Do these digital gauges have the cruise control or seat belt alerts on them?
Other interior:
- I am going to remove the carpeting but not sure what to replace it with so I'm looking for some ideas on this?
- I plan on throwing in a solid amount of sound-deadening material in her
- Down the road I think I might add some wood paneling to the roof of the interior and the interior side panels but not yet
Engine:
- I'm thinking about swapping the 2-barrel out for a fuel injection system, what are the pros and cons? Which system do you recommend?
So I would love some of your ideas or input on what my plans are. I'll have to post some pics for you guys soon but I really appreciate you checking out the start to my build thread and would be super grateful for any input whatsoever.
See you soon!
-Johnny B