wim's '84 blue hemi swap - now with sound!

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Since the broken and chipped pig nose grill is going, what alternative do you like best:

egg crate (Boobie)
13
33%
razor grille
26
67%
 
Total votes: 39

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wimsurf
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

jpswapmohn wrote:I'm curious how much modification is needed to use those headlights. Ebay says they are 4.3 inches deep. What did you use to keep ability to adjust their aim?
The original round headlight buckets are too shallow, and cannot be modified to fit those lights without losing structural integrity. I was afraid that this will result in lights that shudder.

I decided to use universal headlight mounting rings for a Harley.

Will make some pictures soon. I measured it all and will make some metal brackets so the rings will fit and center the lights in the surround


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1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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wimsurf
Posts: 191
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Location: Holland
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wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Milestones were achieved today!

Engine was started in the car using gas from the original gas tank and the Holley in tank pump!

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/_k_4pxh7NWA

Also fixed the gearbox cooler lines, and mounted the custom made driveshafts ( had to go from a np241c with slip yoke to a Dana 44 up front and to the amc 20 rear axle in the rear)

Image
Image
Image
I know I still need a nut on the leafspring bolt, but none of these bolts are torqued yet, the torqued bolts have all been marked.

Also mounted a new Redhat steering box.
Image
And needed some serious puller, luckily my friends across the street at Forza auto ( specializes in vintage Italian cars) let me use his puller (bolt pushes in a hydraulic plunger) which took care of this in minutes!

Lastly changed the gearbox oil and oil filter
Image
And I am glad I did, the 8hp70 is supposed to take 5 quarts of oil maximum, but I took out over 6 liters of clean new oil.
I guess they just stuffed it with liquid before shipping it to me.
Anyway, need to follow a warm up and refill procedure anyway as soon as I have an exhaust fitted ( oil needs to be going through the oil pump, cooler, and all gear solenoids at a certain temp to get the right level)


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1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535

Laredo Matt
Posts: 331
Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:32 pm
Location: Washington

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Laredo Matt »

Your build is looking great! Fired, driveshafts in...getting close

Did you go with a BJs when you got the radiator? I want to go with a PWM fan but have been having a hard time finding one that fits and is available. Was hoping maybe you went that route and have some suggestions.

cheers,
matt
wimsurf wrote: Fri Jun 10, 2022 10:02 am The wiring has started…
Not my strongest point and I want to use as little of the sticky mess that Jeep had as original wiring as possible, so this will not go fast.

Managed to hook up the ignition switch, the light and signal switches on the column, got the fusebox of the ez wiring kit in the right spot and pulled the headlight wiring to the front where I installed some fresh headlight relays
Image

Started grouping the right wires to go into the vehicle, go to the back, fuel tank, ignition etc

Image
Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but you can see the new steering column on its final place, real happy with that!
Image
And a front view of the bj’s aluminum radiator. It really is a direct drop in. Looks like real solid quality.

Hopefully my driveshafts will be ready soon, so I can hook those up, finish the cooling plumbing, and start her up for the first time!


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Matt
83 Cherokee Laredo WT
L8T 6.6L, 6L90
GEN III LS Swap (LM7 block)
4L60E

Milktruck
Posts: 89
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Location: North Carolina

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Milktruck »

Love this thread Wim!

You've done so much great work and at a really nice level. I just finished my LS swap and am doing shakeout miles before I dig in for final work to include AC and interior.

Here is a look at the front:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pP3RcVzTqzaXkHhC7


Seeing your progress is really encouraging.
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer backdating to 78/88 blend
5.3L LS/3" Lift/Bilstein Shocks/Boobie Grille
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wimsurf
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Laredo Matt wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:25 pm Your build is looking great! Fired, driveshafts in...getting close

Did you go with a BJs when you got the radiator? I want to go with a PWM fan but have been having a hard time finding one that fits and is available. Was hoping maybe you went that route and have some suggestions.

cheers,
matt
Hey Matt, I did, ordered the radiator including the shroud and fan from BJ's perfect fit, very thick, and includes an oil cooler.
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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Topic author
wimsurf
Posts: 191
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 1:22 pm
Location: Holland
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Milktruck wrote: Sun Jul 31, 2022 2:05 pm Love this thread Wim!

You've done so much great work and at a really nice level. I just finished my LS swap and am doing shakeout miles before I dig in for final work to include AC and interior.

Here is a look at the front:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pP3RcVzTqzaXkHhC7
Seeing your progress is really encouraging.
Awesome build, and the same grille as I will be using! love that grille together with the newer style bumper.
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535

80Limited
Posts: 224
Joined: Tue Dec 12, 2017 7:32 pm
Location: St. Paul, Mn

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by 80Limited »

Milktruck wrote: Sun Jul 31, 2022 2:05 pm Love this thread Wim!

You've done so much great work and at a really nice level. I just finished my LS swap and am doing shakeout miles before I dig in for final work to include AC and interior.

Here is a look at the front:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pP3RcVzTqzaXkHhC7


Seeing your progress is really encouraging.
I haven’t finished my ac with my LS swap and am curious how you’re going to go about it.

Mopar_guy
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2022 9:13 am

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Mopar_guy »

Very nice build!! I'm going to do something similar to the Cherokee I bought but it'll be a 6.4/8 speed on a new chassis with 2wd. More like a pro touring type Jeep since we like doing road tours and driving a distance to different shows. Would the motor fit with the stock heater box still in there or does it have to go? Which Vintage Air unit did you use?
83 Cherokee Laredo
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The PIG Smith
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by The PIG Smith »

I voted for the Boobie grill, but there were not of those made. Finding one today maybe a chore.
The razor grill should be easier to source and it will look equally handsome as well.
Bryan Smith
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 75th Anniversary Edition - 1941 Trim Package - Recon Green --Daily Driver
1986 Jeep J20
- Super clean rig from the AZ/CA state line -- Current Project
1982 Jeep J10
- Has become a Long Term Project.
1981 Jeep J20
- Commercial flat bed - Lost in a Divorce --gone
1987 Jeep J20 Pioneer
- Former Rick Bielec aka Ricbee plow rig. Major rust!! --gone

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wimsurf
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Mopar_guy wrote: Wed Aug 03, 2022 9:31 am Very nice build!! I'm going to do something similar to the Cherokee I bought but it'll be a 6.4/8 speed on a new chassis with 2wd. More like a pro touring type Jeep since we like doing road tours and driving a distance to different shows. Would the motor fit with the stock heater box still in there or does it have to go? Which Vintage Air unit did you use?
It can fit if you put a smaller heater core in there and notch a piece of the plastic housing.
I chose to go for a unit from restomodair. Vintage air did not respond to my questions regarding waiting time and my local supplier expected over 8 months waiting time. Restomodair was responsive, and has very nice stuff as well.
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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wimsurf
Posts: 191
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 1:22 pm
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

The PIG Smith wrote: Thu Aug 04, 2022 11:18 am I voted for the Boobie grill, but there were not of those made. Finding one today maybe a chore.
The razor grill should be easier to source and it will look equally handsome as well.
Boobie it is, I have them both, but I love the round signal lights in the grille more than the parking lights underneath the headlights.
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535

Laredo Matt
Posts: 331
Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:32 pm
Location: Washington

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Laredo Matt »

How goes the build @winsurf? Hopefully you're still chugging along and making progress.
Matt
83 Cherokee Laredo WT
L8T 6.6L, 6L90
GEN III LS Swap (LM7 block)
4L60E

Laredo Matt
Posts: 331
Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:32 pm
Location: Washington

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Laredo Matt »

Hi win, just checking in. Hope your project is still moving forward and look forward to seeing it finished soon :)
Matt
83 Cherokee Laredo WT
L8T 6.6L, 6L90
GEN III LS Swap (LM7 block)
4L60E
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wimsurf
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Hi all, still chugging along.
been busy with Work, a 3 week family holiday to California, and waiting for parts.

Since the engine works, time to be demanding:
- I did not like how tight the cooling hoses were with the block and the radiator points on the passenger side. It allowed for very little movement.

I brought my radiator to someone that can rig weld aluminium, and he will weld some AN 20 connectors straight to the driver side of the radiator.
Then I adjusted my waterneck: basically grinded off the top and welded an AN20 fitting to it.

The bottom water pump connection has a AN 20 connection from auto plumb on it.( it is a special rubber clamp connection that requires no welding)

When my hoses come in and the radiator has been changed I can finish the cooling system for good.

Image

Also installed the hydro boost, made the pressure hoses and finished the brake lines.

Today I repurposed the low range lever that is normally mounted on the floor under the seat.

Since my transfer case is further backward the location was off.
I mounted it about 5 inches forward, straightened the rod, and ordered some shifter rods to connect it next week.

I may need to adjust some angles on the shifter handle but that can be solved with heat.

I’ll make a lot of detailed pictures next week when it is in and working.

Also mounted a lot of detail items on the keep, strips, trim, tailgate alignment. Takes days to put on and hardly visible since it is so much!

One thing that is visible is the grille, polished the grille with wet sanding paper, up to 2000 grit, and polished it with a flannel disk and polishing compound.

Also painted the black area’s black again.

Will fit it this week and use it as a template to properly mount the round headlights.
Image


As said, will take some more pictures next week and update the thread with some more interesting stuff.
Started today with putting an old seat back in to determine where transmission lever needs to go

I’m almost ready to put the dash in for fitting of heater and airco.


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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wimsurf
Posts: 191
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 1:22 pm
Location: Holland
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Some more close up of the cooling setup:
I welded an AN20 fitting to the waterneck, and ordered 2 120 degree elbows.
This will direct the water line to the driver side.
Radiator is at the specialist to have the AN fittings welded to the radiator too.
See the top on the thermostat housing:

Image

And the bottom one: this one is attached to an adapter style fitting from auto plumb. Barely fits, Neede to do some massaging (grinding) on the alternator bracket to allow enough room to turn the fitting nut.
Image

Also finished the shifters!
A bit hard to see on this pic, but I repurposed the low range shifter:
I moved forward a couple of inches. To get it to fit, I straightened it. The stance now is:
- pointing straight up in 2wd,
- Pulling it up is 4 high,
- Pushing down is neutral, then 4 low.
It is nice and out of the way, just right if my leg, below my leg and never at risk of hitting it while driving or getting in.
Image

Auto trans shifter also placed where I want it, made a custom bracket for it, mounted it straight and level, and when in drive, I can rest my hand on it perfectly. Mounted it to the tunnel with some nutserts, and used urethane kit to keep the tunnel watertight while crimping them in.
Image
As you can see placed the dash back in ( hope for the final time) so I can start fitting the wiring properly and start test fitting the hvac unit



As you can see I cleaned up the engine bay quite a bit. Brake lines, power steering lines etc are finally in place. Wiring is all still exposed.

I will wrap all the wiring only when everything is installed and all functions confirmed working.
Image

Next couple of weeks I will be travelling for work so progress will be slow. Hope that the radiator will be done next week.


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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Topic author
wimsurf
Posts: 191
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 1:22 pm
Location: Holland
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Fiddling with instrument cluster!
I cut the original backside out of the instrument cluster. To make room for an alternative setup:

As you may have seen a couple of posts back i photoshopped a 5 dial setup before I ordered it at Dakota digital.
Well it has been in for a while and I am finally getting to it

I drew a center line where the steering column will be, so my gauges will be centered in the view. This was my most important requirement.
Then cut 2 4” holes for the 2 main dials.
Image

It is a 5 dial setup ( fuel, temp and oil pressure) but that will not fit nicely without looking very busy. So I decided for this mockup that the fuel gauge will be the only one joining this cluster. The other two will either be in a separate panel where the radio used to be or deleted, I can show the readings in the display of the main dials if I want to.
Image

Next is epoxy, paint and cover the faceplate with veneer so it looks authentic again.


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
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Yeller
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Location: Rogers County Oklahoma

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by Yeller »

I’m very happy just having a light for oil and temp. I’m good with just having a warning that bad stuff is happening, especially with the ability to closely monitor if needed. I use an OBDII Wi-Fi dongle and a phone app if I really want to monitor something.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
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wimsurf
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Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Did some more, slow but steady:
I have been chasing electrical gremlins:
the Jeep ignition switch has power for starting as a circuit, and for running, but not at the same time.
even with a new ignition switch, there is a delay between deactivating the starter circuit power and activating the running circuit. this causes the car to shut off 9 out of 10 times you start.

I fixed it with a delay relay on the starter power circuit: it keeps power on that part of the ignition for a couple of seconds before the new circuit takes over.

Then I had to address the cooling

The engine is in, and it runs, but I did not like the cooling (I had a crossflow radiator with both connections passenger side) the hoses are quite short, which is nice, but leave very little room for bends and fitment.
It definitely was not enough room for the AN20 connections I had planned. so I altered the radiator to have both connections ont he other side (had a good friend who can weld aluminum weld on 2 AN20 fittings straight to the radiator and adjust the tanks so the flow is correct)

The AN hoses look great and install looks very clean:
Image

So the engine runs off the proper ignition switch, and cooling works.
now onto the rest: rebuild the grille, fixed all the front end wiring and mounted the completely refurbished front bumper:
Image

blinkers work, parking lights work, headlights work and the fog lights in the center of the blinkers work. (more than I ever had)
it is all LED and the output is ridiculous.

in the coming weeks I will be working on wiring, which is not my forte so progress will be slow, but it will be precise and neat.
and I'll need to start rebuilding my seats into this:
Image
these are Australian spec seats which had highbacks. the seller of these seats gave me the dimensions so I can rebuild my backrest with seperate headrests to these specifications.

stay tuned, more soon.
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535
User avatar

Topic author
wimsurf
Posts: 191
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 1:22 pm
Location: Holland
Contact:

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by wimsurf »

Working on my wiring right now.
And since I am switching to LED all around, I have a challenge. LED only allows power to go one way, unlike Halogen bulbs.
And in europe, the side marker light on the front has to blink as well. the original wiring basically has a floating ground, where the front and side marker light are wired in series, so when you turn on the light, they just stay on, and when you put on the turn signal, they blink.

that will no longer work with LED. (I tried, and measured the power flow, it just stops at the first LED.)

I am in conversation with Josh from Josh's power relays (he supplies BJ's with power window and doorlock relays)
and because I am both curious and impationt, I drew a setup myself:

Image

The idea is that I have two 5 point relays per side,
when the lights are off, the power for the turn signals just flow through and basically cause the turn signal to go in a sequence of: on-off-on-off
when the lights are on, the power goes through both relays, and one relay interrupts the power of the parking light intermittently as soon as you turn on the turn signal, causing it to go in a sequence of: off-on-off-on

this is at least the theory, so I'll be getting 4 relays soon and create a test setup. if it works, yay! and then there is a solution for everyone who wants to go full LED upfront and retain OEM function.

IF anyone has a simpler solution in mind that will allow the same behavior, let me know!
1984 grand wagoneer
  • topaz gold | deep night blue,
  • AMC 360 v8 | 2019 5.7 hemi,
  • TF727 auto 3 speed | 8hp70 8 speed
  • nutmeg interior | sand or almond interior to be decided
it's a project now:
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 35#p197535

SJTD
Posts: 1924
Joined: Tue May 21, 2013 12:02 pm
Location: Lompoc, Sunland or somewhere between

Re: wim's '84 blue hemi swap

Post by SJTD »

Or dual filament bulbs?
Sic friatur crustulum

'84 GW with Nissan SD33T, early Chev NV4500, 300, narrowed Ford reverse 44, narrowed Ford 60, SOA/reversed shackle in fornt, lowered mount/flipped shackle in rear.
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