Moparts
MY JEEP BUILD THREAD
Posted By: DusterDave
MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/24/11 05:14 PM
I just purchased a 1989 Jeep Wrangler S. It was a NY vehicle, so its got rust issues, but nothing a mig welder and a plasma cutter can't handle. I'm going to do a body off restoration, give it a 5" lift, 35" tires, beefier axles, and replace the 2.5 lter 5 speed with a mild 318 and automatic. That's the basic plan at this point. Jeeps and 4x4's are totally new to me, so I've got lots to learn.
Posted By: scannman70
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/11 05:20 PM
Good luck, I am just finishing up my 94 Wrangler, I am from Pa. so the frame was a mess.
The rear frame sections like to rust out where the frame meets the bear brace.
Get your self a quadratrac catalog. They are a good source for jeep parts.
A guy I know here used a rodeo rear dana 44 axel with the factory disc brakes and a dana 44 from a 81 -93 full size wagoneer for the front.
Good luck keep us posted.
Posted By: Prince_Valiant
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/11 06:59 PM
Love my wrangler...even with the 2.5; nothing better than top off, doors off cruising on a hot summer day/night.
Like you, also looking at v8 swaps, but I'll probably go the well paved route of a mild SBC/ax-15 5 speed, stock axles, stock size tires. From what I understand, as long as tires are reasonably sized, the stock axles will probably live without too much trouble. There not too much hardcore off-roading where I am either...just the mild fire trail stuff.
But if I can get away with doing a small chrysler for not too much more, will certainly stick to the route too.
Please post pics as you go! Very curious to see how this turns out
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/11 09:03 PM
LA MoPar can be done as cheap as a Chevy, even cheaper, depending on what you want out of it. A rusted out Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 can also make a good, cheap donor.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/11 10:40 PM
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LA MoPar can be done as cheap as a Chevy, even cheaper, depending on what you want out of it. A rusted out Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 can also make a good, cheap donor.
Have no idea what you guys are talking about.....
2001....1-Owner....ME....just turned 35K on the clock 
Great to see you with a new project Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/25/11 04:17 AM
Hey Rick, what's up! Very nice Jeep you have there!
scanman70, I hear you on the rust issues. That's why I'm going to pull the body off and replace every badly rusted area with new metal, and POR-15 the less rusted areas. I'm even thinking of ways of applying POR-15 to the inside of the frame rails as well.
Here's a couple pics of my heap. She's beat and tired, but I'll bring her back better than ever!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/25/11 08:07 PM
Doesn't look all that bad Dave
I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
Rickster
Posted By: JohnRR
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/25/11 08:35 PM
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Doesn't look all that bad Dave I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
Rickster
and a big blower sticking out of the hood ....
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/25/11 11:45 PM
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Doesn't look all that bad Dave I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
Rickster
and a big blower sticking out of the hood ....
I think that's what Rick was talking about... 
At the moment, I'm envisioning painting it a copper color, with tan interior. But that could change. Whatever I end up with, its got to be a different color combo than what you normally see on Jeeps, yet still be tasteful.
Another goal is to make it the most rust free original body and frame YJ in Florida. I'm determined to eradicate the rust on it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/26/11 12:42 AM
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Doesn't look all that bad Dave I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
Rickster
and a big blower sticking out of the hood ....
I think that's what Rick was talking about...
At the moment, I'm envisioning painting it a copper color, with tan interior. But that could change. Whatever I end up with, its got to be a different color combo than what you normally see on Jeeps, yet still be tasteful.
Another goal is to make it the most rust free original body and frame YJ in Florida. I'm determined to eradicate the rust on it.
Copper would look awesome with a tan/creme interior 
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/26/11 01:41 AM
Another goal is to make it the most rust free original body and frame YJ in Florida. I'm determined to eradicate the rust on it.
Copper would look awesome with a tan/creme interior
Rickster
Glad you said YJ in Florida, mine (son's) is a CJ. We looked at probably 20 Jeeps through Fl/Ga/Al before we bought this one out of Anniston, Al. It is absolutely rust free, a little surface but nothing that will leave pitting. It is already a 360, was originally a 258 but it is a very clean looking swap done apparently many year ago. The only way you know it wasn't born there is the VIN. It is a T4 which I'm not thrilled with right now with an AMC 20 out back and a Dana 30 up front.
Anyway, have fun with your and let me what part of Florida you are in, we may be close.
![Attached picture 6795263-3ne3o83l65T15U55R4b7hfb37623ea0411570[1].jpg](https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/6795263-3ne3o83l65T15U55R4b7hfb37623ea0411570[1].jpg "6795263-3ne3o83l65T15U55R4b7hfb37623ea0411570[1].jpg")
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/28/11 04:37 AM
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Glad you said YJ in Florida, mine (son's) is a CJ. We looked at probably 20 Jeeps through Fl/Ga/Al before we bought this one out of Anniston, Al. It is absolutely rust free, a little surface but nothing that will leave pitting. It is already a 360, was originally a 258 but it is a very clean looking swap done apparently many year ago. The only way you know it wasn't born there is the VIN. It is a T4 which I'm not thrilled with right now with an AMC 20 out back and a Dana 30 up front.
Anyway, have fun with your and let me what part of Florida you are in, we may be close.
I'm in Tampa. Where are you?
I'm trying to decide which automatic trans to use when I swap in the 318. My Jeep has the NP231 transfer case, supposedly with a 21 spline input.
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/28/11 01:33 PM
Run a TF998/999. (904 series)
The inputs on the 231 are easy enough to swap, and 231s are very easy to find.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/28/11 11:33 PM
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Run a TF998/999. (904 series)
The inputs on the 231 are easy enough to swap, and 231s are very easy to find.
OK, but do they have to be from a 4x4 truck?
What about using a smallblock 727 from 4x4 Dodge? I thought it was a good idea to use one of those, since they are much shorter than a standard passenger car automatic.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 12:02 AM
with a 318 in that light of a vehicle I would go 904/999 all the way
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 01:04 AM
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with a 318 in that light of a vehicle I would go 904/999 all the way
I agree, but my only concern is the length of the transmission, and the ability to mate up to the NP231 t-case. I don't want the engine to have to be pushed to far forward in the engine compartment because of a long transmission. That's why I was thinking a 727 from a 4x4 dodge pickup would be the ticket. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong about it. This is my first 4x4 project, and I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. When I pull the tub off, I'll be able to start taking measurements.
Anyone know the overall length of a 904 or 999 case?
What vehicles did the 999 trans come in?
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 01:21 AM
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with a 318 in that light of a vehicle I would go 904/999 all the way
I agree, but my only concern is the length of the transmission, and the ability to mate up to the NP231 t-case. I don't want the engine to have to be pushed to far forward in the engine compartment because of a long transmission. That's why I was thinking a 727 from a 4x4 dodge pickup would be the ticket. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong about it. This is my first 4x4 project, and I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. When I pull the tub off, I'll be able to start taking measurements.
Anyone know the overall length of a 904 or 999 case?
What vehicles did the 999 trans come in?
just build it with a 4x4 output shaft and tail housing and it will be shorter than a 4x4 727.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 01:25 AM
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with a 318 in that light of a vehicle I would go 904/999 all the way
I agree, but my only concern is the length of the transmission, and the ability to mate up to the NP231 t-case. I don't want the engine to have to be pushed to far forward in the engine compartment because of a long transmission. That's why I was thinking a 727 from a 4x4 dodge pickup would be the ticket. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong about it. This is my first 4x4 project, and I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. When I pull the tub off, I'll be able to start taking measurements.
Anyone know the overall length of a 904 or 999 case?
What vehicles did the 999 trans come in?
just build it with a 4x4 output shaft and tail housing and it will be shorter than a 4x4 727.
Thanks. Do you know who sells those kinds of parts?
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 01:45 AM
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with a 318 in that light of a vehicle I would go 904/999 all the way
I agree, but my only concern is the length of the transmission, and the ability to mate up to the NP231 t-case. I don't want the engine to have to be pushed to far forward in the engine compartment because of a long transmission. That's why I was thinking a 727 from a 4x4 dodge pickup would be the ticket. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong about it. This is my first 4x4 project, and I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. When I pull the tub off, I'll be able to start taking measurements.
Anyone know the overall length of a 904 or 999 case?
What vehicles did the 999 trans come in?
just build it with a 4x4 output shaft and tail housing and it will be shorter than a 4x4 727.
Thanks. Do you know who sells those kinds of parts?
should be able to get them used from any of the Trans parts suppliers Dacco,Transtar,WIT,maybe even John at CRT.
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/11 09:07 PM
When I had the 999 built for my Scrambler, I used the internal parts and output shaft and tail housing from my Jeep 998, and the Case and front section from a small block 904 series trans. The resulting transmission was much shorter than a 4wd truck based 727. I then mounted my trans and transfer case in the stock location, with several inches of clearance between my fan and the radiator, which needed a longer, semi custom shroud to span the gap.
Your setup with a YJ will be similar, as the 904 based trans is the automatic used in them. You will need a radiator with different inlet and outlet; one for a SBC conversion works well.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/11 11:37 AM
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When I had the 999 built for my Scrambler, I used the internal parts and output shaft and tail housing from my Jeep 998, and the Case and front section from a small block 904 series trans. The resulting transmission was much shorter than a 4wd truck based 727. I then mounted my trans and transfer case in the stock location, with several inches of clearance between my fan and the radiator, which needed a longer, semi custom shroud to span the gap.
Your setup with a YJ will be similar, as the 904 based trans is the automatic used in them. You will need a radiator with different inlet and outlet; one for a SBC conversion works well.
That sounds like a plan. What transfer case did you use? I have the NP231.
Posted By: Bubba
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/11 03:29 PM
Good for you Dave... I had to give up all my Mopar dreams also... Now I play with this:
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/11 09:45 PM
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When I had the 999 built for my Scrambler, I used the internal parts and output shaft and tail housing from my Jeep 998, and the Case and front section from a small block 904 series trans. The resulting transmission was much shorter than a 4wd truck based 727. I then mounted my trans and transfer case in the stock location, with several inches of clearance between my fan and the radiator, which needed a longer, semi custom shroud to span the gap.
Your setup with a YJ will be similar, as the 904 based trans is the automatic used in them. You will need a radiator with different inlet and outlet; one for a SBC conversion works well.
That sounds like a plan. What transfer case did you use? I have the NP231.
Mine was the D300, but that has a passenger side front output. You have a driver's side drop on your YJ, but your 231 is a pretty good t-case, and can be beefed pretty easily. Just make sure the chain is in good shape, and I would upgrade to a HD slip yoke eliminator if you are planning on offroading it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/31/11 04:15 AM
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When I had the 999 built for my Scrambler, I used the internal parts and output shaft and tail housing from my Jeep 998, and the Case and front section from a small block 904 series trans. The resulting transmission was much shorter than a 4wd truck based 727. I then mounted my trans and transfer case in the stock location, with several inches of clearance between my fan and the radiator, which needed a longer, semi custom shroud to span the gap.
Your setup with a YJ will be similar, as the 904 based trans is the automatic used in them. You will need a radiator with different inlet and outlet; one for a SBC conversion works well.
That sounds like a plan. What transfer case did you use? I have the NP231.
Mine was the D300, but that has a passenger side front output. You have a driver's side drop on your YJ, but your 231 is a pretty good t-case, and can be beefed pretty easily. Just make sure the chain is in good shape, and I would upgrade to a HD slip yoke eliminator if you are planning on offroading it.
Thanks for the info, Cooter! I'm totally green to this 4x4 stuff, and I'm trying to get up to speed the best I can. Let me ask you this, can I use the guts and tail housing from a Jeep 999 trans and stuff it in a 904 case? *edit* I think you already answered that in one of your previous posts.
From what I've read, the Dana 300 is a stout piece!! Cast iron housing, gears instead of chain driven. Sounds like my kind of transfer case! But, like you mentioned, I can beef up my 231, and it will be fine for what I'll use it for.
Hey Bubba! Yeah, a couple years have past since selling my Duster, and I thought I was done wrenching on projects, but then this happened: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/01/11 12:19 AM
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When I had the 999 built for my Scrambler, I used the internal parts and output shaft and tail housing from my Jeep 998, and the Case and front section from a small block 904 series trans. The resulting transmission was much shorter than a 4wd truck based 727. I then mounted my trans and transfer case in the stock location, with several inches of clearance between my fan and the radiator, which needed a longer, semi custom shroud to span the gap.
Your setup with a YJ will be similar, as the 904 based trans is the automatic used in them. You will need a radiator with different inlet and outlet; one for a SBC conversion works well.
That sounds like a plan. What transfer case did you use? I have the NP231.
Mine was the D300, but that has a passenger side front output. You have a driver's side drop on your YJ, but your 231 is a pretty good t-case, and can be beefed pretty easily. Just make sure the chain is in good shape, and I would upgrade to a HD slip yoke eliminator if you are planning on offroading it.
Thanks for the info, Cooter! I'm totally green to this 4x4 stuff, and I'm trying to get up to speed the best I can. Let me ask you this, can I use the guts and tail housing from a Jeep 999 trans and stuff it in a 904 case? *edit* I think you already answered that in one of your previous posts.
From what I've read, the Dana 300 is a stout piece!! Cast iron housing, gears instead of chain driven. Sounds like my kind of transfer case! But, like you mentioned, I can beef up my 231, and it will be fine for what I'll use it for.
Hey Bubba! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
Yeah, a couple years have past since selling my Duster, and I thought I was done wrenching on projects, but then this happened:
I new it was only a matter of time before you got something new going...It's a curse
If you really needed something to keep you busy I could have just towed the Valiant up there for the body-work & paint 
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 02:58 AM
The Jeep is now in the teardown phase. Thanks to PB Blaster, I'm making some progress. That reminds me, I need to buy another can. Once I get the tub off, I'm going drop off the frame at a local shop and have it completely sandblasted. When it comes back, I'll then begin work on the areas of the frame that need metal replacement. As for the tub, other than the driver's side floor and the corners where the roll bar mounted to, it is in pretty solid condition.
I've located the basic parts for the new driveline. I found a 727 out of a '86 Ramcharger 4x4. I also found front and rear Dana 44 axles out of a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer.
Folks, it's gotta get ugly before it gets beautiful...
Posted By: 85_Ram_4speed
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 12:48 PM
I am not normally a Jeep guy, but something about you building a jeep makes me interested. I can't wait to see the results, and loved watching the build of the Duster over the years.
I don't know the reasons why you sold the Duster (doesn't really matter to me), But if it was to step away from the hobby a bit for a mental health check and/or family, I totally understand--been there done that. But you must feel good to have some tools in hand and building something again I would imagine.
Good luck and i'll be watching
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 02:02 PM
Some smooth polished stainless panels at the rockers and rear tub corners always looks sweet
Rickster
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 02:05 PM
If you are going with a passenger side drop and a 727, you are going to need quite a bit of lift to clear the trans pan. 904 doesn't have the bump out at the dipstick tube.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 07:13 PM
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If you are going with a passenger side drop and a 727, you are going to need quite a bit of lift to clear the trans pan. 904 doesn't have the bump out at the dipstick tube.
Thanks, Cooter. I appreciate the advice! I had a late-breaking change of plans, which is good, considering the advice you just gave! I found front/rear Dana 44 axles out of an '86 Grand Wagoneer, which has the driver side drop. I edited my last post to reflect this new info.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/11 07:21 PM
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I am not normally a Jeep guy, but something about you building a jeep makes me interested. I can't wait to see the results, and loved watching the build of the Duster over the years.
I don't know the reasons why you sold the Duster (doesn't really matter to me), But if it was to step away from the hobby a bit for a mental health check and/or family, I totally understand--been there done that. But you must feel good to have some tools in hand and building something again I would imagine.
Good luck and i'll be watching
Thanks! Should be interesting for me too, since this is my first 4x4 vehicle. Nothing like diving head first into the great unknown!!
Basically, I was burned out and lost interest in the Duster. I was also at the point where I didn't want to sink another nickel into it. I was totally done, and I had to walk away for a while. Yes, wrenching on a new project (one that won't cost me an arm and two legs to build) has put the spark back in me.
I'm going to make this Jeep very nice, I just hope I can restrain myself enough and not make it so nice that I won't want to drive it off-road, for fear of getting a scratch in the clearcoat. 
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/05/11 02:57 AM
The Waggy axles are a real good fit for a YJ! Be aware that some years run a AMC20 rear, and also a disconnect front D44. Neither are exactly deal killers, but price should reflect those issues, as they aren't as desirable. The front is a little weaker/problematic, and the rear is a little harder to get parts for and has less ground clearance.
This is shaping up to be a great project!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/06/11 01:55 AM
Cooter, thanks for your input! I need that kind of sage advice from the experienced wheelers! See the pic below, the rear axle I bought is indeed a Dana 44, and the front is not the CAD type. I did my homework, bro!
OK, here's what I dragged home today. I pulled a set of front and rear Dana 44 axles out of an '86 Grand Wagoneer that was on its way to meet its fate with a crusher. I thought it was a good deal at $250 for the pair. Externally, they appear to be in excellent condition, and complete.
I also pulled a TF727 out of an '85 Dodge Ramcharger that was rotting away in a salvage yard. As previously mentioned, I'm going to put a very mild 318 in my Jeep. The axles and trans will of course get completely rebuilt.
Posted By: Cooter
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/15/11 05:49 PM
Well done!
I figured you knew full well what a D44 looked like, but I wanted to put the info in this thread, as many people selling Jeep parts (and building Jeeps, for that matter) don't.
Don't even get me started on the people selling "Front and Rear D44s" from Ramchargers...
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/15/11 09:29 PM
Nice build you've got going there! I've got an 88 YJ with the 4.2 and 5sp, 32" tires and a 2.25" lift. I've done a decent amount of 4x4ing with it at some of the local gravel pits and it's done well. I plan to soon replace the engine and trans, the old 4.2 having tons of blowby and the peugot trans in it has worn out synchros. Been thinking of swapping in a late 80's or early 90's efi ford 5.0 and an ax-15. My first thought was to do a magnum injected 318, but the 5.0 is narrower, distributor in the front, lighter and can be found in an old boat grandpa car at the local u-pull junkyard.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 01:11 AM
Sorry for the delay, looks like you are moving along well. I'm up around Tallahassee, but get down to Tampa regularly. Here is a great engine/trans swap info site.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_433.htmThey don't seem to be into Mopars much. My concern with the 727 would be length/angle of the rear shaft.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 04:21 AM
I helped pull the 44's out of this, an '86 Grand Wagoneer. The old girl looked a bit tired and long in the tooth.
I picked up a low miles 318, along with an air gap intake, Crane roller rockers, MP cast finned valve covers, and a new in the box Melling HV oil pump, all for $200. My friend offered to give me this stuff for free, but I didn't feel right about that. The intake, valve covers and rockers are for late model magnum heads, so that's what I'll use. I've got a line on a new unused set of magnum heads, I'm just waiting for the seller to email me back with shipping cost.
Here is the 318 block taking a nice, long soak in degreaser. It was really, really grimy, inside and out.
This is going to be an ultra low buck build. There will be no machine work on the block. We're going to run a flex hone through the bores to restore the cross hatching, buy a set of KB hypereutectic pistons and moly rings, new bearings, new Comp 270 hydraulic cam, lifters, pushrods, polish the journals, have the rotating assembly balanced, and slap it together. I will spend the money on a new Holley 600 and MSD distributor, though.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 04:26 AM
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My concern with the 727 would be length/angle of the rear shaft.
Why is that? I'm going to keep the transfer case in the stock location. I am also considering using new leaf springs for a Wagoneer, which will stretch my wheelbase 2" per axle. This 727 is 26-1/2" long, so it may push the 318 forward a couple inches further than the current engine's location, but I think I'll be OK.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 05:46 PM
Just not a lot wheelbase to work with to start with, but moving the engine forward as long as it doesn't effect balance and clearance will keep the output in the stock local combined with moving the rear axle rearward will allow for more angle. Depending on the lift and of course your planning it ahead, it may not be a concern. I have a 4 inch lift with the outputs are in the stock location and it's not bad, but when I take the axles under the springs with a bigger pumpkin, I will have to pay attention to mine.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 07:44 PM
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Just not a lot wheelbase to work with to start with, but moving the engine forward as long as it doesn't effect balance and clearance will keep the output in the stock local combined with moving the rear axle rearward will allow for more angle. Depending on the lift and of course your planning it ahead, it may not be a concern. I have a 4 inch lift with the outputs are in the stock location and it's not bad, but when I take the axles under the springs with a bigger pumpkin, I will have to pay attention to mine.
I appreciate your advice. I'm seriously considering doing a SOA (spring over axle) plus the Wagoneer leaf springs.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 08:05 PM
I'm going Toyota axles for a number of reasons, if you aren't committed yet, it may be worth a look.
56 inch WMS to WMS
4.10, 4.33, 4.56 and even 88s from the factory
6 lug chevy (good for me-I have a set of MT with 37.5 swampers)
Extremely strong-axles as big as a 60
SOA from the factory so pinion is at a better pitch
Close knuckle birfield (?) joints
Crossover style steering
Good aftermarket support-although not needed
Availability of factory rear disc
Only problem I haven't answered yet is normal (by my standards) yokes.
Good luck, let me know if I can help.
Posted By: not_a_charger
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/16/11 10:50 PM
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Doesn't look all that bad Dave I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
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Some smooth polished stainless panels at the rockers and rear tub corners always looks sweet
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave, I have a 78 CJ-7 with Dana 44s out of a Scout, a TPI Chevy 350, SM465 trans, and Dana 300 t-case. If seeing anything on my rig might help you, let me know, and I'll try to take good pix for you. Good luck with your build. Jeeps are a blast, and no real parts scrounging required.
Are you going to install a good cage and tie it in?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 12:41 AM
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I'm going Toyota axles for a number of reasons, if you aren't committed yet, it may be worth a look.
56 inch WMS to WMS
4.10, 4.33, 4.56 and even 88s from the factory
6 lug chevy (good for me-I have a set of MT with 37.5 swampers)
Extremely strong-axles as big as a 60
SOA from the factory so pinion is at a better pitch
Close knuckle birfield (?) joints
Crossover style steering
Good aftermarket support-although not needed
Availability of factory rear disc
Only problem I haven't answered yet is normal (by my standards) yokes.
Good luck, let me know if I can help.
Wow, those Toyota axles sound great. As noted previously in this thread, I've already acquired front and rear Dana 44 axles.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 12:48 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Doesn't look all that bad Dave I can see it black with some nice shiny alum or chrome body accents
Quote:
Some smooth polished stainless panels at the rockers and rear tub corners always looks sweet
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave, I have a 78 CJ-7 with Dana 44s out of a Scout, a TPI Chevy 350, SM465 trans, and Dana 300 t-case. If seeing anything on my rig might help you, let me know, and I'll try to take good pix for you. Good luck with your build. Jeeps are a blast, and no real parts scrounging required.
Are you going to install a good cage and tie it in?
Yes, a rollcage is part of the plan. I'm going to have the same shop that built my Duster rollcage do one for my Jeep. I'm thinking of a bolt-in design that ties into the factory rear mounts, and ties into forward outriggers made of 2x3 tubing that are welded to the outsides of the frame rails beneath the dash.
Posted By: wldtm
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 02:04 AM
why not run a magnum with factory efi? I know a guy who does a harness for them relatively cheap
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 02:11 AM
Quote:
why not run a magnum with factory efi? I know a guy who does a harness for them relatively cheap
I like to keep things caveman simple.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 08:50 PM
Build this tie in with A body control arm bushings, tube and plate steel. I like the design because it isn't ridged and allows the body to be pulled later if nessary.
http://www.discountjeepparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/3017_44_3626/products_id/39844
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/17/11 11:42 PM
Quote:
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave you ARE planning to go offroading..... aren't you??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/18/11 01:45 AM
Quote:
Quote:
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave you ARE planning to go offroading..... aren't you??
Yes, but crossing river beds is out of the question!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/18/11 02:50 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave you ARE planning to go offroading..... aren't you??
Yes, but crossing river beds is out of the question!
It can still look good and I'm sure it will
Rickster
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/18/11 07:49 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
What are you trying to do, get him to build a mall crawler? And for the record, because I know you'll notice it, I HATE the chrome grille overlay on my CJ, but it was there when I bought it.
Dave you ARE planning to go offroading..... aren't you??
Yes, but crossing river beds is out of the question!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/25/11 11:05 PM
Passed a milestone in the project yesterday. We separated the tub from the frame. Got a guy coming next weekend to buy the engine, trans, axles, basically all the stuff I won't be reusing.
I've got a decent amount of rust repair on the frame and body. Once the frame is stripped bare, I'm going to send it off to a shop for sandblasting. When it comes back, I'll attack the problem areas.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/25/11 11:27 PM
Posted By: emarine01
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/26/11 01:00 AM
Quote:
I'm going Toyota axles for a number of reasons, if you aren't committed yet, it may be worth a look.
56 inch WMS to WMS
4.10, 4.33, 4.56 and even 88s from the factory
6 lug chevy (good for me-I have a set of MT with 37.5 swampers)
Extremely strong-axles as big as a 60
SOA from the factory so pinion is at a better pitch
Close knuckle birfield (?) joints
Crossover style steering
Good aftermarket support-although not needed
Availability of factory rear disc
Only problem I haven't answered yet is normal (by my standards) yokes.
Good luck, let me know if I can help.
The Toyota axles will stand up to just about any kind of abuse you can throw @ them
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/26/11 03:41 AM
56" is a little narrow for a YJ frame. It would be perfect in a CJ7 frame, but he won't get full turn in his Jeep.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/26/11 11:38 AM
Quote:
56" is a little narrow for a YJ frame. It would be perfect in a CJ7 frame, but he won't get full turn in his Jeep.
That's what I was thinking. Personally, I like the Waggy width better for the YJ's. I do wish my front Dana 44 was a high pinion model.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/30/11 02:14 PM
The brown Santa delivered diff covers for the Dana 44's yesterday. These things are burly! They are made of cast steel, and weigh 9.5 lbs. each. Nice powder coating on them, and the price was very reasonable compared to other heavy duty diff covers out there.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/30/11 06:05 PM
I knew it......gonna be another lugnut polisher project.........j/k
Those are sweet
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/30/11 07:55 PM
Quote:
I knew it......gonna be another lugnut polisher project.........j/k
Those are sweet
Rickster
You'll probably end up being right about that, Rick! I can't help it. I'm a believer in the old saying, "any job worth doing, is worth doing well". Did I mention the base/clear carbon fiber effect I'm going to do on the frame?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/11 10:27 PM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/11 12:59 AM
Dang Dave, might be easier to pick up a few sticks of 2x3 channel and build new frame rails
Rickster
Posted By: Defbob
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/11 01:56 AM
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/03/11 03:11 AM
Quote:
56" is a little narrow for a YJ frame. It would be perfect in a CJ7 frame, but he won't get full turn in his Jeep.
Yep, didn't think about it being a YJ, the 86 and up axles are 60, which is YJ I think, no solid front though, one would have to space a mini truck axles. All just discussion at this point anyway he is well on his way with the 44s. I bought all the new parts to build a high pinion and picked up a 4.56 cyl chunk for the rear last week. Also got a high steer set up using one ton stuff. Pulled the T-4 to make way for the 435 today. Well on the way. I would replace that frame if it were me, but if you are gonna build it do a fully articulating 4 link or something exotic.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/11 05:14 AM
Quote:
Dang Dave, might be easier to pick up a few sticks of 2x3 channel and build new frame rails
Rickster
I tend to agree. The frame measures 4" x 2-1/2". The bad spots are after the rear leaf spring mounts. It's certainly fixable. I'm confident that she'll be as good as new when I get done with it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/11 12:28 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Dang Dave, might be easier to pick up a few sticks of 2x3 channel and build new frame rails
Rickster
I tend to agree. The frame measures 4" x 2-1/2". The bad spots are after the rear leaf spring mounts. It's certainly fixable. I'm confident that she'll be as good as new when I get done with it.
Well that goes without saying.....just thinking of options.....if it were me, I'd be looking into having new frame rails bent up to copy the originals in m/s tubing, then add brackets to the stock locations....functional, lightweight and cool
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/04/11 08:29 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Dang Dave, might be easier to pick up a few sticks of 2x3 channel and build new frame rails
Rickster
I tend to agree. The frame measures 4" x 2-1/2". The bad spots are after the rear leaf spring mounts. It's certainly fixable. I'm confident that she'll be as good as new when I get done with it.
Well that goes without saying.....just thinking of options.....if it were me, I'd be looking into having new frame rails bent up to copy the originals in m/s tubing, then add brackets to the stock locations....functional, lightweight and cool
Rickster
The local Alro Metals store has in stock 4" x 2-1/2" rectangular steel tubing in 11 gauge, which will be a perfect match to my frame. The decision is made, I'm going to chop the back end and rebuild the rails. I'll make the fish plates in the shape of pentastars, just because! I'll also fab a new rear crossmember/gas tank support.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/04/11 11:58 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Dang Dave, might be easier to pick up a few sticks of 2x3 channel and build new frame rails
Rickster
I tend to agree. The frame measures 4" x 2-1/2". The bad spots are after the rear leaf spring mounts. It's certainly fixable. I'm confident that she'll be as good as new when I get done with it.
Well that goes without saying.....just thinking of options.....if it were me, I'd be looking into having new frame rails bent up to copy the originals in m/s tubing, then add brackets to the stock locations....functional, lightweight and cool
Rickster
The local Alro Metals store has in stock 4" x 2-1/2" rectangular steel tubing in 11 gauge, which will be a perfect match to my frame. The decision is made, I'm going to chop the back end and rebuild the rails. I'll make the fish plates in the shape of pentastars, just because! I'll also fab a new rear crossmember/gas tank support.
Rickster
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/11 06:34 PM
might be easier to just find a good frame out of a wreaking yard.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/07/11 12:37 PM
or a new frame
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/07/11 03:35 PM
Quote:
or a new frame
That's taking the easy way out, and the expensive way out, too. I bought a 14 foot stick of 4 x 2-1/2 x 11 gauge steel tubing, plus some 11 ga. flat stock for the joiner plates.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/11 03:16 AM
The new magnum heads came in. With these heads, the 390 should make great torque down low.
I pulled the stock 2.5L and 5 speed out. The frame is now completely bare, which means NO MORE RUSTED BOLTS TO DEAL WITH. I'm going to cut off the back end of the frame this weekend, and send the frame out for sand blasting next week. When it comes back, I'll begin creating the rear frame section. I bought a Milwaukee chop saw for cutting the rectangular tubing, and to get all of my angle cuts right, I created a 3D model of the frame rails I'm building using Inventor.
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/11 04:40 AM
You can hog those magnum heads out some for sure. This is the best pic I could find at the moment. There is a large restriction in the bowl below the valve seat. You can see this comparison on the 2 Magnum intake valves pictured. On a well ported Magnum intake throat, a golf ball will snugly fit all the way in the port and sit on top the valve guide, where it will not even closely set that deep on a stock port. Don't mess with the short radius that much, but the other 3 walls of the port should pretty much go straight down from the valve seat, eliminating the bottle neck.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/11 12:07 PM
Quote:
The new magnum heads came in. With these heads, the 390 should make great torque down low.
Dave.....you mention new...??? Are those stock magnum heads from Ma Mopar or aftermarket..???
318/390...cool to see your going to stroke the 318....who's crank, rods and pistons are you going with...???
I remember "mild 318" being mentioned in your 1st post....funny how plans tend to escalate.....it's a sickness....lol
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/11 04:30 PM
Quote:
You can hog those magnum heads out some for sure. This is the best pic I could find at the moment. There is a large restriction in the bowl below the valve seat. You can see this comparison on the 2 Magnum intake valves pictured. On a well ported Magnum intake throat, a golf ball will snugly fit all the way in the port and sit on top the valve guide, where it will not even closely set that deep on a stock port. Don't mess with the short radius that much, but the other 3 walls of the port should pretty much go straight down from the valve seat, eliminating the bottle neck.
That's some great porting advice, and I really do appreciate it, but my goal (for this application) is making good low end torque, not big HP numbers. I'm looking to make around 300 HP, which will be plenty for the Jeep, and from what I've read, the stock heads are supposed to support up to around 400 HP.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/11 04:38 PM
Quote:
Quote:
The new magnum heads came in. With these heads, the 390 should make great torque down low.
Dave.....you mention new...??? Are those stock magnum heads from Ma Mopar or aftermarket..???
318/390...cool to see your going to stroke the 318....who's crank, rods and pistons are you going with...???
I remember "mild 318" being mentioned in your 1st post....funny how plans tend to escalate.....it's a sickness....lol
Rickster
I bought the heads from a Moparts member. They are 10 year old factory heads, so they aren't "brand new", but they were never used on a running engine, just used for mock-up purposes on some engine builds. I looked at them closely, and I see no evidence that they've ever been used.
I'm going with an Eagle cast 4" crank, stock rods, and KB forged pistons. I wish someone made hypers for this combo, because I don't really need forged slugs in this application. The KB's are the least expensive pistons I've found for the 4" crank combo.
The extra cubes are tempting, because it doesn't cost that much more to go from 318 to 390. Big torque down low is what I'm after.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 03:13 AM
Dave,
When you get ready to order your engine parts, check these guys out.
www.cnc-motorsports.com Right now they have the Icon 390 pistons for less than $370 a set ($475 at Summit!). Also, there sure has been a lot of buzz here on Moparts lately about the Eagle 4" cast cranks breaking even in lower horsepower situations. Same folks above sell the SCAT 4" cast cranks for about $300. LOL I'm not a Rep for CNC, I've just bought some stuff from them and been happy with the prices and the way the transactions went. Just my
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 12:06 PM
Quote:
Dave,
When you get ready to order your engine parts, check these guys out. www.cnc-motorsports.com Right now they have the Icon 390 pistons for less than $370 a set ($475 at Summit!). Also, there sure has been a lot of buzz here on Moparts lately about the Eagle 4" cast cranks breaking even in lower horsepower situations. Same folks above sell the SCAT 4" cast cranks for about $300. LOL I'm not a Rep for CNC, I've just bought some stuff from them and been happy with the prices and the way the transactions went. Just my
I'd go with the Icon's....nice pieces and the price is right....our 408 has a Scat Cast Crank, Scat I-Beams and Icon Flat-tops.....you must have a deal on machining because the cost resizing stock rods with new bolts is usually damn close to what a new set would cost....
Should be a sweet moder
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 05:38 PM
Quote:
Dave,
When you get ready to order your engine parts, check these guys out. www.cnc-motorsports.com Right now they have the Icon 390 pistons for less than $370 a set ($475 at Summit!). Also, there sure has been a lot of buzz here on Moparts lately about the Eagle 4" cast cranks breaking even in lower horsepower situations. Same folks above sell the SCAT 4" cast cranks for about $300. LOL I'm not a Rep for CNC, I've just bought some stuff from them and been happy with the prices and the way the transactions went. Just my
Thanks for the heads up! I just checked out their site. I'll buy the Scat 4" crank tonight! Definitely looks like a better quality piece than the Eagle.
Rickster, you may have a point about the rods.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 06:12 PM
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 08:14 PM
Quote:
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
I just looked. Holy Christ, that's cheap! Guess I'm buying a set of rods tonight too! My wife is gonna kill you all!!!!!!
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 08:30 PM
Yea, I think you happen to have the cheapest Mopar stroker a guy could build! LOL I about crapped when I saw the pistons were that cheap! The ones for the 408 are about $427 a set. One thing though, I'm assuming you can press fit the piston pins that come with those floated Icon pistons? I'm pretty sure you can but I'd make sure somehow. Allways glad to spend someone else's money!
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 11:36 PM
Quote:
Quote:
You can hog those magnum heads out some for sure. This is the best pic I could find at the moment. There is a large restriction in the bowl below the valve seat. You can see this comparison on the 2 Magnum intake valves pictured. On a well ported Magnum intake throat, a golf ball will snugly fit all the way in the port and sit on top the valve guide, where it will not even closely set that deep on a stock port. Don't mess with the short radius that much, but the other 3 walls of the port should pretty much go straight down from the valve seat, eliminating the bottle neck.
That's some great porting advice, and I really do appreciate it, but my goal (for this application) is making good low end torque, not big HP numbers. I'm looking to make around 300 HP, which will be plenty for the Jeep, and from what I've read, the stock heads are supposed to support up to around 400 HP.
Well, looking at your Duster, I suppose it was kind of goofy to try and suggest porting ideas to you anyway!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/14/11 11:55 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
I just looked. Holy Christ, that's cheap! Guess I'm buying a set of rods tonight too! My wife is gonna kill you all!!!!!!
Scat Cast Crank, SIR Rods, Icon Forged Pistons = one very economical stroker....!!!!!! Should be perfect for what your planning
Who do you have in mind for the machine work & balancing....??????
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 02:17 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
I just looked. Holy Christ, that's cheap! Guess I'm buying a set of rods tonight too! My wife is gonna kill you all!!!!!!
Scat Cast Crank, SIR Rods, Icon Forged Pistons = one very economical stroker....!!!!!! Should be perfect for what your planning
Who do you have in mind for the machine work & balancing....??????
Rickster
I'm familiar with big blocks and Hemi, but not so familiar with smallblock parts interchangeability. Before I place the order, does the 340 style crank fit the 318? I'm pretty sure it does, but I want to make sure.
http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/product.asp?ProdID=28133&CtgID=28131
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 03:28 AM
273/318/340 all shared the same stroke and bearing sizes. 340's had heavier counterweights to work with heavier rods. They can be mixed and matched, but you should probably have a mixed cubic inch assembly balanced to make sure there are not vibrations. Magnums also used different rods (smaller at the wrist pin, lighter pistons) than LA's, to that's another reason to balance if you are mixing Magnum and LA.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 04:33 AM
I agree, balancing is a must. I also agree on the 318/340 crank interchange. Matter of fact I used a 318-3 crank in a 340 once. I'm certainly not a small block guru but I have been studying some small block stuff for awhile!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 04:44 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
I just looked. Holy Christ, that's cheap! Guess I'm buying a set of rods tonight too! My wife is gonna kill you all!!!!!!
Scat Cast Crank, SIR Rods, Icon Forged Pistons = one very economical stroker....!!!!!! Should be perfect for what your planning
Who do you have in mind for the machine work & balancing....??????
Rickster
I'd love to have Dan at Performance Only do the machine work and balancing. I hear good and bad things about every one of the machine shops in my area, which makes me uneasy about going to any of them. If Dan does the work, I know I can sleep nights knowing that everything is spot on. The only downside is, its a hell of a long ride to bring the parts down to his shop.
Alright, the Eagle SIR rods and Scat crank have been ordered. That was some money originally earmarked to go towards the gear change and lockers for my Dana 44's, so that part of the project got set back a few weeks, but the upside is, the engine program got pushed forward.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 01:03 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just Throwing this out there... Right now Mancini has the Eagle SIR rods in the pressed pin version only, for $130 a set...
Edit: Oh yeah they're in the "overstocked" section.
I just looked. Holy Christ, that's cheap! Guess I'm buying a set of rods tonight too! My wife is gonna kill you all!!!!!!
Scat Cast Crank, SIR Rods, Icon Forged Pistons = one very economical stroker....!!!!!! Should be perfect for what your planning
Who do you have in mind for the machine work & balancing....??????
Rickster
I'd love to have Dan at Performance Only do the machine work and balancing. I hear good and bad things about every one of the machine shops in my area, which makes me uneasy about going to any of them. If Dan does the work, I know I can sleep nights knowing that everything is spot on. The only downside is, its a hell of a long ride to bring the parts down to his shop.
Alright, the Eagle SIR rods and Scat crank have been ordered. That was some money originally earmarked to go towards the gear change and lockers for my Dana 44's, so that part of the project got set back a few weeks, but the upside is, the engine program got pushed forward.
I'm sure Dan would do a great job....I use "Mike Thompson Racing Engines" out of Naples (you see his stuff at all the race tracks in florida) and he's a racer himself. If you need anything holler
Rickster
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 04:33 PM
Almost makes me wish I had a 318 to build one! This would be great for my sons 82. I do have a 318 but its an NOS Long Block, so I dont wanna bore it. LOL
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/11 07:33 PM
Quote:
Almost makes me wish I had a 318 to build one! This would be great for my sons 82. I do have a 318 but its an NOS Long Block, so I dont wanna bore it. LOL
IMO you'd be better off starting with a 360 block....just makes sense to me if you don't have a block alraeady
Rickster
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/11 03:21 AM
Dave if you are looking for someone local,give Kevin at Auto Performance Engines in Arburndale a call he does impeccable work and does quit a few mopars,even has a in house dyno.
For the most part he is a 1 man shop and does every thing him self in house except crank grinding.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/20/11 02:52 AM
Quote:
Dave if you are looking for someone local,give Kevin at Auto Performance Engines in Arburndale a call he does impeccable work and does quit a few mopars,even has a in house dyno.
For the most part he is a 1 man shop and does every thing him self in house except crank grinding.
Thanks for the info. I've decided to go with Dan at Performance Only. I complained to Dan about the long distance I'd have to travel to bring my parts to him, and Dan was kind enough to offer to relocate his machine shop business to Tampa, just to build my stroker 318. Now THAT'S what I call customer service!!! 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/23/11 04:21 PM
Rusty and rotted back end of the frame has been cut off. The rest of the frame goes to the sandblaster shop tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/24/11 06:47 PM
Today, the brown Santa dropped off some bottom end parts for my 390.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/24/11 07:51 PM
Good Santa.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/24/11 11:33 PM
Cool Beans
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/25/11 02:49 AM
I got two things done today. Dropped off the frame at the sandblaster's, and installed the replacement driver's side floor pan. I have two small cancer areas that need metal replacement, they are where the main hoop of the stock rollbar bolted to.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/31/11 01:59 PM
Dave,
I ran across these on the Jeep forum and didn't knwo if they would help with frame dimensions, so I thought I woudl share.
Good luck and keep up the post.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/31/11 01:59 PM
And another.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/31/11 09:16 PM
Quote:
Dave,
I ran across these on the Jeep forum and didn't knwo if they would help with frame dimensions, so I thought I woudl share.
Good luck and keep up the post.
Thanks, but those don't look like my YJ frame.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/31/11 09:49 PM
Oh yea, I forgot your's was a YJ.
Oh well
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/01/11 12:06 AM
Quote:
Oh yea, I forgot your's was a YJ.
Oh well
That's OK, I appreciate the thought. I did some 'net searching, and I found a blueprint of a YJ frame.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/01/11 12:28 AM
Thanks, I added that to my file just in case. But it's in milometers, not sure I have a tape for that.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/01/11 01:00 AM
Quote:
Thanks, I added that to my file just in case. But it's in milometers, not sure I have a tape for that.
Me neither. Divide them by 25.4 to convert to inches.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/11 04:46 PM
Made a bit of progress on the frame work. First, I got the frame and skid plate back from the sand blasters. They did a fantastic job removing every spec of rust, even on the inside of the frame as far as they could reach. Fortunately, there was very little rust inside the frame to begin with. The nasty finish you see on it was from the Ospho I sprayed as soon as I got it home, to prevent flash rust.
I finished cutting all of the segments to build one frame rail. I made a drawing in Autocad to get my dimensions of all of the frame segments.
I used my new Milwaukee chop saw to cut the segments. I laid the segments over the old frame rail, and it follows the shape and angles perfectly, so I'll use these pieces to trace out the ones for the other side.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/11 05:16 PM
I made some decisions on steering and suspension. I decided to mount the springs over the axle (SOA), and use Rubicon Express 1.5" lift SOA springs, with 6 leaf packs up front and 5 leaf packs in the rear. The 6 up front is to compensate for the all iron 390" engine. For steering, I decided to go with a high steer setup. So, I purchased new high steer knuckles from partsmike.com. Its a complete kit, and he upgraded it with 2" forged steering arms at no extra charge. Shown in this pic are the standard flat arms.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/11 08:36 PM
Very nice work and great parts choices IMO
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/08/11 12:12 AM
Quote:
Very nice work and great parts choices IMO
Rickster
Thanks, Rick!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 03:53 AM
My high steer kit came in. The steering arms are forged and very beefy. They will easily clear the leaf springs.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 03:55 AM
Quote:
My high steer kit came in. The steering arms are forged and very beefy. They will easily clear the leaf springs.
WOW.....BIG
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 03:57 AM
I made some progress on the frame work.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 04:00 AM
Nice Work Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 04:11 AM
Quote:
Quote:
My high steer kit came in. The steering arms are forged and very beefy. They will easily clear the leaf springs.
WOW.....BIG
Rickster
Can you say BOMB PROOF?
Right after Thanksgiving, I'm going to drop off both axles at the local shop called Allen's Gearworks to get them re-geared (4.55's), install the lockers, Warn hubs, and replace worn parts.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 04:14 AM
Thanks, Rick! I'll be a better welder when this project is finished.
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/14/11 05:27 AM
....lurking. I love the fact you spit out such cool crap out of that "shop"
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/15/11 03:02 AM
Thanks, J-Body. It keeps me out of trouble, and my wife never has to wonder where I'm at.
I made the other rail today. I messed up on the angle on the last segment of the rail in the foreground. I'll need to cut and re-weld it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/16/11 04:33 AM
Fixed it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/21/11 12:05 AM
I've reached the first of many milestones in this project. The frame rebuild is complete. Since the rear bumper mounting bracket was in decent shape, I reused it. It was helpful in verifying some dimensions. I measured everything 6 ways to Sunday from many body and suspension mounting points, and its all dead nuts.
The next phase is to send the Dana 44's to the axle shop to get rebuilt, re-geared with 4.56's, Warn hubs, and locker diffs installed.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/21/11 01:21 AM
Sweet
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/21/11 04:44 AM
Very impressive, you are coming along nicely.
Here is what I built yesterday, gonna get the bars bent for the rear section tomorrow and tack them in. Then I'll take it to a real welder to do the final welding, I don't trust my self on cages.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/21/11 05:04 AM
Quote:
Very impressive, you are coming along nicely.
Here is what I built yesterday, gonna get the bars bent for the rear section tomorrow and tack them in. Then I'll take it to a real welder to do the final welding, I don't trust my self on cages.
Looking good! I wish I could afford a tubing bender so I could make my own cage. I see you started with a family roll bar. How are you going to mount the front tubes? If it were mine, I'd add some grab bars.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/21/11 07:35 PM
I had the tubes bent for me and then cut and fitted them and tacked them in place. As far as the front legs if that is what you are asking, they mount through the floor and will be tied to the frame. 1/4 inch plate as a foot on top of the tub, 1/4 plate in the bottom of the tub welded to a bar with a bushing mount to a bracket on the frame. The center and rear post will also be tied in. I thought about grab handles but will use the soft ones to avoid clearance issues and knots on the head.
The dash bar and the overhead spreaders are positioned well for it although I have concerns with the overhead as a handle. Like everything else it is an evolution so who knows what it will look like in 6 months. Someone has also suggested that the seats be tied in, but I'm not sure I'm sold on that yet.
Hopefully my rear bars will be done in the next hour or so, I need to keep moving.
Blasted the rough area in the tub yesterday, I'm gonna make one repair under the bar and then line it. My goal is to be back together by Sunday when I fly out.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/22/11 01:05 AM
Well I got my rear bars bent and I was in the process of cutting them to fit and my bar jig arbor broke so I'm dead in the water on that part. I am going to get the front welded up tomorrow and will put it in as is and then fit the rear and weld it when I get the replacement arbor. Bummer, but there is plenty more to do this week.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/29/11 04:56 AM
Did some more work on the frame. Fabbed and welded in a body mount crossmember and two body mount brackets, shown in the foreground. Except for the new motor mounts and painting it, that should be it for the frame work. I think I'm going to spray the frame and axles single stage gunmetal gray.
I've made up my mind on the wheel and tire combo. For tires, I'm going with Nitto Trail Grapplers in 37x12.50R17. They will be mounted on Pro Comp Series 98's in size 17x9 with a 3.5" backspace. These wheels are basically the same as Cragar Soft 8's.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/02/11 01:59 AM
That's awesome, you do phenominal work. my welding is questionable, I took the cage to a pro to ensure penetration. Here is some of what we did over the Thanksgiving week, my son sprayed it himself, he just turned 18. Hope you don't mind.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/02/11 03:45 AM
Quote:
That's awesome, you do phenominal work. my welding is questionable, I took the cage to a pro to ensure penetration. Here is some of what we did over the Thanksgiving week, my son sprayed it himself, he just turned 18. Hope you don't mind.
Thanks. No biggie, just a piece of 2x2 and some 1" tubing, and lots of measuring. That's a nice job on the tub! I plan to cover the underside and the inside of my tub with Monstaliner.
Stay tuned. I'll have a rolling frame by the end of the month.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/02/11 04:47 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/04/11 11:14 PM
Spent my Sunday cleaning and prepping the Dana 44 front axle. I sprayed it down multiple times with purple degreaser, and blasted it with my pressure washer. After that, I cut off all of the brackets, and ground the axles tubes smooth. I would have removed all of the outer parts, but my efforts came to a screeching halt when I saw an inner spindle nut that requires a special tool to remove it. Found one online and ordered it.
My tires are on the way, should be here Wednesday. I bought Nitto Trail Grapplers, size 37x12.50R17. If any of you truck guys are looking for the best price on tires, check out discounttiredirect.com. I did a ton of internet surfing for tires, and they have the absolute best prices.
I ran into a road block with the wheels. The ones I wanted are on national back order, with at least a 10 week wait. The sticking point is that I want a wheel with less than 4" backspace, 3.50" would be ideal. The only other wheel I can find that fits my size needs are Allied RT51 beadlocks, which are more than what I want to spend. I would rather not use wheel spacers, not to mention they cost $200 by themselves. I need to consider my options some more.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/05/11 06:09 PM
Nice, are you gonna change to U-bolt style yokes? I know you said mall cruiser but most woudl recommend it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/06/11 03:54 AM
Quote:
Nice, are you gonna change to U-bolt style yokes? I know you said mall cruiser but most woudl recommend it.
MALL CRUISER??? WHAT!!! Them's fightin' words, buddy!!!!!! j/k
I've been so focused on the big stuff, my mind hasn't drilled down to the finer stuff like that, yet. I'm sure I'll be replacing those straps with u-bolts. I'm building the 390 into a torque monster, so those kinds of drivetrain reliability improvements will be needed.
OK, I made an executive decision. Here is the wheel I've chosen for my unlimited mall crawler.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/11 05:10 AM
Quote:
I knew it......gonna be another lugnut polisher project.........j/k
Those are sweet
Rickster
I blame Rickster for planting the mall crawler image in my head. Glad it wont be a poser, but it will be a shame to scratch up them pretty wheels.
Building an outside rotisserie for the CJ tub, gonna line the belly over Christmas. I post some pictures when I get it set up.
Posted By: 4spdfury
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/11 06:47 AM
I hope you got steering arms with tre's and not for a heim joint.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 01:22 AM
Quote:
I hope you got steering arms with tre's and not for a heim joint.
I didn't get them yet, but the drag link and tie rod will have the "1 ton" TRE's. When I get the frame weighted down, I'll take measurements and give PartsMike a call.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 01:31 AM
Quote:
Quote:
I knew it......gonna be another lugnut polisher project.........j/k
Those are sweet
Rickster
I blame Rickster for planting the mall crawler image in my head. Glad it wont be a poser, but it will be a shame to scratch up them pretty wheels.
Building an outside rotisserie for the CJ tub, gonna line the belly over Christmas. I post some pictures when I get it set up.
Instead of Mall Crawler, I prefer the term "Tactical Urban Assault Vehicle".
The wall o' rubber arrived today.
While looking them over, I discovered something interesting about them. See the middle tires, and how much blacker they are than the outer tires? Each sidewall of the tire is different, in terms of side biter design and font style for "Trail Grappler M/T. The darker sidewall has capitalized, simple font style with flat side biter blocks, while the lighter colored sidewall has a more aggressive, stylized font and ribbed side biter blocks.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 01:37 AM
Sweet, black and round just like I like 'em.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 01:44 AM
Quote:
Sweet, black and round just like I like 'em.
Yeah, I would have been pissed if they were octagon shaped!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 02:50 AM
Quote:
The wall o' rubber arrived today.
While looking them over, I discovered something interesting about them. See the middle tires, and how much blacker they are than the outer tires? Each sidewall of the tire is different, in terms of side biter design and font style for "Trail Grappler M/T. The darker sidewall has capitalized, simple font style with flat side biter blocks, while the lighter colored sidewall has a more aggressive, stylized font and ribbed side biter blocks.
Unless you received some kind of major deal for them being mismatched....I would not be a happy camper 
PS: Love the wheels
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 03:01 AM
I missed that comment, once again I agree with Rickster on this one. If you paid prime dollar they need to match, with what I perceive to be your attention to detail it will bug you everyday and you'll end up changing them in a few months.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 04:24 AM
Quote:
Quote:
The wall o' rubber arrived today.
While looking them over, I discovered something interesting about them. See the middle tires, and how much blacker they are than the outer tires? Each sidewall of the tire is different, in terms of side biter design and font style for "Trail Grappler M/T. The darker sidewall has capitalized, simple font style with flat side biter blocks, while the lighter colored sidewall has a more aggressive, stylized font and ribbed side biter blocks.
Unless you received some kind of major deal for them being mismatched....I would not be a happy camper
PS: Love the wheels
Rickster
I should have been more clear in my description. Each tire has one sidewall one way, and the other sidewall a different way. All of the tires are the same. It just gives you a choice on which sidewall you want facing out. Personally, I don't care that much what the sidewall looks like, just never seen that on a tire before.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 04:42 AM
Ahhh, like raised white letters on one side and black wall on the other. As far as the color/brighten difference that may clean up or even out with a coating or two of tire dressing or Armor All, but please wipe it all off before you hit the road, it just wouldn't look right on a Jeep.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 04:52 AM
Quote:
Ahhh, like raised white letters on one side and black wall on the other. As far as the color/brighten difference that may clean up or even out with a coating or two of tire dressing or Armor All, but please wipe it all off before you hit the road, it just wouldn't look right on a Jeep.
I promise, no tire shine product will ever go on those tires! They are too big and gnarly for that kind of foo-foo treatment!!
I changed my mind on the wheels. I'm going with a slightly different version of the aforementioned XD Addicts.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 05:17 AM
Noooooooooooooo........ 20s, your tires didn't look like 20s or os that just a store stock picture?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 05:25 AM
Quote:
Noooooooooooooo........ 20s, your tires didn't look like 20s or os that just a store stock picture?
No, its just a wheel pic I snagged off of the internet. The wheels I'm getting are 17x9's.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 04:07 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Noooooooooooooo........ 20s, your tires didn't look like 20s or os that just a store stock picture?
No, its just a wheel pic I snagged off of the internet. The wheels I'm getting are 17x9's.
Thank Ezekiel !! I thought for a second we lost another Jeep to a mall.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/08/11 05:01 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Noooooooooooooo........ 20s, your tires didn't look like 20s or os that just a store stock picture?
No, its just a wheel pic I snagged off of the internet. The wheels I'm getting are 17x9's.
Whew....I can exhale now. I have begun to except 17s on a big truck tire but still not there for 20s or anything over 15s on a muscle car - no offense to anyone.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/09/11 12:54 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Noooooooooooooo........ 20s, your tires didn't look like 20s or os that just a store stock picture?
No, its just a wheel pic I snagged off of the internet. The wheels I'm getting are 17x9's.
Whew....I can exhale now. I have begun to except 17s on a big truck tire but still not there for 20s or anything over 15s on a muscle car - no offense to anyone.
Trust me, I'm not a big wheel guy, and it took a little while for me to realize that 17's on a 37" tire still leaves lots of sidewall.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/11 12:37 AM
The wheels came in. Not crazy about the chrome center caps. No biggie, since I won't be using them on the fronts because of the Warn hubs. I can switch the back ones to matte black center caps.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/11 03:48 AM
Those lug nut don't need polishing. Pretty sweet and you even got the spare, impressive, gonna need a heck of a spare tire holder.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/11 11:58 AM
The per wheel price was so good, I got the fifth one to increase the savings even more.
While I'm building the rear bumper, I'm also going to build an A-frame style swing-out tire carrier as well. I'm going to build a stubby front bumper, too. The prices they want for new bumpers is crazy. I can build them for a hell of a lot less.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/11 02:17 PM
Love the wheels Dave....gonna be one sweet Jeep
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/11 04:23 AM
Quote:
The per wheel price was so good, I got the fifth one to increase the savings even more.
While I'm building the rear bumper, I'm also going to build an A-frame style swing-out tire carrier as well. I'm going to build a stubby front bumper, too. The prices they want for new bumpers is crazy. I can build them for a hell of a lot less.
Now you just sound like a woman, "I bought more cause they were on sale".
The bumpers sound great, cant wait to see them.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/11 11:05 PM
Made some progress. When the wheels came in, they had sent the wrong size lug nuts. Instead of 7/16" lug nuts, they sent 9/16". They apologized and quickly sent out the correct size lug nuts, but when I tried a wheel on, the factory studs were too short to get adequate thread engagement. So, I decided to step up to 9/16" wheel studs that were long enough to get plenty of engagement. I bought new front rotors and Dorman 610-228 wheel studs, and sent them and the hubs to a machine shop for installation.
Rubicon Express 1.5" lift SOA springs, boomerang shackles, new u-bolts, and anti-wrap perches arrived. I smoothed up the rear axle, so I now have everything bought and done to create a rolling frame. That will happen next week.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/24/11 04:15 AM
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/24/11 04:52 AM
Pretty sweet, moving right along.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/24/11 02:45 PM
Thanks for the support, guys!
I installed the leaf springs this morning. I'm going to have to stop right there, due to a bunch of last minute things to do related to Christmas.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/24/11 03:03 PM
It's 9:00 and you already installed the springs? NO wonder you accomplish more than me, I'm just fixin to go out to the shop.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/24/11 07:17 PM
Quote:
It's 9:00 and you already installed the springs? NO wonder you accomplish more than me, I'm just fixin to go out to the shop.
I was extra motivated this morning. If I was like that every day, the Jeep would be done by now.
I'm done with my errands. I'm going back into the garage and wire brush and paint those nasty hubs with a coat of black Hammertone. Can't cruise the mall parking lots with rusty hubs, you know. 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/27/11 08:25 PM
If you use cement blocks under your vehicle because 4 post lifts aren't allowed in your trailer park, you might be a redneck.
If you use cement blocks under your vehicle because you think 4 post lifts are only for rich people, you just might be a redneck.
If you use cement blocks under your vehicle because you could use the insurance money to put the wheels back on your single wide, you might be a redneck.
Thank you, you've been a great audience, good night!
I'd be further along, but I'm waiting for some u-bolts to arrive.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/28/11 02:49 AM
You're too neat to be a redneck.....
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/29/11 04:03 PM
HEY..............them my people you're talking bout.
I prefer 8 inch sewer pipe, it allows you to move it around when needed. (picture too large to attach).
Progress looks good.
Posted By: Hemi_Ram
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/30/11 10:38 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 10:57 PM
Another mile marker reached. We have a rolling frame. It's really for mock up only, but as an added bonus, it provides an extra jolt of motivation. It felt good to bolt on the tires and push it outside. Each whee/tire combo weighs around 100 lbs.
The next phase will be to get the empty engine, 727, and transfer case together and lower them into position, so I can figure out where things need to be. To improve driveline angles, I'm going to make aluminum spacers to drop the skid plate 1 inch.
I'm going to inquire about getting the frame hot dip galvanized. There's a business in Tampa that does that, and they can handle large objects like vehicle frames. I have no idea what it will cost, but if it doesn't give me sticker shock, I might do it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 11:15 PM
Congrats and Happy New Year Dave....looks great and the galv. hot-dip idea sounds awesome as well....hope it works out
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 11:22 PM
Quote:
Congrats and Happy New Year Dave....looks great and the galv. hot-dip idea sounds awesome as well....hope it works out
Rickster
Thanks, and happy new year to you as well.
Yeah, I just hope my jaw doesn't drop when they tell me the price. 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 11:24 PM
Quote:
Lookin Good Dave; I followed your Duster build from the get go to the end and as usual you do outstanding work as you are doing on this jeep....
Thanks, man! I do recognize that there are plenty of other guys on moparts that do nicer work then me.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 11:36 PM
Ya, I could see why that is modivating.
If you could let me know when you find out about the hot dip price, I'm not too far and it could present an option in the future on other projects.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/12 11:49 PM
Quote:
Ya, I could see why that is modivating.
If you could let me know when you find out about the hot dip price, I'm not too far and it could present an option in the future on other projects.
Will do! I plan on calling them either this week or next.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/02/12 12:15 AM
Cool, thanks.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/08/12 04:43 PM
Yesterday, I mocked up the engine and trans. I feel I've made decent progress over the last 5 months, but I'm constantly reminded that I've got a looooong way to go to get this thing done.
The next order of business is to fab the engine frame mounts. I've got a design in my head of how I want to make it, just need to buy some steel next week and get cutting and welding. The engine will be bolted to the frame be done by next weekend. I also need to do some mods to the skid plate.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/08/12 06:05 PM
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/08/12 07:57 PM
Back in the early 80s I drove long haul for a company that had a contract to haul boat trailer components to the NW. The componants came out of Clearwater and that Tampa galvanizer was who they used. I was able to get some of their obsolete parts to build a car trailer. The galvanizing was very heavy and is still doing its job and holding up very well. .
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/08/12 08:07 PM
Quote:
Back in the early 80s I drove long haul for a company that had a contract to haul boat trailer components to the NW. The componants came out of Clearwater and that Tampa galvanizer was who they used. I was able to get some of their obsolete parts to build a car trailer. The galvanizing was very heavy and is still doing its job and holding up very well. .
The company's name is IG USA, located in east Tampa, on Broadway. I contacted them about doing my Jeep frame, but they said they only handle commercial accounts, they don't do work for individuals. That's alright with me, I'm going to go with my original plan of spraying 2 coats of DP90 epoxy primer on the outside, and spraying Eastwood's Internal Frame Coating on the inside.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/09/12 12:11 AM
Cool, should be nice.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/09/12 12:23 AM
Id think about useing Hammerrite. When that stuff dries its almost like powdercoat. Its available in many colors and n brush on or spray on.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/10/12 01:56 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Back in the early 80s I drove long haul for a company that had a contract to haul boat trailer components to the NW. The componants came out of Clearwater and that Tampa galvanizer was who they used. I was able to get some of their obsolete parts to build a car trailer. The galvanizing was very heavy and is still doing its job and holding up very well. .
The company's name is IG USA, located in east Tampa, on Broadway. I contacted them about doing my Jeep frame, but they said they only handle commercial accounts, they don't do work for individuals. That's alright with me, I'm going to go with my original plan of spraying 2 coats of DP90 epoxy primer on the outside, and spraying Eastwood's Internal Frame Coating on the inside.
Why not have it powder coated that would be much better than paint.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/10/12 03:40 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Back in the early 80s I drove long haul for a company that had a contract to haul boat trailer components to the NW. The componants came out of Clearwater and that Tampa galvanizer was who they used. I was able to get some of their obsolete parts to build a car trailer. The galvanizing was very heavy and is still doing its job and holding up very well. .
The company's name is IG USA, located in east Tampa, on Broadway. I contacted them about doing my Jeep frame, but they said they only handle commercial accounts, they don't do work for individuals. That's alright with me, I'm going to go with my original plan of spraying 2 coats of DP90 epoxy primer on the outside, and spraying Eastwood's Internal Frame Coating on the inside.
Why not have it powder coated that would be much better than paint.
Also a lot more expensive. You're looking at around 6-700 dollars to powder coat a frame. Not worth it to me. With paint, if I get a chip or a scratch, I can touch it up myself.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/11/12 01:41 AM
thats true but paint will never hold up like powder coat you will be touching it up all the time.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/11/12 03:42 AM
Quote:
thats true but paint will never hold up like powder coat you will be touching it up all the time.
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/11/12 05:55 AM
Quote:
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster
Wow, Rick. Did somebody have a half price sale on oversized emoticons???
I haven't talked about how I plan to use my Jeep, but lots of other people have.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/11/12 02:35 PM
Quote:
Quote:
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster
Wow, Rick. Did somebody have a half price sale on oversized emoticons???
I haven't talked about how I plan to use my Jeep, but lots of other people have.
Just kidd'n.....I know you plan to take it off-road.....most car shows I have been to are mostly on grass....lol
Rickster
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster
Wow, Rick. Did somebody have a half price sale on oversized emoticons???
I haven't talked about how I plan to use my Jeep, but lots of other people have.
Just kidd'n.....I know you plan to take it off-road.....most car shows I have been to are mostly on grass....lol
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/12/12 01:56 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster
Wow, Rick. Did somebody have a half price sale on oversized emoticons???
I haven't talked about how I plan to use my Jeep, but lots of other people have.
Just kidd'n.....I know you plan to take it off-road.....most car shows I have been to are mostly on grass....lol
Rickster
Well Rick, its clear that you have experience with taking your Jeep off-road.... and there it is, PARKED ON GRASS!!! At least you parked it on the tall grass, for more visual effect!!! 
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/12/12 02:52 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS JEEP WILL NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE RIGGORS OF OFF-ROAD USE
Rickster
Wow, Rick. Did somebody have a half price sale on oversized emoticons???
I haven't talked about how I plan to use my Jeep, but lots of other people have.
Just kidd'n.....I know you plan to take it off-road.....most car shows I have been to are mostly on grass....lol
Rickster
Well Rick, its clear that you have experience with taking your Jeep off-road.... and there it is, PARKED ON GRASS!!! At least you parked it on the tall grass, for more visual effect!!!
Never even got the tires dirty....lol Actually just sold it $10K bought it in 01 new for $10.3K not bad 
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/12/12 04:03 AM
Yeah, I noticed the tire treads looked totally clean! It's as if you had it air lifted to that spot via helicopter!
You bought it at a great price. New Jeeps today go for more than double that amount.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/12/12 04:08 AM
Quote:
Yeah, I noticed the tire treads looked totally clean! It's as if you had it air lifted to that spot via helicopter!
You bought it at a great price. New Jeeps today go for more than double that amount.
It was the cheapest model you could buy at the time.....Sport 4-banger 5-speed w/zero options
Had only 37k on the clock when I let it go
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/16/12 04:50 AM
Got some work done this weekend on the Jeep. The 727 4x4 trans has a tall and quite beefy cast-in mount on the shorty tailstock. The tallness of it was positioning the transfer case higher than I liked. So, I did some modifications to the skid plate, in an effort to lower the t-case, which in turn, improves both the front and rear driveshaft angles. I also made a pair of 1" thick skid plate spacers. The total result is a 2.25" drop at the trans mount.
Saturday, I visited Moparts member "scratchinfotraction". He sold me a smallblock power steering setup that I was needing for the 318. Actually, he was kind enough to offer it to me for free. It was a very nice gesture, especially since we had never met before, but I had to do the right thing. Mike's a nice guy, and a cool cat. He's got a lot of great stories, especially about his buddy named Ace!
The PS setup was complete, except for a triangular bracket. It was a simple piece, so I made one out of 3/16" steel plate.
I made some cardboard templates of the engine mount brackets. I've transferred them to a piece of 3/16" thick steel plate. Tomorrow night, I'll cut them out with the plasma cutter.
My front shock hoops are on the way, should be here by mid week. I need to cut out the old shock mounts that you see in the pic.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/17/12 03:04 AM
Dude you got skills, it is coming out nicely.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/17/12 04:20 AM
Quote:
Dude you got skills, it is coming out nicely.
Thanks. Just enough skills to be dangerous. I'm a little embarrassed at the nasty, long weld on that skid plate drop section. My welder wasn't feeding wire in a consistent manner, and was basically creating a sputtering weld bead. I opened the side of the welding machine, and saw that it was just about out of wire. Threw a new roll on, and I was back in business.
Once I get the engine mount brackets welded on, I need to turn my attention to building an anti-wrap ladder bar setup.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/17/12 04:22 AM
I look forward to it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/20/12 02:44 PM
I designed and fabricated some engine mounting brackets. When I yank the engine and trans out tomorrow, these will get welded to the sides of the frame rails. The last thing that needs to get welded to the frame are the anti-wrap ladder bar crossmember mounts. Once that's done, I'll get it back down to the bare frame again, and paint it.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/21/12 02:20 AM
Quote:
I designed and fabricated some engine mounting brackets. When I yank the engine and trans out tomorrow, these will get welded to the sides of the frame rails. The last thing that needs to get welded to the frame are the anti-wrap ladder bar crossmember mounts. Once that's done, I'll get it back down to the bare frame again, and paint it.
they look good but I would have at least tacked them while they where bolted to the motor with it in the correct place.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/21/12 02:38 AM
Quote:
they look good but I would have at least tacked them while they where bolted to the motor with it in the correct place.
You mean, something like this?
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/21/12 10:43 PM
Looks like crap, don't know why you wasted your time. I will be down tomorrow to get that eye sore out of your way, wont even charge you to haul it off cause that's the kinda guy I am.
AND since you will know have no use for all that stroker stuff I can put it in the back of my truck to save you the trouble of hauling it off, you'll have to load it though, I cant be expected to do everything!
OK, so I'm on crack.
It looks great and I assume slide in and out of the mounts perfectly.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/01/12 04:49 AM
You're right, it does look like crap. But don't worry, she'll shine up nice one of these days!
I've begun to install shock hoops on the front, and I have no idea what the best shock angle is. I have my home made shock fixture laid back 3º. When looking at the shock from the front, its perfectly vertical.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/01/12 04:51 AM
Made a crossmember for the anti-wrap ladder bar setup. It will be welded on the bottom of the frame, just behind the skid plate. I'll be making the ladder bar this weekend.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/02/12 04:06 AM
Is the ladder crossmember gonna hang any lower than the factory crossmember? Your welding blows me away.
welding and the craftsmanship
are you makeing those brackets with the radius cut for the axle tube?
shock hoops look good,but the shock rod is gonna ride ruff
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/02/12 11:50 PM
Thanks guys, but I'm really just a hack welder. I need to work on making consistently nice welds. I recently switched to .025 wire, and that has made a big improvement in the quality of my welds. Lots of practice has helped, too.
scratchnfotraction, no, I bought the ladder bar brackets. I was going to make my own, but when I saw that Applied Racing (ART), which is close to where I work, sells them for less than $10.00 a piece, I didn't see any benefit to making them.
And, just in case someone got the wrong idea, I bought the shock hoops, too. If I had access to a bender, I would have made them.
I picked up the final bits of hardware to make my anti-axle-windup ladder bar. The round thing is a flex joint, also known as a Johnny Joint. It will be welded to the front of the ladder bar.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/03/12 01:04 AM
Quote:
Thanks guys, but I'm really just a hack welder. I need to work on making consistently nice welds. I recently switched to .025 wire, and that has made a big improvement in the quality of my welds. Lots of practice has helped, too.
scratchnfotraction, no, I bought the ladder bar brackets. I was going to make my own, but when I saw that Applied Racing (ART), which is close to where I work, sells them for less than $10.00 a piece, I didn't see any benefit to making them.
And, just in case someone got the wrong idea, I bought the shock hoops, too. If I had access to a bender, I would have made them.
I picked up the final bits of hardware to make my anti-axle-windup ladder bar. The round thing is a flex joint, also known as a Johnny Joint. It will be welded to the front of the ladder bar.
JMO but .025 is to small for frame work and such I was told by a cert. welder when I started my cage not to use any thing smaller than .030 and he would have preferred .035.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/05/12 10:15 PM
A productive weekend. Yesterday, I located and tack welded the front shock hoops and lower shock mounts into place. They will give me 4" more travel than the factory towers.
Today, I made the anti-wrap ladder bar.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/05/12 10:55 PM
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/08/12 03:45 AM
Very cool, you sure you don't want a expenses paid trip to Quincy, Florida. Just a days worth of welding and I promise to feed you good. And maybe even show you some cool junk.
Posted By: 3XCHARM
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/12 07:48 AM
Looks good so far!
Just curious, you are going to be using some sort of isolation/vibration bushing under the transmission tail housing stand off correct?
I only ask since I see you are using rubber isolators at the engine mounts.
Again, looking good
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/12 04:05 AM
Quote:
Looks good so far!
Just curious, you are going to be using some sort of isolation/vibration bushing under the transmission tail housing stand off correct?
I only ask since I see you are using rubber isolators at the engine mounts.
Again, looking good
Thanks. I haven't decided what I'm going to do about that. I did a lot of work to the skid plate to lower the trans, so I don't want to put something under it that raise it much. One idea I have, is to mount the trans solid to the skid plate, and put rubber donut isolators at each skid plate mounting point, of which there are six.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/12 04:32 AM
Quote:
Very cool, you sure you don't want a expenses paid trip to Quincy, Florida. Just a days worth of welding and I promise to feed you good. And maybe even show you some cool junk.
If I was retired, I might take you up on that. Unfortunately, I'm still a working stiff.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/11/12 04:28 AM
Working for a living is overrated. You should give it up.
They take 95% of your earnings in taxes and now they are gonna give you health care so what's the point!
Gonna do Old Town the end of March, a friend of mine from Illinios is taking his family to Disney and we are gonna go down and meet them. We may go to Suncoast on Friday you oughta come up, I'll buy you dinner.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/13/12 02:04 AM
Well, I decided to say goodbye to the square eyes. I've always liked the round headlights over the squares. To me, they represent the classic, iconic Jeep look. Today, I picked up a CJ7 grill and CJ7 fenders. The seller had a hood to complete the conversion, but it was in too bad a shape. These pieces have a fair amount of surface rust, but they are straight and solid. After sandblasting, these parts will look much nicer.
As you can see in the pic, I'm in need of a headlight bucket(hint, hint).
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/14/12 03:10 AM
Now your talking. There was supposedly a good hood in my area for sale cheap, I will try to track it down next week and see if it can be had right, then we will have to figure out how to get it to you. I may also be able to find something on the headlight bucket, you might check to see if it is a common GM/Ford piece like so many other CJ parts.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/14/12 05:20 AM
Quote:
Now your talking. There was supposedly a good hood in my area for sale cheap, I will try to track it down next week and see if it can be had right, then we will have to figure out how to get it to you. I may also be able to find something on the headlight bucket, you might check to see if it is a common GM/Ford piece like so many other CJ parts.
Hey, thanks man! The guy I bought these parts from had a hood for sale, but it had rust holes on it. You're way up there in the panhandle. I'm hoping to find one a little closer to home.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/19/12 07:32 PM
Just stumbled on this thread... Nice work as always Dave and you are making great progress!! TBF
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/27/12 02:28 AM
I've made more progress this weekend. I got the CJ7 fenders and grill back from the sandblaster's. They did a great job removing all of the rust and paint. I sprayed them with 2 coats of 2 part epoxy primer, followed by 2 coats of high build primer. Look at the before shot above, and compare with this one.
I also located and purchased a CJ7 hood. It's in rough shape, but fixable. It's currently at the blaster's, and it should be ready to pick up tomorrow. It will receive the same priming treatment tomorrow night.
Also, today I just won an ebay auction on a set of half doors. They appear to be in awesome, rust free condition, plus they come with side view mirrors, which is one less thing I have to buy.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/27/12 07:19 PM
Coming right along!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/28/12 02:16 AM
Quote:
Coming right along!
Thanks! I'm waiting for the point in the project where things aren't costing so much! I've got the front axle in the shop right now for a rebuild, 4.56 gears, Detroit Locker, and Superior axles.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/28/12 05:21 AM
Quote:
Thanks! I'm waiting for the point in the project where things aren't costing so much!
Dave is that actually possible
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/28/12 08:13 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks! I'm waiting for the point in the project where things aren't costing so much!
Dave is that actually possible
Rickster
Wishful thinking, I know. Yet another low buck project that's gone off the rails.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/03/12 12:38 AM
Dave, I hate to ask but I will, do you still have the info on the place that you were gonna have dip your frame. I boxed a 48 Chevy frame that I think I want to have dipped and treated. Did you ever get a quote and what did it include, ie dipped, treated, coated, etc.
Thanks, Kevin
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/03/12 01:44 AM
Quote:
Dave, I hate to ask but I will, do you still have the info on the place that you were gonna have dip your frame. I boxed a 48 Chevy frame that I think I want to have dipped and treated. Did you ever get a quote and what did it include, ie dipped, treated, coated, etc.
Thanks, Kevin
I contacted them, and they said they only deal with commercial accounts, not individuals. I'm going to spray my frame with an industrial strength, 2 part epoxy primer that is typically used on offshore oil drilling platforms. I purchased a couple of cans of Eastwood's Internal Frame Coating, to take care of the insides of the frame rails. When I get done with it, that frame will remain rust-free for the next 50 years, at least!
Here's a pic of the CJ-7 front end pieces. You can see some holes here and there on the hood from rust rot. I'm going to start welding/patching the holes this weekend.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/03/12 04:35 AM
Looking good, I went and looked at that CJ stash I was talking about last week, picked up a few things, nothing big. There was a hood but it had issues and since we are so far apart I let it stay there. Still looking for a headlight bucket but nothing yet.
Sounds like you got your frame figured out, but I was move asking for the 48 I'm involved in. Depending on what they call commercial, we should qualify. Havana Hotrods. All i can do is ask and all they can do is say NO.
http://havanahotrods.com/htm/48chevy.htmSorry to clutter the sight Cheby stuff, but it's mostly my brother's doings.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/05/12 01:15 AM
Today, I sprayed the frame with 2 coats of epoxy primer, followed by 2 coats of high build primer. After I smooth out the imperfections, later this week I'll shoot the frame with a Nissan color called Structural Grey Metallic, in Nason single stage.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/05/12 02:39 AM
Nice, I'm starting to regret not coating my frame when we had it apart, oh well just means we'll have to take it apart again.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/11/12 09:21 PM
After a week of evenings and most of this weekend, the frame is finally ready for a couple coats of paint. All it needs is a final wipe down. I added two pieces of steel to the frame. I added the crossmember for the anti-wrap ladder bar, and I cut out the stock sheet metal rear bumper mount, and replaced it with a piece of 4" x 1.5" rectangular steel, with threaded inserts for mounting the bumper. I'm going to be hanging a swing-out spare tire mount with a 100 lb. wheel/tire combo, so I felt it needed beefing up. Back to the garage to lay down the paint!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/11/12 11:10 PM
Here it is, after 2 coats.
Here's a close-up of the color. Basically, its a gun metal gray metallic.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/14/12 03:15 AM
Sweet, looking forward to seeing your anti-wrap set up.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/14/12 05:21 PM
Quote:
Sweet, looking forward to seeing your anti-wrap set up.
One page back, I show a pic of the anti-wrap ladder bar and the crossmember. In the above pic, you can see the brackets tack welded to the rear axle. No pic of the whole setup in place yet. I need to wait until the Jeep is fully assembled, and sitting at ride height.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/15/12 03:49 AM
Got it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/18/12 09:44 PM
I de-burred the shackle plates, and rattle canned a coat of satin black on them and the leaf springs. Bolted them up to the frame for the final time. I should be getting the finished front axle back from the axle shop this week. I would have gotten it back last week, but the knucklehead forgot to order the Detroit Locker.
I've decided to hold off on rebuilding the rear axle until near the end of the build, and instead, focus on the engine build as the next order of business. As previously stated, I've chosen Dan at Performance Only to take care of the engine work.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/19/12 12:24 AM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/19/12 01:15 AM
LQQKIN Great Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/19/12 02:13 AM
Kevin and Rick, thanks!!
I'm looking forward to working with my friend Dan on the engine. That will probably begin sometime in June, hopefully.
In the meantime, to keep me busy, I've ordered an RCI 15 gallon aluminum fuel cell. Later this week, I'll fab a combination skid plate/mount for it, make it out of steel diamond plate for strength, and run a length of #8 braided line to the front.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/20/12 11:53 PM
The brown truck visited my house today. I love logistics!!!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/21/12 01:24 AM
Are you gonna leave the blocks or devise another way of mounting? Just asking?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/21/12 11:42 AM
Quote:
Are you gonna leave the blocks or devise another way of mounting? Just asking?
The blocks are temporary. I'm going to fill the fuel cell with helium.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/21/12 12:17 PM
Are you going to have enough traction with the tank full of Helium??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/21/12 09:50 PM
Quote:
Are you going to have enough traction with the tank full of Helium??
With 37's locked front and rear, traction won't be an issue!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/22/12 03:05 AM
Quote:
Are you going to have enough traction with the tank full of Helium??
No need for traction he can float across.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/01/12 10:51 PM
I got the front axle back from the shop. It's a hell of a lot heavier now than when I dropped it off to them! They did a complete rebuild, and threw in Superior axles, a Detroit Locker, and Spicer 4.55 gears.
I gave it a coat of Hammerite black paint, but I laid it on a little heavy on the axle tubes and created some drips. I'm going to sand them out and touch it up.
I made the frame a roller again. The front axle and suspension are on for good this time.
The fuel cell mount/skid plate is almost finished. I just need to weld on some tabs. I'm going to add 4 rivet nuts to the crossmember, so I can bolt down the front of the skid plate. The back of the skid plate is attached to the frame with a pair of 1/2-13 bolts.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/02/12 01:52 AM
the drag-link appears to be hitting the front spring segment...?????
Looks Killer
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/02/12 03:11 AM
Quote:
the drag-link appears to be hitting the front spring segment...?????
Looks Killer
Rickster
Thanks, Rick. There is actually a good 3/8" of clearance between the top of the leafs and the bottom of my makeshift tie rod. When the frame and suspension sees the full weight of the body, drivetrain, etc., the leafs will flatten, and that clearance will increase.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/02/12 03:02 PM
Very nice, are you going to be able to drop the tank without removing the tub, just a thought if you haven't considered it. Again, I sure your're ahead of it but make sure you have full travel up and down on the draglink clearance.
Great work.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/02/12 05:37 PM
Quote:
Very nice, are you going to be able to drop the tank without removing the tub, just a thought if you haven't considered it. Again, I sure your're ahead of it but make sure you have full travel up and down on the draglink clearance.
Great work.
Thanks. Yep, already thought about it, and yes, the tank can be dropped.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/19/12 02:12 AM
You've been quiet for awhile, you done anything new? Everything alright?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/20/12 11:38 PM
Quote:
You've been quiet for awhile, you done anything new? Everything alright?
Everything is fine, and thanks for asking. Not a whole 'lot of progress made on the Jeep. I made these shock hoop supports, and mounted the electric fuel pump, but that's about it.
About that thing sitting on top of the fuel cell. I'm making a filler top that will be compatible with the factory filler and vent hoses. The larger nipple is where the actual gas goes through, and the smaller one is for venting the cell.
The next big piece of the Jeep puzzle is the engine. In early June, I'm going to load all of the engine parts I've collected into my pickup, and drive down to see Dan at Performance Only.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/22/12 03:57 AM
Glad to hear all is well. Every bit of progress gets oyu a little closer. I'm in the middle of a winch install picked up a new used 8274 off e-bay last week. I'm putting power at both ends with Anderson quick connectors, if you have given it any thoughts run the cables while you are looking at the frame, easy to drill anchor holes.
Looking forward to the engine post.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/22/12 01:27 PM
Quote:
Glad to hear all is well. Every bit of progress gets oyu a little closer. I'm in the middle of a winch install picked up a new used 8274 off e-bay last week. I'm putting power at both ends with Anderson quick connectors, if you have given it any thoughts run the cables while you are looking at the frame, easy to drill anchor holes.
Looking forward to the engine post.
Pardon my ignorance, but why would I need or want power at both ends for the winch?
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/22/12 02:18 PM
A good winch being expensive, most folks don't want to buy 2, so you run power to both ends, mount the winch to a receiver plate and use heavy Andersons or something like it for the connection and then you have a portable winch that can be carried front to rear if necessary. The other advantage of course is that it is not just limited to one vehicle, you can have a set of jumper cables with the connectors for easy jumps, you can have a set of battery cables on a connector so it could be used with an extra battery in the back of a truck or on a trailer, lots of different possibility with the purchase of just one winch. Maybe I will start a thread on it since I have a few questions.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/22/12 04:01 PM
Quote:
A good winch being expensive, most folks don't want to buy 2, so you run power to both ends, mount the winch to a receiver plate and use heavy Andersons or something like it for the connection and then you have a portable winch that can be carried front to rear if necessary. The other advantage of course is that it is not just limited to one vehicle, you can have a set of jumper cables with the connectors for easy jumps, you can have a set of battery cables on a connector so it could be used with an extra battery in the back of a truck or on a trailer, lots of different possibility with the purchase of just one winch. Maybe I will start a thread on it since I have a few questions.
Yes, start a thread, I've got more questions on that subject. Your explanation was good, but if you could also add some pics to go along with it in your thread, that would really help. And you're right, a good winch is very expensive.
Another small update: just placed an order for the KB Icon .030 over dished pistons. They should give me about 9.4:1 compression, perfect for cruising the mall parking lots on a hot Florida summer evening.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/22/12 04:43 PM
I'll put get some photos today and update tonight.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/04/12 11:11 PM
The next push in this adventure is the fun part....the engine! My Icon pistons arrived today. CNC-Motorsports has BY FAR the best pricing on them. I also have an MP rear sump pan and a Pro/Race harmonic damper on the way. I'm gathering up parts in preparation for my journey in a couple weeks to the Mopar horsepower mecca, Performance Only.
Starting tomorrow, I'm going to set the block, heads, trans and transfer case between the frame rails, and begin building the exhaust system. I already have the Patriot block hugger headers, and a Flowmaster Y-pipe. 2-1/2" pipes will snake their way from the headers to the Y-pipe, and then merge into a single 3-1/2" pipe, which will connect to a Hooker AeroChamber muffler with 3-1/2" inlet and outlet. Exiting the muffler, I might reduce it down to a 3" tail pipe, just to make packaging a little easier. If I have the room though, I'll keep it 3-1/2" to the end.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/12 04:06 PM
What is the reason you are going single rather than duals?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/12 04:29 PM
Quote:
What is the reason you are going single rather than duals?
Because I'm not looking for max power from the engine, and routing a large single exhaust system on the passenger side will be easier to build. Keep in mind, I've got the front driveshaft, transfer case, the fuel line and brake lines to content with on the driver's side. I'm not saying its impossible to do, I just don't think duals are worth it on this type of vehicle. Besides, I'm confident that I'm going to nearly triple the horsepower that this Jeep originally came with from the factory.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/12 04:48 PM
No doubt you wont hurt for power amd I figured is was a routing issue but didn't know if there was thought of low end torque involved. I have duals on the CJ everything on the passenger side, 2.5 head pipe to flow masters and then 2.25 out the side at the very rear corner of the tub. It it s currrently running manifolds but I have a set of Hedman Elite inside frame headers on back order that they claim fits fine so we'll see. I lot of folks think that you cant run them on a CJ but it's not even really close anywhere. Not sure at all about a YJ aren't there frames wider? I the tubs are pretty much the same dimensions.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/12 10:35 PM
Yes, the YJ frame is a little wider.
One of the reasons I decided on a large single exhaust was the fact that I would need to find room for just one muffler. I have a traction/ladder bar on the passenger side, and that would make fitting 2 mufflers a real challenge.
What engine do you have in your CJ?
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 01:10 AM
AMC 360, it was in it when we got it and runs like a champ. When we did the bottom of the tub I pulled it apart to fix a T-cover leak and it has an Edelbrock performer cam, a tru-roller and flat top pistons best I can tell. Everything looked incredible fresh so I let it be. I would have really liked an excuse to go Chrysler power but kinda like the AMC power in a Jeep.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 02:14 AM
Looks good. The AMC V-8 is a good choice for a CJ. It's period-correct.
And, at least it's not a smallblock Chevy, like so many other Jeep guys convert to. Is it a stick or auto?
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 02:43 AM
Running a NP435 out of a 78 F-250, Novak output and adaptor hooked to a Dana 300 (I think the original). Had an 11 inch clutch built for it with 240 lb springs, all new clutch linkage.
The picture is too big to post but it is in this htrad on Jeepforum.com if you want to see it or I can send you one.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/np435-rebuild-1266073/
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 03:49 AM
Quote:
AMC 360, it was in it when we got it and runs like a champ. When we did the bottom of the tub I pulled it apart to fix a T-cover leak and it has an Edelbrock performer cam, a tru-roller and flat top pistons best I can tell. Everything looked incredible fresh so I let it be. I would have really liked an excuse to go Chrysler power but kinda like the AMC power in a Jeep.
May I suggest a different air cleaner. Those triangle ones will sift fine dust through them into the carb. 
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 04:17 AM
Yep, I need to lose it, I just keep thinking I am gonna build a deep water cleaner so I haven't sepnt the dime. I need a set of cool AMC cover and then can get a cleaner to match for now. Anybody got a set of covers????
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 06:22 PM
Quote:
Running a NP435 out of a 78 F-250, Novak output and adaptor hooked to a Dana 300 (I think the original). Had an 11 inch clutch built for it with 240 lb springs, all new clutch linkage.
The picture is too big to post but it is in this htrad on Jeepforum.com if you want to see it or I can send you one.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/np435-rebuild-1266073/
I hear the granny gear in those gearboxes is quite impressive.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 06:44 PM
Yea, pretty much tractor like even in high, put in low range and it moves like a snail using a walker. 6.68 ratio, we like it.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/12 08:50 PM
I think I read that a single 3 1/2 pipe flows the same as a 2 1/2 dual setup?? Looks mean so far!!! TBF
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/07/12 01:26 AM
Thats funny I was reading through this thread and was just gonna post that very comment!
Quote:
I think I read that a single 3 1/2 pipe flows the same as a 2 1/2 dual setup?? Looks mean so far!!! TBF
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/07/12 01:36 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/07/12 01:47 AM
Quote:
I think I read that a single 3 1/2 pipe flows the same as a 2 1/2 dual setup?? Looks mean so far!!! TBF
Hey Mark, Nick and I are heading out to Performance Only in Vero Beach on the 23rd to drop off the engine parts! If you are off that day and want to join us, let me know!
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/08/12 02:28 AM
I did some work on a friend's AMX with a 390.
They're a very neat little motor.
I do recall putting in an oiling system that oils the front timing chain a little better. It's basically copper tubing that's plumbed in and crimped on the end to "drip" onto the chain. Simple concept but it works.
360's are good, 390's are better and 401's are badass!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/20/12 05:30 PM
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 01:43 AM
Nice, maybe a little tight, but probably no worse than some of the stuff in my shop. I was sitting here wondering how you were gonna do the front drive shaft anf it hit me, it's a YJ.
So far so good, cant wait to see the next update.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 02:12 PM
I'm really looking forward to the engine portion of this as I am very seriously contemplating a very similar build. Sould be a little torquer!
Quote:
I finished fabbing up the front half of the exhaust system. I'll drop it down later on today and weld it up.
I'll build the back half of the system when the engine and trans are in for good. For now though, the engine and trans need to get hoisted out of there today, because next week I'm taking all the engine parts down to Performance Only.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 08:49 PM
Quote:
Nice, maybe a little tight, but probably no worse than some of the stuff in my shop. I was sitting here wondering how you were gonna do the front drive shaft anf it hit me, it's a YJ.
So far so good, cant wait to see the next update.
Thanks. Its tight in just one spot near the trans, as seen in one of the pics.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 08:51 PM
Quote:
I'm really looking forward to the engine portion of this as I am very seriously contemplating a very similar build. Sould be a little torquer!
That's what I'm looking for in this engine, truck loads of midrange GRUNT!
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 09:50 PM
I see you have great taste when it comes to mufflers ..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/21/12 11:45 PM
Quote:
I see you have great taste when it comes to mufflers ..
Great minds think alike.
They are the same 3-1/2" mufflers I used on my old Duster.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/22/12 01:13 AM
Looking great Dave.....same meticulous fabrication as usual
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/22/12 11:51 AM
Quote:
Looking great Dave.....same meticulous fabrication as usual
Rickster
Thanks Rick. Having built just this small amount of exhaust, I already have gained a greater respect for anyone that builds their own set of headers.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/25/12 12:17 AM
Alright, the engine parts have been delivered to Dan at Performance Only. After the meet 'n greet, and bull session, we went out for lunch at a nice sports bar called Duffy's, and shot the breeze some more, talking about what will be done with the engine. In addition to the machine work and his usual brand of meticulous checking, correcting, and cam selection, Dan is also going to assemble the engine.
It was good to hang out with my friend Dan again. And, since Dan is the Allstate of the engine building world, I feel I'm "in good hands".
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/28/12 03:31 AM
Quote:
Alright, the engine parts have been delivered to Dan at Performance Only. After the meet 'n greet, and bull session, we went out for lunch at a nice sports bar called Duffy's, and shot the breeze some more, talking about what will be done with the engine. In addition to the machine work and his usual brand of meticulous checking, correcting, and cam selection, Dan is also going to assemble the engine.
It was good to hang out with my friend Dan again. And, since Dan is the Allstate of the engine building world, I feel I'm "in good hands".
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/08/12 09:31 PM
Not much actual progress to report. I've been buying lots of engine parts and having them shipped to Performance Only.
I finally got around to laying down some coats of epoxy primer on the fuel tank and transmission skid plates. I found an awesome, super tough, industrial-grade epoxy primer. Its made by Dupont, and its called Colar 2.1 ST. It is so thick, the label describes it as High Solids Epoxy Mastic. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. It needs to be reduced 10-15% in order to spray it. Still, I had to use a gun with a 1.7mm tip in order for it to spray. I tried my 1.4, but that didn't work. Its designed to go on with a high film thickness, and it doesn't lay down smooth. It dries to a satin finish, and leaves a bit of a light texture, which looks good to me on the skid plates. The guy at the auto paint store told me this primer is used on offshore oil platforms, which is probably the harshest environment for coatings, so it should do a great job protecting my skid plates. Best of all, its relatively inexpensive.
Here's the rundown on the 318 stroker engine specs:
'83 318 block, bored .030 over
NOS magnum heads, stock
Scat 4" cast stroker crank
Eagle SR rods
KB Icon Forged dished pistons (comp. approx. 9.4:1)
Total Seal rings
Comp Cams hyd. flat tappet cam: .516 lift, 239º/246º dur. @ .050
Professional Products air gap dual plane intake manifold
Quick Fuel Slayer 600 cfm carb
Melling HV oil pump
MP rear sump truck oil pan
Pro Gear timing chain set
She's gonna climb hills like a billy goat on steroids!!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/09/12 02:03 AM
getting a little work done on the engine
another
time to spin the crank and drill some holes.
almost done.
okay, it's time to make the pistons fit the bores.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/15/12 04:35 AM
That's what I'm talking about!! Dan the Man gettin' it done!!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/15/12 08:09 PM
Too cool.
Great of Dan to post (smart too), wish he was closer to me.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/15/12 11:46 PM
Quote:
That's what I'm talking about!! Dan the Man gettin' it done!!
All around great guy
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/12 12:35 AM
Quote:
Too cool.
Great of Dan to post (smart too), wish he was closer to me.
I wish Dan lived closer to me, too! It was a 4 hour drive to drop off my engine parts. One of my buddies rode with me, and it was good to see and chat with Dan again, so all in all, it was an enjoyable day. The only downer was when, about 1/3 of the way there, much to my shock and horror, I realized that I had forgotten to load the mother-f#*!ing crank and rods!! WHAT!!!!???? 
I shipped them a couple days later, and UPS charged me only $42.00. Still, it took me a good hour afterwards to calm down and enjoy the rest of the trip.
BTW, I rented a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee for that trip. Sweet ride! Smooth as a Cadillac and very comfortable. The V-6 moved it along nicely. I wouldn't mind owning one.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/12 04:20 AM
Ouch!
I'm in a new Wrangler 4 door this week and I could imagine riding 4 hours in it, seats are hard as a concrete bench and I swear the suspenison is harder than my CJ with Super Lift springs on it. Cant wait to see power numbers on this thing, is he dynoing it?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/12 05:01 AM
Quote:
Ouch!
I'm in a new Wrangler 4 door this week and I could imagine riding 4 hours in it, seats are hard as a concrete bench and I swear the suspenison is harder than my CJ with Super Lift springs on it. Cant wait to see power numbers on this thing, is he dynoing it?
Thanks for the warning on the new Wranglers!
No dyno sessions scheduled, so there won't be any hard numbers to brag about. However, Dan gave me his best educated guess on what kind of ballpark HP and torque numbers it should produce. If its anywhere near those numbers, I'll be happy.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/19/12 01:15 AM
I ordered the torque converter and flexplate today. I went with a PTC 9.5" model with 2,600 stall, and a B&M sfi flexplate.
The flexplate is on its way to Performance Only, per Dan's request. He wants to make sure its perfectly balanced. If its not, he will make it so.
here's a few more pictures from balancing the rotating assembly. the lesson here is that just because you have a neutral balance damper or flexplate, don't expect it to actually be neutral.
keep in mind that if your going to the trouble to balance the crank, rods, pistons, etc, it's worth it (and the proper way IMO) to balance the pieces that bolt to it.
here's the initial out of balance on the damper
next
correcting it
and the end result.
here's the same scenario with the flexplate.
correction being made
the end result.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/21/12 11:42 PM
Nice work, Dan!
Thanks for posting the pics!
My PTC torque converter came in today. Hey Dan, should I send it down to you for balancing???
Is it just me, or does PTC steer most Mopar guys to their 9.5" converter? After telling them all I could about my combo and application, they came up with 2,600 stall with their 9.5" converter. I wondered why that small of a converter for such a low stall speed. I was expecting a 10" or 11" converter recommendation. I didn't bring this up to them, because they know a heck of a lot more about converters than I do. I still wonder, though.
they probably based that on the relatively light weight with the expected torque. what does a jeep weight? a larger convertor like a 10 1/2 or 11" would probably be around 2000-2200 rpm stall.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/12 02:03 AM
Quote:
they probably based that on the relatively light weight with the expected torque. what does a jeep weight? a larger convertor like a 10 1/2 or 11" would probably be around 2000-2200 rpm stall.
Well, my Jeep originally weighed right around 3,000 lbs. But, I've added frame crossmembers, heavier axles and much heavier tires, plus a heavier engine and a full rollcage is in the plan, so, I'm guessing the final weight to be around 3,600 lbs. That's the weight I gave to the PTC sales guy.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/12 02:55 AM
Thank you Dan for educating us, it speaks volumes to your customer service mind set.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/05/12 03:45 AM
Every once in a while, you run into a setback in a car project. While Dan was measuring the deck heights at various points on my 1983 318 block, he determined that the measurements suggested that the block had a bit of a twist to it. In addition, Dan informed me that some of the main saddles were out of spec, and needed an align bore. But, the biggest downer (for me), was his discovery of hairline cracks running from the head bolt holes to the coolant holes. Dan let me know that he's seen this problem before on the newer ('80s/up) 318/360 engine blocks, and he has a method of fixing them. After mentally digesting this unfortunate discovery, as well as the other issues found with the block, I decided to not invest any more into a questionable block, and instead search for a more suitable, older 318 block. As luck would have it, a friend of mine that lives in my neighborhood had just acquired a complete, unmolested 318 engine, of 1970 vintage. I purchased the bare block from him, and I'm going to make preparations to ship the block to Dan within 2 weeks.
Here are two pics of some of the cracks around the head bolt holes that were found by Dan.
Posted By: A1OO
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/05/12 04:11 PM
Looks great! Too bad on the cracked block.
Don't forget to get oil thru pushrods as the magnum heads oil thru lifters. I got mine custom made from straighline perfoemance.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/05/12 05:27 PM
Quote:
Looks great! Too bad on the cracked block.
Don't forget to get oil thru pushrods as the magnum heads oil thru lifters. I got mine custom made from straighline perfoemance.
Yep, already learned about the oiling through the pushrods with the magnum heads. I'm using Comp Cams oil through lifters for Mopars, its the same lifter for AMC engines.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/05/12 10:46 PM
Good decision
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/08/12 03:40 PM
Here is the replacement 318 block I'm sending to Dan. Granted, not as exciting to look at as a blown Hemi, but it keeps me in the Mopar hobby, at least.
She was cast back in the good old days of 1970, when an extra pound or so of cast iron on a block was looked at as providing additional strength and a margin for design error, rather than a weight penalty. The head bolt holes are blind, rather than going through into the water jacket, like the later 318 blocks do. Blind holes generally equal more strength, which is why the old blocks don't suffer the cracking problem around these holes.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/09/12 01:45 AM
Bummer, at least you found out before too much was dumped into it.
Probably an elementary question but what years come with magnum heads?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/09/12 03:29 AM
Quote:
Bummer, at least you found out before too much was dumped into it.
Probably an elementary question but what years come with magnum heads?
I believe the 5.2 Magnum engines were produced from 1992 to 2003. The 5.9 Magnum started in 1993.
hey Dave, could you resize that picture so we don't have to scroll back and forth.
other than that, i just couldn't take it any more.
engines need to start out nice and clean, so here's what it looks like now.
another view
no more scale in the water jackets.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/14/12 01:24 AM
Purdy!
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/14/12 07:03 AM
Do you use the Shake n bake method?
The machine shop I use has that system and the part can be horrible when it goes in and spotless like that block when it comes out.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/14/12 04:51 PM
Alright guys, Dan is trying to pull a fast one here!! Its obvious that he rattle-canned that block with Eastwood's cast iron gray paint, and painted the main caps silver for artistic contrast! Who's fooling who here??!!!
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Seriously, Dan, I'm in SHOCK!!!
Thanks for posting those pics! When you said you can make the block look like new, you weren't kidding! The last time that block was cleaner than that was when it was cast 41 years, 51 weeks ago today!! Just amazing!! YOU DA' MAN, DAN!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/20/12 01:47 AM
I performed some surgery on the 727 4x4 trans. The tall mount on it forced me to fab a 1.25" drop section in the trans skid plate. Even with that, there was no room to put some rubber isolators under it. So, I manned up and broke out the Sawzall, and chopped 2.75" off of it, and had a local welding shop weld a 3/4" thick 6061-T6 plate on it. Now, I can take out the drop section and weld in a flat plate to restore the lost ground clearance, and have room to stuff 3/4" thick rubber isolators under the mount.
I'll get this Jeep done someday.
I forgot to take a "before" pic. Pretend you don't see the cut.
The Sawzall blade wandered a bit. A little grinding leveled it out.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/22/12 03:13 AM
That outta hold it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/25/12 03:58 AM
Things are moving right along. In addition to Dan at Performance Only working on my engine, yesterday I dropped off the 727 at LIP Performance for a complete rebuild, using CRT's HP street rebuild kit and Cope's Pro Street manual valve body.
My NP231 transfer case came with a 3 pinion planetary, which is load rated at 600 ft. lbs. of torque. That isn't going to cut it living behind Dan's little torque monster, so I located a barely used 6 pinion planetary in super condition, and a long style 23 spline input gear, which is needed so it can mate properly to the 727's output shaft. The 6 pinion planetary is load rated at 1,400 ft. lbs. Once I get the wide chain kit, I'll reassemble the t-case.
Dave,
here's a few more progress pictures for you. after checking the main bores out for size and alignment, i decided it needed to be corrected. no big surprise on that since the block is 40 years old.
i start out by surfacing the bottom of the block. the main reason for that is because the main caps hang over the edge and it's either file all of the caps or surface the block. i chose the latter.
after the block is surfaced, the caps are off to the cap grinder to remove a few thousandths of material. and of course finally, the CNC bores the holes round and true from front to rear. the variance in size afterward is .0001 max. the before numbers would scare you, so no need to go there.
and another
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/30/12 03:18 AM
Awesome, I am curious about something to do with line boring if I may ask. Doesn't it changer the distance between the crank center and the cam center? How do you conpensate for that or is it so insignificant that you would never see an issue with timing chain slack.
Thanks, Kevin
here it is with the caps bolted down before boring
and after
again, before
and after.
Quote:
Awesome, I am curious about something to do with line boring if I may ask. Doesn't it changer the distance between the crank center and the cam center? How do you conpensate for that or is it so insignificant that you would never see an issue with timing chain slack.
Thanks, Kevin
any time you hone or bore the mains, the distance will decrease, but when boring you actually have better control of how much material is removed from the block. it's my opinion that boring gives a better result than honing for various reasons.
one of those reasons in addition to the aforementioned is that boring does a much better job of keeping the bores round and in proper alignment. honing is usually a faster process and because of that it generally costs a little less. it's widely used in the industry just like boring is.
i have a buch of pictures of blocks that were honed by other shops where the customers had issues where the sizing was inconsistent at best. on some, the bores were wide at the parting line which is common because of the nature of stone and shoe offset on the honing mandrel.
in the case of this block, i took .0013" (13 tenths) of material away from the block side. all bores measure within .0001 of each other now. it's almost impossible to acheive those results with a hone. thanks for asking.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/30/12 06:10 PM
Gee Dan, I guess I can live with that
HUGE .0001 variance.....
Fine work as usual!
Thanks for posting!
sorry to get things so out of whack, but it should run fine.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/31/12 03:42 AM
Thanks for the info.
i turned the heads into chips today. need to accommodate the new springs and seals.
what a mess
that looks a bit better
and finally. now all the valve seats and all the spring seats are the same height, like they're supposed to be.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/03/12 01:49 AM
Dan, what is the brand and OD of the springs? Are they single or double springs?
Great work as usual!
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/03/12 02:11 AM
Quote:
what a mess
It looks like those heads are made of fiberglass. lol
the springs, locks and retainers were provided by Racing engine valves (rev) 1.460 o.d. 130 lbs on the seat/ 325 open pressure. 10 degree radius bead locks and retainers.
Posted By: DusterDj
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/03/12 05:00 AM
This Jeep build is bad ass!!!!
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/03/12 07:58 AM
Gonna be the baddest Mall Cruiser in FL..
..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/03/12 11:40 AM
Quote:
Gonna be the baddest Mall Cruiser in FL.. ..
Damn straight!
Quote:
Quote:
what a mess
It looks like those heads are made of fiberglass. lol
i know it. those carbides scrape that cast iron up in little rolls.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/04/12 03:59 AM
Dan, I must say again I am as impress with you as I am with your work. Not many people take the pride they should in their work. Even really good guys do not take the time to participant in the project as you have. I hope this yeilds you business, I know that is not your purpose in what you are doing for Dave (and us). I am gonna try to figure out how to send you some work. I just wanted to say thank you.
Kevin
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/04/12 07:41 PM
The 727 is back from a fresh rebuild. The trans shop also relocated the vent to the top rear of the case.
I had some left over silver-gray basecoat and clear from my old Duster build, so I sprayed two coats of each on the trans.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/04/12 09:09 PM
Durn dats purdy... lol
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/05/12 03:37 PM
Last night, I sprayed down the entire underside of the tub with Castrol Super Clean. This morning, I sprayed it again about an hour before the pressure washing. While pressure washing the underside, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the undercoating was coming off fairly easily. Excellent!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/06/12 01:34 AM
Very fortunate. I think they started using more enviromently safe i.e. easier to get off than in the old days. Good looking belly by the way.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/13/12 03:35 AM
This weekend, I replaced the very rusty passenger side floor pan. I'm nearing the end of replacing rotted sheet metal on the tub. Just a couple small spots to go.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/13/12 01:11 PM
Posted By: MattW
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/17/12 04:45 PM
Quote:
correction being made
Nice work.
Is it hard on the sensors to be grinding while still mounted? Matt
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/17/12 11:37 PM
Got the headers and pulleys back from the powder coaters. They messed up on the headers. I told them I wanted satin black, and they coated them the typical silver. They gave me the option of waiting a few more days to get them blasted and re-coated, or take them now for $50 less.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/18/12 06:09 AM
Bling Bling
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/20/12 09:37 PM
Looks great, mine are silver and I love them.
Something to consider though, right now the time and $50 don't really matter, are you gonna have heartburn every time you look at them in the future cause you wanted black?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/20/12 10:51 PM
Quote:
Looks great, mine are silver and I love them.
Something to consider though, right now the time and $50 don't really matter, are you gonna have heartburn every time you look at them in the future cause you wanted black?
No, I won't get heartburn, but the $50 savings did matter to me. Any time I can get 1/3 off on something, that makes me happy, so I'm over it. My original vision of this Jeep was for it to have nothing shiny on it, and anything not body color would be black, except the engine, which I've already decided would be Hemi Orange. With my black Duster, I had lots to polish, and hated it.
I've finally decided on the body color. I orginally thought I wanted some kind of copper color, but like many other things, plans have a tendency to change. So, here it is, its a factory '99-'03 Jeep color called Intense Blue. Interior will be some shade(s) of gray.
here'[s a couple more pics for you Dave.
the springs are 1.460 o.d and clear the rockers just fine.
pic 2
pic 3 of the rocker to spring clearance
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/21/12 02:16 AM
Dan, nice job getting all of the parts to play nice with each other! I know it wasn't easy getting the head gear sorted out.
As always, thanks for posting the pics!
Dave, no big deal. all in a days work.
here's the block in the F67A square decked and a light cut on the end rails. this is one of the most squared blocks i've seen in a long time. it was only .0035 off of 45 degrees from the cam crankk centerline and less than .007 difference from end to end. you'd be amazed how far off some blocks are.
just in case you ever need to know what the mains were torqued at. we used to stamp them, but not any more.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/21/12 03:24 AM
Quote:
just in case you ever need to know what the mains were torqued at. we used to stamp them, but not any more.
Now THAT gives the phrase "over the top" a whole new meaning!!! 
I'll mention it in my will, so whoever inherits my Jeep will know where to look when their son grows up and finally has to rebuild the engine.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/21/12 04:03 AM
Awesome Dan, exactly how far from Quincy are you?
Nice color Dave, orange and blue I can dig it.
Quote:
Awesome Dan, exactly how far from Quincy are you?
Nice color Dave, orange and blue I can dig it.
Quincy is near the Ga. border, NW of Tallahassee, right? i would think that's about a 7 hour drive. i have some customers in the Panama City area which i think is just a little further away. when it's too far to drive we just ship stuff.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/22/12 03:10 AM
Yep, 15 miles NW of Tallahassee. I thought about the shipping cost but I guess it would still be cheaper than the gas. Might couple it with a trip to Ocala or Old Town. I'll contact you directly and let the thread stay on topic.
Thanks Dave for the intro to Dan. Sorry for the mini jacking.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/22/12 03:56 AM
Quote:
Yep, 15 miles NW of Tallahassee. I thought about the shipping cost but I guess it would still be cheaper than the gas. Might couple it with a trip to Ocala or Old Town. I'll contact you directly and let the thread stay on topic.
Thanks Dave for the intro to Dan. Sorry for the mini jacking.
No problem, Kevin. And, you're welcome.
Dave,
i really, really like that color blue. great choice. i don't see many jeeps that color but the copper is all too common.
Kevin, let me know if there's anything we can help you with and thanks for the compliments along the way.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/22/12 11:25 PM
Quote:
Dave,
i really, really like that color blue. great choice. i don't see many jeeps that color but the copper is all too common.
Kevin, let me know if there's anything we can help you with and thanks for the compliments along the way.
Thanks, Dan. Great minds think alike. I have a strange feeling that copper will be a fad color, kind of like green was in the 1970's. I don't know why this blue is so uncommon. I guess the factory figured most people wanted red, green or black Jeeps.
Dave,
i'll see if i can post some pics later, but your block was bored and honed today, ran through the jet washer, brushed, scrubbed, etc. tomorrow we start the process of caging bearings and getting on with the build. shouldn't be long now.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/23/12 02:25 AM
Dan, PM sent
Ya'll gotta quit talking bad about the copper you're giving me a complex, my AAR is FK5.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/23/12 03:31 AM
Quote:
Dan, PM sent
Ya'll gotta quit talking bad about the copper you're giving me a complex, my AAR is FK5.
You own a AAR Cuda? Now you made us jealous! 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/23/12 03:33 AM
Quote:
Dave,
i'll see if i can post some pics later, but your block was bored and honed today, ran through the jet washer, brushed, scrubbed, etc. tomorrow we start the process of caging bearings and getting on with the build. shouldn't be long now.
Hot-diggity!
Dave, here's a picture of the probe readouts. this one is a picture of the blueprint spec. for bore locations on the left side. (drivers side)
in this picture you'll notice i've checked the box to show the actual difference of the bores locations from the blueprint specs. these bores are incredibly close. someone at Chrysler did a fantastic job on this block.
here's the passenger side bluprint spec.
and here's the actual difference. this is without a doubt the closest to spec block i've encountered so far.
here's some random pictures of the block as i was caging the mains to check and correct oil clearances, install some frost plugs, etc. etc.
here's another one
and the last one for now. i didn't bring the sonic sheet home or i'd post it for you. maybe tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/24/12 03:16 AM
Good stuff, Dan!
Man, we saw one extreme to the other with two engine blocks!
I have a question...remember how the ARP main bolts didn't fit the first block? Do they fit this block correctly? I'm only asking because the main bolts in the picture appear to be the old bolts.
No, they didn't fit this one either. the bolt holes in the block aren't deep enough, and even if they were the last thread of the bolt would be at the first thred of the block, even with the washer in place.
i think with all things considered, the stock bolts will handle the job just fine. i have a 340 and 2 360 blocks sitting here i'm working on and those caps are taller than those of the 318 block.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/24/12 01:20 PM
Long way from a grease monkey!
What did you think the 346 was for? I have other stuff too, including a 84 CJ I mentioned earlier, 360 NP435 and doing the Toyota axles.
not too much to add here today. here's a picture of the clearance notch needed at the bottom of the cylinders for connecting rod clearance.
aside from that, all the bearing oil clearances are adjusted and all the mock up work is done. one last cleaning and then the final assembly begins.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/25/12 02:10 AM
Quote:
not too much to add here today. here's a picture of the clearance notch needed at the bottom of the cylinders for connecting rod clearance.
aside from that, all the bearing oil clearances are adjusted and all the mock up work is done. One last cleaning and then the final assembly begins.
Cue the dancing banana and the rocker!!!
i'm glad you cued the rocker. just a couple more years of this and i'll be spending most of my time in a different kind of rocker.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/01/12 10:34 PM
I picked up these emblems on ebag.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/12 01:35 AM
Hey, I got those on my Dakotas.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/12 04:05 AM
Quote:
I picked up these emblems on ebag.
Did you see these...?????
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/68-69-390-AMC...=item3cca3fbf36
or this
placed over these
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/12 12:36 PM
Rick, I had seen the 390 with with V on ebay, but not the 390 and the STROKER emblems. I'll think about where I can put those on the Jeep.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/12 03:32 PM
Quote:
Rick, I had seen the 390 with with V on ebay, but not the 390 and the STROKER emblems. I'll think about where I can put those on the Jeep.
I picked up a pair of these for the Valiant.....
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/12 05:09 PM
That's cool, Rick!
BTW, how's that 408 running? Are you driving it much? I'll bet it scoots!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/03/12 02:14 AM
Quote:
That's cool, Rick!
BTW, how's that 408 running? Are you driving it much? I'll bet it scoots!
Motor runs awesome.....on the engine stand....lol
Got a long road ahead I'm afraid on the rest...have 90% of the pieces collected....just need the xtra $$$ to get it done 
Rickster
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/13/12 02:18 AM
I'm having withdrawals, what's happening? Did you get the engine back?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/13/12 03:56 AM
Quote:
I'm having withdrawals, what's happening? Did you get the engine back?
Not yet. Dan has been busy moving into a new and better shop. Once he's fully operational again, he will resume his engine magic. I was hoping to get the engine on a dyno by the end of this month, but it may have to get pushed into October. Dan is at the point where he can begin assembling the shortblock.
I've been keeping myself somewhat busy working on the firewall. I sand blasted the paint and rust off, and patched and welded up all of the unneeded holes. I've also been buying more engine parts, like the Quick Fuel 680cfm vac. sec. carb, Taylor spark plug wire set, PRW water pump, and some other small parts to get it ready for dyno day.
I sand blasted the wrinkle black paint off of the MP cast valve covers. I'm going to paint them Hemi Orange to match the rest of the engine. No rattle can paint job on this engine, I'm going to apply Eastwood ceramic engine paint with my detail gun.
Remember those shorty block hugger headers? Well, I sold them. Dan thought they would be restrictive on this engine, so the new plan is to build me a set of full length headers, with 1-3/4" primaries and 3" collectors, which will connect to a 2-1/2" dual exhaust system.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/14/12 01:03 AM
Sounds good, but you know we need pictures of the covers and firewall.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/14/12 03:01 AM
Quote:
Sounds good, but you know we need pictures of the covers and firewall.
Yeah, you're right, this IS a build thread, and I should show everything I'm doing, even the insignificant stuff. I'm going to shoot the firewall with a couple coats of 2 epoxy primer this Saturday, I'll post a pic of it then. I just placed an order for the Eastwood Hemi Orange paint, so as soon as I spray the covers, I'll post a pic of them.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/12 11:22 PM
After sandblasting the firewall, I welded up 30 various sized holes and wire feed-thru openings. That was the good news. The bad news was, 4 tapped holes that I welded closed were the mounting holes for the battery tray.
Soooooooo, I had to drill them out and tap them.
After wiping down the firewall with wax & grease remover, I laid down 2 coats of epoxy primer, and then sprayed 3 coats of high build primer.
Posted By: EvilB1Dart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/12 12:27 AM
Nice work as always. Gonna be a baddass JEEP when its completed. Great job, Dave!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/12 01:31 AM
Quote:
Nice work as always. Gonna be a baddass JEEP when its completed. Great job, Dave!
WHOA!!!! Out of nowhere comes my buddy Wes!! Thanks, man!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/12 05:26 PM
I sandblasted off the wrinkle black paint on the valve covers. I'm going to spray them Hemi Orange using Eastwood's ceramic engine paint. When good and dry, I'll block sand the tops of the fins and lettering to expose the aluminum.
sure would be nice to have those on the engine when it goes on the dyno.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/18/12 01:08 AM
Now you're talking. Looks go
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/18/12 02:32 AM
Quote:
sure would be nice to have those on the engine when it goes on the dyno.
You're not kidding, Dan. They gotta be worth at least 10 horsepower over the stock valve covers.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/21/12 05:13 AM
They got my old 360 Cuda down the track much faster than stock covers! Well, the ported magnum heads may have had something to do with that??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/30/12 05:50 PM
My order of Monstaliner came in. I chose a medium gray. I'm going to spray the underside of the tub with it. They recommend not applying it in hot, humid weather, so I'm going to wait another month or so to shoot it. I wish I could shoot it now, because all of the metal work on the bottom of the tub is done. The Chassis Saver is for painting over the rusty areas.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/30/12 06:36 PM
I decided to cut my losses and ditch the CJ hood I had originally bought. Just way too many holes to patch. I searched craigslist last Friday, and found another hood in WAY better condition for $75. It did have two areas that needed some metal replacement, and a hole smaller than the size of a dime, but other than that, overall its in nice straight condition.
Here are the two larger spots that needed metal replacement, already welded up and ground down. I'm going to shoot a coat of epoxy primer on before doing the plastic filler work.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/12 06:48 PM
Man that Jeep is gonna be killer!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/12 01:00 AM
Good product, the guy that owns the company is on the Jeep forum, he is a real piece of work. I have never bought from him or had a run in but just reading his post will ensure that I never use it. Real shame it's good stuff, my brother uses a lot of the chassis saver and it's holds up really well. Sorry.
I cant wait to see it on the tub.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/12 02:56 AM
Quote:
Good product, the guy that owns the company is on the Jeep forum, he is a real piece of work. I have never bought from him or had a run in but just reading his post will ensure that I never use it. Real shame it's good stuff, my brother uses a lot of the chassis saver and it's holds up really well. Sorry.
I cant wait to see it on the tub.
You're talking about Eric! He doesn't bother me so much, probably because I'm from the NJ/NY area, and I came in contact with lots of guys like him.
Maybe this weekend, I'll wire wheel the rusty spots and hit them with the Chassis Saver. My next expenditure will be for the front shocks. I've got my sights on some Bilsteins, but not yet decided on which model.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/12 01:22 PM
Why is everyone so sold on the Bilsteins? I am at the point with the axle swap where I have to get new ones and I would be curious how you came to your decision on brand and then of course model. I don't really have an opinion or knowledge on the subject.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/03/12 05:35 PM
Quote:
Why is everyone so sold on the Bilsteins? I am at the point with the axle swap where I have to get new ones and I would be curious how you came to your decision on brand and then of course model. I don't really have an opinion or knowledge on the subject.
There's no denying it, Bilstein has a great reputation for building high quality, high performance shocks. Read this, and you'll see why people choose Bilsteins. http://www.eshocks.com/bil_ORin.asp?Manf=All>
I've decided to go with 5165's in the front, and 5125's for the rear. I figure with the all iron V8 up front, the front shocks will get more of a workout, so I opted for the 5165 reservoir shocks. The rear won't see as much weight, (and to save a little money) I went with the 5125's. Since I need longer than stock length shocks, both were a good choice, since they come in custom lengths.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 12:03 AM
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 12:25 AM
Quote:
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Exactly which part # are you looking for Dave?
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 02:02 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Exactly which part # are you looking for Dave?
Rickster
Rick, it's 25-187762.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 02:24 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Exactly which part # are you looking for Dave?
Rickster
Rick, it's 25-187762.
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/s...CFQcGnQod6B0Apg
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 02:50 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Exactly which part # are you looking for Dave?
Rickster
Rick, it's 25-187762.
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/s...CFQcGnQod6B0Apg
I called allshocks.com, eshocks.com, shockwarehouse.com, 4wd.com, offroadwarehouse.com, and polyperformance.com. Nobody has them in stock. But, thanks for looking!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/05/12 02:53 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just great. The Bilstein 5165's that I want are on manufacturer's back order for 4 to 6 weeks, and you know how those estimates can be revised....longer!
Exactly which part # are you looking for Dave?
Rickster
Rick, it's 25-187762.
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/s...CFQcGnQod6B0Apg
I called allshocks.com, eshocks.com, shockwarehouse.com, 4wd.com, offroadwarehouse.com, and polyperformance.com. Nobody has them in stock. But, thanks for looking!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/06/12 05:11 PM
On shockwarehouse.com, I found a spreadsheet of a huge list of Bilstein part numbers that are currently on backorder, and its incomplete at that, because the shock I want isn't on that list. Makes me wonder what in hell is going on at Bilstein. From what allshocks.com hinted in an email, it sounds like supply chain problems.
I would consider Fox reservoir shocks for the front, but I don't want spherical rod ends, I want the stock type rubber bushings like the 5165 has. Anyway, I've put in an order for the 5165's, so I'll get my front shocks one of these months (I hope).
In the meantime, I placed an order for the Bilstein 5125's for the rear, a Northern aluminum crossflow radiator that is custom fit for a CJ, and an Chevy HHR fan/shroud assembly from rockauto.com.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/09/12 03:31 AM
There's no denying it, Bilstein has a great reputation for building high quality, high performance shocks. Read this, and you'll see why people choose Bilsteins. http://www.eshocks.com/bil_ORin.asp?Manf=All>
thanks, that was a good read
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/12/12 11:35 PM
The Northern rad came in today. After having to fabricate so many brackets and stuff on the Duster, its refreshing to be able to buy something and just bolt it on.
Originally, I was going to go with an HHR fan assembly from rockauto.com, but after much reading on the 'net, I decided to go with a new 1995 Ford Thunderbird electric fan assembly from rockauto. It was only about $12 more than the HHR fan, and it has a two speed fan motor, as opposed to the HHR's single speed motor. It will be thermostatically controlled by a DCC controller. The T-Bird fan is basically the same as the vaunted Lincoln Mark 8 fan, which is claimed to be slightly weaker than a Category 4 hurricane. The fan is a monster 18" in diameter, and since the fin area of the rad is 18-1/8" X 19-1/4", it is absolutely the biggest fan I could possibly fit.
To prevent rust from forming, and to stop rust that may be present, I coated the hard to reach insides of the hood structures with Eastwood Internal Frame Coating. I then sprayed two coats of epoxy primer on the hood, followed by 3 coats of high build primer.
I should be receiving the completed engine by the end of this month. Once its back at DusterDave HQ, progress on other parts and subsystems of the Jeep will really start to move along.
It's looking good Dave. Very nice progress.
here's a few pictures of the engine progress.
cam bearing and cam installed.
another.
rings all file fit and pistons ready to go.
pistons in the holes. we're getting there.
time to install the timing chain and degree that .900 lift roller,
just a couple more.
Lers put some lifters in and check for proper rotation. Notice the lifters are marked with a red dot to indicate the amount of rotation per revolution.
after one camshaft revolution they all rotate.
Lets put some heads on and check for pushrod length,
Final torque of mains and rods, verify rod side clearance and crank end play.
Last one for now. more to follow tomorrow.
i found the water pump doesn't sit flush to the housing. the flange on the pump is too tall and needs a little work to make it fit. no problem, i'll handle that and post a few more pictures as things progress.
Here's a few more progress pic's
the water pump wouldn't sit inside the timing cover properly. I ended up chamfering the flange on the water pump (which was too tall to begine with) and then taking .100 off of it on the belt sander.
Here's a picture of the flange. It was too tall and too squared off. That seems to be a common problem on some of the4 aftermarket pumps.
here's a couple pictures of the valve covers. basically they looked pretty good on them outside, but the inside was still caked with what i'll just describe as "undesireable" material.
Here's the "after" pisture. they got hand washed and put through a jet wash cycle to make sure they were completely clean.
Basically I ended up doing the same thing with the intake manifold. I didn't want to take any chances with it since it was a used piece. It's all clean now inside and out.
CC'ing the chambers to verify size and true compression ratio.
here's the result.
Time to do a little mock-up of the intake, etc.
all looks good.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/12 06:04 PM
Looks great, Dan!!
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/12 08:39 PM
dats purdy !!
about the mis-match on water pump,is that a LA timing cover with a magnum water pump?
I know the LA t-cover will swap over to the magnum block and vis-versa. the last gasket set I had I noticed the t-cover gasket was the same for both blocks. 1 bolt hole is different location.IIRC
water pump gasket was 2 different styles and looked like they would not swap.
so would a little machine work be the fix for mixing the LA/magnum WP and t-covers?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/12 11:13 PM
Quote:
about the mis-match on water pump,is that a LA timing cover with a magnum water pump?
I know the LA t-cover will swap over to the magnum block and vis-versa. the last gasket set I had I noticed the t-cover gasket was the same for both blocks. 1 bolt hole is different location.IIRC
water pump gasket was 2 different styles and looked like they would not swap.
so would a little machine work be the fix for mixing the LA/magnum WP and t-covers?
Mike, the timing cover came off of a 1983 318. The water pump is an aftermarket piece for pre-magnum engines. It's made by PRW.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/15/12 11:21 PM
Quote:
time to install the timing chain and degree that .900 lift roller,
Dang it, Dan!! We agreed to keep those top secret cam specs just between us!!
Quote:
Quote:
time to install the timing chain and degree that .900 lift roller,
Dang it, Dan!! We agreed to keep those top secret cam specs just between us!!
Golly Gee whiz Dave, it's not like i told them about the 320/ 320 duration at .050, Oops, darn it. Now look what you make me do.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/16/12 01:34 AM
Absolutely awesome!
Dan I cant say enough about your involvement in this thread.
Looks like you assembled it in your office.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/17/12 02:49 AM
Alright, Dan! Quit hogging all the progress! It's my turn!
Rear shocks came in today.
Quote:
Absolutely awesome!
Dan I cant say enough about your involvement in this thread.
Looks like you assembled it in your office.
In a sense, i did. I do use the assembly room as my office too, although that part of the room is just a small desk, computer, printer, etc. It works out good because as the engine assembly process moves along i can sit down and transfer my hand written notes regarding specs, clearances, etc. etc. right into the computer without having to leave the room. basically every footstep you save also saves time and money.
I have a Large home office to take care of the rest of the shop business, (i.e.) payables, receivables, and so on.
Even though i don't really have as much time as i'd like to get involved in these types of threads, i do enjoy it when time permits. Maybe in some way it will help someone else in some small way, who knows.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/12 12:10 AM
The T-Bird electric fan came in today. I laid it on the radiator the conventional way (top side up), and saw how much it covered the side tanks, along with one of the hose tubes. For kicks, I rotated the fan assembly 90º, and BAM!!, it instantly became an absolutely perfect fit between the side tanks. I'm going to mount it like that, but first, I need to shorten the now bottom portion of the shroud as much as possible, and then close it off and seal it. Better to have the hacked side on the bottom where it won't be noticeable. Of course, the four useless mounting ears will need to go, too.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/12 04:35 AM
Posted By: Dragula
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/12 06:00 PM
Quote:
Time to do a little mock-up of the intake, etc.
all looks good.
That IS NOT a blown hemi DAVE......
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/12 07:20 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Time to do a little mock-up of the intake, etc.
all looks good.
That IS NOT a blown hemi DAVE......
Yep, you are correct! Been there, done that. Its time to go back to my low buck 318 roots.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/21/12 04:30 AM
I had an enjoyable day today. The 390 engine was dyno'd at Eddie (Elvis) Miller's Engine Works shop. Tuning was handled by Dan at Performance Only. For now, I'll say that the engine ran great and sounded great. I'll post pictures and some video tomorrow.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/21/12 03:19 PM
Quote:
I had an enjoyable day today. The 390 engine was dyno'd at Eddie (Elvis) Miller's Engine Works shop. Tuning was handled by Dan at Performance Only. For now, I'll say that the engine ran great and sounded great. I'll post pictures and some video tomorrow.
Well that was just plain mean Dave 
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/21/12 05:45 PM
Here are some pics. The videos will come later, I need some time to edit them.
Here is Dan getting her ready.
Dan and Eddie tightening things up.
Ready to make some noise!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/21/12 05:51 PM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/21/12 06:59 PM
Congrats Dave....that will surely be a fun ride
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/12 01:38 AM
Quote:
Congrats Dave....that will surely be a fun ride
Rickster
Thanks, Rick! OK, here's one of the dyno videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZuDj9VvfDI&feature=youtu.be
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/12 02:02 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Congrats Dave....that will surely be a fun ride
Rickster
Thanks, Rick! OK, here's one of the dyno videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZuDj9VvfDI&feature=youtu.be
Dave,
Thanks for kind words. I think given the parameters of the build, we got exactly what we wanted when all said and done. Obviosly we weren't building a racing engine, just a nice reliable street combo with good manners and plenty of power for the application. By the numbers this is a nice, efficient combo that should do very well over the long haul. I noticed there wasn't a single drop of anything in the pan under the engine and that's always a good thing too. I hate oil leaks.
It was a good time overall hanging out with friends and so on. What more could anyone ask for.
I expect nmy hearing to return to normal any day now. For some reason i don't think it was the engine that caused that problem.
Looking forward to any other pictures or videos you want to post.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/12 06:22 PM
It sound so... angry!
Quote:
OK, here's one of the dyno videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZuDj9VvfDI&feature=youtu.be
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/23/12 03:16 AM
Here's another dyno video. Something totally unexpected happened on this pull...
http://hemiduster.com/Dyno-Break.wmv
You'll now be known as DusterDave the dyno killer.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/23/12 04:11 PM
Quote:
You'll now be known as DusterDave the dyno killer.
Dan, I couldn't have done it without you!!
So now, you may as well change your company name from Performance Only to Fuse Blowers Only.
Quote:
Quote:
You'll now be known as DusterDave the dyno killer.
Dan, I couldn't have done it without you!!
So now, you may as well change your company name from Performance Only to Fuse Blowers Only.
I like the sounds of "Fusion Technologies" better.
Ole Elvis double clutched the auto test button and that's all she wrote.
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/24/12 10:56 PM
Quote:
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
I'm going to tape it up tonight, and paint it tomorrow night. I took the valve covers off, so I could paint them separately.
Dan, should I drain the break-in oil, or run with it for some miles?
Quote:
Quote:
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
I'm going to tape it up tonight, and paint it tomorrow night. I took the valve covers off, so I could paint them separately.
Dan, should I drain the break-in oil, or run with it for some miles?
I don't see any reason to change it right now. The Bradd Penn break in oil will continue to help protect the cam and lifters. Put some miles on it. 500 miles would be a good start.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/25/12 10:51 PM
Quote:
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
I've the got the engine totally clean and masked off, but Hurricane Sandy has put the kybosh on painting it tonight. The instructions for the Eastwood Engine paint says that low humidity and air temp around 70º is best. The outermost feeder bands over Tampa has pumped up the humidity, and its in the 80's. Plus, the chance for on and off rain precludes an ability to clear out my garage, so I have the room to paint. Saturday is looking like the best day, weather-wise. Stay tuned, Hemi orange lovers.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/26/12 01:19 AM
Monday & Tuesday are supposed to be much cooler & drier
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/26/12 02:51 AM
Quote:
Monday & Tuesday are supposed to be much cooler & drier
Rickster
I really want to put the engine and trans in for the last time by Sunday, the latest. It will be a good motivational boost for me to see those major parts in there. Having them in the frame, I'll be able to finish up ancillary stuff, like the fuel system, mount the trans cooler, steering, etc. Next on the to do list is to spray the bed liner on the bottom of the tub, and mount it to the frame. Then, I can fit up the CJ-7 front end. After that, then I can start building the headers.
Posted By: FastOne
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 12:58 AM
Great topic & an interesting read, thanks for the input
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 02:04 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
I've the got the engine totally clean and masked off, but Hurricane Sandy has put the kybosh on painting it tonight. The instructions for the Eastwood Engine paint says that low humidity and air temp around 70º is best. The outermost feeder bands over Tampa has pumped up the humidity, and its in the 80's. Plus, the chance for on and off rain precludes an ability to clear out my garage, so I have the room to paint. Saturday is looking like the best day, weather-wise. Stay tuned, Hemi orange lovers.
Well........
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 04:56 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Are we going to see that thing all painted up pretty soon?
I've the got the engine totally clean and masked off, but Hurricane Sandy has put the kybosh on painting it tonight. The instructions for the Eastwood Engine paint says that low humidity and air temp around 70º is best. The outermost feeder bands over Tampa has pumped up the humidity, and its in the 80's. Plus, the chance for on and off rain precludes an ability to clear out my garage, so I have the room to paint. Saturday is looking like the best day, weather-wise. Stay tuned, Hemi orange lovers.
Well........
I shot it tonight. I will post pics of the pumpkin tomorrow. I will say this much, that Eastwood engine paint lays down very nice! WAAAAYYY better than any rattle can paint job. I used my jam gun, and reduced it 15% with urethane reducer. It laid down slick as glass.
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 04:21 PM
Dave - awesome build. There's a reason your build threads have a gazillion views.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 05:10 PM
Quote:
Dave - awesome build. There's a reason your build threads have a gazillion views.
Thanks, man. I just hope the reason for the views has nothing to do with the IRS conducting a surveillance on me.... 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 05:14 PM
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 05:15 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Dave - awesome build. There's a reason your build threads have a gazillion views.
Thanks, man. I just hope the reason for the views has nothing to do with the IRS conducting a surveillance on me....
It's OK. I'm from the government and I'm here to help. You do have health insurance, right? 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 05:22 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Dave - awesome build. There's a reason your build threads have a gazillion views.
Thanks, man. I just hope the reason for the views has nothing to do with the IRS conducting a surveillance on me....
It's OK. I'm from the government and I'm here to help. You do have health insurance, right?
Oh, when the armed IRS agents come for me, they will already know the answer to that question!
Posted By: jagrunt551
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 06:09 PM
The IRS is only showing up to drool and get a free ride in that BEAST!!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/12 11:38 PM
Lov'n the wet look
Next I'm sure will be the valve covers.....can't wait
Looks awesome Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/28/12 04:05 AM
Quote:
Lov'n the wet look Next I'm sure will be the valve covers.....can't wait
Looks awesome Dave
Rickster
Thanks, Rick. I'm not certain what I'm going to do with the valve covers yet. The two options are, paint them orange and sand off the tops of the fins and lettering, or, have them powder coated a color that resembles cast aluminum.
Posted By: 85_Ram_4speed
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/28/12 02:21 PM
Wether paint or powder coat, picking up another accent color off the vehicle would be my choice--then maybe sand the fins down and clear coat or clear powder coat if they were already done. I forgot the color scheme on this but something like a darker grey /stainless color might look good too as well as the air cleaner. Just thinking out loud here.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/28/12 11:40 PM
Dave, That looks FANTASTIC.
GREAT JOB.
Sorry I wasn't around earlier today when you called, but i see you got the info you needed.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/29/12 02:16 AM
Quote:
Dave, That looks FANTASTIC. GREAT JOB.
Sorry I wasn't around earlier today when you called, but i see you got the info you needed.
Thanks, Dan. You did such a great job on the engine, I felt it I needed to bring my 'A' game with the spray gun.
Next up, bedlining the bottom of the tub!
Posted By: EvilB1Dart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/29/12 03:37 AM
Excellent job/effort by all! Man, that is a nice jeep for sure! Can't wait to see it completed! Nice!
Wes
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/04/12 10:26 PM
Quote:
Excellent job/effort by all! Man, that is a nice jeep for sure! Can't wait to see it completed! Nice!
Wes
Thanks, Wes!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/04/12 10:29 PM
Not a bunch of progress to report. I sand blasted the power steering brackets and pulley, purchased a remanned PS pump, rattle canned some paint, and bolted it to the engine. I went to the Garlits Mopar show and swap yesterday, and bought alternator brackets.
I still need to decide what color to paint the valve covers.
I painted and installed the steering box.
CSR throttle bracket mounted.
Thermostat housing is on.
Bought a new Denso 120 amp alternator. Should be here in a few days.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/05/12 02:34 AM
Quote:
Not a bunch of progress to report. I sand blasted the power steering brackets and pulley, purchased a remanned PS pump, rattle canned some paint, and bolted it to the engine. I went to the Garlits Mopar show and swap yesterday, and bought alternator brackets.
I still need to decide what color to paint the valve covers.
I painted and installed the steering box.
CSR throttle bracket mounted.
Bought a new Denso 120 amp alternator. Should be here in a few days.
are you planning on any color for the intake manifold...??? If so I would follow that color on the valve covers as well...????
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/05/12 03:20 AM
Rick, I thought about shooting a satin clear on the intake, but I'm worried that it will eventually turn yellow from the heat. I've searched the internet to find a clear that has positive reviews about not turning yellow and being fuel resistant, and I haven't found one yet. So for now, I'm going to leave the intake as is.
As for the valve covers, I might spray them the hemi orange and sand down the tops of the ribs and lettering to the bare aluminum. Like this...
Dave, I think we should've made some custom badges for the new motor on those valve covers. It's not too late. I've done a lot of different ones for customers. just a thought...
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/05/12 09:37 PM
Dan, that's a nice job on the plate! As much as I'd like to brag about who built the engine, that plate is just too bling-bling for the look I'm after on my Jeep.
Posted By: 85_Ram_4speed
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 01:30 AM
Dave, If you want the intake bare looking, I would suggest powder coating it. I had one done in a cast aluminum color and you can barely tell where it ends and begins. It will maintain its looks for a long time.
Here is a pick of the powdercoated intake---yea, I know its a brand X but you get the idea.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 03:36 AM
Quote:
Dave, If you want the intake bare looking, I would suggest powder coating it. I had one done in a cast aluminum color and you can barely tell where it ends and begins. It will maintain its looks for a long time.
Here is a pick of the powdercoated intake---yea, I know its a brand X but you get the idea.
^^^^^This was going to be my suggestion as well...and do the valve covers the same with the tops of the fins and lettering done in the hemi-orange...?????
Rickster
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 03:38 AM
Quote:
Rick, I thought about shooting a satin clear on the intake, but I'm worried that it will eventually turn yellow from the heat. I've searched the internet to find a clear that has positive reviews about not turning yellow and being fuel resistant, and I haven't found one yet. So for now, I'm going to leave the intake as is.
As for the valve covers, I might spray them the hemi orange and sand down the tops of the ribs and lettering to the bare aluminum. Like this...
Too much orange IMO
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 11:16 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Rick, I thought about shooting a satin clear on the intake, but I'm worried that it will eventually turn yellow from the heat. I've searched the internet to find a clear that has positive reviews about not turning yellow and being fuel resistant, and I haven't found one yet. So for now, I'm going to leave the intake as is.
As for the valve covers, I might spray them the hemi orange and sand down the tops of the ribs and lettering to the bare aluminum. Like this...
Too much orange IMO
Rickster
My thinking as well, Rick. However, I'm sure Dan did a nice job sealing up the intake, and I don't feel like ripping it off the engine, not at this time anyway. I've got bigger fish to fry in this build. The intake will stay, but I may paint the valve covers a color that resembles natural cast aluminum and call it good.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 10:16 PM
I shot the valve covers with Dupli-Color ceramic engine paint, in a color called Cast Coat Aluminum. DONE.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/06/12 10:24 PM
Here is a pic showing the shortened cast trans mount with the welded plate and the factory 1985 Ramcharger trans isolator pucks (2).
White PVC pipe in place to simulate the front driveshaft.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/07/12 02:52 AM
Valve covers came out and look great.....I'd go schedule 40 on the driveshafts
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/07/12 03:20 AM
Quote:
Valve covers came out and look great.....I'd go schedule 40 on the driveshafts
Rickster
Thanks, Rick. This paint seems pretty durable. I tried to scratch it with my finger nail, and the edge of my nail slid across the surface without leaving a mark. I'm sure the sand blasting helped give the paint plenty of tooth to grab onto.
I'm going to spray the intake and thermostat housing with the same paint.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/09/12 02:12 AM
I went to work on the power steering hoses. I held on to the original hoses, in hopes I might be able to re-use them. Once the steering box and pump were installed for the last time, it quickly became evident that they weren't even close to being able to work, so I hacked up the high pressure hose to the point where it connected A to B, and looked and fit decent. I then took my hose mock-up over to Amazon Hose, where they made a hose that matched the lengths, bends and angles. I got lucky, it fit perfect. The low pressure return hose was easier, I just kept cutting until it fit nice.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/15/12 02:33 AM
I've been playing with this new Denso 120 amp alternator, trying to figure out the best location. The problem is, its a large alternator. The front to back dimension is much bigger than the old 70's Chrysler alternators, and that causes the back of it to hit the end of the cylinder head when trying to line up the pulleys.
This seems to be the best spot for it. I had to lengthen the stock adjustment arm. The factory triangle shaped plate was useless. Right now, the pivot bolt is attached to a quick and simple plate, just for mock up. I'm going to fab a bracket that will bolt to 3 of the tapped holes in the head, and it will rigidly secure the front and rear of the pivot bolt. But, since I have the in-laws over my house for the next few days, said fabrication will have to wait. In the meantime, some pics.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/24/12 01:55 AM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/25/12 04:56 PM
Awesome fab job Dave
PS....you going to Snowbirds next weekend...??? I should be there taking video for the "Killing Time Viper" Promod Team....
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/25/12 11:15 PM
Quote:
Awesome fab job Dave
PS....you going to Snowbirds next weekend...??? I should be there taking video for the "Killing Time Viper" Promod Team....
Rickster
Thanks, Rick. Damn, I forgot it was next weekend! I'm going to have to skip it. I really need to get the bottom of the tub epoxy primed and bedlined next weekend. I've been putting it off for too long, and its been holding up a major part of this project, which is the mounting of the body, the body work, plus a lot of other ancillary things that can't be done without the body parts in place.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/26/12 01:13 AM
Nice work........
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD *DELETED* - 11/30/12 05:29 AM
Pressure-washed, metal repaired, scuff sanded, wiped down with MEK, and taped up. The bottom is now ready for the eopxy primer and the Monstaliner. The silver stuff is Chassis Saver, similar to POR-15.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/30/12 05:34 AM
The Bilstein 5165's that had been on national back-order for 6 months finally arrived on Tuesday. Got them mounted. The supplied el cheapo hose clamps are temporary. I'll get some nicer anodized aluminum clamps.
The Summit 1-3/4" u-build header kit arrived yesterday. It will be my first attempt at building headers. Oh boy, can't wait...
Dave,
Is the new and improved pulley going to work? You did get it, didn't you?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/01/12 04:38 AM
Quote:
Dave,
Is the new and improved pulley going to work? You did get it, didn't you?
Yes, I got it today. Fits PERFECT!!! Thanks so much for the fast turn around!!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/01/12 09:41 PM
Well....my plans for spraying Monstaliner on the bottom of my tub this weekend have been shot to hell. While reviewing the instructions for the first time last night, I took inventory of what I had received, and I quickly realized that they didn't include a can of the catalyst!!
You can be sure I'll be on the phone with them Monday morning.
Not to let this weekend go by without getting something done on the Jeep, I rented an engine hoist, so I could modify the engine mounts, in order to slide the engine and trans back 3/4". Reason for doing this is, I took some measurements, and discovered that I only had 2-1/4" of space between the radiator and the water pump pulley for the electric cooling fan. The fan that I'm going to use is 4" deep. The 3 part plan to get the space is to move the engine back 3/4" (done), modify the grill so the radiator can be set one inch into it, and shave the fan shroud 1/2".
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/04/12 04:13 AM
After reading on the 'net about fitment problems with the CJ grille and CJ radiator with respect to the power steering box on a YJ frame, I decided to mock up the grille, and see what these issues look like firsthand.
Grille mounted to see if it fits, or not.
Not so much. The grille hits the steering box and hoses.
Created some breathing room.
Wonderful......the bottom of the radiator hits the steering box. The radiator actually needs to come down another 1/2". I think the solution is to cut some metal off on the passenger side, and slide the radiator over to the passenger side. Judging by eyeball measurement, it looks like it can move over about 1-1/2". So much for buying a bolt-in radiator!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/06/12 01:55 AM
Gucci shock clamps arrived.
I made a transverse shock hoop brace.
I kept one of the short hoop supports, to triangulate and tie the support to the frame. I eliminated the driver's side support, because it looks like its going to be in the way of the steering shaft.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/09/12 01:53 AM
I finally got going on the Monstaliner project today. I first sprayed one coat of Dupont Corlar 2.1 ST epoxy primer, which is a high build industrial epoxy primer.
When it dried, I sprayed 3 coats of the Monsta, in Medium Quartz Gray.
Primer coat.
After 3 coats of the Monsta.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/09/12 03:34 AM
Nice....Is the finish coat going to be the same color as the body.....??? I'm thinking yes
Rickster
PS.....I like the original copper color idea as well
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/09/12 05:55 AM
Rick, I've gone round and round on colors, and I "think" I've settled on some shade of blue, with Intense Blue Pearl at the top of the list. That color was used on Dodge Dakotas, and some other trucks, including Wranglers.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/09/12 04:25 PM
Quote:
Rick, I've gone round and round on colors, and I "think" I've settled on some shade of blue, with Intense Blue Pearl at the top of the list. That color was used on Dodge Dakotas, and some other trucks, including Wranglers.
I'm sure whatever color you decide on....it will look killer
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/16/12 05:12 PM
Yesterday, with the help of some of my friends, we installed the tub.
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/16/12 06:05 PM
looks pretty sweet. did you use a floor jack handle, for a front driveshaft?
that thing is getting tall. will it fit inside the garage, with the rollcage and lights, and stuff?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/16/12 06:13 PM
Quote:
looks pretty sweet. did you use a floor jack handle, for a front driveshaft?
that thing is getting tall. will it fit inside the garage, with the rollcage and lights, and stuff?
I used PVC pipe to mimic the driveshafts.
Yes, this thing is tall, taller than I was expecting. Look at the pic, and you will see a piece of aluminum flat stock clamped to the tub. It is the same height as the windshield. I took some measurements, and right now, I would have to remove the bottom hurricane brace on the garage door in order to drive it out of the garage...maybe. It would be REAL close. I'm hoping that with the addition of the weight of the bumpers, rock sliders, rollcage, spare tire, front and rear seats, etc., that it will settle down another inch or two. If I need more clearance, there are several options available to lower it a little more.
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/16/12 06:17 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/19/12 12:23 AM
I burned up my last unused vacation day of the year, and got some work done on the Jeep. I fitted the CJ fenders, which required a fair amount of metal trimming.
I dropped off the radiator at the local welding shop, to get the tank welded shut. The CJ front sheet metal puts the radiator right over, and on, the power steering box. To make it work, I had to do two things, cut a clearance notch at the bottom of the tank, and slide the radiator over toward the passenger side as much as possible.
Sliding the rad over solved that problem, but it created another. The passenger side headlight assembly couldn't quite mount all the way onto the grille, because the headlight bucket hit against the tank of the now relocated radiator. So, I trimmed the back of the headlight bucket enough to where it cleared the rad, but there still wasn't enough room for the headlight socket. The solution: a low profile, right angle headlight socket. It clears the radiator by an 1/8".
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/19/12 12:58 AM
Before today, I had fully expected the shock hoops to go through the inner fenderwells, but much to my surprise, they barely cleared without any cutting. The 1" body lift made the difference. The only cutting left to do is to cut a hole in each fenderwell for the transverse brace to go through and join at the hoops.
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/19/12 01:09 AM
it's going to be too nice, to run out on the red rock....
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/19/12 02:43 AM
The CJ-7 front end transformation is complete!
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/29/12 05:10 PM
Hey Dave,
Got a couple of questions about the motor if you dont mind? First,were you able to internally balance it? without Mallory metal? Second, what cam did you use? specs? Third, Did you deck the block for quench? The reason I ask, is I'm seriously contemplating a very similar motor and this will help me make some decisions. Thanks man!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/29/12 09:17 PM
Quote:
Hey Dave,
Got a couple of questions about the motor if you dont mind? First,were you able to internally balance it? without Mallory metal? Second, what cam did you use? specs? Third, Did you deck the block for quench? The reason I ask, is I'm seriously contemplating a very similar motor and this will help me make some decisions. Thanks man!
Yes, Dan at Performance was able to internally balance it. I don't think he had to use Mallory Metal, but I'll ask him.
I used this Comp Cams cam. Nostalgia/Purple Plus Hydraulic camshaft
The block was decked for optimum quench. I used magnum heads, which have closed chambers.
Hope that helps.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/30/12 03:27 AM
I got the Hedman header flanges with stubs. The only pipe that will be a little tricky is the #3 exhaust with the steering shaft in the way. A tight radius elbow should get me under the shaft.
I've decided to mount the collectors outside of the frame rails. They have a 3" outlet, so I'll run 3" pipe after it, and elbow back under the frame, right before the leaf spring mount, and another elbow going into 3" mufflers. Tailpipes will be 2-1/2".
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/30/12 08:18 PM
Thanks for the info Dave! Now I understand the way that thing sounded on the dyno! I am planning on a set of the Enginequest heads too but I'll probably use the 60711 Hydraulic roller from Lunati for the bottom end torque etc. Thanks again!
What diameter are the stubs for your primary tubes?
Quote:
Yes, Dan at Performance was able to internally balance it. I don't think he had to use Mallory Metal, but I'll ask him.
I used this Comp Cams cam. Nostalgia/Purple Plus Hydraulic camshaft
The block was decked for optimum quench. I used magnum heads, which have closed chambers.
Hope that helps.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 12/30/12 10:25 PM
Quote:
Thanks for the info Dave! Now I understand the way that thing sounded on the dyno! I am planning on a set of the Enginequest heads too but I'll probably use the 60711 Hydraulic roller from Lunati for the bottom end torque etc. Thanks again! What diameter are the stubs for your primary tubes?
I went with 1-3/4" primaries, per Dan's recommendation.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/01/13 01:33 AM
After doing some research about how to improve brake performance on my Jeep, I learned that a TJ power brake booster has dual diaphragms, as opposed to a single diaphragm that my YJ came with. Going from a single to a dual increases the hydraulic brake pressure from 1,000 psi to around 1,600 psi.
The swap isn't too hard to do. The one major difference that needs to be addressed is the brake rod length. My YJ measures 7.5", while the TJ rod measures 5.5". I found a thread on a Jeep forum that described how to correct the rod length, and make it adjustable at the same time.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/02/13 03:22 AM
I gave the TJ booster a couple coats of paint, and the bracket as well. I mocked it up, to see how it fits around the engine, etc. Plenty of clearance. But, I set the hood in place, and there is 1/8 of an inch of clearance between the top of the cap and the underside of the hood. That's damned close, but its better than the alternative!
I've also begun to putt around with fitting some of the primary pipes together. I've got the collectors positioned where I want them, so now, its just a matter of connecting point A to point B, times 8.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/11/13 03:49 AM
To recap, the '95 Ford T-Bird fan I chose to cool the Performance Only beast was too long in one direction. The bottom needed to get whacked off, and sealed up. I also cut off the unneeded top brackets.
Bottom hacked off with my air body saw. Edges made straight with a 6" orbital sander.
I made a cardboard template that would represent the sheet metal cover.
Cut, formed, pop riveted and painted. I covered all of the edges of the shroud with plastic car door edge guarding, to help protect the radiator fins. I'm currently building brackets so I can mount this fan to the rad.
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/12/13 01:28 PM
Nice attention to detail as always Dave
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/14/13 02:59 AM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/14/13 03:26 AM
Excellent
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/27/13 02:40 PM
Time to build the rock sliders!
I'm starting with a Poison Spyder Ricochet Step DIY kit.
During my lunch hour on Friday, I purchased two pieces of 7 gauge hot rolled steel, measuring 50" x 12". I dropped them off at a sheet metal fabrication shop just a few blocks down the road to get them formed.
I added up my material costs, and I saved about $180.00 building these myself, instead of buying them already made from Poison Spyder.
This morning, I'm going to make a cardboard template for the part of the formed metal that goes under the tub, trace it out, and remove the excess metal with a plasma cutter. If all goes well, I'll get everything tacked together today.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/28/13 02:55 AM
I made some extensions to reach two of the body mounts.
Test fit of the body mounting points.
[
Fully welded up.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/28/13 02:58 AM
I only managed to get the driver's side completely done today.
I countersunk the attachment holes, and used 5/16-18 flat head Allen bolts.
I reinforced the inside with 3/16" thick steel plate.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/02/13 11:18 PM
Today, I finished building the passenger side slider. The back edge of the sliders will be profiled to match the angle of the TJ flares. I'm going to order those next week.
Tomorrow, I'm going to remove the sliders and spray them with a couple coats of industrial grade 2 part epoxy primer. I want to get that done before they start rusting.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/11/13 01:08 AM
Got a little bit of work done on the Jeep this weekend. This week, the rear TJ flares and a pair of chrome headlight bezels came in from Morris 4x4. Saturday, I mounted the TJ flares.
Sunday, I began fabrication work on the passenger side header. When building the primary pipes, sometimes the pieces just fall into place quickly, and sometimes it can take all day just to get just one pipe done. Today was one of those frustrating days....
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/11/13 04:52 AM
Not sure if I'd have the patience for that 'puzzle' but there is a part of me that'd like to try...
Quote:
Sunday, I began fabrication work on the passenger side header. When building the primary pipes, sometimes the pieces just fall into place quickly, and sometimes it can take all day just to get just one pipe done. Today was one of those frustrating days....
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/11/13 02:26 PM
Looks great Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/16/13 10:36 PM
Quote:
Looks great Dave
Rickster
Thanks, Rick!
I finished fabbing up the passenger side header today.
On a side note, I have an Art Carr/Winters Sidewinder shifter on the way. I ordered the flush mount style, because I plan to build a custom center console.
WOW! now that is some custom built headers right there.
very nice Dave!
are you going to wrap them or have them coated? whats the plan there?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/17/13 05:01 PM
Quote:
WOW! now that is some custom built headers right there.
very nice Dave!
are you going to wrap them or have them coated? whats the plan there?
Thanks, Mike! I've promised myself that these are the first AND LAST set of custom headers I'll ever build! Tedious work, to say the least!
The plan is to get them ceramic coated, probably in a semi-gloss or satin black finish.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/18/13 02:24 AM
ok....i see two oil filters....one in the original location and the wix on the firewall....are you mess'n with us....????
Love it Dave
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/18/13 03:11 AM
Quote:
ok....i see two oil filters....one in the original location and the wix on the firewall....are you mess'n with us....????
Love it Dave
Rickster
I was waiting for someone to say something about it!
Before I began building the other 3 primary pipes, I mounted an oil filter in that spot, to mimic the heater blower motor, which sticks out from that hole in the firewall. Mounting the filter there was a visual reminder to keep the pipes clear of it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/18/13 05:31 PM
Quote:
Quote:
ok....i see two oil filters....one in the original location and the wix on the firewall....are you mess'n with us....????
Love it Dave
Rickster
I was waiting for someone to say something about it!
Before I began building the other 3 primary pipes, I mounted an oil filter in that spot, to mimic the heater blower motor, which sticks out from that hole in the firewall. Mounting the filter there was a visual reminder to keep the pipes clear of it.
Makes perfect sense......somehow....lol
Rickster
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
ok....i see two oil filters....one in the original location and the wix on the firewall....are you mess'n with us....????
Love it Dave
Rickster
I was waiting for someone to say something about it!
Before I began building the other 3 primary pipes, I mounted an oil filter in that spot, to mimic the heater blower motor, which sticks out from that hole in the firewall. Mounting the filter there was a visual reminder to keep the pipes clear of it.
Makes perfect sense......somehow....lol
Rickster
hey that is a kool idea,I am going to mount the NOS 73 mopar filter I have on the heater block off plate just for ?s about why it is there. I shall call it my cabin filter for non a/c trucks. 
I was gonna ask Dave but figured it was a remote location for reals.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/28/13 12:23 AM
Shifter came in yesterday. It's made by Winters, they call it their Rock Crawler model. I got the flush mount model, so I could mount it straight into a custom center console.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/01/13 06:51 PM
Headers are all welded up, and I just dropped them off at Pro Coat this morning, to get them ceramic coated in a color called Gray Ice. The collectors didn't come with flanges, so I had to buy some flanges and weld them on. Thinking ahead, I also welded on some O2 sensor bungs, because down the road, I'd like to replace the carb with a self-learning EFI setup.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/03/13 09:38 PM
Got the transmission cooler mounted to the skid plate.
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/13 07:44 PM
Assuming your header place is the same as mine in their formula, this is what Gray Ice looks like when new. Over time they become a satin finish as advertised.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/13 09:35 PM
Dem's Mighty Purdy
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/10/13 07:06 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/13/13 01:02 AM
Headers are back on the engine, sporting the Gray Ice.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/15/13 02:14 AM
Made some progress on the rear bumper.
She's a real swinger.
My next acquisition is going to be this front bumper. It's a newly designed unit that just hit the market.
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/13 12:10 AM
Please tell me that swing out tire rack is utilizing old school tapered bearings and races! The only way to fly!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/13 01:39 AM
Quote:
Please tell me that swing out tire rack is utilizing old school tapered bearings and races! The only way to fly!!
Why yes, yes it does.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/13 04:09 PM
This morning, I decided to reconfigure the mounting of the latch to a 45º angle.
I also welded in a raised area, to help support the far end of the tire carrier.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/13 10:00 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Please tell me that swing out tire rack is utilizing old school tapered bearings and races! The only way to fly!!
Why yes, yes it does.
Dave I have had two friends who have broken those trailer spindles as tire swing outs, so keep an eye on them. I think they determined that it was due to the weld being to close to the bearing surface and messing with the hardness?
Not trying to scare you just making you aware of a possibility. Both we were well supported when closed also.
I like the latch at a 45, that should hold it nicely. The bumper on my cherokee has the same style latch but its on top of the swingout and hooks on the forward side of the stop/locator. It works well but I think the 45 degree idea would hold it even more stable.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/13 11:49 PM
Quote:
Dave I have had two friends who have broken those trailer spindles as tire swing outs, so keep an eye on them. I think they determined that it was due to the weld being to close to the bearing surface and messing with the hardness?
Not trying to scare you just making you aware of a possibility. Both we were well supported when closed also.
I like the latch at a 45, that should hold it nicely. The bumper on my cherokee has the same style latch but its on top of the swingout and hooks on the forward side of the stop/locator. It works well but I think the 45 degree idea would hold it even more stable.
I appreciate your concern and the advice, but this shaft is beefier than the average trailer spindle. In addition, it is not welded on, just a couple of tack welds at the base is all it needs, so the hardness of the shaft isn't affected. The shaft slides into that machined sleeve, and its the sleeve that is welded to the bumper. Once fully welded in, the sleeve shrinks a tiny bit, and locks the shaft in place, hence only a couple tacks added to the base of the shaft just make sure it never moves.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/17/13 11:59 PM
Theirs was burned right to the spindle....probably the cause!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/22/13 02:26 AM
Tire mounting plate is on.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/22/13 03:00 AM
Nice Work....Looks Awesome !!!!!
Rickster
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/23/13 12:30 AM
Quote:
Tire mounting plate is on.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/23/13 02:17 AM
Thanks, guys!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/24/13 10:31 PM
I added the D-ring recovery mounts. These 1" thick mounts go all the way through the bumper, and are welded at the front and back, for maximum strength. That's it for the fabrication. All that's left to do is the final welding. My little Miller 130XP mig isn't quite powerful enough for this task, so I'm going to borrow my buddy's Miller 211 mig. Once the final welding is complete, the plan is to spray a coat or two of industrial grade epoxy primer, and finish with black Monstaliner.
Posted By: Jeepmon
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/24/13 08:20 PM
Damn Dave.... YOU'RE GOOD!!!
Posted By: Skypower
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/25/13 02:12 AM
Very nice build you have there thanks for taking the to share with us. Hope to see that thing running around soon. I also live Tampa. I have black 69 Cuda with a Hemi in it, also should be on the road soon.
Posted By: blown572dart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/25/13 08:16 PM
Very nice Dave. I sold my truck and ended up in a JK Door and couldn't be happier.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 03:29 AM
Finished building the under-tub mount/skid for the RCI fuel cell. Made out of steel angle, and I used 16 gauge aluminum diamond plate on the sides. The bottom is covered with a piece of 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 03:31 AM
My tailgate had a slight inward curvature to it, and try as I might, I couldn't make it straight. So, I began looking for a replacement tailgate. I figured that if I'm going to the trouble of replacing it, I should do something cool, like replace it with an old school CJ fold down tailgate. After some searching on craigslist, I found a super nice one for $100. Best part was, it was only 20 minutes away from my house. The seller threw in the cable brackets too.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 03:32 AM
I had to cut some access holes in the tub, in order to add some reinforcement behind the hinges. Instead of just using flat plate, I decided to use two pieces of 2" x 2" steel angle, cut 5-1/2" long. In addition to the hinge screws going through one side of the angle, when the tub comes off for body work and painting, I will drill holes and add bolts at the bottom, which will add more strength and support for the hinges. I'll make some sheet metal plates to cover the access openings.
Access holes.
Steel angle pieces for hinge reinforcement.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 03:32 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 03:33 AM
The Poison Spyder cage kit came in today. This looks like fun.
I plan to add some additional bracing, tube gussets, and seat mount tubing.
I found this video from the guys on the TV show Truck U, talking about this cage kit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IMLhbTDB8_s
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/13 11:25 PM
Summit Racing has a great sale going on right now on Hooker Aero Chamber all stainless steel mufflers. These 2-1/2" mufflers normally run $169.00 each, I paid just $59.50 each!!!!
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/27/13 12:30 AM
Nice work Bud!! Are going with dual exhaust or a big single?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/27/13 01:34 AM
Quote:
Nice work Bud!! Are going with dual exhaust or a big single?
Well, since I JUST showed a pic of TWO mufflers, that's an indication that I'm going with a full dual exhaust. I had originally started building a two into one system, but the guru at Performance Only felt that the shorty block hugger headers I had would hold back power, and he suggested long tube headers. I then decided to go all the way and build a full dual exhaust. It will be 3" after the collector, and reduces down to 2-1/2" right before the inlet side of the mufflers, and then 2-1/2" tailpipes.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/27/13 09:44 PM
Sounds good Mon!!!!! Pun intended! TBF
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/27/13 09:52 PM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/28/13 02:02 AM
Damn Dave.....your kick'n butt....looks awesome
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/28/13 04:36 AM
Quote:
Damn Dave.....your kick'n butt....looks awesome
Rickster
Thanks, Rick! The build process is a challenging journey, and I enjoy it. It keeps me out of the bars, and the wife always knows where I'm at, so its all good.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/13 05:11 PM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/13 07:42 PM
Totally Cool......Hurry Up Slacker
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/13 09:06 PM
Quote:
Totally Cool......Hurry Up Slacker
Rickster
Rest assured Rick, the entire crew at Jeeper Dave's Trailsports is working around the clock to get this YJ/CJ finished.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/06/13 01:24 PM
Jeeper Dave Motorsports........ Has a nice ring to it!!!!
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/08/13 01:51 AM
Dang it boy you been busy while I wasn't looking. I got a lot of reading to catch up on but from what I see it's going awesome. With the CJ front end and the CJ gate it gonna look great.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/08/13 08:12 AM
Quote:
Dang it boy you been busy while I wasn't looking. I got a lot of reading to catch up on but from what I see it's going awesome. With the CJ front end and the CJ gate it gonna look great.
Thanks, Kevin! I was wondering where you've been.
Posted By: mopar346
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/09/13 11:59 AM
Been laying low, extremely busy accomplishing a whole lot of nothing. We all have been there.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/18/13 05:02 PM
After finishing up all of the welding, I sanded the cage down with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the anti-corrosion coating, and to give the epoxy primer a toothy surface to grab onto.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/27/13 10:49 PM
Cage is epoxy primed, high build primed, and back in the Jeep. The Poison Spyder YJ full cage kit doesn't have mounts to secure the top of the windshield like the factory roll bar does. I didn't like the idea of the windshield being unsupported, so I fabbed up some mounts.
My transfer case is back together, finally! All of the internals have been sitting in a plastic bucket for over a year, and it's nice to finally have it ready to install in the Jeep. Since my Jeep was originally a 4 cylinder, the stock t-case configuration wasn't up to the task of living behind my stroker V8, so I beefed it up with a wide chain kit, 6 pinion planetary, and JB Conversions Super Short SYE. Another change I had to make, was to change the input shaft to a 23 spline to match the output shaft on my 727. Somewhere along the line, I lost the vent tube, so I drilled out the vent hole, and installed a barb fitting.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/05/13 06:17 PM
NICE JOB DAVE I LOVE IT
WHAT KIND OF HP U THINK THAT STROKED 318 MAKES
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/07/13 11:32 PM
Quote:
NICE JOB DAVE I LOVE IT WHAT KIND OF HP U THINK THAT STROKED 318 MAKES
Thanks! No guessing about it, I had it dyno'd and it made 367 hp at 5,300 rpm and 407 ft. lbs. of torque at 4,100. The factory magnum heads really held back the power potential, and I knew that going in, but its plenty of power for the Jeep. Its actually triple the HP and torque that the Jeep originally came with. I wasn't looking to build a drag motor, just a relatively low cost, dependable, daily driver-reliable engine, built with an emphasis on accurate machining, balancing and precision assembly methods. That's why I chose Performance Only for all of the engine work. There's a video link of one of the dyno pulls in this build thread. Here it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZuDj9VvfDI&feature=youtu.be
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/13/13 04:08 AM
The new dash panel is mocked in place. It's made of 1/8" thick 5052 aluminum. Still need to decide on gauge and switch layout, and the style of gauges. A glove/storage box on the passenger side is a given. After the seats are temporarily in place, I'll begin designing the center console.
The seat brackets came in today. Corbeau Baja RS suspension seats in gray vinyl should be here next week.
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/15/13 09:28 PM
Its been a month, whats the newest with the jeep?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/16/13 05:22 PM
Finally figured out where to locate the shock hoop support.
I decided to sell my current Dana 44 rear axle, and all of the parts I had collected for it, and step up to a 14 bolt FF rear axle. I went to a local pick a part salvage yard. I didn't bring tools with me, as I was more on a browsing/scouting mission to see what was out there. After about 10 minutes of looking around, I came upon a 2000 year cab & chassis with its 14 bolt laying on the ground underneath it. After checking it over to verify it was indeed a 14 bolt C&C, I noticed that the only things left to do to free it from the chassis was to cut the e-cables and the rubber brake lines. So, I drove out to the nearest Home Depot, and bought a bolt cutter (I didn't own one anyway), and went back there and made short work of those items. The axle assembly was missing the driver's side hub parts and axle shaft, but the guy I dealt with was really cool, and he said that I could come back anytime and pull a shaft out of another 14 bolt, and he won't charge me anything. Since I am going with Solid's 6 on 5.5" conversion hubs, I really didn't need the missing hub, but I used it as a bargaining chip to get the price reduced by $49.00. So, the final price I paid was $150, which I thought was
reasonable.
I cut off the shock brackets and the spring perches, and smoothed up the tubes.
I needed a more stable rolling platform to set this heavy SOB on, so I built a dolly out of some leftover steel I had lying around. Bought the caster wheels from Northern Tool.
The Corbeau Baja RS seats came in.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/16/13 10:40 PM
Man, that 14 Bolt monster almost makes a Dana 60 look a little weak??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/16/13 10:59 PM
Quote:
Man, that 14 Bolt monster almost makes a Dana 60 look a little weak??
Forget the Dana 60, it has a tiny 9-3/4" ring gear! This mother has a 10.5" ring gear! The axle tubes are 3.375" diameter with 1/2" wall thickness! The only downside to the 14 bolt is the center housing hangs low, but I'm going to give it a bit of a shave to help that out some. What's nice about a full floating axle is that the housing carries the load, not the axle shafts themselves. The axle shafts just transmit the power to the wheels.
as you drove out of the parking lot the guy who did all that work was pulling back in with the tools he went and got to finish the job.
he stashed the drum/axle 2 rows over hoping none would bother with it laying on the ground opend up while he was gone.
imagine his surprize when he walks back and finds it MIA already.
nice score on the 14 bolt.
that should roll the jeep around just fine.
some of my best finds have already been pulled in the u-pull when I find them. I have rolled the dice and won everytime so far with a good working score.
what yard was it? Tampa? clearwater?
I like junkyarding, never know what you will find in there.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/18/13 01:24 AM
Quote:
as you drove out of the parking lot the guy who did all that work was pulling back in with the tools he went and got to finish the job.
he stashed the drum/axle 2 rows over hoping none would bother with it laying on the ground opend up while he was gone.
imagine his surprize when he walks back and finds it MIA already.
nice score on the 14 bolt. that should roll the jeep around just fine.
some of my best finds have already been pulled in the u-pull when I find them. I have rolled the dice and won everytime so far with a good working score.
what yard was it? Tampa? clearwater?
I like junkyarding, never know what you will find in there.
I sure hope I didn't steal it from somebody like that!
Check your messages.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/21/13 09:22 PM
OK, this is what I got accomplished this weekend. I converted the 14 bolt's huge drum brakes to 1/2 ton disc brakes, AND, converted it to 6 on 5.5" lug pattern, so it matches my current wheels.
To ensure that the weld-on caliper brackets were located correctly, I rigged up some brake lines and fittings, and hooked up my air compressor line to it. Worked great. The 120 psi air pressure locked the calipers to the rotors, thereby aligning the brackets in the position they need to be in. I hit them with some tack welds, but I couldn't burn them in, because my shielding gas cylinder was literally on fumes. I'll get it refilled tomorrow, and weld them in tomorrow night.
Later this week when the Barnes 4WD 14 bolt cover arrives, I'll do the shave on the bottom of the centersection.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 01:40 AM
As soon as the Barnes cover arrived yesterday, I got to work on the shave. The second design 14 bolt has a bunch of stiffening ribs on the bottom of the center section. These ribs are about 1" tall, so I cut and ground them down to about a 1/4" in height, in an effort to make them less "catchy" on rocks and such.
I haven't decided how I'm going to fill in whats left of the 14th bolt hole. If you have a suggestion, I'd like to hear it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 03:45 AM
Funny.....I've never noticed any rocks at any of the mall parking lots up that way.....must have missed them
Rickster
Posted By: Defbob
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 04:17 PM
Quote:
I haven't decided how I'm going to fill in whats left of the 14th bolt hole. If you have a suggestion, I'd like to hear it.
Radnor 64001607 alloy brazing rod. Pre-heat with a torch and braze away. Then just hit it with the torch a couple times to slow down the cooling.
There is some speculation that starting in the 80's center chucks have been made of cast steel rather than cast iron. A lot of people mig weld on them, but it would be better to play it safe and braze since you are just filling and not attaching.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 04:20 PM
Quote:
Funny.....I've never noticed and rocks at any of the mall parking lots up that way.....must have missed them
Rickster
I think Dave meant to write curbs...
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 10:32 PM
Quote:
Funny.....I've never noticed and rocks at any of the mall parking lots up that way.....must have missed them
Rickster
Rick, I can't believe you made that kind of a comment! You need to get out to the mall more often, buddy! The mall parking lots are LOADED with rocky obstacles like this!!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/26/13 11:05 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Funny.....I've never noticed and rocks at any of the mall parking lots up that way.....must have missed them
Rickster
Rick, I can't believe you made that kind of a comment! You need to get out to the mall more often, buddy! The mall parking lots are LOADED with rocky obstacles like this!!!
I officially retract my statement and offer my most sincere apologies......lol
PROJECTS LQQKING AWESOME
Rickster
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/27/13 04:33 AM
sadly, most jeeps will see even that much action.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/24/13 01:35 PM
hows it comeing along now up dates
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 08/25/13 02:45 PM
I'm mostly done with the construction of the center console. For weather protection, the particle board parts will be given two coats of marine grade clear polyurethane, scuff sanded, and finished with a dark gray Monstaliner, which will match the Monstaliner that will be used on the interior surfaces. The aluminum dash and console panels will be covered with 3M Di-Noc carbon fiber vinyl.
Due to the contours of the floor and the tight fit, I had to design the console into 2 separable pieces.
I threw away the stock, clunky piece of crap transfer case shifter, and picked up a TJ shifter. The problem was, the TJ sheetmetal shifter body was formed so that it fit the curvature of the trans tunnel. I had to do some creative metal work and welding in order to create a flat mounting surface, so that I could mount it under the aluminum panel. I also had to cut, lengthen, and basically re-contour the shifter stick. Both shifters will be operated with cables.
In an effort to give this Jeep YJ more of an identity crisis, I relocated the gas filler door from the rear to the side, which is the same spot as on the Jeep TJ, and added a door assembly. This wasn't done just for looks. It allows the hoses to be routed easier, and be a straighter shot into the fuel cell. In addition, I now have the room to put the reverse light below the stop/turn/tail light.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/01/13 10:08 PM
The big, beefy rebuilt 14 bolt is finally under the Jeep. For the time being, at least. I'll still need to roll it back out and weld the spring perches and the shock mounts, and paint the housing black. I'm going to wait on that stuff until I get the new rear driveshaft, so I can set up the pinion angle before burning in the perches.
14 bolt full float axles come with 8 lug patterns. Six lug conversion hubs allowed me to keep my new wheels.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/13 01:28 AM
Coming along nicely Dave.....console came out awesome
Word of caution on the carbon fiber vinyl....the application I did on my son's truck dash faded out really quick (was not pleased)
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/13 02:30 AM
Quote:
Coming along nicely Dave.....console came out awesome
Word of caution on the carbon fiber vinyl....the application I did on my son's truck dash faded out really quick (was not pleased)
Rickster
Thanks, Rick.
Do you remember the brand of vinyl you used? Was it made by 3M? My only other idea is to paint the dash and console panels to match the body color.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/02/13 05:00 PM
Being Mr. Cheapo.....I doubt it was a 3M product....I looked up the #M 1080 Specs....it's an actual vehicle wrap so it will probably last a lot longer...????
I would do the paint though
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/13/13 01:40 AM
Quote:
Being Mr. Cheapo.....I doubt it was a 3M product....I looked up the #M 1080 Specs....it's an actual vehicle wrap so it will probably last a lot longer...????
I would do the paint though
Rickster
Rick, I'm going to heed your recommendation, which was my plan B: paint them body color.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/13/13 01:43 AM
The chocolate Santa dropped off some goodies for the Jeep today.
Inexpensive Grant wheel, but I sprung for the Jeep horn button to make it a proper Jeep wheel. I will need to do something about that chrome, though.
New steering column with tilt from Summit racing.
New speedo and tach. Because of the hall effect sensor on the SS SYE, I had to buy the programmable speedo.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/13/13 01:46 AM
The existing steering column mounting bracket wasn't going to work with the new column, so I made a simple clamp bracket using a clamp I already had and a piece of 1/4" steel flat stock. Probably overkill, but I might weld some small gussets on both sides of the clamp half. Or, if I don't like where it locates the column (too low), I may throw it away and start over.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/15/13 01:53 AM
The construction of the center console is almost done. Painting the aluminum panels is next. I'd also like to make or get a cushion made for the top of the lid.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/15/13 02:44 AM
New steering wheel and Summit column are installed. I'll have to make a filler panel to cover up that huge hole where the column goes through.
I scanned the tach and speedo, printed them out, and stuck them on the dash, to see if I could read them satisfactorily through the steering wheel. I can, so that's where they're going.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/15/13 06:02 PM
Dave that is "SICK"
What color are the door panels...???? Looks like a Grey...?????
Man if the body, dash, inserts and roll bars were painted to match with the some seat color graphics on the body....i'm thinking win win....????
Just thinking out loud
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/13 01:33 AM
Thanks, Rick! The only graphics I have in mind on the exterior will be the name of the Jeep (got a bunch rolling around in my head), and that's going to be black, for contrast. I want it to have the appearance of it being some sort of a special, limited edition factory model name.
As far as body color, the color that is my choice (as of right now) is a bright red. I've been all over the rainbow as far as paint color, and I keep going back to red. In my mind, red is the classic Jeep color, and although there are many red Jeeps running around, I think mine will stand apart from the other red Jeeps.
Van Halen is one of my all-time favorite rock bands, and since the Jeep will be red, I was actually contemplating painting the center console and dash panels to mimic the random stripe design of Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein" guitar. If I did that, I would emblazon the Jeep's name "ERUPTION" along the sides of the hood. I can't decide if its a bad idea, or a totally bad-azz idea. What do you think?
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/13 01:58 AM
MAN Dave.. I just looked at the last 3 pages of your build. I recall when you 1st started it. I haven't looked at any other pages YET..What I'd like to say 1st is, your attention to detail is like no other. You go well beyond what others do..2nd, you built the Duster, I built the Cuda at the same time.. You are now building this Jeep and I am doing similar things with/to my wifes '66 Scout..Its crazy to me how we are so far apart but are soo alike in our build "concepts"..
.. Keep up the GREAT work. I promise to go back and catch up on all of it..
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/13 03:33 AM
Quote:
Thanks, Rick! The only graphics I have in mind on the exterior will be the name of the Jeep (got a bunch rolling around in my head), and that's going to be black, for contrast. I want it to have the appearance of it being some sort of a special, limited edition factory model name.
As far as body color, the color that is my choice (as of right now) is a bright red. I've been all over the rainbow as far as paint color, and I keep going back to red. In my mind, red is the classic Jeep color, and although there are many red Jeeps running around, I think mine will stand apart from the other red Jeeps.
Van Halen is one of my all-time favorite rock bands, and since the Jeep will be red, I was actually contemplating painting the center console and dash panels to mimic the random stripe design of Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein" guitar. If I did that, I would emblazon the Jeep's name "ERUPTION" along the sides of the hood. I can't decide if its a bad idea, or a totally bad-azz idea. What do you think?
What is the actual color of the seats...???? Looks Oyster or at least off white...???? Hard to tell from the pics.
From what I'm looking at.....a Gun Metal or Dark Pewter body / dash color with black accents would look very classy with those seats.
IF YOU WANT IT DEAD....PAINT IT RED
LOL....Friend of mine always said that
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/13 03:51 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks, Rick! The only graphics I have in mind on the exterior will be the name of the Jeep (got a bunch rolling around in my head), and that's going to be black, for contrast. I want it to have the appearance of it being some sort of a special, limited edition factory model name.
As far as body color, the color that is my choice (as of right now) is a bright red. I've been all over the rainbow as far as paint color, and I keep going back to red. In my mind, red is the classic Jeep color, and although there are many red Jeeps running around, I think mine will stand apart from the other red Jeeps.
Van Halen is one of my all-time favorite rock bands, and since the Jeep will be red, I was actually contemplating painting the center console and dash panels to mimic the random stripe design of Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein" guitar. If I did that, I would emblazon the Jeep's name "ERUPTION" along the sides of the hood. I can't decide if its a bad idea, or a totally bad-azz idea. What do you think?
What is the actual color of the seats...???? Looks Oyster or at least off white...???? Hard to tell from the pics.
From what I'm looking at.....a Gun Metal or Dark Pewter body / dash color with black accents would look very classy with those seats.
IF YOU WANT IT DEAD....PAINT IT RED
LOL....Friend of mine always said that
Rickster
The seat color doesn't photograph well. It's a light gray. I think the fluorescent light plays tricks with the color. I'll roll the Jeep outside, and snap a pic.
The colors you suggest would look nice, but I want to go with a bright color. Hell, I was even considering a bright orange, but a bright red would be a little safer choice.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/13 04:00 AM
Quote:
MAN Dave.. I just looked at the last 3 pages of your build. I recall when you 1st started it. I haven't looked at any other pages YET..What I'd like to say 1st is, your attention to detail is like no other. You go well beyond what others do..2nd, you built the Duster, I built the Cuda at the same time.. You are now building this Jeep and I am doing similar things with/to my wifes '66 Scout..Its crazy to me how we are so far apart but are soo alike in our build "concepts".. .. Keep up the GREAT work. I promise to go back and catch up on all of it..
You're too kind, Kevin, but thanks! Scouts are great! Back in the late 70's, my older brother bought a '70 or '71 Scout with a 304, and he used to let me drive it a lot. It was orange with a white top. That was a fun ride with the top off in the summer time!
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/13 02:54 AM
Just got done reading the complete thread.. took me nearly 3 hrs..
.. That's what I get to do since my wife cancelled cable on me..
Anyways..AWESOME job to this point. And I'm sure there'll be no shortcuts taken to finish it up..I do have a few questions though..
1st and what I feel is most important..the sections of rear frame rails that you built... You stated that you were going to tie the pieces together. They are still butt/seam welded. You are still going to go back over those right???
2nd, I had planned on building a very similar rear swing out spare tire carrier..My question is, how do you intend to lift the new/old tire to put it back on the carrier? I tried lifting my 33" tires mounted to steel 15" wheels..I've squatted a max of 385lbs 12 years ago. They aren't light. And you have 37" tall tires!!
3rd, Thank you for being sooo complete with your details. It has given me some ideas for the Scout..I'd post a few pics but an IH Scout powered by a GM 350 isn't that desirable on a Mopar site..
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/13 03:31 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks, Rick! The only graphics I have in mind on the exterior will be the name of the Jeep (got a bunch rolling around in my head), and that's going to be black, for contrast. I want it to have the appearance of it being some sort of a special, limited edition factory model name.
As far as body color, the color that is my choice (as of right now) is a bright red. I've been all over the rainbow as far as paint color, and I keep going back to red. In my mind, red is the classic Jeep color, and although there are many red Jeeps running around, I think mine will stand apart from the other red Jeeps.
Van Halen is one of my all-time favorite rock bands, and since the Jeep will be red, I was actually contemplating painting the center console and dash panels to mimic the random stripe design of Eddie Van Halen's "Frankenstein" guitar. If I did that, I would emblazon the Jeep's name "ERUPTION" along the sides of the hood. I can't decide if its a bad idea, or a totally bad-azz idea. What do you think?
What is the actual color of the seats...???? Looks Oyster or at least off white...???? Hard to tell from the pics.
From what I'm looking at.....a Gun Metal or Dark Pewter body / dash color with black accents would look very classy with those seats.
IF YOU WANT IT DEAD....PAINT IT RED
LOL....Friend of mine always said that
Rickster
The seat color doesn't photograph well. It's a light gray. I think the fluorescent light plays tricks with the color. I'll roll the Jeep outside, and snap a pic.
The colors you suggest would look nice, but I want to go with a bright color. Hell, I was even considering a bright orange, but a bright red would be a little safer choice.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/21/13 06:55 PM
Quote:
1st and what I feel is most important..the sections of rear frame rails that you built... You stated that you were going to tie the pieces together. They are still butt/seam welded. You are still going to go back over those right???
At the time, I did so much work on the frame, I got lazy and left them off, but even though I've shot a decent paint job on the frame, I'm going to add reinforcing plates over the joints when I pull the body off, and repaint those areas.
Quote:
2nd, I had planned on building a very similar rear swing out spare tire carrier..My question is, how do you intend to lift the new/old tire to put it back on the carrier? I tried lifting my 33" tires mounted to steel 15" wheels..I've squatted a max of 385lbs 12 years ago. They aren't light. And you have 37" tall tires!!
Kevin, I can bench press 385 in reps of 10, so the tire weight isn't an issue for me.
Seriously though, my tire and wheel combo weighs about 112 lbs., and because of its size, I need a hand picking it up and getting it into place.
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/22/13 06:34 AM
Good dealio. I was looking at my spare earlier today trying to figure how I want it mounted. I was thinking of angling outward in sort of a cage type rack to give some vision from the rear view mirror out the back window..not sure yet. I will be revisiting..Good news on adding the reinforcing plates. I was hoping you would.. I wouldn't trust butt welding with any type of mall crawling you may do..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/22/13 10:17 PM
I cut the holes for the stop-turn-tail lamps and the backup lights. Instead of spending around $50 for some 3" and 4-1/2" hole saws (which I'd probably never use again), I decided to cut out the holes with my old Skil jigsaw.....until about 30 seconds into it, the plastic housing completely cracked open and it wouldn't cut straight anymore. So, I wound up spending $70 at Lowe's for a better quality Porter jigsaw. So much for trying to save a few bucks.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/22/13 10:47 PM
Porta-Cable tools are awesome......good choice and looks great
Rickster
Posted By: 85_Ram_4speed
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/23/13 10:40 PM
Quote:
I cut the holes for the stop-turn-tail lamps and the backup lights. Instead of spending around $50 for some 3" and 4-1/2" hole saws (which I'd probably never use again), I decided to cut out the holes with my old Skil jigsaw.....until about 30 seconds into it, the plastic housing completely cracked open and it wouldn't cut straight anymore. So, I wound up spending $70 at Lowe's for a better quality Porter jigsaw. So much for trying to save a few bucks.
Doesn't it always happen that way. Too bad you didn't have a air powered body saw (mini sawzall) They cut through sheet metal like butter.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/23/13 11:26 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I cut the holes for the stop-turn-tail lamps and the backup lights. Instead of spending around $50 for some 3" and 4-1/2" hole saws (which I'd probably never use again), I decided to cut out the holes with my old Skil jigsaw.....until about 30 seconds into it, the plastic housing completely cracked open and it wouldn't cut straight anymore. So, I wound up spending $70 at Lowe's for a better quality Porter jigsaw. So much for trying to save a few bucks.
Doesn't it always happen that way. Too bad you didn't have a air powered body saw (mini sawzall) They cut through sheet metal like butter.
Yeah, I have an air body saw, but its a POS. I bought it from Harbor Freight. All the other air tools I've bought from there work good, but not this one. The blade stalls at the slightest pressure on it. Frustrating to use, to say the least.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/27/13 02:18 AM
I had a local auto upholstery shop stitch up a nice pad for my console lid. I think they did a great job on it. I'm sure my right elbow will enjoy it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/01/13 02:43 AM
I finished fabbing up the exhaust pipes that go from the headers to the mufflers. These pipes are 3 inches in diameter (same diameter as the header collectors). They reduce down to 2-1/2" right before the mufflers. The reason why they look different is, I had to rotate the passenger side muffler casing 90º, to make room for my ladder bar.
I will send these out to get powder coated in Grey Ice, so they match the headers. All that is left to make on the exhaust are the 2-1/2" tail pipes, and those should be pretty easy.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/01/13 10:37 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/13 02:36 AM
Quote:
The Pad came out nice.....exhaust as well
Rickster
Thanks, Rick!
Posted By: Mass_Mopar
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/13 02:19 PM
Looking good Dave,
What model Corbeau's are those? Who did you get them through?
They look great, I'm always on the lookout for a good seat to replace the stock buckets in my Charger. I have such a hard time deciding unless I can plant my a$$ in them for a test drive though
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/13 11:52 PM
Quote:
Looking good Dave,
What model Corbeau's are those? Who did you get them through?
They look great, I'm always on the lookout for a good seat to replace the stock buckets in my Charger. I have such a hard time deciding unless I can plant my a$$ in them for a test drive though
They are Corbeau Baja RS suspension seats. I purchased them from jeep4x4center.com
They are made for a Jeep Wrangler, but I guess you can make them work in a car.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/06/13 11:35 PM
I temporarily turned my attention to doing some work on the dash. I made two aluminum angled cups for the speedo and tach.
I mocked them up to the dash, to see if I could view them through the steering wheel.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/06/13 11:37 PM
The flat dash is finally taking some shape. I cut out the two holes in the dash for the speedo and tach, and mocked things up to see how they looked.
I'll drop these pieces off at the local welding shop to get the cups welded to the dash panel. I don't have the equipment to weld aluminum, unfortunately.
The rest of the gauges (volts, water temp, oil pressure, trans temp, & fuel level) will be ordered next week.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/07/13 03:08 AM
That'll work.
The five 2-5/8" gauges will be mounted just to the right of the steering wheel.
Here is what's going in between the tach and speedo.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 12:18 AM
nice, looking good, to nice to take off road
Posted By: m88mark
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 03:54 AM
Hey Dave, where the horn button come from? I've got that wheel on my CJ & need a button. Nice work on the tire rack, I'm building one too. They kinda proud of those latches.
Thanks Mark
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 03:35 PM
Quote:
Hey Dave, where the horn button come from? I've got that wheel on my CJ & need a button. Nice work on the tire rack, I'm building one too. They kinda proud of those latches.
Thanks Mark
Got it from summitracing.com. Here is the link to the horn button: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-5695/overview/
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 03:37 PM
Quote:
nice, looking good, to nice to take off road
It won't turn out too nice, cuz I'm gonna shoot it with single stage.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 05:23 PM
Quote:
Quote:
nice, looking good, too nice to take off road
You're entitled to your opinion, but FYI, its not in me to build junk.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/08/13 06:31 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
nice, looking good, too nice to take off road
You're entitled to your opinion, but FYI, its not in me to build junk.
i know ive seen your old duster
Posted By: m88mark
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/09/13 02:20 AM
Thanks a lot. Mark
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/09/13 03:47 AM
I needed to install a shoulder harness bar on my roll cage, and I thought I'd have to resort to getting one made, but I found one online for a Jeep for $50 bucks, so I took a chance. I figured if it didn't fit, I could make it fit. It's a good thing I was prepared, because it didn't. It was about 2" too short, and it stuck out away from the backs of the seats too far for my liking.
So, I shortened the legs by 3". It was almost a shame to cut them off, because the notches fit perfectly. Well, Johnny Roll to the rescue! After cutting them off, I slipped on a Johnny Roll, and trimmed it to match the contours of the notch, and used it to mark the cut lines on the new ends of the harness bar. Broke out the angle grinder, and went after it.
I chop sawed it in half, and slid a DOM joiner tube inside, which allowed me to get the new length just right. I'll add a short length of DOM tubing over the joiner, of course, and add some rosette welds. I'm also going to add a pair of vertical bars that will join the new harness bar with the other horizontal bar below it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/13/13 05:24 PM
The shoulder harness bar is in. It's about 50% welded, I'll finish up the welding when I pull it out for painting.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/13 06:54 PM
Today, I disassembled and washed the heater system, inside and out. I'm going to replace the heater coil, blower motor, and the resistor. Better to replace them now, then when its back under the dash.
While the outside of that steel cover panel looked good, the inside is pretty rusty. A little sandblasting and a coat of paint will give it a second lease on life.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/13 07:19 PM
BREAKER-BREAKER 1-9, THIS HERE'S JEEPER DAVE, DO YOU COPY... COME-ON......
Well, it seems that Jeeps ought to have a CB, so I bought one. Its the same old story, I was planning to buy an inexpensive CB, but then I figured, for a few bucks more, I could get a nicer one, and for a few bucks more, I could an even better one....and so I ended up here.
After a lot of thought and going back and forth, I finally decided to go with the Cobra 29 LX. I really didn't want the chrome model, but it was actually the best price I found for this model. I figure that since I'm mounting it inside my dash anyway, 95% of that gawdy-azz chrome will be unseen, so I went for it.
Now, I'm going to have to think of a good handle....
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/19/13 07:24 PM
A pic of the tentative layout for the center part of the dash.
Similar to what I made for the tach and speedo, I'm going to create angled cups for these gauges, so they can be angled toward the driver.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/13 03:00 AM
Forget that dash layout I posted earlier, here is the final dash layout. I'm going to make angled mounting cups for the four gauges, which will be mounted to a common mounting plate, so they can go in and come out as one unit. The angled housing for the radio and CB isn't done, obviously. I still need to make faceplates and brackets that will secure those units to the housing. The housing itself will be attached to the dash panel by four 1/4-20 studs.
In case anyone was counting and noticed a gauge missing, I liked the looks of the 4 gauge cluster, so I'm going to mount the trans temp gauge on the center console in an angled cup, just like the other gauges.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/13 11:21 AM
I am sure you thought of this but just in case. Is there enough depth behind the radios to clear the heater box?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/22/13 05:09 PM
Quote:
I am sure you thought of this but just in case. Is there enough depth behind the radios to clear the heater box?
That's a good question. The CB is about 1.5" longer than the stereo head unit, so that was my biggest concern. I held the CB and radio together up to the spot where they will be, and I've got at least 2 inches of space from the back of the CB to the heater vent box. The angled housing that I made actually helps in this regard.
Is there anything you don't think of?
Silly question, sorry. As always, the work is impressive and attention to detail is unparalleled.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/27/13 07:40 PM
Quote:
Is there anything you don't think of? Silly question, sorry. As always, the work is impressive and attention to detail is unparalleled.
Dan, I'll stop thinking when I run out of money, or quit breathing, whichever comes first. Your praise is over the top, but much appreciated! Thanks, man!
Made some more progress on the dash. The dash is going to be painted body color (red). As for the gauge cluster panel, I haven't decided on whether to paint it body color, or rattle can it wrinkle black. The stereo/CB housing will be permanently mounted, and will be painted body color.
I'm thinking about making a hinged drop-down door on the right side of the dash, similar to a glove box door. I would use it for easy access to the fuse panel and MSD ignition box.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/30/13 01:18 AM
Some more dash progress. Got the stereo head unit and CB mounted in. The mounting plates will be painted wrinkle black, to match the gauge cluster panel.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/01/13 11:27 PM
American Autowire Highway 22 wiring harness kit is on the way. I didn't need that many circuits right off the bat, but the extra circuits will come in handy down the road when I add things like EFI and auxiliary lights.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/01/13 11:57 PM
You can get a 90 degree coax adapter that will give you a tad more clearance for the CB coax if needed.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/03/13 04:05 AM
Quote:
You can get a 90 degree coax adapter that will give you a tad more clearance for the CB coax if needed.
I didn't know that. Thanks!
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/05/13 01:58 AM
I love the dash layout.
.Care if I send mine down to ya..
Question... will the way you have the radio/cb angled "outside" of the dash face be a knee knocker for the passenger?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/05/13 04:35 AM
Quote:
I love the dash layout. .Care if I send mine down to ya.. Question... will the way you have the radio/cb angled "outside" of the dash face be a knee knocker for the passenger?
In reference to your last question, I'll have to take a look at that, but my gut tells me it won't be an issue for the passenger.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/09/13 11:50 PM
Made some more progress on the dash. I added the ignition switch, headlight switch, turn signal and high beam indicators. Another thing I just finished is fabbing up a glove box door and hinges. It won't be used for storage, it will be used to access the fuse panel.
The plan is to get the dash primed and painted before Thanksgiving.
Fuse panel mocked in place.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/17/13 06:09 PM
Dash and center console panels are ready for one coat of epoxy primer, and two coats of high build primer.
One part not getting primed today is the glove box door. I decided to do away with those little bolts and nuts. Tomorrow I'm going to drop it off at the local welding shop to get it TIG welded together. Once welded, they will remove the fasteners and plug weld the holes.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/18/13 03:01 AM
This is the color the panels and the rest of the Jeep will be. It s a Jeep color called Flame Red. I'm single staging it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/18/13 03:04 AM
Quote:
This is the color the panels and the rest of the Jeep will be. It s a Jeep color called Flame Red. I'm single staging it.
You won't lose it....that's for damn sure.....j/k
Coming along....can't wait to see and hear it run
Rickster
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/19/13 03:13 AM
nice red, I didn't know people still used single stage
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/23/13 10:31 PM
Dash and center console panels are painted.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/23/13 10:59 PM
looks good but I am still curious why the single stage instead of B/C C/C.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/24/13 05:18 AM
Quote:
looks good but I am still curious why the single stage instead of B/C C/C.
I'm not building a show Jeep, so I don't care about a mile deep gloss finish. My garage is extremely dusty and dirty, so the fewer coats I need to spray means less opportunity for dust and other foreign matter to fall into the paint while its wet. Single stage paint job is less expensive because I'm not having to shoot 3 coats of clear, so there's less time and effort involved.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/26/13 02:06 AM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/26/13 11:47 PM
Damn Dave.....that looks awesome bud....although i'm not surprised
can't wait to see the magazine article one day.....you the man
Rickster
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/27/13 12:35 AM
WOW,
that color is so bright it will never get lost in the Mall parking lot..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/27/13 04:00 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/27/13 04:00 AM
Rick, thanks for the comments, man!
Couple pics of the dash and center console installed, for the time being. One of my double 8 footer light fixtures burned out, so the lighting in my garage is not so good.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/27/13 02:15 PM
FANTRUCKINTASTIC
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 11/29/13 03:50 PM
Quote:
FANTRUCKINTASTIC
Rickster
Thank you very truckin' much, Rick!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/02/14 05:18 PM
I didn't like how high I sat with the new seat brackets. My head was a little too close to the top of the roll cage bars. So, I began fabrication of new, shorter seat brackets. They won't have the tumble forward feature like the store bought brackets, but that's OK since I've decided that I won't be installing a back seat. Just as I was starting the finish welding on the first set of seat brackets, my welder kept shutting itself off every time I pulled the trigger. This kept happening repeatedly. This little Miller 130XP is 16 years old with a hell of a lot of wear and tear on it, and having had it in the repair shop a few times, I felt it was time to move on to a new welding machine. I needed a new machine right away, so I bought a Lincoln 180 HD from Home Depot. It's a 220v machine, so its a step up over the 130XP. It should have enough juice to handle anything I need to weld on the Jeep. If I ever need more juice to weld something, I could always borrow my buddy's Miller 210.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/02/14 05:20 PM
It took a day's worth of work, but I finished making the passenger seat brackets. Not the most graceful looking things in the world, but they are battleship tough. I matched the layback angle of the other brackets, and they are 1.5" lower. Not sure yet when I'll put the time in to build the driver's side brackets, maybe this weekend.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/02/14 05:21 PM
I finally got around to removing the windshield. I had a feeling there would be some heavy rust in the channel, and I was right. I had the frame sandblasted, and yep, she's got more holes than I had hoped. But, it's still fixable. The black stuff you see is residue from when I sprayed it down with Ospho. Most of the small pin holes will be filled with All Metal. The largest holes will be patched with new bits of sheet metal. The good news is, there is no rust on the inside of the frame, at least as far as I can see in there with a flashlight. But, just in case there is any rust, and to prevent future rust, I am going to completely coat the inside of the frame with Eastwood Internal Frame Coating.
Close-ups of the worst areas.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/03/14 12:01 AM
I ordered a custom control cable to connect the NP231 to my modified TJ t-case shifter. I need to fab up two brackets for it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/03/14 07:23 PM
Now with 2 coats of epoxy primer and 2 coats of high build primer.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/04/14 03:29 AM
The one ton steering kit and a new pitman arm from WFO Concepts came in today.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/04/14 03:48 AM
This afternoon, I made one of the two brackets needed to hold the transfer case shifter cable. I'll tackle the second one tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/04/14 10:08 PM
This morning, I got going on fabbing up the cable bracket that mounts down by the transfer case. Even though I had to design the thing on my back, I think it turned out pretty good. Got everything tightened up, and tried it out. Hey, I can shift transfer case! I haven't been able to do that in over two years! Cool!! One small problem, though. The shift pattern appears to be reversed.
I'm thinking I need to flip the t-case lever arm over to the bottom, but that means I'd have to redesign my nice new bracket.
Or, I could just leave it the way it is. I REALLY hate having to de-do stuff! Hmmmm.....
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/05/14 03:46 AM
I decided to correct the shift pattern problem. That meant doing a cut, weld and grind on the shift plate, because for it to work on the bottom, the rectangular hole needs to be clocked differently.
Here is the modified plate. I traced it out before I did the modification. I fitted it to the t-case and worked it by hand, and it works great.
I'll modify that beautiful new lower cable bracket tomorrow morning.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/05/14 03:30 PM
The TJs have a belcrank in the system somewhere to makes the pattern what it is. On a side note, the original bracket sure looked good!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/05/14 09:22 PM
Fabbed up the new lower cable bracket today. With it and the modified lever in place, they work great! The shift pattern is correct now.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/05/14 11:43 PM
My newly installed transfer case cable runs right through the area where the transmission cable linkage would be mounted. That worried me, so I installed the trans linkage, to see if there would be any problem. The t-case cable rests on a lever arm, but I ran the trans through all of its gears by hand, and the cable did not interfere with anything. I can easily raise the cable off the lever arm by securing it with a cushion clamp up near the bellhousing. Whew!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/08/14 06:04 AM
Tonight, I got the trans cable shifter hooked up to the trans. It's cable-shift mania in my garage!!! :rofl:
Some random pics of the install. The Winters Sidewinder shifter cable cleared everything beautifully. When I first opened the box and looked at the bag of linkage parts that it came with, I was thinking, what the hell kind of Rube Goldberg setup is this?? But actually, its quite a clever design.
The long gold-ish brackets were originally aimed straight back. I removed the bolts and clocked the brackets downward, to help point the cable in the direction it needed to go. Otherwise, the cable may have come up too short. The electrical tape around the cable hole in the floor is temporary. I will eventually put a rubber grommet there.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/15/14 05:06 AM
Got the new pitman arm, HD tie rod and drag link installed temporarily. I also installed the M.O.R.E. steering box relocation bracket. The stock lower steering shaft will be replaced by a beefy Borgenson unit.
The good news is, my list of things to do before I blow it all apart for paint is getting very short. I'm on track to begin the body work and paint sometime next month. My plan is to paint the smaller individual parts of the body, and then paint the tub last.
The spare tire came in today. Not a big deal, I know.
Posted By: tpabayflyer
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/20/14 11:29 PM
Nice work Dave.... You are really cranking it out in this nice, cool weather!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/22/14 01:36 AM
Quote:
Nice work Dave.... You are really cranking it out in this nice, cool weather!
Somebody has to crank on it! It isn't going to build itself! Take that as a hint brother, and get wrenching on that Chally of yours!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 01/25/14 04:39 AM
My swing-out finally has a spare tire on it. I took some measurements, and found that I have enough room to stuff a pair of Rotopax 2 gallon containers between the tailgate and the spare tire. I can attach the Rotopax mounts to the A-frame of the swing-out.
I plan to mount the license plate in the middle of the spare. I need to build a mount for it, with a provision for a light.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/02/14 06:29 PM
The Borgeson steering shaft assembly and the Trailtubes DIY rear fender flare tubes came in this week. When this pic was taken, I had already shortened the ends of the flare tubes by 4". The flares will be 5.5" wide.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/02/14 06:30 PM
This morning, I got started on the rear fender flares. I want to make the panels out of thick steel, but at the same time, I have to be able to bend it by hand, so that will limit me to 16 ga. steel sheet metal. I've decided I'm going to spray them with black Monstaliner, same as the bumpers and rock sliders.
These are the weld-on tabs I'm going to use, to enable bolting the flares to the tub.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/04/14 02:37 AM
I bought the 16 gauge steel sheet metal today. As soon as I got home, I cut and shaped one piece, and tacked it into position. I'll do the other side tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/08/14 11:48 PM
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/14 12:59 AM
what size Winch are you going to install to help you get over those curbs in the mall parking lots ??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/14 05:06 PM
Hey 340SHORTY, thanks for the thread bump and increasing my views count! I appreciate it!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/14 08:15 PM
Nice......Perfect for getting those pesky grocery carts out of the way
Really coming along Dave
Rickster
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/14 09:39 PM
Quote:
Hey 340SHORTY, thanks for the thread bump and increasing my views count! I appreciate it!
No prob.. I love this build. Your work is second to none.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/09/14 11:19 PM
Quote:
Nice......Perfect for getting those pesky grocery carts out of the way
Really coming along Dave
Rickster
They have grocery carts at malls???
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/14 12:23 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/14 02:31 AM
Quote:
what size Winch are you going to install to help you get over those curbs in the mall parking lots ??
I think I might get this one.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/14 03:15 AM
that will help get it over those curbs..
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/10/14 09:01 PM
Quote:
that will help get it over those curbs..
And just in case you need a spot, you can always make a new one. Someone's just going to have to find where you put their car.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/15/14 05:06 AM
DATELINE TAMPA:
A MILESTONE HAS BEEN REACHED AT JEEPER DAVE TRAILSPORTS, A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF DUSTERDAVE MOTORSPORTS.....
BODY WORK HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!!!
I spent a good part of today doing the body work on the front of the grille. As you can see, it needed a lot of attention to get it straight. Since I sanded down to bare metal on some spots, tomorrow I'm going to spray a single coat of epoxy primer, followed by several coats of high build. A final sanding with 320 grit, and this piece will be ready for paint.
New tubular fender flares mounted, waiting for their coat of black Monstaliner.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/20/14 05:35 AM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/20/14 04:35 PM
Cool Dave.....Cutout is an interesting idea and looks sharp
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/20/14 05:39 PM
Thanks, Rick. Some aftermarket Jeep fenders have the same basic cutout, so I basically stole the idea from them. It's done to let excess engine heat escape.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/24/14 01:52 AM
As each part of the body is block sanded straight, they are shot with one final coat of epoxy primer, and two coats of high build yellow primer.
For some reason, Kate Upton wearing a peekaboo negligee comes to mind.
Posted By: Hooligan
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 02/25/14 04:31 AM
Yeah...I see it too! However, Kate's headers speak louder to me!
Nice work Dave!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 02:45 AM
Thanks, Steve!
I installed the gas pedal, and trimmed and installed the Lokar throttle cable. After 2-1/2 years, I have a working gas pedal again!
The Crow 5 point safety harnesses came in today. Since the basic color theme of the Jeep is red and black, I went with black belts, black anodized hardware, and red sewn-in shoulder belt pads.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 03:51 AM
Where did you get the screen for the venting ?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 05:22 AM
Quote:
Where did you get the screen for the venting ?
At the mall, of course! Screens R Us, located right next to the food court.
.
.
.
I got it at mcmaster.com
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 05:26 AM
Picked up an MSD Blaster 2 ignition coil and installed it tonight, along with the finest Taiwan chrome coil bracket. I have a hankerin' to paint it black. Kinda crowded back there, and the only way it would fit comfortably was to bolt it down with a threaded spacer, along with a small flat bracket for support.
You know its getting down to the wire when I'm showing small stuff like this!
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 05:38 AM
Looks great Dave. With the HOT Florida temps you may want to run that carb on a isolated spacer.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/04/14 05:46 PM
Quote:
Looks great Dave. With the HOT Florida temps you may want to run that carb on a isolated spacer.
Thanks, Pete. You make a good point. However, the carb is temporary. I plan to change over to a self learning EFI setup early next year.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/05/14 04:42 AM
Over the weekend, I found and bought a vintage Craftsman 150 drill press on craigslist. The best I can figure out, it was built around 1965 or 1966. Came with a Craftsman drill press vise of the same era. Aside from the plastic knobs, there's not another plastic part on this thing. Still has the original 1/2 HP motor, with an info plate on the motor that literally says "Manufactured In The United States Of America". How cool and rare is that anymore! The 3 main parts are made of cast iron, so it is quite heavy. I shined up the chrome on the feed handle, and cleaned up the chuck. I'm already putting it to use, but after the Jeep is done and on the road, I plan to do a full restoration on it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/06/14 03:14 AM
The Xenon front flares came in today.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/13/14 05:48 AM
Picked up an MSD Digital 6AL, and after failing to find a suitable spot to mount it in the engine compartment, I decided to mount it totally out of sight, inside my center console. The aluminum panel will be Monstalined to match the console side panel. To prevent my passenger's legs from injury, the protruding studs will be shortened slightly, and held in place with dome nuts.
I finally got around to figuring out how to plumb the fuel pressure regulator. Looks a bit crazy, but it will work until I think of a sleeker way to route the hoses. I also made a new mounting bracket for my MSD coil, so it stands vertical.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/13/14 08:06 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/16/14 02:57 PM
The sexy curved pipe I made on the passenger side header made installing the fender very difficult, and scratched up the header coating on some of the pipes, and probably would have made scratches in the paint, if the fender were painted. So, I re-configured two of the header pipes to eliminate the problem.
Before:
After:
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/23/14 09:36 PM
Paint was finally flyin' at Jeeper Dave's!!
The first coat had some orange peel in it, so I added some more reducer and turned up the pressure a few psi, and that helped a lot on the second coat. All was going well, until a teeny-weenie black bug flew into the second coat that I had just applied to the grille. I couldn't find a pair of tweezers in my messy garage, so I made the dumb mistake of trying to bury him with a small shot of extra paint, but in the process, I created a drip on one of the vertical spoke of the grille, just below the bug. Son of a...!!!!!
IS THIS RED ENOUGH?
Windshield frame.
Posted By: GY3
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/23/14 11:33 PM
Awesome looking!
Posted By: blown572dart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/24/14 02:23 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/25/14 01:44 AM
Thanks, guys. I'll get my spray on with the front fenders next weekend. Weekend after that, the hood.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/25/14 02:40 AM
You will see that thing on a dark night in the mall parking lot.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/25/14 03:14 AM
Quote:
You will see that thing on a dark night in the mall parking lot.
I think spy satellites orbiting the earth will be able to see it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/27/14 01:44 AM
New parts added to the grille. She's got eyeballs now!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/27/14 02:59 AM
I Likes Shiny Chit
Rickster
Posted By: Hemi_Ram
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/28/14 06:53 PM
Very, very, nice Dave.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/30/14 08:42 PM
Quote:
I Likes Shiny Chit
Rickster
Well in that case....here's some more shiny chit for ya, Rick!
I've finally got the adjustments on this Devilbiss Plus gun dialed in. Also, adding a little extra reducer is really helping to let the paint flow out. I still have a little bit of light orange peel in some areas, but that is just the amateur painter in me causing that. I shot three wet coats, so there's enough paint to wet sand and buff out the less than perfect areas.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/30/14 09:19 PM
Quote:
Very, very, nice Dave.
Thanks!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/31/14 02:00 AM
Very Nice Dave......have to wonder what color your garage will be next
Now bolt that bad boy together and fire it up
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 03/31/14 02:10 AM
Quote:
Very Nice Dave......have to wonder what color your garage will be next
Now bolt that bad boy together and fire it up
Rickster
Thanks, Rick!
Just for kicks, here's a pic of what these same fenders looked like when I bought them 2 years ago. Quite a difference, I must say! Look at that rust!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/01/14 02:56 AM
Dressed up fenders.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/06/14 09:20 PM
My hood was the next thing in line to get painted this weekend, but during the final sanding, I found some small areas that needed some attention. So, in an effort to prevent a total loss of the weekend, I changed gears and painted some small parts instead. By hook or by crook, the hood WILL get painted next weekend. My goal is to finish all of the painting before Memorial Day weekend.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/11/14 02:39 AM
Since I'm going to paint the hood this weekend, I can finally place an order for lettering of the name of my Jeep,
MAGNUM FORCE. To recap, I like that name because my engine has Magnum heads, I like Clint Eastwood movies, I'm a Mopar guy, and I like guns.
I've narrowed the font style down to these three. The bullet on choice number 3 will look more realistic.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/11/14 03:30 AM
I like it.
I have a friend that can do it for you.
www.my-cad.com
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/12/14 08:32 PM
Shorty, I already have a guy lined up to make them, but thanks anyway.
I built an apparatus to hang my hood, so I can reach all sides with the paint gun.
I christen thee..........SKY HOOK. :rofl:
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/12/14 10:43 PM
Finally, the hood is red! But, I've got some wet sanding and buffing to do. I've got 4 sags, two drips and a bug landing to wet sand out. Not my most stellar painting performance, by far. I had a hard time finding my "light" on the sides of the hood. Car painters will know what I'm talking about. But, its just paint, and after I get those anomalies wet sanded and buffed out, you won't even know they were there.
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/13/14 03:38 AM
Quote:
Finally, the hood is red! But, I've got some wet sanding and buffing to do. I've got about half a dozen sags, and a drip or two, not to mention a bug landing to eliminate. Not my most stellar painting performance, by far. I had a hard time finding my "light" on the sides of the hood. Car painters will know what I'm talking about. But, its just paint, and after I get those anomalies wet sanded and buffed out, you won't even know they were there.
Eh... And what's it going to matter once you get a couple door dings here and there from the mall people. 
I've been patiently waiting for you to finish this already!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/16/14 02:32 AM
The Rugged Ridge JK hood catches arrived today. They weren't designed to fit on CJ front ends, but I'm determined to make them work, because I just don't like the design of the stock CJ hood hold downs. My first impression is that these things are quite big and beefy, which is good. It means they might be wide enough to cover the existing mounting holes on the fender and on the hood. I held them up to the hood and fenders, and it appears they will cover the existing holes.
In an ideal world, I would have purchased them before I painted the hood and fenders. That way, I could have mocked up everything, welded shut the unused holes, and drilled the new holes. But alas, I am an imperfect man, living in an imperfect world.
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/16/14 03:17 PM
looking great!! i love the venting on the fenders.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/17/14 03:03 AM
Quote:
looking great!! i love the venting on the fenders.
Hey thanks, D. Pinscher!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/18/14 03:22 AM
Tonight, I slathered the paint stripper on the tailgate. I wasn't going to bother removing the hinges, but I noticed a small amount of rust next to one of them. So, I broke out the impact gun and removed the bolts. Good thing I did, as there was plenty of rust under them. The only body work required is where that little red circle is. There's a tiny ding there. All of the rust will be sand blasted away Saturday morning. I hope to paint it by Sunday afternoon.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/21/14 04:10 AM
Got the tailgate painted today, along with some small parts.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/21/14 10:24 AM
I need my sunglasses..
Posted By: GY3
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/26/14 06:30 PM
Resale Red!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/28/14 01:02 AM
I figure its time to put a face to this craziness. So, here I am, the mad scientist behind this Jeep build.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/28/14 01:39 AM
MUST BE SELFIE SUNDAY
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/28/14 11:34 PM
Quote:
MUST BE SELFIE SUNDAY
Rickster
I was in good spirits after laying down the paint very nicely on the tailgate, so I struck a pose.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/29/14 03:44 AM
Quote:
Quote:
MUST BE SELFIE SUNDAY
Rickster
I was in good spirits after laying down the paint very nicely on the tailgate, so I struck a pose.
the matching red t-shirt was a winner for me
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 04/29/14 04:00 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
MUST BE SELFIE SUNDAY
Rickster
I was in good spirits after laying down the paint very nicely on the tailgate, so I struck a pose.
the matching red t-shirt was a winner for me
Rickster
I wore the red shirt so that, in case my shirt drops lint into the paint, it will at least be red lint. I wore a black T-shirt and black pants when I painted my Duster black, for the same reason.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/04/14 11:41 PM
Well, the doors are primed, block sanded and ready for paint. Only problem is, I have yard work to do, which means I won't have the time to paint them today. They will have to wait until next Saturday.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/14 03:35 AM
I'm willing to bet your yard is disgustingly perfect.....
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/05/14 05:55 AM
Quote:
I'm willing to bet your yard is disgustingly perfect.....
Rickster
Far from it, Rick! Instead of maintaining my lawn and shrubs, I've been focused on the Jeep project. I had to do something with my yard, before my neighbors called the county on me. Then there's the green swamp in the backyard that I'm working to make blue again...
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/10/14 08:47 PM
I test fitted the new Bestop soft top today.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/10/14 08:54 PM
I got the 1 ton steering welded up. I'm still deciding whether to paint the bars or get them powder coated that speckled silver/black that you see on a race car chassis.
As a side note, I'm going to place the order for both driveshafts on Monday. Carolina Driveline will get the call to build them.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/11/14 12:52 AM
After I test fitted the soft top, I wet sanded and buffed out the hood, and added the name of the Jeep.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/11/14 02:33 AM
Other side. I wasn't sure that matte black was going to look good, but I like the contrast between the glossy red and the matte black.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/12/14 12:05 AM
Half doors are painted. So, that's it for the smaller body parts. I hope to lift the tub off the frame next Saturday, and begin stripping it down to bare metal, and get going on the body work. My plan is to paint the tub on Memorial Day weekend, or at worst, the weekend after.
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/15/14 06:27 PM
Looking great Dave!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/18/14 04:53 AM
Quote:
Looking great Dave!
Thanks, Dustin!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/18/14 06:32 PM
Houston....we have separation.
In addition to the body work, paint, and Monstalining the interior, there is work to do on the chassis as well.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/19/14 01:47 AM
its neked !!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/19/14 03:45 AM
Quote:
its neked !!!
While she was "neked", I gave her the shaft, first from the front,and then from the rear.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/24/14 10:53 PM
I completed half of the paint stripping work on the tub today. I used several different methods: chemical paint stripper to get most of it off, and a DA sander and a wire wheel to get the rest off. I'll finish stripping the other half tomorrow, and then it'll be ready for epoxy and high build prime coats on Monday.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/25/14 11:29 PM
The tub is now completely stripped of all of that crappy orange paint!!
Tomorrow, we prime.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/26/14 05:22 AM
Made a small amount of progress on the exhaust system this evening.
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/26/14 05:29 AM
Hmmmmmmmmmn, that's interesting. Do I spy a trans cooler right above the skid plate?
Keep on chugging along. I love your build. I hope I can get to my Dart soon.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 05/26/14 06:28 PM
Quote:
Hmmmmmmmmmn, that's interesting. Do I spy a trans cooler right above the skid plate? Keep on chugging along. I love your build. I hope I can get to my Dart soon.
Yep, that's the trans cooler. The skidplate has a large hole in that spot, so the trans cooler fan (puller) will be able to draw plenty of air.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/01/14 05:58 PM
I admit, this isn't much to look at, but in the interest of chronicling all of the steps of my build, I'm currently in the process of doing the body work on the tub.
In an effort to give the sheet metal a smoother, continuous look, I filled in all of the body seams with All Metal.
I welded shut and smoothed over all un-needed holes in the firewall. I think it was about 25 holes in all.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/01/14 06:57 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/04/14 02:04 AM
Wow, its a good thing I checked the blower motor to firewall fitment! Many months ago, I bought a new blower motor for the heater system. I recently read somewhere that the replacement motors are larger than the original motors. So tonight, I looked through my parts storage room, and found the new motor. I put it up to the hole in the firewall, and sure enough, its way too big. So, I grabbed the tin snips and increased the hole diameter by about a half inch. The adjacent smaller hole for the electrical connector had to be trimmed larger as well.
I'm just glad I discovered this BEFORE the firewall was painted! I'll make a sealing gasket out of closed cell foam.
BTW, the tub is scheduled to be painted on June 14th.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/04/14 02:47 AM
Good catch
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/04/14 02:49 AM
Quote:
I admit, this isn't much to look at, but in the interest of chronicling all of the steps of my build, I'm currently in the process of doing the body work on the tub.
Mundane body work by some might not be much to look at but your creations need to be viewed at every stage to appreciate just how much work is involved in perfection. Carry on.
Posted By: jagrunt551
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/05/14 12:44 AM
My hats off to you Dave !! Great work and follow thru on all your steps. Have you applied for your own Reality show?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/06/14 06:18 AM
Quote:
My hats off to you Dave !! Great work and follow thru on all your steps. Have you applied for your own Reality show?
Thanks Shoozy and jagrunt, and yes I have pitched my idea for a reality show. It's titled "Man vs. Jeep".
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/07/14 11:02 PM
Just went back and looked at page 1....
that ALL you got done?? awesome Jeep Dave! been awile since I browsed through the progress. Keep it up!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/14/14 09:28 PM
Quote:
Just went back and looked at page 1.... that ALL you got done?? awesome Jeep Dave! been awile since I browsed through the progress. Keep it up!
I know, I'm such a slacker. I really need to get going on this project!
Thanks, J Body!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/14/14 09:31 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/15/14 11:26 PM
Well, I thought I was all done shooting red paint. I forgot that the door hinges still needed to be painted. So, I got them done today. NOW, I'm finished with the red paint!
The only thing left to paint is the roll cage. However, I'm undecided on what color to paint it. I can paint it one of three colors: red, black, or Silver Metallic. Black would actually be my third choice, so its really down to the same red or the Silver Metallic.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/15/14 11:33 PM
How about a color close to the interior color (seats)...????
Rickster
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 12:51 AM
My vote is for the Silver Metalic first, Black second. .. Theres a lot of red already..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 02:51 AM
Quote:
How about a color close to the interior color (seats)...????
Rickster
I didn't mention this yet, but......the gray seats are gone. The direction this Jeep is taking, is to a red and black color combination, both interior and exterior. The gray seats would have looked out of place, so, I sold them. I will be buying another pair of the same brand and style of seats, but they will be red and black. See pic below.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 02:54 AM
Quote:
My vote is for the Silver Metalic first, Black second. .. Theres a lot of red already..
I'm leaning towards the silver as well. I'm thinking of the silver used on the Dodge Vipers. I may buy a pint of it, spray paint a length of tubing, hold it next to the red, and see if they look good together.
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 03:10 AM
Going with a form of black hammertone which can have gray or silver in it might be an option. It would be different that what everyone else has.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 04:47 AM
Quote:
Going with a form of black hammertone which can have gray or silver in it might be an option. It would be different that what everyone else has.
My Roadsters Chassis and Cage was Grey Hammer-tone....I really liked the way it looked.
Rickster
Posted By: Copper Dart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 04:57 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 02:15 PM
Come to think of it, the centers of my wheels and fender vent screens are bright silver. That's it, I'm going to paint the cage 2009 Dodge Viper Bright Silver Metallic!
Posted By: Defbob
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 03:44 PM
Quote:
Come to think of it, the centers of my wheels and fender vent screens are bright silver. That's it, I'm going to paint the cage 2009 Dodge Viper Bright Silver Metallic!
That's what color the cage is in Jimmy's old Dart
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/16/14 07:45 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Come to think of it, the centers of my wheels and fender vent screens are bright silver. That's it, I'm going to paint the cage 2009 Dodge Viper Bright Silver Metallic!
That's what color the cage is in Jimmy's old Dart
Great minds think alike!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/20/14 05:07 AM
Tonight, I finished all of the wet sanding on the tub. I'll get her buffed out tomorrow night.
Posted By: Golden-Arm
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/20/14 05:14 AM
looking good. one of these days i vow to do the same to my paint. sanding is my least favorite thing to do. buffing, is my 13th least favorite thing to do.
can't wait to see it, with the liner sprayed/rolled in.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/20/14 04:38 PM
Quote:
looking good. one of these days i vow to do the same to my paint. sanding is my least favorite thing to do. buffing, is my 13th least favorite thing to do. can't wait to see it, with the liner sprayed/rolled in.
Yeah, I'm never thrilled with taking sandpaper to a fresh paint job, but the end results are worth it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/21/14 01:00 AM
Well this just ruined my weekend plans. The gallon of Monstaliner that I bought online was scheduled to be at my house today, but because of some error by UPS, it won't get here until late in the afternoon on Monday. I had planned on spraying it on Sunday. The silver lining in this is, I took a vacation day to get Monday off, so if I can go to the UPS hub early in the morning and pick it up, instead of waiting until the afternoon for it, I can get the job done on Monday.
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/21/14 02:59 AM
I feel your pain. Iv lived in my apt for 3 1/2 years. My mail carrier would leave any package that wouldnt fit in my box at my front door. I must of got a new carrier because now all of a sudden he leaves a failed delivery notice on my door. I then have to call for redelivery at my door. Takes an extra 2 days usually..
Its no wonder they are going broke..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/14 12:24 AM
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/14 01:46 AM
Posted By: 340SHORTY
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/14 03:10 AM
Looks better than 99% of the other Jeeps parked in the Mall lot..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/22/14 04:41 AM
Quote:
Looks better than 99% of the other Jeeps parked in the Mall lot..
Thanks!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/24/14 12:29 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/27/14 04:33 AM
I had to build a battery tray for my Artec battery box to sit in. I'll finish welding it tomorrow night, and paint it black over the weekend. I'm going to run a Diehard Platinum P2 group 65 battery. Jeep Wranglers normally come with a smaller group 34 battery.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/27/14 04:38 AM
My Preference would be a Drycell
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/27/14 09:43 AM
Quote:
My Preference would be a Drycell
Rickster
I agree, that's why decided on a Diehard Platinum. They are made by Odyssey for Sears. Same internal AGM construction and performance as an Odyssey battery, except a hundred bucks cheaper.
Posted By: Jeepmon
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/27/14 05:36 PM
I've said it before and I'll say it again..
Friggin AMAZING work !!!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/28/14 04:01 PM
Thanks, Jeepmon. It will be a solid 10 footer, for sure!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/29/14 03:19 AM
I can check that off the list. When the body is put back together for the final time, I'm going to make a brace that goes from the bottom of the battery tray to the inner fenderwell, to help support the weight of the 60 lb. battery.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/29/14 03:40 AM
Quote:
Quote:
My Preference would be a Drycell
Rickster
I agree, that's why decided on a Diehard Platinum. They are made by Odyssey for Sears. Same internal AGM construction and performance as an Odyssey battery, except a hundred bucks cheaper.
Saweet....gonna have to ck that out....Thanks
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/29/14 04:21 PM
I rebuilt the heater box this weekend. Completely cleaned inside and out, new heater core, new fan motor (PM-102), replaced all of the foam pieces on the damper blades, and given a black Rustoleum rattle can paint job.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 06/29/14 04:42 PM
Ahhhh....Looks like it won't be long.....Vroom Vroom
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/04/14 11:22 PM
Quote:
Ahhhh.... Looks like it won't be long .....Vroom Vroom
Rickster
That's kinda what the rabbi said right before the circumcision!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/04/14 11:24 PM
I finally got around to notching the rear frame rail, so I could weld in one of the new shock towers. Still need to cut, fit and weld the lower tabs. I'll get to the other side tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/06/14 08:10 PM
I've been placing orders for the remainder of the stereo system. The rear speakers came in yesterday. I went with Infinity Reference marine speakers for the front and rear, because since I'll be driving around most of the time topless, they won't get ruined if I get caught in a sudden rain storm.
Fronts are 6-1/2", rears are 6 x 9's. I'm going to build individual speaker enclosures, and coat them in black Monstaliner.
Posted By: not_a_charger
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/06/14 09:23 PM
Are you going to get "Jeep" decals for the "Joop" stamping on the side panels?
Also, did you smooth those out, or were they like that already? Lots of later CJ tubs said "Joop" because the dies were wearing down on the "ee" in "Jeep."
It looks great.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/06/14 10:02 PM
Quote:
Are you going to get "Jeep" decals for the "Joop" stamping on the side panels?
Also, did you smooth those out, or were they like that already? Lots of later CJ tubs said "Joop" because the dies were wearing down on the "ee" in "Jeep."
It looks great.
Thanks. Its a Joop tub. And yes, I added the lettering.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/10/14 03:10 AM
New seats came in today.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/10/14 03:13 AM
Last night, I welded in some fish plates on the rear frame rails, but tonight, I took a break from working on the chassis, and began kicking around some ideas on how to mount the 6-1/2" speakers up front. Space is extremely tight, especially on the passenger side. Cutting up my door panels was not an option. I came up with this idea, build speaker cans out of 6" PVC fittings. The wall thickness wasn't quite meaty enough for the speaker screws to bite into, so I had to glue some pieces of PVC pipe to create enough meat to support the screws. To improve the sound, I'll put some poly fill inside them. Once I roll a couple coats of black Monstaliner on them, I think they'll look pretty good.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 03:45 AM
The last of the stereo gear came in today. I'm going to mount the amps to the floor, directly under the seats.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 04:49 AM
lookin good
can you tell me if that monster liner dries to a hard surface or does it stay kind of rubbery.
Thanks
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 02:56 PM
Quote:
lookin good
can you tell me if that monster liner dries to a hard surface or does it stay kind of rubbery.
Thanks
Thanks. Monstaliner dries to a hard, very tough surface.
Posted By: Jeepmon
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 05:40 PM
Dave... I once went for an "easy" day of off-roading here in Calif.. my intention was just to enjoy the sun and let the kids have some 4-wheelin fun.. By no means was I prepared to do any hard core 4-wheelin...
And then we came upon an innocent looking little creek that looked all of 2 feet deep.. Well, let me just say I had to throw away the amps that I mounted under the front seat...
Just trying to give you something to think about..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 06:38 PM
Quote:
Dave... I once went for an "easy" day of off-roading here in Calif.. my intention was just to enjoy the sun and let the kids have some 4-wheelin fun.. By no means was I prepared to do any hard core 4-wheelin...
And then we came upon an innocent looking little creek that looked all of 2 feet deep.. Well, let me just say I had to throw away the amps that I mounted under the front seat...
Just trying to give you something to think about..
Hmmmm.....I'll see what other locations I can think of.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 07/11/14 08:27 PM
Quote:
Dave... I once went for an "easy" day of off-roading here in Calif.. my intention was just to enjoy the sun and let the kids have some 4-wheelin fun.. By no means was I prepared to do any hard core 4-wheelin...
And then we came upon an innocent looking little creek that looked all of 2 feet deep.. Well, let me just say I had to throw away the amps that I mounted under the front seat...
Just trying to give you something to think about..
Been there, it takes a Cherokee about 3-5 days with a few fans inside of it to dry out LOL.
The water was about 3ft deep. All was well while we were moving. I had to stop because the guy in front of me did and then the fill started LOL.
Posted By: Streetwize
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/19/14 11:10 PM
Awesome build, Dave. Check out Nat's 442" Tork monster I posted up
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/21/14 02:40 PM
Quote:
Awesome build, Dave. Check out Nat's 442" Tork monster I posted up
I've already watched it on Nat's build thread on jeepforum. Sounds wicked!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/21/14 02:43 PM
I sprayed one coat of Dupont Corlar 2.1 ST epoxy primer, and two coats of KBS BlackTop satin black frame paint. The prep work alone took a day and a half. The combination of the industrial grade epoxy primer and the frame paint promises to create a tougher finish than what I had.
The good news is, with the frame repainted, the next step is to route the hard brake lines. Once that is done, the body can go back on for the final time!!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/26/14 03:58 AM
Today, I scored a complete Dana 60 front axle with high pinion and kingpin knuckles.
I'm keeping the Dana 44 in the front until it ever breaks. I'll keep the 60 stashed away and start collecting rebuild parts for it once the Jeep is up and running and cruising those mall parking lots.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/27/14 04:34 AM
I got some work done on the brake lines today. This is one of the last steps to be done before the tub goes back on the frame for the final time, which will happen next weekend.
I've held off on painting the 14 bolt because I haven't welded the perches yet. I want to set the pinion angle and tack the perches when all of the weight of the Jeep is sitting on the suspension. Then I'll pull the axle out, weld the perches, and paint it.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/29/14 03:50 AM
We're inching along at a snails pace. To be honest, I'm really tired of seeing this frame without the body on it. I know I'll get a shot of motivation once the tub is back on the frame, but right now, I have to dig deep to get some motivation.
I'm going to drop off the exhaust pipes and headers at the powdercoat shop on Friday. Yes, I said headers. I'm doing away with everything that is gray, and going with satin black on the exhaust. It'll fit better with the general color theme of red and black.
Tonight, I ran the vent hoses for the 14b and the trans and t-case. As long as I don't drive into the deep end of the lake next to the mall, those drivetrain components will be safe from water intrusion.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/31/14 02:18 AM
Quote:
Today, I scored a complete Dana 60 front axle with high pinion and kingpin knuckles.
I'm keeping the Dana 44 in the front until it ever breaks.....cruising those mall parking lots.
You should come to Rausch Creek, in Pennsylvania, with us some time next year for a long weekend. I'll have my MB finished and Tom's Wagon is already up and running.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/05/14 02:52 AM
This past weekend, I finished up all of the brake lines and hoses, except for the last 18" or so that come out of the master cylinder.
Got a few things done today.
- I picked up a brand new 68-76 corvette master cylinder today at O'Reilly's. This particular piece seems to be the go-to 4 wheel disc master cylinder in the wheeling world.
- I placed an order for new, longer Bilstein shocks for the rear.
- I dropped off the head and tail pipes at the ceramic coating shop. I hope to get them back on Friday, so I can assemble the exhaust system before the tub goes on.
The tub will be set on the frame for the final time on Saturday!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/10/14 09:03 PM
Body and frame are once again reunited, for good!!
I taped off and scuffed up the red painted areas underneath the rear fender flares, in preparation for black Monstaliner.
I'm glad I decided to stick with the gray for the exhaust.
Don't mind the flash rust on the axle, that was when I pressure washed everything. The 14 bolt will need to come out one last time to do the finish welding and painting.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/11/14 01:27 AM
ABSOFREAKNLYAWESOME DAVE
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/11/14 01:43 AM
Quote:
ABSOFREAKNLYAWESOME DAVE
Rickster
Thanks, Trickster!
**LATE BREAKING NEWS**
Dateline Tampa, Florida...
Dave's Jeep is going hydroboost. Film at eleven.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/16/14 01:29 PM
I picked up a used hydroboost unit out of a mid 90's Chevy Astro van. Master cylinder is a new unit, for a late '70's Corvette. The adapter that mounts the h/b unit to the firewall is a U-weld kit from a seller on ebay.
I'm going to make my own stainless braided teflon lined hoses, and use Aeroquip steel fittings.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/16/14 03:21 PM
Man that thing pokes out there a pretty good distance.....any plans for a support bracket of some type....????
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/16/14 04:39 PM
Quote:
Man that thing pokes out there a pretty good distance.....any plans for a support bracket of some type....????
Rickster
Yeah, its sticking out there like a wedding d!ck.
If I substituted the hydroboost for a dual diaphragm vacuum booster (which I had planned on using), it would actually be nearly 2" longer. Hydroboost conversions are done all the time on Jeeps, and I've never seen any support added to them.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/16/14 10:57 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Man that thing pokes out there a pretty good distance.....any plans for a support bracket of some type....????
Rickster
Yeah, its sticking out there like a wedding d!ck.
If I substituted the hydroboost for a dual diaphragm vacuum booster (which I had planned on using), it would actually be nearly 2" longer. Hydroboost conversions are done all the time on Jeeps, and I've never seen any support added to them.
For parking lots maybe.....but I'd be concerned with flex at the firewall sheet metal with any serious of-road running.....that babies gonna ride stiff
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/18/14 05:11 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Man that thing pokes out there a pretty good distance.....any plans for a support bracket of some type....????
Rickster
Yeah, its sticking out there like a wedding d!ck.
If I substituted the hydroboost for a dual diaphragm vacuum booster (which I had planned on using), it would actually be nearly 2" longer. Hydroboost conversions are done all the time on Jeeps, and I've never seen any support added to them.
For parking lots maybe.....but I'd be concerned with flex at the firewall sheet metal with any serious of-road running.....that babies gonna ride stiff
Rickster
The firewall is made of 18 ga. steel, and the upper right quadrant of it is reinforced with a 16 ga. panel. In addition, the 4 bolts that retain the hydroboost adapter bolt through a large, heavy gauge steel support bracket behind the firewall, which ties into the upper part of the tub, which is the strongest part of the tub.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/19/14 02:51 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Man that thing pokes out there a pretty good distance.....any plans for a support bracket of some type....????
Rickster
Yeah, its sticking out there like a wedding d!ck.
If I substituted the hydroboost for a dual diaphragm vacuum booster (which I had planned on using), it would actually be nearly 2" longer. Hydroboost conversions are done all the time on Jeeps, and I've never seen any support added to them.
For parking lots maybe.....but I'd be concerned with flex at the firewall sheet metal with any serious of-road running.....that babies gonna ride stiff
Rickster
The firewall is made of 18 ga. steel, and the upper right quadrant of it is reinforced with a 16 ga. panel. In addition, the 4 bolts that retain the hydroboost adapter bolt through a large, heavy gauge steel support bracket behind the firewall, which ties into the upper part of the tub, which is the strongest part of the tub.
Sounds legit.....
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/22/14 02:48 AM
The Lares remanned power steering/hydroboost pump came in today, and after swapping the pulley, its installed. The application for this pump is a '79-82 Dodge B300 Van with hydroboost. Notice the two return ports.
All of the steel hose ends and stainless braided hose for the hydroboost and power steering are on their way. A high pressure-side power steering fluid filter from Tallon is also on its way. As soon as I get the hoses installed, I can
FINALLY install the front end sheet metal....
FOR THE FINAL TIME!!!!! 
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/22/14 11:38 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/14 02:55 AM
Quote:
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Rickster
Ya got that right!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/24/14 02:56 AM
I went to the Jeep and Truck Fest today at the Orlando Convention Center. The Warn booth had some great prices on their winches. Got this one for $111.00 less than the regular price.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/27/14 03:26 AM
I wasn't feeling energetic tonight. All I did was make and install the high pressure hose, and mount the filter for the hydroboost. Thanks to Nat Wolfe (Streetwize's buddy) for hooking me up with the black anodized aluminum filter bracket!
I bought a large cooler for the power steering fluid, but I haven't decided where I'm going to mount it yet, possibly underneath the radiator. I'm hoping to finish up the rest of the power steering/hydroboost hoses by Friday.
My goal for this long weekend is to spray the front bumper, rock sliders, front inner fenderwells, and the front fender flares with black Monstaliner.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/29/14 05:56 AM
I'm starting to get tired of fabricating stuff for this Jeep! I bought this nice big cooler for the power steering system, but then I had to figure out where the heck I can put it! This was the only spot where it will fit. I might cover it with a piece of perforated sheet metal, to protect it.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/14 12:21 AM
Quit whining and just get it done....Dammit
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/14 03:37 AM
Quote:
Quit whining and just get it done....Dammit
Rickster
My goal is to have the full front end installed by Monday. To accomplish that, I have to:
1. Finish making the return hoses for the steering and hydroboost.
2. Spray Monstaliner in the the front wheelwells.
3. Respray (yes, repaint) the front grille. I had discovered an area on the front of the grille where I had missed the final 400 grit sanding, and it has visible sanding scratches. Unacceptable! So, I have to smooth that area flat, scuff the whole thing, and respray it with two coats.
Tonight, I cut off the bulges on the return ports, and installed -6 AN adapters.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/14 04:02 AM
You can't fool me....you know you love the fabricating and you're so darn good at it....
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/30/14 08:59 AM
Quote:
You can't fool me....you know you love the fabricating and you're so darn good at it....
Rickster
In all honesty, I do like the fabricating part, but, I'd like to drive this damn thing before I'm too old to climb into it!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/31/14 03:16 AM
Quote:
Quote:
You can't fool me....you know you love the fabricating and you're so darn good at it....
Rickster
In all honesty, I do like the fabricating part, but, I'd like to drive this damn thing before I'm too old to climb into it!!
Be Patient Grasshopper
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/31/14 10:53 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/31/14 11:21 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/01/14 07:28 PM
Today, the front end goes on for the last time. Feels a little weird to be tightening bolts down with lockwashers.
Fenders on.
Grille/radiator/fan assembly is ready to go in next. A lot of custom work was required to make all three of these pieces fit together.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 12:45 AM
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 12:53 AM
looking good dave
so is all the duster money spent yet
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 03:36 AM
BADASS
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 05:13 AM
Quote:
looking good dave so is all the duster money spent yet
Thanks!
I can't answer that, my wife might read this!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 05:15 AM
Quote:
BADASS
Rickster
Thanks, Rick!
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/14 05:17 PM
Looking good!
Posted By: GY3
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/04/14 03:00 AM
Needs one more touch with the lettering:
Under MAGNUM FORCE you need tiny letters that read "Dirty and Hairy"
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/04/14 04:07 AM
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/04/14 06:27 PM
Quote:
I ripped out the blue spark plug wires, cuz frankly, they just didn't go with the picture. I'm going to order a new set of either red or black wires.
If we're being Nit picky I'd change the fuel fittings as well to black, polished or Nickle. The blue stands out.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/05/14 01:02 AM
Quote:
Quote:
I ripped out the blue spark plug wires, cuz frankly, they just didn't go with the picture. I'm going to order a new set of either red or black wires.
If we're being Nit picky I'd change the fuel fittings as well to black, polished or Nickle. The blue stands out.
I agree, I should have gone with black fittings, but to change now would be expensive and more work. I have enough on my plate to get this rig done by December. I can't keep going backwards. Spark plug wires are a quick and easy change. I appreciate your suggestion, though.
Posted By: Al_Alguire
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/05/14 08:30 AM
Looking awesome Dave!!!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/06/14 02:45 AM
Al and Triple Threat, thanks guys!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/07/14 09:09 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/07/14 10:51 PM
I installed these beefy hood latches from Rugged Ridge. They are specifically made to fit '07-'12 Wrangler JK. My keen eye and profound sense of proportion (
) told me that I could make them work on a CJ front end. Badda-bing!! Queue up the dancing banana!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/13/14 09:38 PM
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/20/14 10:54 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/20/14 11:52 PM
Quote:
jeeps looking sweet dave
Thanks, man!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/20/14 11:56 PM
Last weekend, I sprayed 2 coats of high build primer on the cage. This morning, I sanded it smooth with 400 grit paper, and then sprayed two coats of paint.
I'm hoping to install the cage into the Jeep next weekend.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/23/14 03:11 AM
Installed a new wiper motor, and installed the windshield frame....FOR THE LAST TIME!
The glass installer will be here Friday to put the windshield in.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/28/14 04:38 AM
The windshield was installed yesterday, and the roll cage was installed today.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/28/14 02:29 PM
looks good ? does it fit in your garage with out letting air out of the tires
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/28/14 03:28 PM
Quote:
looks good ? does it fit in your garage with out letting air out of the tires
I didn't have to touch the tires. After we installed the cage in the driveway, we rolled the Jeep back in, and I noticed about 2" of clearance between the top of the cage and the bottom edge of the garage door.
Posted By: blown572dart
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/30/14 02:08 PM
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/01/14 03:39 AM
Quote:
Looks great
WOW.....A Blast From The Past .... Howdy Jimmy
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/01/14 11:36 PM
Thanks, Jimmy!
Since the dreaded wiring work will be dealt with soon, I ordered a Weatherpack connector kit. Deutsch connectors are indeed nicer, but the Weatherpacks fit my budget better. I did spring for the proper crimping tool, at least.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/02/14 07:29 PM
Nice kit! Where did you pick that up?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/03/14 12:40 AM
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/03/14 07:21 PM
Thanks Dave!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/05/14 03:54 AM
I took the first step in the wiring job by mounting the fuse panel. I would have connected those wires to the ignition switch, but I'll first need to purchase a crimper that can make F-type crimps.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/07/14 03:09 AM
Yesterday, I sprayed the rear bumper assembly and the inside of the tailgate with Monstaliner. I didn't install the tailgate yet, because I still need to do a cut and buff on the paint.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/09/14 02:18 AM
Weatherpack 22 pin bulkhead connector. This will mount in a hole on the firewall.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/11/14 07:38 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/19/14 04:54 PM
After giving it much thought, I decided where to install the bulkhead connector.
I made a bracket to help support the group 65 battery tray. I made it multi-functional by adding a flat space on top to mount electrical components. I mounted a heavy duty bus bar down below, which will be a 12 volt power source for the winch, stereo system, etc.
This twin bus bar will be mounted behind the dash. This will provide a central place for a ground, and for a switched power source.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/20/14 12:15 AM
LQQKS AWESOME Dave....battery support sounds familiar....LOL What's the forecast for the first spin...????? I'm gonna have to plan a trip and go for a ride in that puppy
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/20/14 04:08 AM
I'm hoping to have it ready to drive by late December. My birthday is the day after Christmas, so that would be a nice present to myself.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/22/14 04:53 AM
I got the starter relay mounted in an out of the way spot, close to the starter, yet accessible. It's ugly, so I didn't want it in plain sight. It's pretty much wired up, except for the main positive battery cable and a couple hex nuts. In order to cut the positive battery cable to the proper length, I'll need to know which side the positive post is on, which means I'll need to buy the battery.
The winch is wired up, and I ran the main alternator feed wire. I purchased a voltage regulator kit, complete with harness. Hopefully it will arrive by Friday or Saturday, so I can get that bit squared away. I know this doesn't seem like much, but since I'm not electrically inclined, each connected wire and each installed component is a little victory.
The Autometer 3-3/8" GPS speedo came in today. It has a lot of neat features. For instance, if I ever get stuck out in the middle of Moab, it can tell me what my coordinates are, and my heading. I can relay that information with my CB to a search party, and when they find me, they can load up my bones in a box and ship me home.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/23/14 03:48 AM
If I didn't know better....I might be concerned about the starter solenoid getting submerged and failing..... triggering loss of power and no GPS Coordinates to send to the Publix Bag Crew for your imminent rescue......Sorry Had too
Love the Crap outta that Jeep
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/26/14 01:53 PM
Quote:
If I didn't know better....I might be concerned about the starter solenoid getting submerged and failing..... triggering loss of power and no GPS Coordinates to send to the Publix Bag Crew for your imminent rescue......Sorry Had too
Love the Crap outta that Jeep
Rickster
Rick, the bottom of the starter relay is 36" off the ground. I highly doubt I'll ever encounter a 36" puddle in a mall parking lot!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/26/14 01:55 PM
Making progress on the wiring. The voltage regulator is installed and wired up, and the alternator is wired up, but I decided to increase the output cable size from 8 AWG that came with the kit to 6 AWG fine strand cable. I have a 120 amp alternator, and 8 gauge wasn't going to cut it. I ordered the 6 gauge cable and lugs online, and they should get here by midweek.
I added Weatherpack connectors to the stop-turn-tail lights, the reverse lights, and the front side markers.
The headlight switch is wired up. As I was routing the headlight wires to the front yesterday, I thought about using the two wires (hi-beam and low-beam) as activation wires for headlight relays. So, this morning I did some searching online, and found this really well built headlight relay kit.
http://www.ceautoelectricsupply.com/h4headlightrelaykits.htmlIt will allow full battery voltage to be sent directly to the headlights, resulting in maximum brightness. Uses nice quality Hella waterproof relays. While its not cheap, I think its a good investment, and I don't mind paying a little more for safety related stuff. While I'm at it, I'm also going to upgrade to H4 headlights.
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/28/14 10:53 AM
Dave what lock device is that on your spare tire rack, I need to build one for mine? are you still in Florida I would love to see your jeep when you finish.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/28/14 05:30 PM
Actually, I don't have a locking device for my spare tire, yet. I'll need to look into that.
Yes, I'm still in Tampa. If you're ever in the Tampa area, you're welcome to swing on by JeeperDave Trailsports, Inc. (aka, my two car garage.
)
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/28/14 05:40 PM
I was talking about that red handle to keep the whole thing from swinging. dam i was just in Tampa thats where i picked up my jeep.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/28/14 07:40 PM
Quote:
I was talking about that red handle to keep the whole thing from swinging. dam i was just in Tampa thats where i picked up my jeep.
Oh! That is a De-Sta-Co clamp. I can't remember where I bought it, but many places sell them, and they are commonly used on custom built tire carriers in the Jeep/off-road world. The clamp I used is p/n 344 SS.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/30/14 03:56 AM
Still running wires.
The 6 ga. welding cable showed up at my house today. It will be run from the alternator output stud to the Mega Fuse.
I placed an order today for Cibie E-code headlight housings, and a pair of Philips X-treme Vision H4 55W bulbs. These parts, plus the fat 10 ga. power wires in the headlight harness should make for very powerful headlights!
The Candela Electric H4 headlight conversion wiring harness showed up today as well.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/31/14 01:32 AM
The painted tie rod, drag link and shock hoop brace are installed.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 10/31/14 10:03 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/03/14 02:30 AM
Quote:
love it great job
Thanks!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/03/14 02:31 AM
Progress report on the wiring work I did this weekend.
Headlights: The headlight wiring is done, except for screwing the ground wires to the frame. I cut off the plastic headlight plugs, and replaced them with ceramic plugs. This is necessary if I ever decide to put in higher wattage headlight bulbs.
I installed a 90º plug on the passenger side, due to the close proximity of the offset radiator.
Turn signals: I cut off the factory connectors and replaced them with Weatherpacks. Wiring is done, except for screwing the ground wires to the frame.
Courtesy lights: Installed a pair of them under the dash. You know, a Jeep without courtesy lights, is just plain uncivilized.
So now, when either door is opened, the foot wells will be illuminated.
Distribution block: I made a mounting bracket for it.
The fuse panel wiring is slowly coming together.
Posted By: blown572dart
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/05/14 02:34 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Looks great
WOW.....A Blast From The Past .... Howdy Jimmy
Rickster
Nice Dave
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/07/14 02:51 PM
Quote:
Nice Dave
Thanks, Jimmy!
I made some more wiring progress. The wiring to the tail lights and reverse lights is now done. Only 2 more wiring sections to go! With a little luck, I just might be able to start this thing up by Thanksgiving weekend! 
I needed a horn, so I bought a Hella SuperTone Dual Horn Kit. I also have a radiator overflow tank on the way.
I'm leary of using my Arizona salvage yard hydroboost unit as is. So, I sent it out to Vanco PBS for a complete rebuild. Vanco specializes in high performance braking systems for off-road vehicles, particularly hydroboost systems. They are also going to port it for increased fluid flow, which will allow me to add hydraulic ram assist to the steering.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/10/14 05:08 AM
Just a quick update on the wiring work I got done this weekend.
1. I wired up the wiper switch, which includes figuring out where the wires go from the new wiper motor (due to having to cut off the Deutsch connector and replace with a Weatherpack connector).
2. The heater system is completely wired up.
3. The windshield washer motor is wired up.
4. The ignition system is wired up.
Wiring work left to do:
- Fuel pump
- Horns
- All of the gauges
- Radiator cooling fan
- Trans cooling fan
- Stereo system
- CB radio
Over the next couple evenings, I'll knock out the horns, fuel pump, and trans cooling fan.
I got an email yesterday, informing me that Delta Current Control (DCC) shipped my fan controller. As soon as it arrives, I'll get to wiring up the cooling fan.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/14/14 08:38 PM
Wiring update. Over the past few days, the following items got wired up:
- 2 speed Ford T-Bird electric cooling fan (which includes the DCC SP2 Controller)
- in-tank fuel pump
- fuel level sender
- brake light switch
- hot and ground wires for the Pioneer head unit
- hot and ground wires for the Cobra CB
The list of items needing to get wired up is getting shorter:
- gauges
- trans cooler fan
- stereo system
- horns
- 12 volt auxiliary power source (for recharging cell phones, or whatever)
I will be installing 4 rocker switches to the right of the trans shifter on the center console panel. One of them will enable me to manually turn on the radiator cooling fan, and another to do the same for the trans cooler fan. The other two switches will be installed as place holders for any future additions (external lighting, rocket launcher, zombie death ray, what have you...
)
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/15/14 03:03 AM
Quote:
Wiring update. Over the past few days, the following items got wired up:
- 2 speed Ford T-Bird electric cooling fan (which includes the DCC SP2 Controller)
- in-tank fuel pump
- fuel level sender
- brake light switch
- hot and ground wires for the Pioneer head unit
- hot and ground wires for the Cobra CB
The list of items needing to get wired up is getting shorter:
- gauges
- trans cooler fan
- stereo system
- horns
- 12 volt auxiliary power source (for recharging cell phones, or whatever)
I will be installing 4 rocker switches to the right of the trans shifter on the center console panel. One of them will enable me to manually turn on the radiator cooling fan, and another to do the same for the trans cooler fan. The other two switches will be installed as place holders for any future additions (external lighting, rocket launcher, zombie death ray, what have you... )
Grocery Cart Alert Sensors....LOL
All Kidding Aside....That is One Sweet Ride....I Expected Nothing Less
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/15/14 04:52 PM
Quote:
Grocery Cart Alert Sensors....LOL
Rick, I'm already considering full perimeter proximity sensors, to alert me if a soccer mom parks her minivan too close to me at the mall. It will do the same with shopping carts.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/15/14 07:39 PM
I planned on hanging my license plate in the center of the spare tire, so I had to eventually figure out some kind of a mounting bracket. Here is what I came up with, in aluminum. It mounts to three M6 tapped holes around the center of the wheel.
Hella Super Tone horns came in. I found a great spot to mount them, right under the grille shell. I don't have to make any brackets, and there are two holes there already, so installation will be quick and easy.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/15/14 07:50 PM
Tag mount is done, and its light is wired up as well. (wearing a little blast from the past...
)
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/16/14 02:21 PM
very nice touch
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/17/14 01:39 PM
Quote:
very nice touch
That isn't the Jeep's actual tag. I put the old tag on there just for the picture.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/18/14 05:00 AM
Placed an order today for a Firestik FS 4' long CB antenna, along with the cable and other pieces needed to complete the installation, including a quick release mechanism. I haven't decided on where I'm going to mount it, yet. From all that I have read, no convenient place on a Jeep is ideal. Most likely, it will be mounted on, or above the rear bumper.
Hella horns are mounted. View from above.
View from below.
Here's an up to the minute pic of the "controlled chaos", otherwise known as the wiring job!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/19/14 03:21 AM
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....BAGGER-1
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/19/14 04:57 AM
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....BAGGER-1
Rickster
Jeez, I honestly haven't thought of a CB handle yet!
Bagger-1.....uhh, no.
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/19/14 01:17 PM
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....Waxer-1
Rickster
fixed
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/19/14 03:26 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....Waxer-1
Rickster
fixed
Figured you'd come up with that one...
Posted By: 72Swinger
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/20/14 12:26 AM
Whats yur Vector Victor??
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/20/14 04:40 AM
Tonight, I finished wiring up the tach, speedo, fuel level, voltmeter, oil pressure, and water temp gauges. All gauges are plugged into Weatherpack connectors. I still have the turn signal and high beam lamps, and trans temp gauge left to get done.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/21/14 07:01 PM
nice job dave
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/23/14 02:59 PM
Wiring update. I wired in the trans temp gauge, trans cooler fan, and the high beam and turn signal indicator lamps.
Electrical work left to do:
- Run various ground wires to the frame
- Run battery cables
- Wire up the horn relay
- Install the steering column (temporarily, for circuit testing)
I'm on track to check the circuits next weekend. The dash panel will not be installed during testing. I'll use my battery charger in place of the battery, set at a 10 amp output.
Once everything electrical is shown to be working properly, then I will install the stereo system.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/29/14 02:31 AM
Today, I installed the DieHard Platinum group 65 battery and the Antenna-X radio antenna. Group 65 is about the biggest single battery you can stuff in the stock location, and with 950 CCA, this is one strong battery. You know its getting close when the battery gets installed!
The battery cables will be installed tomorrow, but not hooked up just yet. I will be using a battery charger for circuit testing. Safer that way.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/29/14 10:54 PM
Rotopax 2 gallon fuel containers arrived today. Rotopax is selling blems of the 2 gallon size at 45% off, so I took a chance and ordered a pair. I don't see anything wrong with them. I've never owned them before, so I don't know what perfect Rotopax containers look like. I still need to purchase the locking mechanisms, and then get to work fabricating mounts on my tire swingout.
They will live behind my spare tire.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 11/30/14 07:05 PM
Quote:
Wiring update. I wired in the trans temp gauge, trans cooler fan, and the high beam and turn signal indicator lamps.
Electrical work left to do:
- Run various ground wires to the frame
- Run battery cables
- Wire up the horn relay
- Install the steering column (temporarily, for circuit testing)
I'm on track to check the circuits next weekend. The dash panel will not be installed during testing. I'll use my battery charger in place of the battery, set at a 10 amp output.
Once everything electrical is shown to be working properly, then I will install the stereo system.
Wiring update. I didn't get much done yesterday, due to a pounding sinus headache, but I did get all of the ground wires screwed to the frame and/or body. All I have left to do is install the positive battery cables, and install the steering column. I will get the column installed today, but I'm waiting on 1 gauge cable solder lugs to get here sometime later this week.
I'll be testing circuits next weekend, FOR SURE!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/01/14 01:13 AM
I added these four switches. The two fan switches will be manual overrides, in case a relay or a thermoswitch dies. I don't have a 50" LED light bar yet, but one will be added over the next several months. No plans for a Zombie Targeting System, though. The systems currently on the market aren't reliable, anyway. That switch is just a place holder for another switch I'll actually need down the road.
Posted By: blown340
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/01/14 07:14 AM
Quote:
I added these four switches. The two fan switches will be manual overrides, in case a relay or a thermoswitch dies. I don't have a 50" LED light bar yet, but one will be added over the next several months. No plans for a Zombie Targeting System, though. The systems currently on the market aren't reliable, anyway. That switch is just a place holder for another switch I'll actually need down the road.
Looks good. Where did you get the custom lettered switches?
-Jon
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/01/14 05:37 PM
I bought the switches from here:
http://www.otrattw.net/Most of the switches they sell are geared for the off-road crowd.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/04/14 04:37 AM
I decided to ditch the cheap Grant steering wheel in favor of something that fits in with the red and black theme. Call me crazy, but I think this wheel fills the bill.
Posted By: BigEdsGarage
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/05/14 06:08 PM
Good stuff here Dave! Great quality parts and excellent craftsmanship on this rig
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/06/14 04:14 AM
Thanks, Ed!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/14 05:27 AM
With the wiring finished up, I hooked up my battery charger (set at 10 amps) and did some initial electrical circuit testing tonight, and had some surprises. Here's what I found. First, the good news, then the bad news:
What works:
- Radio (powers on)
- Side marker lights
- License plate light
- Driver side courtesy light
- Gauge lights
- Brake lights
- Left turn signal, front and rear
- Tail lights
- Heater fan motor (however, a loud noise when running, sounds like squirrel cage inside is rubbing/hitting something)
- Voltmeter gauge reading voltage
- Left turn signal indicator lamp
- High beam indicator lamp
- Fuel pump (however, it runs even when the key is in the OFF position. Must be full time Hot. May need to add a relay.)
What doesn't work:
- CB did power on, but after a while, it shut off and I couldn't turn it on again
- Headlights
- Wipers
- Right turn signal (comes on, but doesn't blink..
)
- Right turn signal indicator lamp (comes on, but doesn't blink)
- Reverse lights
- Passenger side front turn signal
- Passenger side courtesy light stays on
I was a bit disappointed to encounter so many issues during the test. I'll do some troubleshooting tomorrow. I was thankful that at least nothing started smoking!
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/14 05:46 AM
Pretty simple to figure out. I would make sure each item that is not working has a proper ground. Then make sure the designated wire is powered up. You came this far so this is a minor hurdle. Nice job Dave.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/14 03:57 PM
Quote:
Pretty simple to figure out. I would make sure each item that is not working has a proper ground. Then make sure the designated wire is powered up. You came this far so this is a minor hurdle. Nice job Dave.
Thanks! See my next post!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/14 03:58 PM
**WIRING UPDATE**
I spent about 40 minutes this morning, troubleshooting the electrical issues I encountered last night. I got a lot of issues fixed, with the turning of one bolt! The firewall bulkhead connector bolt (the bolt that draws the two halves of the bulkhead connector together) was loose! I tightened it up, and instantly had working headlights, reverse lights, and properly working right turn signals! Woo-hoo!!
I fixed the constantly "on" passenger side courtesy light, so now it turns off when its supposed to.
My CB that was "on" last night and then stopped working, has a 2 amp inline fuse on the power wire. I pulled the fuse, and it was blown. I don't know what would have caused it to blow, it's wired up to my switched 12v distribution block, along with everything else. One thing of note, and I don't know if it caused the fuse to blow, but I didn't have the mic or the antenna hooked up to the CB. I popped in another 2 amp fuse, and it turns on again.
I thought maybe the wiper motor wasn't getting a good ground, so I tried jumpering the metal housing to the ground distribution block. Still doesn't work at all. I'll need to review my wiring for it.
So based on what I checked last night, the only thing left on the "doesn't work list" are the non-working wipers. This one bugs me...
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/07/14 08:40 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/10/14 03:00 AM
The last electrical issue has been fixed. The wiper motor works now.
Time to install some stereo equipment!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/12/14 03:00 AM
Quote:
The last electrical issue has been fixed. The wiper motor works now.
Time to install some stereo equipment!!
When's the Vroom Vroom Video.....?????
Rickster
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/12/14 03:03 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....Waxer-1
Rickster
fixed
Figured you'd come up with that one...
Mall Cop
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/12/14 07:13 PM
Quote:
Quote:
The last electrical issue has been fixed. The wiper motor works now.
Time to install some stereo equipment!!
When's the Vroom Vroom Video.....?????
Rickster
One step at a time, Rickmeister. Stereo install, then interior install, finish up a couple small things, then we fire up that Performance Only powered mall crawlin' beast. Maybe in 3 weeks.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/12/14 07:16 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....Waxer-1
Rickster
fixed
Figured you'd come up with that one...
Mall Cop
Rickster
Can't be, Rick. Mall cops don't carry guns.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/14 04:09 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
The last electrical issue has been fixed. The wiper motor works now.
Time to install some stereo equipment!!
When's the Vroom Vroom Video.....?????
Rickster
One step at a time, Rickmeister. Stereo install, then interior install, finish up a couple small things, then we fire up that Performance Only powered mall crawlin' beast. Maybe in 3 weeks.
2015.....REDNECK YACHT CLUB.....BRING-IT
Rickster
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/13/14 03:32 PM
forget the stereo crank that thing up
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 01:11 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
The last electrical issue has been fixed. The wiper motor works now.
Time to install some stereo equipment!!
When's the Vroom Vroom Video.....?????
Rickster
One step at a time, Rickmeister. Stereo install, then interior install, finish up a couple small things, then we fire up that Performance Only powered mall crawlin' beast. Maybe in 3 weeks.
2015.....REDNECK YACHT CLUB.....BRING-IT
Rickster
I've seen the youtube videos of that place. Some hot chickies out there! Some scary ones too.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 01:14 AM
I'm starting to lose my patience with Vanco. He's had my hydroboost unit for a month now for a port and rebuild, and the only thing he's done with it during that time is take it apart. He told me beforehand that it would be a 3 day turn around, and he won't give me any kind of an estimate on when he will be done with it. I'm seriously thinking of cutting my losses and buying a brand new unit (NOT from Vanco) instead of waiting for God knows how long.
I threw in 7 quarts of ATF IV in the fresh 727. Will add more when shes running.
Tomorrow, I'm going to put a few gallons of gas in the tank, disconnect the fuel line at the carb, put the end of it in a bucket, turn the pump on and flush out the fuel line, as a precautionary measure.
Here's something to get excited about! The Jeep has windshield wipers again! Woo-hoo!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 01:17 AM
Quote:
forget the stereo crank that thing up
So you want to hear the engine, do ya? Here you go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZuDj9VvfDI&feature=youtu.be
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 03:39 AM
engine sounds sweet dave, rip dan great guy dan was, elvis is still a tool
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 04:01 AM
sounds great, could have swore i seen Elvis
and RIP Dan
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/14/14 07:34 PM
Quote:
engine sounds sweet dave, rip dan great guy dan was, elvis is still a tool
Thanks. I miss talking to Dan. RIP my friend.
After the engine got hooked up to the dyno and prior to the first pull, Dan and Eddie bowed their heads in a moment of silence. It was very moving.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/15/14 08:33 PM
Thanks for reposting that, kinda made my day to hear it!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/15/14 11:17 PM
Quote:
Thanks for reposting that, kinda made my day to hear it!
I hope Dan is looking down and getting a good laugh about it, too. 
Posted By: old_goat
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/16/14 05:58 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Breaker Breaker 1-9 What's your handle....?????
Need to start a new thread....Dave CB Handle Suggestions....?????
I'll Start.....Waxer-1
Rickster
fixed
Figured you'd come up with that one...
Mall Cop
Rickster
Curb crawler.
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/20/14 12:25 AM
Nice Dave.. I love it..Perfection as usual.
Guess what I dragged home 2 weeks ago.. I didn't know my wife took the pic.. haha..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/20/14 03:19 AM
Quote:
Nice Dave.. I love it..Perfection as usual.
Guess what I dragged home 2 weeks ago.. I didn't know my wife took the pic.. haha..
Congrats on the new Jeep! Is that a camo wrap?
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/20/14 03:30 PM
Yes.. my wife wants to pull it off to see what the body looks like.. I say not yet..
It looks good from 20' but the sheet metal looks good on the backside..
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/21/14 11:27 PM
Well, I had my first major setback with the Jeep today. Yesterday, I put 7 quarts of trans fluid in the 727. This morning, I found a large wet spot about 8" in diameter on the floor. I was hoping it was leaking from a loose trans cooler fitting, but that wasn't the case. It is leaking where the back of the trans mates with the transfer case, which suggests to me that its the rear seal on the trans. This baffles me, because I had the trans completely rebuilt by a trusted local trans builder. At a minimum, I'll have to pull the transfer case and take a close look at the seal. Sucks...
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/22/14 05:46 AM
Measure the transfer case input diameter and see what your seal measures. There are two different seals depending on the transfer case being used.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/22/14 05:17 PM
Quote:
Measure the transfer case input diameter and see what your seal measures. There are two different seals depending on the transfer case being used.
I found this pic that I had snapped the day I bought the 727. I don't see any seal inside, just a bearing deep inside the extension housing. Maybe its designed to run wet (no shaft seal on the bearing), which would explain the big black rubber gasket. I forgot it had a gasket there.
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/14 01:09 AM
I don't believe 80-87 had a seal. The gasket should work unless there is a small weep opening cut into the case. What transfer case are you using?
Posted By: KatFysh
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/14 01:16 AM
That "rubber" gasket isn't black silicone is it?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/14 02:39 AM
Quote:
I don't believe 80-87 had a seal. The gasket should work unless there is a small weep opening cut into the case. What transfer case are you using?
NP231.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/14 02:41 AM
Quote:
That "rubber" gasket isn't black silicone is it?
No, it was an actual gasket. Gasket only, no silicone. From the looks of it, I would guess it was the original factory applied gasket.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/23/14 02:42 AM
I purchased the trans to transfer case gasket. If I have time this weekend, I'll drop the t-case and install it.
Meanwhile, I've been forging ahead with the stereo system install. I mounted the amplifiers to the floor, which required fabbing up some mounting brackets. I also made a mounting bracket for the front passenger side speaker. I plan to make the mounting bracket for the driver side front speaker tomorrow.
I built speaker boxes for the rear 6x9's. They will be sprayed with black Monstaliner this week. The front enclosures will also get the Monsta treatment.
The new hydroboost unit showed up yesterday.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/27/14 11:42 PM
The stereo system installation is
100% DONE. I haven't turned it on yet, because I've been going non-stop all day, and I needed a break. I will test it out later on today, but for now, I thought I'd post a few pics of the install, the speakers in particular. The speaker enclosures, and how to mount them, took the most time, effort and creativity. The front passenger side speaker was a real challenge, because of the lack of room. The drivers side had much more room to work with, so I incorporated features in the mount to allow for swiveling and rotating of the speaker enclosure. Both front speakers are tucked in as much as possible, for maximum foot room.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 12/28/14 07:11 AM
I turned on the stereo system for the first time tonight. Sounds GREAT!! I was running it off of the battery charger, so I didn't try to turn it up super loud, but I'm happy with the sound quality. It will perform even better when it's hooked up to the battery.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/04/15 03:10 AM
OK, with the installation of the gasket between the trans and the t-case out of the way, I can get back on schedule with the installation of the interior and ..........wait for it.................. starting the engine!!! I'm aiming for next weekend for the big start up.
Posted By: all spooled up
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/04/15 04:27 PM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/10/15 09:38 PM
Zero hour is fast approaching. I'm in the process of installing the dash, which is the last thing on the list before I can turn the key and (hopefully) hear this stroker smallblock Mopar come back to life again.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/11/15 01:31 AM
Well guys, no excalibur today. My distributor is a piece of junk. Dan had problems with it at the dyno session, and it is giving me problems now. We tested the MSD box and coil, and they are working as they should. I've ordered another, better quality distributor, an MSD Pro Billet distrubutor. should be here in a few days. When it arrives, I'll stab it in, and try again.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/11/15 04:21 AM
what dizzy do you have...?????
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/11/15 05:29 AM
Quote:
what dizzy do you have...?????
Rickster
I "think" it was either a cheap Accel or a Jegs distributor. I bought it new from Jegs. The engine wouldn't start on the dyno. Dan tinkered with the internals (don't know what he did), and got it to run.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/13/15 04:11 AM
While waiting for the new distributor to come in, tonight I installed the steering column and steering wheel.
Random pic of the amps and 10" Kicker subwoofer installed. The hinged lid for the center console storage is at the auto upholsterers shop, getting recovered in black and red vinyl.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/17/15 04:15 AM
The MSD distributor is installed. Going to try starting it up tomorrow.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/18/15 06:36 AM
THE ENGINE RUNS!!!
One of the wires for ignition power was on the wrong terminal on the back of the ignition switch. Once this was fixed, the engine started right up.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 01:37 AM
After 3 and a half years.......IT'S ALIVE!!!! The spirit of Dan Costello lives on!!! That fire-up was for you, Dan! RIP, brother!
ITS ALIVE!!!!!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 03:34 AM
Quote:
After 3 and a half years.......IT'S ALIVE!!!! The spirit of Dan Costello lives on!!! That fire-up was for you, Dan! RIP, brother!
ITS ALIVE!!!!!
Awesome....Congrats Dave Sounds Healthy....Can't wait for the fist test drive vid
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 04:07 AM
Quote:
Quote:
After 3 and a half years.......IT'S ALIVE!!!! The spirit of Dan Costello lives on!!! That fire-up was for you, Dan! RIP, brother!
ITS ALIVE!!!!!
Awesome....Congrats Dave Sounds Healthy....Can't wait for the fist test drive vid
Rickster
Thanks, Rick. It's been quite a journey to get to this point.
Here's another clip of American Idle.
Magnum Force Idle
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 04:32 AM
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 01:39 PM
very nice, sounds great
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/19/15 05:21 PM
Its always a good feeling to fire one up for the first time.
Posted By: Jwilli500
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/20/15 08:56 PM
Congratulations Dave!
So, I guess the mall is no longer safe for women, children and chevys?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/22/15 05:40 PM
Quote:
Congratulations Dave!
So, I guess the mall is no longer safe for women, children and chevys?
Hot soccer moms will be safe. All others, watch out!
Posted By: old_goat
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/23/15 04:48 AM
I have been following your thread Dave. You are a model of patience in a car build. With beyond great resullts.
Very happy for you! I'm sure it was a great feeling firing it up at last!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/26/15 04:20 AM
Quote:
I have been following your thread Dave. You are a model of patience in a car build. With beyond great results.
Very happy for you! I'm sure it was a great feeling firing it up at last!
Thanks for the kind words, old goat! I don't know if its lots of patience that I have, or that I just enjoy the designing and building process that makes it appear that I have lots of patience!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/26/15 04:21 AM
Believe it or not, it took me the entire weekend to install the center console. I wired up two of the four switches. One is for the manual over-ride of the thermostatically controlled engine cooling fan, and the other is the same thing except its for the trans cooler fan.
I have to wait on installing the seats and safety belts, because I first have to fabricate floor mounts for the lap belts. The seats and belts will be installed by Wednesday. Next weekend, I'll prime and paint the new fuse panel access door.
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/26/15 04:38 AM
HAPPY 50TH PAGE DAVE!!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/26/15 04:49 AM
Quote:
HAPPY 50TH PAGE DAVE!!
On my computer, I'm on the 25th page... 
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/26/15 05:04 AM
well I've seen the other 25 pages and the results are awesome!
guess it's the way my junk is set up or something
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 01/28/15 04:04 AM
The interior is ALL DONE! Well, except for painting the fuse panel access door. I want to add a dry chemical fire extinguisher, too.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/07/15 04:02 AM
The PSC remote power steering reservoir came in today. Looks like the best place to mount it is just behind the driver's side headlight. I'll fab a mounting bracket that will pick up two of the radiator mounting bolts.
I'm going to mount the fire extinguisher on the floor, alongside the driver's seat. The first set of clamps I bought for it were a little too big. I've got a pair of smaller clamps on the way.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/08/15 10:19 PM
Installation of the PSC reservoir is pretty much done. I made a mounting bracket, put together a -12AN drainback hose, and did the reservoir can swap on the power steering pump. The only thing left is to buy a 45 degree hose end fitting tomorrow, and install it on the return hose coming from the hydroboost.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/09/15 04:52 AM
After 3-1/2 years of this Jeep-building juggernaut, it is appropriate at this time to borrow a line from that one-hit-wonder rock group, Europe: IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN !!!
Here is what I have left to do on the Jeep, to make it drivable.
1. REAR AXLE:
a: Set the pinion angle on the rear axle
b: Tack weld spring perches and lower shock mounts
c: Get rear axle out, finish weld and paint it
d: Install rear axle
2. Make brake lines that go from frame rail to master cylinder
3. Fill & bleed power steering/hydroboost system
4. Bleed brake lines. Instead of the usual two man brake bleeding operation, for this project I decided to purchase a Motive Products Power Bleeder.
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/09/15 05:31 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/09/15 05:38 PM
Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw
I was actually thinking about adding a link to that video!
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/10/15 04:55 AM
Quote:
Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw
I was actually thinking about adding a link to that video!
Just play it on a continuous loop in the shop and you should be able to get all that stuff done pretty quickly.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/10/15 05:01 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw
I was actually thinking about adding a link to that video!
Just play it on a continuous loop in the shop and you should be able to get all that stuff done pretty quickly.
That, and a few lines of coke, and I'll have it on the road in 24 hours!! 
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/10/15 06:07 AM
I've suffered with those crappy auto parts store brake flaring tools long enough. I bought an Eastwood Pro Flaring tool. This tool looks like an absolute joy to use! I can't wait until it gets here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xGjYfl9bP0
Posted By: Al_Alguire
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/11/15 05:18 AM
Just wanted to be post 1001
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/11/15 05:32 AM
Quote:
Just wanted to be post 1001
Dang it Al, you treed me!!! Congrats, and thanks for stopping by my virtual garage!
Posted By: Al_Alguire
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/11/15 06:22 PM
Dave I have followed along with the build. First and as usual it looks killer. Cannto wait to see the final product in all her glory!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/14/15 08:09 PM
Thanks a lot, Al!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/14/15 08:09 PM
I finished up the last bit of brake lines this morning, namely, making the two lines connecting to the master, adding the hydraulic brake switch to the front line, and adding the proportioning valve to the rear line.
I have to say, I no longer have to hope and pray when flaring brake lines anymore. This Eastwood Flaring tool is the BOMB-DIGGITY!! It's actually fun to make PERFECT double flares, and so quick and easy, too!! My only regret is that I wish I had bought it sooner.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/15/15 06:45 PM
This morning, I set the pinion angle, and tack welded the perches in place. I was shooting for 2 degrees negative pinion angle, but 2.1 degrees is close enough.
After lunch, I'll tack weld the lower shock mounts to the axle housing, and then I can get it out from under the Jeep and prep it for paint. The plan is to spray one coat of my favorite heavy duty epoxy primer, Dupont Corlar 2.1 ST, and one or two coats of Dupont Imron satin black.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/16/15 03:37 AM
To aid in getting the 14 bolt out, I fabbed up a temporary dolly, so I could maneuver it around, and to facilitate painting of the housing. Since I can't move the Jeep, I'm going to have to spray paint it outside.
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/16/15 03:54 AM
Imagine that a simple pinion angle without a political debate. Looking real nice Dave. With the pinion nose up so much will there be a need to adjust the oil level? I would imagine its pretty much up to the ring gear to toss it to the front. So the same fill just a different check point?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/16/15 04:05 AM
Quote:
Imagine that a simple pinion angle without a political debate. Looking real nice Dave. With the pinion nose up so much will there be a need to adjust the oil level? I would imagine its pretty much up to the ring gear to toss it to the front. So the same fill just a different check point?
Truthfully, I don't know the answer to your question. I'll have to look into it.
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/16/15 04:11 AM
I just noticed the fill is on the side of the case. I was thinking rear cover. So fill now to plug hole would raise it higher that if in stock pinion angle. If in fact the ring will supply oil to the front running it a little lower at the hole should work.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/16/15 07:10 PM
The final bullet list is getting short!
1. REAR AXLE:
a: Prime and paint it
b: Install it
2. Fill & bleed power steering/hydroboost system
3. Bench bleed the master cylinder, and bleed the brake lines
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/19/15 02:26 AM
Last night, the 14 bolt received one coat of Dupont Corlar 2.1 epoxy primer, and one coat of Dupont Imron 3.5 Satin Black.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/23/15 03:06 AM
Today, I bench bled the master cylinder, and bled the braking system. That leaves just one last item to address, which is filling/bleeding the power steering/hydroboost system. Barring any unforeseen disasters, I will be taking this Jeep for a little test spin around the block next weekend!!!
Pic of the 14 bolt installed.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/24/15 08:55 PM
So, here's where I'm at. Tonight, I'm going to cut 'n buff the doors, install them onto the Jeep, and install the door mirrors. Saturday, I'm going to fill and bleed the power steering/hydroboost system. After that, I will attempt a quick spin around the block.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/26/15 04:37 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/26/15 03:54 PM
Thanks, Rick! I have my GoPro mounted to the rollcage, so I'll post a video of that short first test drive.
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/28/15 08:34 PM
It's Saturday.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/28/15 09:39 PM
Quote:
It's Saturday.
It's also pouring outside. 
I really wanted to make the test drive on a dry day, so I could see if I'm trailing any fluids, plus I want to have the hood off, so we can see if and when the cooling fan kicks on automatically, or if anything is smoking in the engine compartment, we can spot it immediately.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 02/28/15 11:49 PM
Quote:
Quote:
It's Saturday.
It's also pouring outside.
I really wanted to make the test drive on a dry day, so I could see if I'm trailing any fluids, plus I want to have the hood off, so we can see if and when the cooling fan kicks on automatically, or if anything is smoking in the engine compartment, we can spot it immediately.
Remember People .... It's a Mall Crawler .... Getting it wet or dirty is not in the plan.....J/K
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/01/15 05:17 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It's Saturday.
It's also pouring outside.
I really wanted to make the test drive on a dry day, so I could see if I'm trailing any fluids, plus I want to have the hood off, so we can see if and when the cooling fan kicks on automatically, or if anything is smoking in the engine compartment, we can spot it immediately.
Remember People .... It's a Mall Crawler .... Getting it wet or dirty is not in the plan.....J/K
Rickster
I love comedians!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/01/15 05:18 AM
Quote:
Quote:
It's Saturday.
It's also pouring outside.
I really wanted to make the test drive on a dry day, so I could see if I'm trailing any fluids, plus I want to have the hood off, so we can see if and when the cooling fan kicks on automatically, or if anything is smoking in the engine compartment, we can spot it immediately.
Remember People .... It's a Mall Crawler .... Getting it wet or dirty is not in the plan.....J/K
Rickster
I had a feeling someone would go there!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/01/15 06:50 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It's Saturday.
It's also pouring outside.
I really wanted to make the test drive on a dry day, so I could see if I'm trailing any fluids, plus I want to have the hood off, so we can see if and when the cooling fan kicks on automatically, or if anything is smoking in the engine compartment, we can spot it immediately.
Remember People .... It's a Mall Crawler .... Getting it wet or dirty is not in the plan.....J/K
Rickster
I had a feeling someone would go there!
You can always count on me Dave....I will never let you down
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/01/15 08:59 PM
While it was raining all day yesterday, I at least got something done on the Jeep. I did the cut 'n buff on the doors. I put them on today. The original exterior door handles were tired looking, so I ordered new ones. I also ordered new interior door handle assemblies as well.
There's a break in the bad weather here, the sun is out, so my buddy is stopping by to help me bleed the power steering/hydroboost. If the good weather holds out this afternoon, we may be able to take her out for a quick spin around the block.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/02/15 12:43 AM
All Kidding Aside....She Looks Beautiful.....Expected Nothing Less....Be Proud
Rickster
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/02/15 02:05 AM
Quote:
All Kidding Aside....She Looks Beautiful.....Expected Nothing Less....Be Proud
Rickster
But the mall crawler comment
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/02/15 04:26 AM
Thanks, guys.
We bled the power steering and hydroboost this afternoon, but I've been told by several sources that it will take a little time to work out all of the air bubbles from the power steering and hydroboost.
I discovered several brake line fittings that needed tightening. I might have to do some more bleeding on the brakes, because the pedal feels soft to me. I'll work on that during the week.
Posted By: Triple Threat
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/02/15 07:34 PM
Looking great Dave!
I'll be checking back for that video.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/07/15 08:31 PM
I can see the local news headlines now:
DAVE TAKES HIS NEW JEEP FOR ITS FIRST TEST DRIVE.....FILM AT ELEVEN."My buddy and I took her for about a 5 minute ride. My initial observations:
- nothing broke, fell off, overheated, or leaked
- the trans shifts into every gear
- for the first time, the thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan kicked on by itself, within 5 degrees of where I set it.
- This thing definitely does NOT have sports car-like handling around the turns!
- The GPS speedo did not work at all. Will need to diagnose
- the pitman TRE beat up the paint on my tie rod. The new pitman arm is "supposed" to arrive today, but USPS is delivering it, so who knows when I'll get it.
I need some time to edit the video, so look for it sometime tonight.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/07/15 08:55 PM
Awesome. The Jeeps looks great. I know the feeling of finally driving a project for the first time.
What brand GPS Speedo? I have Speedhut and it works great.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/07/15 10:03 PM
Quote:
Awesome. The Jeeps looks great. I know the feeling of finally driving a project for the first time.
What brand GPS Speedo? I have Speedhut and it works great.
Autometer. When I start it up, it says that its "Acquiring Signal." My GPS antenna is buried under my dash, could that be the problem?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 01:56 AM
Here's the video of the first test drive.
Magnum Force Test Drive
Posted By: Defbob
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 02:00 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Awesome. The Jeeps looks great. I know the feeling of finally driving a project for the first time.
What brand GPS Speedo? I have Speedhut and it works great.
Autometer. When I start it up, it says that its "Acquiring Signal." My GPS antenna is buried under my dash, could that be the problem?
yes, the antenna needs line of sight to the satellites. Just like satellite radio. you need to mount it atop the dash by the windshield.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 02:09 AM
Thanks!!
Posted By: NITROUSN
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 02:57 AM
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 03:35 AM
Quote:
Seems like it is working pretty well. Are you manually shifting? Nice job.
Thanks. Yes, it has a CRT Pro Street RMVB.
Posted By: Shoozy
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 01:24 PM
Quote:
Here's the video of the first test drive.
Magnum Force Test Drive
Simply amazing how it scales those speed bumps. Seriously, sounds great, looks great, you never disappoint Dave. Thanks for sharing. I agree
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 01:49 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Here's the video of the first test drive.
Magnum Force Test Drive
Simply amazing how it scales those speed bumps. Seriously, sounds great, looks great, you never disappoint Dave. Thanks for sharing. I agree
Wait until you see the video of it flexing on some mall parking lot wheel stops!
Posted By: GY3
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 04:17 PM
Awesome! ...but why in the hell does your city plant trees in the middle of the street?!?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 04:28 PM
Quote:
Awesome! ...but why in the hell does your city plant trees in the middle of the street?!?
It's only in my neighborhood. We had a problem with people speeding, so they installed speed humps and islands to slow people down.
Posted By: Blusmbl
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/08/15 05:33 PM
That really sounds great and looks great. You have an incredible knack for building vehicles.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/09/15 12:25 AM
Major Congrats Dave....Bet that felt great
Can't wait until you get it all sorted out for some thrilling black mark video....sounds great !!!!!!
That's gonna be awesome for skirt viewing
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/09/15 01:32 AM
Quote:
Major Congrats Dave....Bet that felt great Can't wait until you get it all sorted out for some thrilling black mark video....sounds great !!!!!!
That's gonna be awesome for skirt viewing
Rickster
Thanks, Rick and Blusmbl. To be honest, Rick, it wasn't that enjoyable of a ride, because this was the final exam for all of my ideas and hard work, and I was well aware that Murphy's Law could kick in at any moment and ruin my day. However, it was a relief that I passed the test. Future drives will be more enjoyable.
It was an absolutely beautiful day here in Tampa, but unfortunately I couldn't take the Jeep out, because I have to replace my pitman arm. The one that's in there now was banging against my tie rod, and I don't want to drive more and do more damage to the tie rod. The new pitman should be here in a day or two.
From the first ride alone, I can tell there are two things I want to do. First, change the mufflers to some quieter ones. This isn't a hot rod, and I want to enjoy my nice stereo system. Second, I want to install a front sway bar.
Posted By: dusturbd340W5
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/09/15 02:37 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Awesome. The Jeeps looks great. I know the feeling of finally driving a project for the first time.
What brand GPS Speedo? I have Speedhut and it works great.
Autometer. When I start it up, it says that its "Acquiring Signal." My GPS antenna is buried under my dash, could that be the problem?
yes, the antenna needs line of sight to the satellites. Just like satellite radio. you need to mount it atop the dash by the windshield.
the wifes GPS antenna is buried under her dash and it has no problem getting a signal
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/10/15 12:55 AM
To address the less than sports car-like handling, I purchased a Currie AntiRock sway bar kit.
To address the excessive exhaust decibels, I purchased a pair of Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers to replace my very nice, but loud, Hooker AeroChamber mufflers. I spent some coin on a stereo system, and I'd like to be able to hear it while I'm driving.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/11/15 04:03 PM
Meanwhile, back at the Bat Cave, I finished up the doors last night. Installed new interior and exterior door handles, and the original gray panels and grab handles were sprayed with SEM black. I looked all over the house, and couldn't find the door lock keys, so I took the lock cylinders to a locksmith, and got a new pair made.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/13/15 12:08 AM
Pic of the finished engine bay.
Posted By: GY3
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/13/15 12:18 AM
Nice decal on the aircleaner!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/15/15 04:33 AM
I remade the brake lines going to the master cylinder. I didn't like the way I did the loops the first time around. After that, we re-bled the brakes. We took it out for a longer test drive around the neighborhood, and it stops better now.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/15/15 11:52 PM
Several days ago, I swapped out the Hooker AeroChamber mufflers with a pair of Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers. While it did quiet it down some, I discovered some major exhaust leaks where the primary header pipes slip into the collectors. This coming week, I'm going to seal up these leaks with Permatex 80335 Muffler & Tailpipe Sealer. Sealing up these leaks will help to further quiet down the exhaust system.
I took it out for another drive today. I recently had some coolant leak out of the radiator overflow nipple on several occasions. I tried a higher pressure radiator cap, and that seems to have solved the problem.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/15/15 11:59 PM
Quote:
Nice decal on the aircleaner!
Thanks. IIRC, they are for 1961-1968 Fords.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/18/15 04:11 AM
A couple short clips. The front end and steering feel a bit squirrelly and unpredictable, so I decided to hold off on really nailing the go pedal at this time.
Leaving Approaching
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/18/15 03:22 PM
Quote:
The front end and steering feel a bit squirrelly and unpredictable
Welcome to Jeep! lol Very nice build dave!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/19/15 01:26 AM
Quote:
Quote:
The front end and steering feel a bit squirrelly and unpredictable
Welcome to Jeep! lol Very nice build dave!
Thanks! I'm hoping that an alignment will help.
The Currie AntiRock front sway bar kit arrived. I'll install it this weekend.
Posted By: Blusmbl
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/20/15 12:13 AM
Quote:
Quote:
The front end and steering feel a bit squirrelly and unpredictable
Welcome to Jeep! lol Very nice build dave!
My postal Jeeps and CJ-7 all had wandery steering. It's a "feature". All were a handful at freeway speed. JK's seem better, but it all gets thrown out the window when they're lifted with large sidewall tires.
It really looks great in those videos.
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/20/15 11:20 PM
A friend of mine built a nasty AMC 360 motor for a CJ5 he had. He said it was without a doubt the easiest vehicle to scare passengers with.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/23/15 10:34 PM
I checked my toe measurements by taking the tires off, and clamping these two pieces of 36" long 1" square extruded aluminum tubing to the rotors. Both tubes are dead level and centered to the hubs. I was surprised by how close I was, just by eye. I had 5/16" toe-in. I adjusted it to 1/8".
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/23/15 10:35 PM
The AntiRock sway bar is in. Very simple to install.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/29/15 04:38 AM
We drove the Jeep out to Wing House tonight. It was the first time I actually drove it to a destination. During the drive to and from, I noticed several electrical issues. First, my right turn signal indicator comes on, but doesn't blink. Second, my oil pressure gauge wasn't illuminated when I turned on the headlights. Lastly, on the ride home, at about the halfway point, my headlights completely went out. Fortunately, I was only about a mile and a half from home when it happened, and the streets were well lit.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/29/15 08:41 PM
Electrical Gremlins Suck.....Grounds...???? Hey the Jeep looks awesome and of course you had to go somewhere the restaurant matched it's colors...right
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/29/15 09:31 PM
This morning, I did some troubleshooting on two of three the electrical issues I had experienced last night. First thing I looked at was the right turn signal issue. It was due to a loose bulb. It doesn't lock into the socket very well, and as a result, worked itself loose. So, I put a dab of silicone sealer on the side of the bulb, and inserted it back into the socket.
The next thing I looked at was the issue of the headlights suddenly not working. That one took about 5 seconds to figure out. One half of a connector, which connects the main power feed wire to the headlight relay harness, broke apart for no apparent reason. I sent an email with pics to the manufacturer, which fortunately is a small operation.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 03/29/15 09:32 PM
Quote:
Electrical Gremlins Suck.....Grounds...???? Hey the Jeep looks awesome and of course you had to go somewhere the restaurant matched it's colors...right
Rickster
The first time I looked at that pic, I noticed that as well! Totally coincidental.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 04/18/15 04:43 PM
It was time to drive the Jeep outside the neighborhood, and venture out to further test its reliability. So this morning, I manned up and drove it to the 4 Wheel Parts store to pick up a pair of recovery D-rings for the rear bumper. It was a humid 80º outside. I am pleased to report that I made it home with no problems. I learned a couple of things from this trip:
- The engine actually cools down at a stoplight, by as much as 15º. That's a good thing.
- The trans runs hot after driving a while, sometimes reaching as high as 225º. It seems like it gets hotter at a stoplight. It will cool back down to around 195º-210º when the Jeep is moving down the road. I haven't confirmed if the thermostatically controlled trans cooler fan is turning on by itself or not. I turned it on with the manual switch, just to make sure it was on. That's still running hotter than I'd expect it to.
- When I pulled into the driveway and turned the ignition off, the engine kept running! I forgot to turn off the trans cooler fan. When I turned it off, the engine shut off. I definitely have a backfeed issue there. Not something I need to fix immediately, but something to look at after Jeep Beach.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/04/15 02:11 AM
My Jeep is stepping into the modern age! The Quick Fuel 680 cfm carb is going to be replaced with a Holley Terminator EFI setup. I'm not going to let it sit in the box, the installation starts tomorrow!
Posted By: Bad340fish
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/05/15 02:13 PM
Very Cool!
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/16/15 09:54 PM
Some EFI progress pics. I was in Tennessee for a week, which put a halt to the progress. I'm hoping to have the EFI installation wrapped up by the weekend.
Except for the main electrical connection, all of the hookups to the throttle body are done. I had to relocate the fuel pressure regulator to the inner fender panel. I added a check valve to the fuel return line, below the regulator.
This is the second (mini) radiator I'm going to install. It's made for a Kawasaki KFX700. My radiator is not quite up to the task of keeping my engine cool. This mini rad will increase cooling capacity by 29%. A Spal 9" paddle fan will pull air through it. The heater hoses will be routed to it. I think I can live without a heater in Florida.
One of the hose nipples on it had to be relocated.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/18/15 05:57 PM
Here is the mini rad and fan temporarily installed. The fan motor clears the underside of the hood by 2.25".
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 07/27/15 03:26 AM
Today, I finished up the Holley Terminator EFI installation. The only thing left to do is re-install the thermostat, and put the coolant back in the radiator. Speaking of radiator, the mini rad is fully installed as well. I've got the 10" Spal fan wired so it is thermostatically controlled by the Terminator ECM.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/01/15 09:19 PM
Today was judgement day. It was time to find out if my installation of the Holley Terminator EFI kit was a success, or a failure. After following the Holley Terminator EFI setup instructions to a TEE, I turned the key, and she roared to life! It ran for about 5 seconds, then sputtered and stalled. I waited a minute, tried again, and that time, it held an idle. I could smell that it was running rich at first, but it was interesting to watch the AFR creep closer and closer to matching the Target AFR. I'm watching a computer learn before my very eyes! I've been a carb guy all my life, so it was fascinating to watch a computer do all the tuning work! It really was as trouble-free of a first start as one could hope for! Unfortunately, it's pouring down rain here in central Florida, but hopefully I'll be able to take it for a drive tomorrow. I revved it a few times, and wow, the throttle response is instantaneous! Nothing like what the old carb had! I'm happy as a clam! Time for a well deserved beer!
Posted By: WyleECoyote
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 08/20/15 01:39 AM
Thank you Sir for sharing your build. You're an inspiration to me - and I'm sure many other members - with our projects. You are one talented craftsman and I appreciate watching and learning along your journey, thank you.
Would you please post some overall pics now that you're done? Nice side pic and some nice angle pics would be great!
Thanks again!
Posted By: JSR1485
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/03/15 03:32 PM
Really? Time to build something else Dave?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/04/15 05:08 PM
Really? Time to build something else Dave?
You got it. Although I enjoyed building the Jeep, I've come to realize that I'm not a Jeep person. I'm really more of a hot rod car guy, so that's what my next project will be geared more towards.
Posted By: J_BODY
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/05/15 06:35 PM
haven't checked in for awhile.... great build Dave. It's been fun watching it grow.
Posted By: blowndart
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/11/15 02:20 AM
Really? Time to build something else Dave?
You got it. Although I enjoyed building the Jeep, I've come to realize that I'm not a Jeep person. I'm really more of a hot rod car guy, so that's what my next project will be geared more towards.
So another build thread starting soon? What's next? I enjoy your build threads. You're quite talented.
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/13/15 01:01 PM
Really? Time to build something else Dave?
You got it. Although I enjoyed building the Jeep, I've come to realize that I'm not a Jeep person. I'm really more of a hot rod car guy, so that's what my next project will be geared more towards.
So another build thread starting soon? What's next? I enjoy your build threads. You're quite talented.
Thanks. Actually, I've already purchased a car for the next build. I don't know if you guys want to hear what it is, though.....its not a Mopar.
The Jeep is for.....well, check the classifieds here.
Posted By: Blusmbl
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/13/15 06:32 PM
Spill the beans, what's the next one? Domestic or import? New or old?
Posted By: blowndart
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/13/15 09:04 PM
Spill the beans, what's the next one? Domestic or import? New or old?
Yeah, what's next?
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/14/15 03:29 AM
Spill the beans, what's the next one? Domestic or import? New or old?
Yeah, what's next?
TURBO LS YUGO
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/14/15 11:22 AM
Spill the beans, what's the next one? Domestic or import? New or old?
Yeah, what's next?
TURBO LS YUGO
How about a 14-71 blown 528" Hemi Pro Street Volkswagen Thing? LOL Kidding aside, ever since I saw Project X roll into Tubby's Drive-In in that movie "The Hollywood Knights", I've had a fondness for '57 Chevys. My wife said if I sell the Jeep, my next project is going to be the last project, so I figured I had better do a '57 Chevy while I can. After looking for about 4 months, I bought a SUPER solid, straight and nearly rust free '57 2 door Sedan in Daytona Beach. Not a complete car, its basically a body that's already been blocked straight on an already restored frame, plus a butt load of parts.
Posted By: JohnRR
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/14/15 03:50 PM
How about a 14-71 blown 528" Hemi Pro Street Volkswagen Thing? LOL Kidding aside, ever since I saw Project X roll into Tubby's Drive-In in that movie "The Hollywood Knights", I've had a fondness for '57 Chevys. My wife said if I sell the Jeep, my next project is going to be the last project, so I figured I had better do a '57 Chevy while I can. After looking for about 4 months, I bought a SUPER solid, straight and nearly rust free '57 2 door Sedan in Daytona Beach. Not a complete car, its basically a body that's already been blocked straight on an already restored frame, plus a butt load of parts.
I'm with you on that one Dave , that is my favorite shoebox from the movies ... my first car , birthday present from my parents , was a 1956 Chevy 2 door sedan. Never really did much with it but it was a blast to drive in my senior year of high school.
I really like the Roadkill '55 Hemi Gasser project, that got me thinking ...
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: I'm back with a new Mopar project! - 09/14/15 04:46 PM
How about a 14-71 blown 528" Hemi Pro Street Volkswagen Thing? LOL Kidding aside, ever since I saw Project X roll into Tubby's Drive-In in that movie "The Hollywood Knights", I've had a fondness for '57 Chevys. My wife said if I sell the Jeep, my next project is going to be the last project, so I figured I had better do a '57 Chevy while I can. After looking for about 4 months, I bought a SUPER solid, straight and nearly rust free '57 2 door Sedan in Daytona Beach. Not a complete car, its basically a body that's already been blocked straight on an already restored frame, plus a butt load of parts.
I'm with you on that one Dave , that is my favorite shoebox from the movies ... my first car , birthday present from my parents , was a 1956 Chevy 2 door sedan. Never really did much with it but it was a blast to drive in my senior year of high school.
I really like the Roadkill '55 Hemi Gasser project, that got me thinking ...
Wow, that was a nice b-day present! I've watched that Roadkill episode several times. I agree, Finnegan's '55 gasser is very cool. To hop in a just completed car, and drive it across country takes some grapefruit-sized nuggets!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/15 03:24 AM
Sweet....Absolutely Love TRI-5'S.........But I would be looking to do something on this line
Rickster
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/15 05:07 PM
Posted By: blowndart
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/16/15 11:41 PM
Wow. Very nice start Dave. Looks real solid. What's the plan for motivation? BB, SB, turbo LS?
Posted By: DusterDave
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/15 03:21 AM
Wow. Very nice start Dave. Looks real solid. What's the plan for motivation? BB, SB, turbo LS?
Thanks. Just a 480hp LS3 crate motor with a 4L80E behind it.
Well, soon the Jeep will be backing out of my garage for the last time. I took a deposit from a buyer. The Jeep will be moving to Fort Meyers, FL. It's the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one!
Posted By: JSR1485
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/17/15 03:58 PM
Very nice Dave
My next build will be a either a 40's or 50's pickup or maybe a 55
with LS also
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/18/15 04:32 AM
Sweet Solid Foundation....this should be interesting.....the LS platform is certainly taking over and most likely more budget friendly than say a big inch fuel injected traditional small block....????
Looking forward to following this build.
and I'll probably get a chance to see that Jeep after all since it's coming to my hood !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rickster
Posted By: OzHemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/18/15 04:39 AM
Posted By: Blusmbl
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/18/15 04:44 PM
Oz- your brake booster is on the wrong side!
Dave, tthat looks like an awesome start to a project. The tri-5's are timeless, can't wait to see how it ends up. Like John, I absolutley love Finnegan's car. He just ditched the 8 stack injecton and installed a blower in the last month or two.
Posted By: OzHemi
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/19/15 12:11 AM
It is on the correct side for a Holden.
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 09/19/15 12:17 AM
It is on the correct side for a Holden.
It's a funky Top Gear setup where the guy on the left steers but the guy on the right accelerates and brakes.
Posted By: BigEdsGarage
Re: MY JEEP BUILD THREAD - 10/02/15 03:24 PM
Yellow with a blower like Project X.....oh wait, you already did that!
Keep us posted in the street rodder forum here Dave, always enjoy watching your builds.
