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readers jeeps
Sam's 84 CJ-7 - A
rebuild of a CJ-7
"Rebirth"
It all started
for Sam in 2004, he spotted the 20 year old CJ sitting for
sale at a local motorcycle shop. After inquiring
within he was able to track down the Jeep's owner and a deal
was made. Sam says the previous owner was going to
give it to his daughter but she said it was too ugly, boy
did she miss out.
Sam soon
realized the extent of the rust problem (like all CJ's) but
chose to lift the Jeep and deal with rust later. He
purchased a 4" Superlift lift kit at the Bloomsburg Truck
Jamboree in Bloomsburg, PA. Sam states that the lift
installation was 2 days of hell, most of us that have worked
on a CJ know about this experience. See our
Removing
Seized Nuts and Bolts article for tips on beating
these buggers.
His summer was
spent enjoying his Jeep, rust, exhaust leaks, and all.
Having some time at the end of summer he decided to replace
the rear quarter panels, despite the fact that he had no
body work experience.
rescued |
after the 3" lift |
rust |
|
|
more rust |
quarters removed |
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cleanup |
in progress |
He cut off the
quarters one at a time and was amazed at the amounts of
rust. Holes in the floor were patched including the
one in the front that was already patched with some stove
pipe pop-riveted in and covered with roof tar and carpet.
New Old Stock (NOS) quarter panels that he purchased off
eBay were welded on and the Jeep started looking like a Jeep
again.
The Jeep was
originally equipped with a 4 cyl that was replaced with a
258 6 cyl, T176 4 speed, and a Dana 300 transfer case with a
4:1. The stock rears had 4.10's inside already so the
33" tires were a good match.
With the help of
a friend the body work was completed and a new color for the
Jeep was picked. The Jeep's floor was rust protected.
Sublime Green was the color of choice, with the help of
another friend and a home made spray booth the Jeep looked
new.
Sam is a
welder/fabricator for a living so much of his custom
fabrication work comes easy. A customized YJ style
roll bar was added along with a custom roll cage for the
front. Other fabricated items include custom rock
rails and a front bumper. Sam wanted to thank everyone
who helped him get his Jeep together especially;
Josh, Chezy, The DNC Offroad
Club, and eBay. Awesome Jeep Sam!
Completed! (for now)
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