Choptop Buildup Thread

[krek]

Here it is, the Choptop Buildup Thread. The goal is to have it finished and at Ouray '10.

The Choptop as delivered by Hammer on 7-20-08... looking more than a little sad on the D44s.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2689830721_5946349de2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2689830623_3419aa4acf.jpg

The J20 that is donating the built D60s, the Howell injected 401, built 727 and twinsticked D300 (and other bits).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2690642732_a36ef32258.jpg

And finally the M715 that is donating the front clip and the bed for a matching trailer (ditto on the misc parts donation). This was actually in better shape than I was anticipating when I picked it up today but it will live on in the Choptop.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2689830949_9daa3cb0ca.jpg

I don't know where to start at the moment, but I'll update as I go along.

[DrveJeepDrnkBeer]

Wow, can't wait to see some progress!

[Mikel]

Very cool project, but that M715 is far too nice to part out!! :(

Why not look for a front clip somewhere else?

[krek]

Very cool project, but that M715 is far too nice to part out!! :(

Why not look for a front clip somewhere else?
The rockers and cab floor are rusty, the tailgate is toast... the drivetrain is in multiple milkcrates (it came with two semi assembled engines, three transfer cases and no driveshafts).

It was $800 and less than an hour from home. The least expensive M715 fenders I found were $500 and had to be shipped.

[Mikel]

(it came with two semi assembled engines, three transfer cases and no driveshafts).

I see... Didn't look that bad in the pic. Interested in selling an NP200 rear output?
Thanks,
Mikel

[krek]

I see... Didn't look that bad in the pic. Interested in selling an NP200 rear output?
Thanks,
Mikel

They never do. :D

I'll PM you on the output.

[Hammer]

Glad it's finally there!
And yes, putting those puny tires and D44's under it makes it look rather pathetic. But at least they work fairly well as a roller.

I didn't see that M715 when I was dropping off the choptop. Was it inside or moved around somewhere else?

Either way, can't wait to see progress pictures!!!

[bronc3buster842001]

Man that looks good. If ya want to sell the axles under it now just let me know cause im lookin for a spare set of narrow track 44s for my project.

[janie]

Krek,

You are going to be one busy boy.:) Glad to see the Choptop will live on. Keep the updates coming.

[Hammer]

Man that looks good. If ya want to sell the axles under it now just let me know cause im lookin for a spare set of narrow track 44s for my project.
Those are actually wide track axles from a '76 with flat top knuckles.
They look extra narrow because those are toyota rims with a lot of backspacing.

Krek has his work cut out for him, but after seeing his other projects, I know this will finally turn into the vehicle it was designed to be in the first place.
And I could never justify cutting the bed up for the changes I needed to do.

[Gambler68]

Glad you got that!! I tried but outta my range. Sucks to hear about the fenders..I got mine from a member here..bought and shipped for under $100 :D At least you got a whole M715 to play with!!!!

Can't wait to see this thing BUILT. It's freakin awesome :D

[FSJeeper]

Man, that choptop has been around.

I am looking forward to finally seeing this thing completed. Looks like you have all of the ingrediants to make a hell of a choptop.

I am currently getting ready to start on its bigger brother, a full size crewcab M715.

[El Jefe]

I frickin love the look of that wag, always have. If I had a wag I'd do it similar to that.

[AlsChopShop]

can't wait to watch this one unfold! :thumbsup:

Al

[krek]

I've been spending some time getting to know the ChopTop and mapping out a plan of action.

One of the early obstacles is the rear doors. The way they were cut to fit makes it difficult to seal up the door and keep the windows intact and functional.

Need some feedback from you guys. See the red primered tube door on the J10? I'm thinking about using those on the ChopTop and having matching tube doors fabricated for the rears.

This is going to be primarily a trailered trail rig. What do you think?

[Knuck]

Sounds good. That should look cool. jmo, but I would think about making some vinyl snap on windows though to keep some of the rain out.

[krek]

Not much to report but I did manage to get the paint removed today.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2860840000_afe6e02ce4.jpg

[Hammer]

Looks different without the faded paint.

How did that rear glass get busted?

Sure glad you are taking this project over. Means it will get worked on like it should have before.

[krek]

The guy that media blasted the body broke the window. Actually, he broke every window in it.

I told him that none of the glass was being re-used (I had already removed the windshield) and I guess that made them fair game. :rolleyes:

However, the price was right at $200.

I wanted to make sure there wasn't any surprises under the various paints and getting the whole thing in a coat of primer/sealer should be a motivator.

[J10Mike]

Where does he get all those wonderful toys???
I don't know how I missed this one. Great project. I wish I had your shop as well.
You are pretty close by. I need to come down some day and take a look at your toys.

[Hammer]

Still, it takes more effort to take out, and clean up all that broken glass!

Either way, a good price on the blasting if the guy did a good job.

And you are right, now you are 'pressured' to get a good sealer coat of primer on it (btw, epoxy primer works very well for this, and seals it really well).

[Topher]

Found it! What's the latest greatest on this one?

[krek]

It's at body shop #2 have the rear doors welded up, the windows replaced and converted to manual and the floor pans I got from GARY welded in. I'll get it back in black expoxy primer.

Next it will go to the local 4x4 shop with the J20 to have body mounts made so that it fits the frame and the internal cage built.

Then it will come home for wiring, interior and all the custom fabrication that will make it worthy... and then back to the body shop for paint.

Since I'm farming more of this project out I hope it will go quicker than the SuperChief project.

[krek]

Now this is kinda cool... the body shop sends out daily emails with progress pictures.

I approved the estimate yesterday and this morning I have progess... gotta love customer service above and beyond one's expectations. :)

GARY'S floor pans going in:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2909116953_713552ca63.jpg

I also have photos of door and valance work. :cool:

[krek]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2942833472_d22596ecd9.jpg

One of the biggest hurdles on the ChopTop is resolved. I still want a set of tube doors also, but we have fully functioning rear doors.

[Gambler68]

Nice! Too bad the window stays up :(

Ditch the window and put a Cherokee vent window in there :D

[krek]

Actually, the window rolls down.

Here is the before photo and you can see the stop just above the cut.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2355241819_608326ed32.jpg

[Hammer]

Very cool. That was going to be the approach I was going to use. But with manual window cranks instead of the power that it had in it.

[Gambler68]

well then..awesome! from the angle it looked like it wouldn't.

Can't wait to see this puppy done :D

[krek]

But with manual window cranks instead of the power that it had in it.

All four doors are being converted to manual windows and locks. I'm planning a very basic wiring harness to keep it simple and as weatherproof as possible.

[krek]

Here's a picture of it in primer from earlier today...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2962635848_9ced79e4a3.jpg

[Gambler68]

Oh man that thing is going to be epic :D

[Elliott]

You are doing it proud, nice work!

[krek]

It's in primer and ready to pick up from the body shop...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2978767753_5b2096bfb0.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2978767797_a0758b0942.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2978767825_40e39a3a63.jpg

[DrveJeepDrnkBeer]

:eek:

[Hammer]

Sexy!

[Dr Teeth]

It's looking Great!

[dajeeps]

sweet, got more pics?

[fireman91186]

WOW!!! I am jealous that is one of the coolest things I have seen in a while.:eek: Can not wait to see it done please keep us posted.

[krek]

sweet, got more pics?

What do you want to see?

[dajeeps]

i was wondering how was the roof attached to the back of the cab. were they the same hight or did you trim a bit above the window?

[krek]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2356074678_d1c34d761a.jpg

This fabrication was done in Texas long before I purchased the project. It is flat steel and the window opening was cut out.

[krek]

Here is the inside view. My body guy was frustrated because there is a "hump" in the middle that doesn't follow the original roof line. I promised him that after I put the TadRack up where nobody would notice.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2356145592_deb7b979bc.jpg

[FSJeeper]

It's in primer and ready to pick up from the body shop...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2978767753_5b2096bfb0.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2978767797_a0758b0942.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2978767825_40e39a3a63.jpg

OMG that is coming along so well. I am enjoying watching this project finally come together!

[krek]

Question for you guys. I spent some time continuing to strip and prep the frame that will eventually be mated with the ChopTop body.

In the photo before notice the bumpercar-ish tubing around the front clip with the pseudo stinger.

When I bought this truck I thought the attempt at the exo was ridiculous but that bit grew on me the couple of times I took it to the trails.

So my question is: Keep (and adapt) it to the ChopTop or ditch it?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2527482299_cbeb18c2a0.jpg

[krek]

Here's another photo where you can see how it attaches between the fender and hood.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2314626769_8c54b0cf8a.jpg

[scannman70]

personally I like it, I would adapt it to the chop top. Should fit in with the look pretty well :thumbsup:

[Fiodh. Argus]

That is awesome, have been watching this project for a while. I personally would prefer a finished look as opposed to serious caged rock crawler buggy but it's yours so do your thang. Either way it will be great.

[Madbodhi]

This project has me REALLY wanting another Waggie,and I havn't even started on my 1st.

[AlsChopShop]

Question for you guys. I spent some time continuing to strip and prep the frame that will eventually be mated with the ChopTop body.

In the photo before notice the bumpercar-ish tubing around the front clip with the pseudo stinger.

When I bought this truck I thought the attempt at the exo was ridiculous but that bit grew on me the couple of times I took it to the trails.

So my question is: Keep (and adapt) it to the ChopTop or ditch it?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2527482299_cbeb18c2a0.jpg
does it have m715 fenders on it?

personally i'm not a fan of exo's, but if i did do it i would run tubing along the arc of the m715 fenders you are going to use, so you don't crush them. run it down to the slider, then back up to the bumper. it would give plenty of protection, and if you need to strengthen it up you could run one bar into the fender and down to the frame so the top of the arc doesn't fold in. kind of like supercopjason's 82 chief, just made into arcs.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/supercopjason/jeep008.jpg

Al

[krek]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I'm not a fan of exos either... but as Al pointed out, we will be taking the ChopTop on the trails and I'm not looking forward to the day I crush one of those fenders on a rock or a tree.

My idea for the cage was a hoop at the windshield, a hoop at the pillars between the doors and a hoop in the bed where a rollbar (or Jeep's original lightbar) would be. The "rollbar" would be tied into the cage through the bulkhead... but I have no idea if that would work based on the potential for flex.

This chunk of tubing that came on the donor truck has grown on me, but I'm just not sure.

The ChopTop body should be on that frame (with the correct tires) sometime in the next couple of months. I'll post up photos at that point and solicit opinions again.

[skeletor]

you should look at some pictures of m715 brush trucks, a lot of those that i've seen had some sort of exo cage and they can be made to look good.

[Hammer]

Personally, I wouldn't go with the exo.
BUT, it was Pascal's original plan to have some exo, and have it tied into the interior cage as well.

Those fenders are not really THAT hard to make. After playing around with them, I want to make another set that has the same THICK metal like used on the rear flares, instead of the thin stuff that is stock.
I KNOW that I will end up damaging the front flares on my chero, but it will then just be an excuse to make some very sturdy ones :)

My biggest concern is loosing the 'look' of the choptop with all the exo on there. The pipe would almost hide the flares, and they are a big part of what makes it different.
IF you can add in some support without taking away from the looks, then I would be for that.
Maybe make the front cage go inside the body panels, but come out the front fascia to tie into a useful stinger? I eventually plan on doing something like that, but it is pretty far down my list.

Either way, I can't wait to see more work done on this project.

[FSJeeper]

I think the exo is perfect for what you want, but not that design. I have a pic somewhere of what I was going to do on another compyter and will try to find it for you.

The bottom line is that the choptop should be wheeled hard.

[krek]

I have a pic somewhere of what I was going to do on another compyter and will try to find it for you.

YES PLEASE! I am really struggling with several ideas for trail protection and would welcome your original vision.

The bottom line is that the choptop should be wheeled hard.
It will be. :thumbsup:

[JPSwapMohn]

How did I miss this thread? You have 2 full-blown totally different projects going at the same time in what looks to be a perfect working environment..

You are either one of my favorite people, or I absolutely hate you! 8^)

This is a really cool idea, I am anxious to see the finished product. Maybe the guberment will contract you to replace the HMMWV and MRAP!

[djongeward]

I can not understand why folks don't like "exo's". I like anything that works. I would use bubble wrap if it would protect it. Can't say I like the flat fenders, but I bet they work. Thought of rounding off some of those edges?

I can see Glamis dunes from my front yard. A day or two spent out there, you will see every imaginable, weird, and just plain stupid rigs ever built and some absolutely awesome rigs as well.
Exoskeletons are fairly mainstream to me. :drivin:

[krek]

I got the cab off the donor chassis yesterday and spent several hours with the powerwasher to remove mud, mud and more mud from a trip to the mud pits last Fall.

I started a separate thread seeking input on how much work to put into this before joining the body with it.

401 with Howell EFI, Dana 60s, twin sticked D300, hydraulic steering, Warn winch, air tank in rear for OBA, etc.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1135/3266841865_3975639cfd.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/3266843175_84de16334c.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1371/3266842219_564551707e.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/3267665398_f6f4ae8022.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/3267665294_bf00ee687d.jpg

[grand_wag_85]

Looking good! Can't wait to see it in person:thumbsup:

[krek]

I removed the ChopTop body from the frame it was delivered on today.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3284799883_80665dd813.jpg

At some point I decided to use the J10 chassis thinking that I could fabricate body mounts to make it work... but there is a snag.

I didn't put a tape measure on it but it appears that there is approximately 10 inches of wheelbase difference.

The J10 frame is wider in the rear and the frame arches higher over the rear axle.

Looking at both frames, I have to believe it would be easier to swap the drivetrain over to the Waggy frame than shorten the wheelbase on the J10 frame... yes?

Waggy frame:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3284801385_97717b94a1.jpg

J10 frame:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3285622358_3152066451.jpg

[AKAMC]

I'd have to concur... The Waggy frame is the way to go.

[Elliott]

Lots of work there! Took me all day to just clean a motor well enough to paint...
I vote "NO" on the exo, wheel it hard and bend it where it's meant to be bent... that will be a whole lot more good lookin' than an external cage... It's going to get bent somewhere anyway.:thumbsup:

[krek]

After moving both frames (again) this morning and looking at the body hogging the lift (again) I finally decided to drag the frames over to the 4x4 shop and get an estimate on getting some professional help.

I'm pleasantly surprised. I ended up leaving it there... going to box the Waggy frame, clean up some previous work on it, four link the rear using TJ springs (keeping the leafs up front) and swapping the drivetrain over, shortening the rear driveshaft, upgrading to 1350 joints up front... etc.

Should be just what I need to get this back on track. :cool:

[krek]

Beginnings of linked rear suspension...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3504756101_261d41398c.jpg

[Hammer]

And so it begins!
Can't wait to see how the rear 4 link will turn out!

[krek]

It may end up being a three link... too much stuff, too little space. :(

And I took this picture especially for Hammer... look Ed, no trailer hitch!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3504756257_ee20aea1e3.jpg

[jaber]

Its looking awesome, please keep the pics coming. I'm interested in how you do the 4 link. Might be doing one myself...

[krek]

I'm not doing the rear link... heck, I can't even get my stock GW put back together, I'm certainly not capable of fabbing a suspension.

That said, I'll post pics of the 4x4 shop's work. :)

[jaber]

I'm not doing the rear link... heck, I can't even get my stock GW put back together, I'm certainly not capable of fabbing a suspension.

That said, I'll post pics of the 4x4 shop's work. :)

That works for me...:thumbsup:

[Hammer]

And I took this picture especially for Hammer... look Ed, no trailer hitch!


Looks so much better without that crud on top the frame!

[El_Diablo]

why not a sliding y link? they rock for articulation ;)

[FSJeeper]

Any new updates on this project?

[krek]

Any new updates on this project?

The project seems to have some sort of "slow motion karma" that was attached to it when I bought it. :)

Drivetrain has been swapped over to the Waggy frame, the four link should be finished up this week, the spring perches need to be relocated on the front to correct the pinion angle and then it should be ready to test fit the body next week.

Not a great picture, but here is what it looked like on Monday.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3548726479_9b4a214dcb.jpg

[grand_wag_85]

Looking good man:thumbsup:

[krek]

Ran by the shop today, here are a couple of photos of the rear suspension sitting on 10" TJ springs.

I'm posting a question about the front suspension in tech in a minute and could use some input there. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3586074211_a468d2f9ea.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/3586882058_96eac0a52d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3586074615_1d0001dc37.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3586074469_6a75a15fc8.jpg

[Gambler68]

NICE!!!

So..how about some jounce shocks while you're at it! Be cool to do some air time :D

[krek]

Since I'm keeping the leafs up front I'm not sure "air time" is in my immediate future... but I like the way you think. :D

[VonBoomenstien]

that is the toughest looking setup i have ever seen! is there anyway you could post more pics with measurements? does the shop have a build plan that i could get? if its not a big deal. i would love to build mine just like that.

[bigun]

Interesting rear top link I don't think I have ever seen one built quite like that. I wonder how heavy it is? We have been taking about linkig the rear on Crom, but going to air bags instead of coils.

[bigwalton]

Was linked to your other build and had to check this one out too, very interesting stuff, very cool ideas and love the thought of the matching trailer.

[krek]

I dropped the chassis off at a different shop this morning to get the front knuckles rotated and tubular transmission crossmember fabbed... finally going to put some of the parts I've been collecting from you guys to use.

My project seemed plenty big until we rolled into the shop next this behemoth... dude has $8,000 worth of shocks on that truck. :eek:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4463506768_ce250e3b9f.jpg

[baybilly]

That's it, one pic. TEASE :D

[BBM715]

Anything new?

[krek]

Over two months later and the chassis is still in "off road shop purgatory"... I have a day off tomorrow and I'm headed over there to check on it and knock a couple of heads together if necessary.

[RocKrawler]

Over two months later and the chassis is still in "off road shop purgatory"... I have a day off tomorrow and I'm headed over there to check on it and knock a couple of heads together if necessary.
You need to abandon it and let me take it over! :thumbsup:

[krek]

The good news is that the offroad shop is done with the chassis and it is coming home tomorrow... the bad news is that we're leaving on family vacation Friday so it's going to be a couple of weeks before anything productive gets done on it. :p

[krek]

Snapped a couple of photos before I pushed it into the barn... I'm pretty excited about blowing it apart, painting everything and getting busy joining the body to frame.

Front spring hangers:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4750224623_a1943cdda9.jpg

New fabbed shackles:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4750866974_d9269f5d93.jpg

Aluminum fuel tank inside fabbed steel skid plate:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4750865496_5dcbdcd2d5.jpg

Rotated pumpkin/knuckles/tubes:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4750864652_cf7189eda8.jpg

Shop owner's solution for strength:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4750863894_cf61e7caf4.jpg

Upper shock mount:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4750862178_489c023794.jpg

[bigun]

WOO Doggies you better get to work!!

[El_Diablo]

whiskey tango foxtrot? what the hell was the guy who welded that u bolt thinking???? :eek:

[krek]

There is only one U bolt on that side of a Dana 60 and two bolts that anchor into the pumpkin case. Mine was stripped there (common issue?) and the shop owner has used this fix before.

I'm willing to give it a try... At the rate I'm building this thing it should be good for a couple of years... :p

[FSJeeper]

It's coming together nicely. I can't wait to see the finished product!

If you PM me your emailadress I'll shoot you over a ton of PICS of the original build.

[krek]

Your PM box is full but you can hit me at krek@krek.com

Thanks for the photos, I'm eager to get home from vacation and get building! (how sick is that?)

[mjs408]

A word on the spring u bolt welding. First the welds are poor, you can see that their is cold roll towards the top left of the triangle, second. This is back up by what looks to be poor welding on the axle tube to diff. Second, im almost positive spring u bolts are made from hardened material, and are not supposed to be welded. I may be wrong, but I don't want to see something break on a steering axle. I dont mean to sound like a jerk. but if it breaks it could be really really bad. For the stripped studs why not heli coil it?

[krek]

Anybody have an exhaust suggestion for getting around the linked rear?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4831608735_e48f314a25_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4831608539_b5523aeeb4_z.jpg

[El Jefe]

No suggestions. But dang that looks good.

[usmc_mwroseberry]

Looks great and....... um side pipes - LOL

[suzq044]

Yeah; sidepipes is what I was going to say. lol

[krek]

I'll be adding steps/sliders to the sides of the frame so I don't think sidepipes are a good option either... unlike I incorporate them together, that wouldn't be too hot, would it? :p

My original plan was to have exhaust cutouts (mostly for fun, the 401 sounds awesome uncorked) and route the exhaust to the rear bumper...

[Gambler68]

Twin sidepipes exiting in front of the rear pass side tire.

[krek]

Do I route the exhaust under the frame and risk crushing it or go through the frame?

[JeepMods]

Do I route the exhaust under the frame and risk crushing it or go through the frame?

Ohhhh, definitely through the frame, that'll be sexy!

[Gambler68]

Baja style..twin ports out the rocker area of the body!

[El_Diablo]

through the frame.... wont take much work, just make sure you make it serviceable

[Tigger4X]

KREK my fren, you got it rawkin' awn! I just caught your thread and am sitting here begging for more. I am SUBSCRIBED and cant wait to see how it all continues to unfold. Keep up the seriously great work and thanks for all of the kewl pics! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[j20brett]

bump

[jode]

Back to that U-bolt (and I apologize because I know it sucks when peoples be snappin' on your rig - especially after it is already done)

I have been staring at that trying to figure out what he was thinking in doing that I and think I have at least figured out WHAT he did (though I still question why.) Did he use regular U-bolts on the stripped side and then kinda bend them over towards the non-stripped side and then weld the whole thing together? Wow.

I can follow the logic on welding the one side (though I wouldn't have taken it there) but the logic on why he would want to compromise the u-bolt on the non-stripped side as well (by welding on it too) escapes me.

The thing is, you now have a weak spot right where the U-bolt weld stops. All the forces are gonna be focused and concentrated right in that one spot.

Not sure what you can do about it at this point since I am sure you are not going to want to tear this whole thing back down, but the very first thing that is coming to my mind is to find another "shop" where they would try to talk you out of doing something like that if you suggested it. There's redneck engineering and then there's scarynotsafeneering. You got the latter.

Again, please forgive me. I am not trying to slap you with a trout, just pointing out that the thin line has been crossed IMHO

[Smithers]

Again, sorry if this seems like a personal attack -it's not your workmanship- but I have to agree about the u-bolt welding idea. Not the best idea to weld on hardened steel, worse yet to lay dog-turd beads on it and send it out the door to the customer. The heat affected zone around the weld becomes brittle, even more so since it cools at a different rate than the mild steel chunk welded to it and the housing. It's pretty likely to break over time, especially with as hard as you plan to wheel it. Also it looks lik they thought about plug welding the tube through the housing and then decided not to. The rest of their work looks pretty sweet. And awesome build-up btw. Can't wait to see the rest of your progress!

[krek]

It ain't much, but it is something... test fitted the body to the frame today.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/5159232016_b563295925_z.jpg

Needed to get some ideas of how much body lift I need (3 inch blocks in there now, looks like one inch will be plenty) and measure to have the rear driveshaft shortened.

[bigwalton]

That is full of awesome.

[Tigger4X]

Awww yeah! She is lookin good with the sun on her face. :cool:

[krek]

You know the old saying "sorry for the cruddy cell phone pics?"... well... :o

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5199481662_f81f59844b_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5198886907_ed26a8c73c_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5198887745_5dfb8c7bdb_z.jpg

And here's the new hydroboost setup thanks to Elliott.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5198887353_cf3f407dc9_z.jpg

The front clip is together testing to see if I could cut, chop and modify the civilian inner fender enough to make them work... the answer appears to be "no" at this point but I think I'll just look at these photos for a while and daydream about the day I can actually :fsj:.

[EBCIII]

That is one mean lean looking Jeep!

[FSJeeper]

7 years later and it finally looks like it is going to get finished. Awesome work!

[Hammer]

Yeah, WOW, it really is starting to look like it WILL get finished!
So glad that you got this one Krek.

[krek]

Yeah, WOW, it really is starting to look like it WILL get finished!

For the first time in a LONG time I'm starting to believe it myself. :)

[79 wagoneer]

i'd imagin it's already been asked/stated but i haven't been able to find it, what size wheels and tires are those?

[Hammer]

Considering that you have TWO of these projects going on at the same time, it is good to see that both are getting some attention (yeah, a bit of time between things, but that is how these kinds of projects always seem to go.)

[Hammer]

i'd imagin it's already been asked/stated but i haven't been able to find it, what size wheels and tires are those?
Look like 11r16 tires, so about 38" or so.

[krek]

325/85R/16s (Michelin XML) on Marsh armored truck beadlocks.

Those were one of the better deals I found, iirc the wheels were $40 each on ebay and the tires were $100 each from the hundreddollarman.

I have 8 of them, two more for the matching trailer and two spares.

[chithead]

Just a crude photoshop here, but could you mimic something similar on the rear crossmember on the passenger side, and route the exhaust through there?

Looks like there would be enough room to turn them back towards the frame rails, then run them down each side of the fuel tank.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/chithead1981/4831608539_b5523aeeb4_z.jpg?t=1295362037

[GallionSW]

This thing is completely redonculous, and I LOVE IT!!!:thumbsup:

[krek]

I'm about a month out from dropping it off at the fabricator's for cage, sliders, bumpers, etc so I found some motivation today to make some progress.

I'm not sure how "painless" this wiring is going to be, but it is started. :eek:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5769544885_4137e0747c_z.jpg

[krek]

Gauge panel finished:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/5830127259_a5671f0e4e_z.jpg

Battery box mounted on firewall:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5830677286_9dc095c47f_z.jpg

Also installed cable shifter, more wiring, more plumbing... more "two steps forward, one step back".

[Gambler68]

Is that a pre-bought panel or fabbed? Looking GREAT, Krek-ster!

[krek]

The panel is an old Tad experiment that he was kind enough to share. :cool:

[tazjeeper]

This one crazy jeep.. man I love the work you have been doing on it... your should have a blast playing with it after its all done.. I cant wait to see it in action..

[76FSChief]

Based on the quality of your other project I cant wait to see how this one turns out! Looks FANTASTIC so far, keep the pics flowing. :thumbsup:

[Tigger4X]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5769544885_4137e0747c_z.jpg


Mmmmmm Sketti!! Got any marinara to go with that? :drool:

[krek]

The on again, off again project is on again.

Much progress being made on wiring, brake plumbing, fuel line plumbing, etc.

About to get exciting again with cage, slider and bumper fabrication... a teaser for now.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6799134116_815ee073e0_z.jpg

[Coryd55]

:thumbsup:

[krek]

Yes, I'm excited enough about finally having the hydroboost fully plumbed to post a photo. :p

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6949334249_5b497ab1e9_z.jpg

[Diesel YJ]

Your build is coming along nicely and how can I say AMAZING!!! I am eager to see the finished product but as always we have that pesky build phase to go through. It took me a long time to build my YJ so I understand the couple steps forwards then a few back, then you need to just step back and fool with something else before it catches your eye just sitting there in the garage and then its a burning passion again or you just want to toss a grenade in there and be done with it. I would love to build a setup like this but following my urges I would have to cram a diesel up front but I like those AMC valve covers you are rocking. Again great build!!!!

[duracell]

If you haven't come up with a idea for the exhaust why don't u put stacks out of the bed