Build Thread: Chief Laredo

[Diesel YJ]

wow that is one very nice Cherokee. Are you sure you dont want to upgrade the motor? Fuel costs going up and reliability for your son. My gf drove my GW last night while I was working on the grand Cherokee and she really liked it but she knows its getting an upgrade. goo dluck with the project we will be watching your progress.

[CJ5]

Thanks for the reply's.

I was lucky to find a great starting Jeep. If it was just for me, I would drive it like I bought it, which I did for several months. The main reason for the purchase and restore is for my son. I enjoy working on Jeeps and it is another thing him and I can do together. Plus, in this day and age working on vehicles is just lost on the last few generations. I think it is great experience for a kid to learn to work on vehicles. That knowledge can be used many ways as he grows older. Also, where we are most kids get new cars handed to them. I want my son to know the real world doesn't work that way. Like me and most people, you have to work to get something and sometimes it takes a lot of work. If I accomplish my goal, he will take more pride in his Jeep and be more responsible about how it runs it and what he does with it.

I am going to do somethings to the motor. I want to keep it original as possible which is why I am not going to drop in a "modern" engine. There are some things we can do to the 360 to make it more fuel effecient. It is a durable motor. We will freshen it up and then trick it out a little. I am still considering my build plan on it.

The Loredo stripes will be problematic but I have made contact with someone who says they can replicate them. If not, I know I can go back with something similar using pin striping in various width's with the exact colors. The style may not be exact but it will be close enough.

We are a few weeks from seperating the body from the chasis and then the real work beings.

[Mavawreck]

Beautiful truck and a great project, but my vote is for sticking a diesel in it so he can afford to drive it.

[CJ5]

We reached a milestone...though many more miles to go!





Plan now is to remove the tranny and TC and send to the shop for refresh. Pull motor and decide what we are going to do with it. Sand blast frame and get it ready to paint and start work on the body. There is a lot to be done.

[KyooMac]

I think the one thing that everyone is failing to hear - read - is that you are doing it for the benefit of your relationship with your son. In today's day and age I commend your efforts. Good luck with the restoration, great luck bonding with your son, and may your wife be glad that you are a man of character. I'm subscribed.

[Coryd55]

I didn't know they made Cherokees in that kin of condition. AMAZING starting point. Wow.

[badaboom]

Progressing Well

Looks like your getting to the meat of it.

[WagoneerinWi]

Great truck to start with, but we really need more pictures.
What someone had to say it.

[bg2pres]

I love the full restorations!!!

[CJ5]

Jared and I pulled the motor and tranny. I thing I know is I will not be reusing those 12 point, crappy, whatever they call u-joint strap bolts. Jeez



The transmission has a Jasper sticker, seems it may be a replacement from the previous owner. Jared helping pull it. Trans and TC going to the shop to be freshened up.



Everything else was removed. I found a good local supplier for abrasives and supplies (F&S Equipment). Tried a bag of the course Black Beauty and worked to dial in the sandblaster. I hope Jared can finish the frame during spring break. It worked well so far. Funny how the flash turned the sand white.



Motor is on stand as I plot a plan for it. A buddy has a good engine builder for me. I would love to let Jared actually help me build the motor but I want this thing to be perfect and have a useful life. We will tear it down and all and visit the machine shop to watch though.



....and what would a rebuild be without a shop dog hanging out and helping.

[KyooMac]

This is how memories are made. Good luck!

[VonBoomenstien]

how did that sandblaster work and what kind of compressor do you have running it? im thinking about buying one but dont know anyone who has tried it.

[Rob z]

Cool project. I cant wait to do one with my daughter some day

[billyrb]

very cool project, and even better that you're tackling it with your boy

[Michael_King024]

hands down..without a doubt...BEST THREAD IVE SEEN ON IFSJA..
THIS IS THE KINDA OF THING AMERICA NEEDS MORE OF!!