Jim's 81 Cherokee Chief

[blazer3664]

So, 2 years ago I picked up this, since my 78's frame is shot.

'81 Cherokee Chief. Top is removable, (more on that later) but I have not had it off, as I dont have a place to store it yet.
Fender flares are extended height and width, P.O. used chunks from a rust queen to do it. After cleaning up the welds, I love that little mod. Most dont notice it till they look above the front tire and realize there's next to no "fender" there.




This one is from P.O. sale add.





Some minor mods, and got rid of the black.
Out on the trail.



And then it happened! Some idiot decided it needs rebuilt full on.





and the swaybar is disconected, the links are just hanging there behind it.
Needed everything out of the way for paint.

[blazer3664]

And the build begins.....with some cooling, for the Heap and its passengers.





condenser and radiator from top.





and from front.

[rang-a-stang]

Thats a lot of articulation for leaf springs!
Very nice!

[blazer3664]

This was a nice little unexpected touch when I went to fit up the individual bulkhead fittings for the heat + a/c. Machined groove and rubber washer. I had planed to add a rubber washer, guess not.





in their spot, never mind the hole in there. It's since been welded over.





Ah, noticed the vents did you??
Vintage Air Magnum IV evap unit (test fit unit shown, I didn't want to bust the real on fitting it up), and vent plenums for a Bronco.
When its all together and working I will add a parts list for the A/C, I know its a common itch we all seem to have.






I never have liked having all those hoses under the dash for the hvac stuff. This does away with them, and can be pulled down w/4 (maybe 5 when done) screws. Still got the 2 defrost hoses, not much way around those.


More to come soon.
No promises how up to date I will keep this as the project progresses. Spending every second I can working on it. Hoping to have it drivable again before winter............unless OX gets their 14B released, that might delay things as it means axle swap now instead of later.

[blazer3664]

The shocks have just shy (15.9something) of 16" travel. It uses it all after swapping in the F250 shock towers. I need to do something better with the bump-stops and add limit straps so I don't kill the shocks. It will drop another couple inch's if I disco the shocks.


Longer shocks that will fit are $$$$$ at this point.
I don't see the need for my uses, not that I don't think about it at times....

[blazer3664]

This weekends doings.
1)Patch/plug all holes not needed in firewall.
2)Chassis saver frame and firewall back to where the firewall meets floor





3) Lizard Skin SC (sound insulation)...... to be followed with thermal tomorrow night.





Ear plugs are for hearing protection.....er, thread protection that is. I have heard if you get this stuff in the threads, there is a lot of oil and thread tap in your future.


Also of note, pull them out as soon as you finish spraying. They like to stick pretty fast when its nice and warm out. Definitely don't leave them for the second coat.

[blazer3664]

Thermal done tonight, and pulled all the masking off for now.





If I keep ticking things off the list it will get done eventually.


Its one LONG list though.

[blazer3664]

Slow going lately. Still getting stuff done, just not much worth pictures.


My way of keeping all the smaller bits and pieces straight.




Got the firewall painted to a close match to what the body color will be. Shocks and swaybar reconnected too.





Don't seem like much for the time I am putting in, but all the small steps are what gets things done.


Lots of detail work that will never be noticed by most, and appreciated mostly only by me. Thats the price of doing it all myself, and the joy of knowing its done well.

[Jpzyr]

nice build you have there. keep up the great work