Have you ever wanted to open a Jeep catalog and build a Jeep that is “new”? After having three other Jeeps and reworking frames, suspension, wiring and everything else I did finally just build a ‘new’ Jeep. It is a 1983 Cj7 with a 258 at its heart using a Weber carb that purrs right along even burning the cruddy ethanol that is in today’s fuels. The motor is mated to a T5 five speed and goes down the road at speed straight and without wonder. After getting done building her I chickened out and didn’t do what I had originally planned so it’s been a street queen ever since. My original idea was to build a Jeep for the snow, mud and whatever else I could find but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I actually have a new TJ that I’ve done those things with. Weird I know but she is definitely pretty. The frame is new and has a POR15 coating. It’s not a thin frame like the original and was over built depending on what you wanted to do with the Jeep. The Tub is glass and has a very thick Gel Coat similar to a boat. There is no crazing or chipping like cheap tubs. I wanted something that I didn’t have to watch over and could really hose out without worry. The high back seats were covered so I didn’t have to worry about mud or water. All of the hardware is Stainless as well as the dash. The knobs are a billet aluminum. Everything works great; from the 4wd light to the emergency brake light and to the back up lights.
I put an MSD box on in place of that fragile box from AMC so their is great spark and the 258 runs beautifully on synthetic oil. The only problem that this created is that the amp gauge is the only thing that doesn’t work. I replaced the gauge and at the red top Optima battery it put out 14.2 so everything is good just the pesky gauge. For the 300 transfer case I put a pair of Stainless twin sticks with billet knobs which is way better than the stock seesaw method. The wheels and tire package is also a great fit to the mild lift. The tires are so new the tabs are still in the tread. I left the Jeep white because it’s one of my favorite colors because everything fits white (oh yeah my other cars and trucks are white too...boring but easy to clean). This leaves a blank canvas for decals or wraps that would suit anyone. I didn’t want to ‘decorate’ the Jeep the way that I wanted just to have it so personalized that no one else would want it. I also have some Icon rims with a different backspacing to fit the new tires because I was conflicted with the look. The Jeep also has some niceties like power steering and power brakes with discs up front. The top and doors are also new with clear-not scratched windows. I also have two back ‘windows’, one dark to match the top and one clear because evidently the police have a problem with a dark back window. Look at the pictures and notice the new bushings and that the bolt heads haven’t been painted over to make it look nice. It is nice and every bolt has been touched and never seized. Break it loose and spin it off-even the e-brake is slick. Take a look and let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks.