FSJ build ( 82' Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer )

[FSJbuild]

I am currently in the process of a total rebuild of an FSJ ( Full Size Jeep ) I bought it from a family in Burleigh area of the gold coast late 2004 . It was in fair condition with a bit of rust in it , more than a bit actually. I drove it back from the burliegh to Brisbane with no reg ( permit ) , ran quite good actually , doing 110klm down the freeway so easy.

It has AMC 360 ( stock ) with duel fuel -lpg , TF 727 , dana 44 front & AMC 20 rear ,long range tank ,power steering , etc

I bought a big 6m x 3m canopy/carport thing from supercheap , which is fully enclosed now with black plastic on the walls & clear on roof as a temporary spray booth , just built a temporary blast room under house which has a 10 gallon blast pot , which I have bags of garnet for it.

I have totally stripped/gutted the body , its all down to bare metal at the moment & have started repairing a few damaged panels , will be ordering some new repair panels from the States soon ( both rear 1/4 skins , both fenders,dog leg , lower door skins, etc) they are really cheap over there for the panels ,just have workout how to get them over here ( frieght ).

My Plan >>>

Do the body work 1st , get it super straight , spray 2 pack urethane ( paint system) , some panels are already in etch primer ,can't make my mind up yet which bloody colour to spray it ( any clues ? )

Then rebuild T/case with bearing & seal kit , then TF 727 with B&M transpak kit ( 1st time rebuild transmission around for me , have had advice & bought specialty 727 manual )

Then Build AMC 360 ,just havn problems try'n to find higher compression pistons for it ( seeking around 10:1 ), going to run straight LPG , will buy second hand Gas research twin carby & convertor's - heaps everynow & then on ebay( already has IMPCO convertor & 300 mixer & 80 ltr tank 2/3 full ,which i will sell)

I will be seeking a second hand Dana 60 -to replace amc 20-( HD model if possible )rear end for it , maybe from an early F250-350 or dodge and modify it to suit & convert to disk brake . Anyone have any Dana 60 rear end's sitting around or know anyone ???

Been searching High & Low on the internet for parts for this project. will upload pictures soon.

Have fun
Rick

sounds good 8) you'll have to get some pics up as it's done.

[boof]

Sounds like itll be nice when its finished for a colour have you thought of the ford blueprint colour on the series one ba xrs (only thing fords are good for is their colours ;D ;D)

[FSJbuild]

Boof >> cheers bud -Atually saw that ford blue ccolour today on an XR6 , seen a photo a FSJ in the states with a similar colour anf it looked awesome. I agree , i think alot of the colours that Ford have now look great. I really like the XR8 silver , it looks "Wicked" with black here and there, but its a metallic also & plan to keep this for a few years as a daily driver/ work vehicle ( chippy ).

But i want to keep away from metallics , as after a few years they don't look too good , go kinda splotchy .

Also thinking about ( when its done ) putting on 35' Dick Cepek FC 11 on 16x10 rims , have to set up suspension & body lift to suit, not sure about legality side of things , might have to see an engineer ?

cheers
rick

[boof]

yeh can understand about metallics but done right they last well but they generally require more maintenance cleaning etc :(

[FSJbuild]

I have to start saving & stop spending as i will odrer a heap of parts from the states soon. checked out suspension today and realised i can get an easy 4'-6' clearance just modifying rear spring perch & put leafs on top of axle on front instead of under where they are & just get new shocks ( just won't have that much articulation ).

I have to find a quality machine shop around in brisbane to blueprint machine a AMC 360 ( torque plate & platou'e hone , grind -polish-cryogenic treat crank , etc, etc ) just have to find a well sut up & fussy machine shop.