Projected Upgrades....01/19/2010

A couple of shots mocking up how the truck will look with 35"s

It's been a while since I added to the blog, so here goes. I have been sourcing a number of upgrades and have now decided to go with Full width Waggy Q-track narrow axles, a T19 tranny, Dana 18 T-case, and an overdrive. I've now procured the trans, axles, and overdrive. I have also gotten a set of 35x12.50x15 Cooper Discoverer AT tires, so I've maneuvered myself into upgraded brakes, so I plan to install a HydroBoost. The grille will be replaced by an M38A1 grille, just for looks.

Rollcage

For a number of years, I have thought about using two stock rollbars to make a family cage for additional protection for rear seat passengers. As of today, the second bar is positioned for welding in the Jeep. from there, I'll be cutting spreaders to connect the two bars and make a full cage. In addition, I'll be installing a front hoop at the windshield and fabbing removable spreaders from the cage to the front hoop, in order that I can use a short hardtop, if desired.

I've stripped the floor of the tub, but have to complete the roll cage build before I can do any paint work or Herculining.

A beginning,....... many years ago

I purchased Ol' Blue in Portland, Oregon back in 1999. I was on contract with Freightliner for a year and ended up buying two Scramblers during that time.The other was a very original 1983 Chestnut brown Laredo. So nice, in fact, I eventually decided to sell it because I became paranoid about driving it or wearing it out. While it was beautiful, I couldn't enjoy it, so it left.

Blue on the other hand was blessed with a mixed life and had a worn out blue lacquer paint job, overall ugly, but solid as a rock, rust free and a lot of fun to own and drive. Ol' Blue went to my son for about 3 years and once he decided he needed money, I bought it back.

During the last 6 years, Blue traveled with us across country and back a couple of times and has been in Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island and Colorado twice. This summer Blue finally made it up the priority list and is getting the attention it deserves. The tentative upgrades are listed here with a loose timetable for completion.

As of now, the engine and trans, while needing some attention, will remain. The main focus will be on body restoration and driveline rebuilds and upgrades. Hopefully Blue will hit the road in about April of 2010 for full service.

The task for this Jeep is to provide a vehicle to take my grandchildren into the mountains in safety. The gearing will be selected with crawling in mind, but nothing too technical.

In May of 2010, our CJ-5, Lil Toot will begin to get the treatment. With any luck, Toot will be complete by fall of 2010. A companion Blog will be put up to chronicle that project, as well.

All in all an ambitious schedule, but at the moment, I have the time and resources.