Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration

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I started on the evaporator installation today and made decent progress. I had to modify the location of the front evaporator bracket by using an existing hole in the glovebox and then hammering the bracket straight (and bending to accomodate the angle).

I ran both heater hoses (inflow and outflow) as well as the high pressure hoses to the compressor and drier unit. My brother came over to hang out while I started on the electrical. Most of the connections were common sense but there were one or two that we had to think about for a while. We solved one quickly as we realized that there was a safety switch that came from the cab to the compressor unit. The one remaining question is; what ignition source do we tap the lane line into?

I finished up the night with tinkering with the pull nobs that mount with the dash. I think I may have to grind out the existing holes to accomodate the new ones.

Back to it tomorrow...
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My wife said no FJ! said:
Just curious...did you take any decibel readings before you started?

Looking good...hope you achieve what you are looking for :beer:
Click to expand...

No decibel readings were taken (although that would have been cool). I am aiming for two things; being able to hear a passenger during a conversation and being able to identify a song played on the radio.
 
Well... for what it's worth, I had carpet in my '79 Golden Eagle CJ7, and it did make a difference when I drove it with and with out carpet. This is saying a lot! It wasn't a life changing difference, as I had a 304 V8, with dual exhaust with a glasspack on each...(I thought it sounded awesome when I was a much younger lad :)), so I can imagine that running a good and quiet muffler, maybe with an extra resonator, plus all that you did, that you will have a noticeable difference, with a less audible gear whine, and possibly a "tighter" feel.

Looking forward to reading the results of your efforts :)
 
I was up late working on the cruiser. Here is what I took care of:

I applied press tape to all exposed metal connectors on the rear side of the evaporator unit to eliminate the condensation inside the cruiser. I drilled a 5/8th hole thru the firewall and installed a drain line from the unit.
I completed the mounting of the unit and installed all of the vents and pull knobs. I had to expand the size of two of the holes to accomodate the new Vintage Air knobs

I need to install the Dayco V-belt (#DAC 22590), connect the heater hoses and connect the remaining VA power line to a ignition source and I will be ready to get the AC charged up.
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Radiator Blues

I encountered a minor setback yesterday. I put on the v-belt that drives the AC compressor and wanted to adjust the altenator tension bracket. Since it was a tight fit I decided to move the radiator slightly forward. This is where it went sideways. :bang: I tweaked the radiator drain plug and a small stream of coolant started to come out. In trying to get the bolt (PO's decision to cap it off) off I made matters worse.

End result, a full bucket of coolant and a couple of wet rags later... Not knowing much about the radiator's design I started looking online. It looks like I may have broken the peacock or at a minimum dis-lodged it enough to cause the leak. I could remove it and bring it to a local radiator repair shop or get a new one. I opted for a replacement from Radiator Barn for a quick swap out and then a full repair of the stock unit.

While I wait for the new radiator I will have unobstructed access to the altenator/compressor bracket. I will take advantage of that and address the tensioner issue.

On another note, I ordered my new wheels. They are Unique 297(15x8 3.50 BS for $70 w/caps and lugs) from Discount Tire . I will pair them up with BF Goodrich AT T/A KO (33x10.5) AT tires.
 
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I received the replacement radiator from Radiator Barn today and got it installed. It was a rather easy job with the engine compartment so wide open. I also addressed the altenator tension bracket while I was at it and connected the VA heater hoses and heater valve.

This were moving along tonight. I need to sit down and go over the ton of loose ends and then start putting her back together.
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On Saturday I added antifreeze, checked my new v-belt, and double checked for leaks. All systems go. She started up quickly and was ready to roll out of the garage. I drove her up and down the easement next to my house without issue. The bucket seating was a bit rough (home depot 5 gallon bucket) but it got the job done.

I cleaned up the driver's side engine block and headers and put on some high heat paint. Paint, run at idle, second coat, run at idle, knock off the :censor: clip from the oil sending unit etc... It looks decent enough.

Today I put the seats back in the cruiser. She's ready for the carpet (which should be here next week). I checked a few items off of the list but I have alot to do before she's my daily driver.

I will be in Ohio all of next week on business so I will not be able to work on the cruiser. Well, maybe I can get my punch list more organized.

Here are some photos from this weekend.
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I put on my new wheels and tires today. Big Blue definately has a different look now and I like it. Now I just need to make sure I can get her out of the garage... HA!

Here are a few shots of the new setup:
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I finally got an answer to the VA electrical question. It was pretty simple and my lack of electrical knowledge is pretty evident.

The keyed ignition source i was looking for was located, drum roll please, in the fuse box panel. :doh:. A simple plug and play operation and the Vintage Air system was getting power. Now to get it charged and I am done.
 
Ok, so I was itching to take Big Blue on the road for a proper test drive. I had a heck of a time starting her up but finally got her going.

Minus the front right fender and front grill assembly I drove her around the neighborhood. I got up to 3rd gear without issue on my first test drive. I picked up a passenger for my second spin around the neighborhood. My daughter and I conversed during the trip and I was able to hear her pip-squeek voice over the noise. I am hoping that the carpet and jute backing add to the noise reduction. Overall I am please with the sound dampening aspect of the project.

I did sense the death wobble was about to occur going around a cul-de-sac and then hitting second gear. I eased up on the spead and the wobble subsided. Time to get a proper allignment and put the death wobble behind me.
 
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Big Blue was dropped off at Goodyear for a front end allignment, A/C evacuating/charging and quick check on the timing. The initial report on her visit was that there was a bolt missing on a engine mount and that the nut holding the pitman arm was loose. Chalk one up for rookie mistakes. I should be getting her back today with a detailed report of what was done.

It was an odd feeling not having her in the garage to tinker with... It got me to thinking I may need another project to tinker with. Perhaps I should trade her a for a daily driver and funds to buy someones project cruiser..
 
There is pleanty to update this week:

Allignment - I posted a picture of the allignment report from the shop. As you can see, they weren't able to get the allignment 100% correct but they were able to resolve the death wobble. I will have ACC in Atlanta take a closer look next week when I drop her off.

Timing - They went over the engine timing and made slight adjustments to the carb. They indicated that valve #3 may need closer inspection. I agreed based on my compression test earlier this year. This will be another action item for ACC.

Vacuum Lines - The vacuum lines were cut to size and I attempted to put them all back in place. I definately missed the mark because she was running extremely rough. I will read up on some threads and make another attempt after we get back from Spring Break.

Carpet Kit - I installed the Deluxe Carpet Kit from Cruiser Solutions. I will post a separate thread with my detailed review. All I can say is that I am pleased with the fact it covers 100% of the inside of the cruiser. I am still debating wether or not it was worth the price tag.

Rattle Can Paint Job - I put several coats of black paint on the brush gaurd and front bumper. It looks good. i will do the same to any exposed frame that I can reach. It isn't a long term solution but it is a start.
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Carpet Install pictures

Cruiser Solutions Carpet Kit - Ok, so the box arrived on my door step roughly 21 days after I ordered it. I start unboxing it and immediately I thought it was extremely low quality.

My initial thoughts were as follows:

  • The material looked to be very low quality.
  • The jute backing was glued to the carpet very poorly. There were several locations where the jute backing exceeded the length of carpeting material's edge. The were other sections where the jute backing was glued over the cut out of the carpeting (where it was secured to the flooring). There were instances where the designed cut out of the jute backing did not even resemble the cut out of the carpeting material (jump seats and roll bars).
  • There were random pieces of jute material included yet not instructions as to where they were to be installed.
  • I just felt like it was not a professional looking job and that I could have done a similar job with materials from Home Depot and a sharp pair of shears.
Let's just say I was extremely disappointed initially... Once the anger subsided I went back into the garage to re-group my thoughts. I weighed out my options; I could return it and do it myself, buy a less expensive kit that covered less area, or install a few pieces to see how it looked. Six hours later it was fully installed and looked somewhat decent. It looks like I won't be returning it.

My only wish was that the local company that made this kit pay a little more attention to detail. Here are some pictures of the finished product.
 
That's too bad about the poor craftsmanship you described, at least it ended up looking OK from the pics you posted, but I am guessing that this was due to a lot of work on your part....

Overall the rig is looking pretty sharp! How do you like the drive now that she is all buttoned up? Do you feel you achieved some of the sound deadening you were trying to achieve?
 
I am extremely pleased with the sound dampening aspect of this projet. I can converse with a passenger and can identify tunes on the radio. The bonus of having 5 layers of material in the cab is a reduction of gas fumes. I would highly recommend this type of application for someone who is using their rig as a daily driver.

If you asked me three months ago about driving this thing everyday I would have doubts. Now I firmly believe it is the right amount of comfort and function. I will be cruising down the street listening to tunes and enjoying the cold air conditioning in the hot southern weather.

Is it for everyone? Definitely not. Is it for me? Heck yes. I absolutely love the power steering!!!! It feels like a completely different cruiser than the one I drove home last year. Totally cool, man!!!

What's in Big Blues future? I am thinking a diesel conversion to a Cummins B3.3 is a strong possibility.
 
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