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ProTouring Wagoneer?
Welcome to my build!
The wife and I decided to consolidate a bit, and so I will be selling my '93 M5. Consequently, the ratty old 360, with its lack of overdrive had to go. I'll be starting with my 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It currently has its stock 360 and 727 transmission, backed by the NP229 transfer case. Exhibit A: http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0080.jpg It's pretty much rust-free, with a few hail induced dings and a rather tweaked hood (it came open at some 35mph :shock: ) My plans: Drivetrain -LY5 5.3 (from a 2008 Silverado) -4L60E (2008 Silverado) -NP229 Interior -Thunderbird Turbo Coupe front seats -Custom console -Custom dash -A/C from a 70's Chevy truck Body -Cherokee Wide Trac flares -Maroon paint -Custom woodgrain -Suburban 42 gallon tank -Raised rear floor (2"-3") to accommodate tank. Wheels/Tires/Suspension -31" or 32" tires? -15" wheels? 17"? 18"? -Stock height? 2" lift? Build list: LY5/4L60E............................................. Received..........2008 Chevy Silverado Modify Harness.......................................TBD. ...............Wayne Hartwig/Diff Wizard (suggestions?) Engine Mounts.......................................Recei ved..........JeepinPete Transmission Mounts...............................Received..... ......Ebay Vendor Transmission Rebuild Kit..........................Received...........Tr anstech Transmission/Transfer Case Adapter..........Received...........Novak/BJ's Transfer Case Seal Kit.............................Received.......... Ebay Vendor Radiator.......................................... ......Received..........Griffin '67-'69 Camaro LS Swap (Summit) Radiator Fan..........................................Recei ved..........Lincoln Mark VIII (Ebay Vendor) Radiator Hoses......................................TBD Fuel Tank.............................................. Received..........'98 Chevy Suburban-42 Gallon (Ebay Vendor) Fuel Pump/Sending Unit..........................Received..........'9 8 Chevy Suburban (Ebay Vendor) Fuel Lines............................................. TBD.................PTFE Lined Braided Line Fuel Filter/Regulator(?)...........................TBD Shifter Linkage......................................Recei ved...........FSJ Turbo 400 (ScottsMojo) A/C-Heat Unit........................................Receiv ed..........'70s Chevy Truck (Integrated Heat-A/C) A/C Evaporator......................................Or dered............'79 Firebird Heater Core..........................................Rece ived...........'70s Chevy Truck A/C Condenser......................................Rec eived...........Polar Bear Inc Transmission Oil Cooler...........................TBD Transmission Cooler Lines.......................TBD Power Steering Lines/Adapters................Stock Jeep Driveshafts....................................... ....TBD Gauges............................................ ....Received...........Speedhut Transmission Rebuild Tools.....................Received............Ebay Vendor Wheels............................................ ....Received............Jeg's (Ultra Wheel Type 50/51) We have progress!! The engine arrives! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6c250b9f.jpg Out with the old... (oh, it's for sale too!) http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3a7b1727.jpg Air Conditioning mock up... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...pse8cc7c5a.jpg Behind the dash... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2086f77f.jpg In with the new... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf2f00162.jpg Clears the firewall nicely! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps598ee1ea.jpg Notes: The JeepinPete (from the Full Size Jeep Forum) mounts were PERFECT! I mounted the engine 1" forward of the original forward holes. By doing this, the transfer case is within an inch of its original mounting, and thus the linkage fits with no issues. Also, no driveshaft work is needed! :D The Turbo 400 shifter linkage was spot on. Stay tuned! |
Don't raise it, slam it! :D
Jeff- |
Cool project.
Amazing how long that same platform was in existence. You mentioned possibly lifting it. For functional reasons...or just for the look? |
I had an '86 GW that I loved. Only drawbacks to it was its lackluster performance and lousy mileage. But with a 3 speed automatic and 2 bbl 36o, no wonder.
I don't know that I'd call it pro touring with a lift kit, but it certaanly will cruise nicer than original. |
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Of course, you guys understand that this isn't a "real" Pro-Touring vehicle. It will, however, be my daily driver, and as such, will be used for real "touring!' :D
Anyway, it seems we have more progress! If you look carefully, you can see how I moved the engine forward by drilling new holes in the frame mounts. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf1d7c480.jpg And from the top... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf07f44f2.jpg Lot's of clearance underneath. The transfer case sits almost exactly where it did originally, though the rear crossmember is now in the rear mounting holes. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps84abc5a5.jpg The evaporator case is built, a new evaporator has been installed, and it is all bolted on. It's a tight fit, but we have a good 3/4" clearance in the tightest places. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1c37a7ff.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf3d90571.jpg The defrost diaphragm didn't clear the engine inset, so... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps00a9c959.jpg I'll make a cover for it of course. Clears the booster with no problems. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psce07256c.jpg I love how much room is actually behind the dash! Lots of room for ducting, etc. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps037deccc.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps98e35682.jpg The heat outlet sits in the right spot too. (I think I need new carpet) http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps90b9fad1.jpg We have front sheet metal! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8a02d382.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps99c47504.jpg A friend I found on the garage door... she didn't survive the introduction. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps57e9659a.jpg It's raining today (on and off anyway), so I think I will work on the dash. Pics to follow, of course. |
Looks like hood clearance will be close. Does it close? Nice rig BTW.
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Without the cover and the fancy ducting (to quiet intake noise) it misses by a good inch. I am hoping to modify the cover to sit lower (no fancy ducting to clear), but if not, I'll run it sans cover. Won't be a pretty, but pretty isn't my main goal here. Once the mechanical stuff is completed, I plan on installing Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe seats, recovered to match the rest of the interior (with seat heaters added), new front carpet, and then a repaint. I'll remove the woodgrain, install "Wide Trac" flares, and paint a Cherokee style stripe. The stripe and flare will be this style (though my stripe will be a solid color). http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/19346...hief_front.jpg |
I like this project... Check out Icon 4x4 they do some cool stuff with bronco's jeeps and FJ's Lots of neat little idea's.
Keep up the good work! Matt |
Seems very well thought out. :thumbsup:
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I do love these old trucks, they were run for quite a few years without much change. Did a J10 with a small block Chrysler conversion about 10 years ago, was one of my favorite trucks.
http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/C...ng%20024-L.jpg |
Well, the weather has not cooperated. Still, I had to get something done...
First up, mirrors. A bit of looking turned up a mirror head I liked, so I bought a couple off the dreaded Ebay. They are from a '91-'97 Toyota Previa. At first, I had planned on making a spacer to adapt them. But after some thought and a bit of guessuring, I decided I could install the mirror head on the original base. Of course, if I was wrong, the attempt would lead to the destruction of both pieces, but when has anything like that stopped me? The result. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8d032ea5.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psb41a704f.jpg I don't think they turned out too badly. The transition between the new and old is a little obvious, but I have an idea to fix that. Of course, I will also be painting the base to match the mirror head. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3d68c7e1.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps35d374db.jpg Since the humidity made even a small job like the conversion of one mirror a way to sweaty endeavor, I decided I should do something inside where it is air conditioned. So I will be sitting down shortly to design the new dash layout. Here are the gauges I will be using. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psc4ac8e5a.jpg They are made by Speehut. They have LED lighting, and are built to order (about a week). You can customize their look too! These have red pointers and white numbers during the day, and red pointers with red numbers at night. The speedometer and tachometer are CAN-BUS, and derive their information from the ECM. The quad gauge is not yet available in CAN-BUS, so it will require individual sending units. The speedometer. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps390448da.jpg Tachometer. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psfc904ef3.jpg Quad gauge with oil pressure, coolant temperature, system voltage, and fuel level. The fuel level gauge can be used with any sending unit that works in any range below 300 ohms. I had them preset mine to work with the Suburban sending unit. All the gauges feature an LED warning light that can be set to your specs. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psfc904ef3.jpg A slow day, but at least I accomplished something! 'Till next time! |
We have more progress!
Here is the radiator "module" all put together. I'm using a Lincoln Mark VIII two-speed fan (moves something like 4,500 cfm on high!), along with a triple-pass A/C condenser and a 30,000 gvw transmission cooler. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd465edb7.jpg Here you can see the outer side. The transmission cooler has its own fan, and I will run the oil through a thermostat to ensure the oil reaches operating temperature quickly, even in cold weather. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd3d97d17.jpgH The radiator "module" has been bolted in place. The assembly sits a lot further forward than original! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4db2b9ea.jpg As you can see, there is not a lot of clearance between the fan and the water pump! You can also see how much further forward it all sits. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps88342660.jpg I had to modify the hood release bar, raising it to clear the radiator. Here you can see I had to shorten the pull lever. I'll use a Lokar hood release lever to release the hood. It will give me more leverage than the original. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3e38058c.jpg Driver's side latch. You can see how much I raised the cross bar. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1273252f.jpg Passenger's side. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps616b4d9d.jpg Marked the front valance so I could cut it to clear the radiator assembly. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps22cbb6c1.jpg Once the valance was cut, it bolted on with no difficulty, as did the grill. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psdc4c7a86.jpg I bought an early style hood, but wanted to use my late style grill. As you know, the hood hits the grill at the corners of the "scoop" section. A little cutting and a little hammer and dolly work, and it fits pretty well. I also think the center section of the hood is more squared off than the early style, making the "scoop" section seem taller and more defined. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1bce7f4b.jpg The straps in the picture above are to hold the shelter down in wind. My calls them "Jeep Bondage." :shock: That's all for now. My FI harness, cruise control, and remote start module arrived today. Tomorrow I hope to get the front valance finished (trimming to fit around the new radiator/condenser/trans cooler), and maybe install the harness. Naturally, pics to follow. |
Looking good Bill!
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Keep going Bill!! Looks great.
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Worked on laying out the dash. The center stack will hold a Stereo/cd player with navigation, a scanner, the A/C controls, and a CB. I need to extend the wires between the chassis and the face of the CB, so I can remotely mount the chassis as it is too long to simply mount.
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps905058a4.jpg In front of the driver there will be three gauges, a speedometer and tachometer that will operate of the '08 ecm, and a quad gauge that will use sending units mounted on the engine. The dash pad and vertical sides of the center stack will be covered in black vinyl. The dash fascia will be covered in brushed aluminum. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3f362a63.jpg This is where and how I will mount the airbox. I need an elbow to come out of the box and pull air from in front of the core support. Once I get everything mounted, I'll cover the hole in the inner fender with fiberglass. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps453a5050.jpg I made a heat blanket to protect the bottom of the evaporator case from the heat off the exhaust manifold. The manifold already has a heat shield as well, so the evaporator case should stay reasonably cool. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd11013a0.jpg Until next time! |
Bill,
Enjoying the updates. One of my favorite projects on here. |
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I needed that comment... made me smile. Thanks! |
Bill,
I am so sorry to hear that. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your friends family. |
New lists!
Modify Harness: I went with a new harness from PSI ( http://www.PSIConversion.com ). It was around the same price as many charge to modify a harness and it gets you all new connectors. Also, the harness has a good 2' of length added to allow you to install the ECM and TCM inside the vehicle. Cruise Control: Because I am running a Gen IV engine, the GM cruise control cannot be easily adapted (it's in the BCM, and not the ECM as with earlier LS series engines). I went with a system from Spanky's Rod Shop (http://www.spankysrodshop.net/ ) which interrupts the circuit between the gas pedal and ECM to implement its functions. Apparently it can be programmed to work with any cruise control buttons, so I had them program it to work with the factory Jeep/GM column switch. Fan Controller: Painless #30141, F5 Single 70 Amp Fan PWM Controller. This will soft-start the fan and bring it to 50% power at whatever "on" temperature you set. As the vehicle's temperature rises, the unit increases fan speed. It also bypasses the temperature setting when you turn the A/C on, and allows a settable speed at which it no longer turns on the fan. I will use this feature to run the low speed on my Lincoln Mark VIII fan. The ECM will turn on the high speed feature of the fan if the engine gets to the higher temperature the ECM is set at. This gives me a redundant system to ensure the engine runs nice and cool. Keyless Entry: I went with a system by AutoLoc ( http://www.autoloc.com ). I chose them because they have a flip-key style remote that works with their system. I'll be modifying a key and maybe the ignition cylinder to use this. Remote Start: I know, such a sissy sort of thing, right? Well, my wife has MS, and heat, as she says, is the enemy. Being able to remotely start the vehicle and allow the interior to cool down will be great for her and a luxury for me. I went with an Omega/Excalibur unit. Battery Isolator: I plan on running at least one deep cycle battery besides the normal "starting" battery. This is to go along with all the other "stuff" I have added, along with the inverter I plan on installing. I am using a "smart isolator" by Intellitec. Battery Charger: I will be mounting a Battery Tender on board. Stereo/Navigation: Kenwood DNX6140. A double DIN stereo/cd player with iPod control and Garmin GPS. CB: Galaxy DX949 w/SSB. The unit is too deep to mount how I wanted, so I am extending the wires to the faceplate so I can remote mount the body and install the face in my dash. Scanner: Uniden BCT15X TrunkTracker III... yeah, I don't know why, I just had to have one. As for progress... Over the weekend I tried out the simulated "brushed aluminum" vinyl I purchased. Great stuff! (3M DiNoc). I do need to use the adhesive promoter/primer 3M sells, and so have ordered that. I'll post pics of the finished dash insert once I get the primer and redo it. I also began running the Engine Management harness. So far, I have only run into one difficulty, the cam sensor connector is different from my engine's. I'll contact PSI as soon as I have checked all the other connectors, but I imagine I will just need to swap out the connector. Until next time! |
After many weeks of migraines, road trips, migraines, house work, migraines, cleaning out the storage are of the garage, migraines, rearranging the guest bedroom, migraines, and working on my father's '59 Impala project, I am finally back to work. Besides all the other stuff going on, I have also been plagued with a bunch of migraines. Did I mention that?
Anyway, without further ado, here goes the progress... As you may recall, I had to modify the hood latch mechanism to clear the new radiator placement. I purchased a hood latch lever and cable system from Lokar and installed it. Works like a champ! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psc4070f01.jpg I was able to modify the original hood latch lever assembly to use as the bracket for the new lever assembly. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psa0e2d288.jpg With the new heat-A/C system, there is plenty room up behind the passenger side of the dash. A few brackets, and some careful measuring, and we have a place to mount the ECM, TCM, Engine Management Fuse Panel, Auxiliary Fuse Panel, CB Radio, Remote Start Module, Keyless Entry Module, and... I think that's it... maybe... I also mounted the passenger side defroster duct (the old style to go with the old style dash pad). I had to modify it a bit, but it works quite well now. I still need to make manifolds to connect the ducts to the Heater Box. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7faead8b.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps81faa82a.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psa18249d8.jpg Under the hood, I mounted the Fan Control Module. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...pse91a67b6.jpg And the Auxiliary Battery Control Module http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...pse91a67b6.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps19a05c9b.jpg On the roof I got the CB Antenna and Scanner Antenna mounted. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps667da2e2.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9d21e184.jpg In between migraines and other assorted distractions, I finished the radio panel. The upper hole is for the head unit w/GPS. The bottom is for the CB radio face. The toggles are for all manner of stuff. I have different labels coming as I don't like the way these look. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psa48223f5.jpg |
As for some of the non-migraine distractions (did I mention I've been getting a lot of migraines lately?), I went to North Carolina and got some welding done on my dad's '59 Impala project.
Rocker panel repair. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps84ec4dfc.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9736234e.jpg Moved the fuel tank braces to allow the tank from a '96 Caprice to be used. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5b9473c3.jpg Took my wife to the butterfly house in Durham. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6595b9a.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd465a6d6.jpg And rearranged the guest bedroom... I'll repaint the pink sooner or later, but for now, at least it's more acceptable. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4d172e5b.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...pscfdd37bf.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps07367c41.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7e6e92fb.jpg |
And we have updates!
Behold! The Infamous 42 gallon Suburban fuel tank. So how do you put 50lbs of manure in a 25lb bag? Well, fist you remove anything that sticks up from the top of the tank. On the Suburban tank there are two vapor vents (for the charcoal canister) and a vent for the fill. The vapor vents were filled with freeze plugs (turned down to 1.22") and installed with JB Marine Weld(fuel resistant). The hole for the fill vent (it was already torn off when I bought the tank-got a deal because it was damaged) was filled with by tapping the hole to 3/8 NPT and screwing in a plug coated with the same JB weld. I then made a new vent next to the original fill by drilling a 1/4 hole and enlarging it with a tapered tap (to make an area for the tap to bite), tapping it 3/8 NPT, and installing a plug. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psa4c9e1b4.jpg As others have done, I cut the rear most crossmember off to make room. Sine the tank will block access to the nuts that hold the bumper and trailer hitch, I welded them. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps78bfcbea.jpg I had to trim the floor brace so I could get the tank as high as possible. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps090a3e8c.jpg While under the truck, I installed my new air shocks. I drilled a couple holed in the crossmember located just behind the rear axle to hang the tank mounting bolts. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4c31e3b.jpg I braced the rear of the frame with an L brace (to hang the tank) and a larger brace attached to the bumper brackets. Here is the L bracket. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps53edfdc2.jpg A hole was cut in the floor to make easy access for the fuel sender/fuel pump unit. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9827ed23.jpg The tank, once installed doesn't hang all that low... here it is from a normal viewing height, sans trailer hitch. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd6d70d87.jpg Here it is as seen from down low. again, sans trailer hitch. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf74808b4.jpg The exhaust passes between the rear shock and fuel tank with little room to spare. Currently there is about 1/4" between the exhaust and each item. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psb09069ab.jpg Here is another view. Once done, I'll take it where I can get it up on a lift so I can dimple the pipe and the tank to give about 1/2" between the pipe and the shock, and a good 1" between it and the tank. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8594d98b.jpg |
Since we were working on the nether regions, the headpipe was next. Using the Silverado manifolds, I welded up a headpipe with crossover. The welds aren't the prettiest, mostly because I was welding stainless with a MIG. Still, I got good penetration, and that's all that matters.
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4c1eb2eb.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psdcfc436a.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9b08709.jpg The pipe is in two pieces with a sliding clamp to ease installation. As it runs very close to the transmission pan and servo cover, I wrapped it. This will also help keep heat out of the interior. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps485c4d20.jpg You can see how close it runs to the pan. There is good clearance for driveshaft movement too. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...pse72bc0b4.jpg I had to cut the original floor heat shield for clearance, so the wrap will really help. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps88ba5323.jpg Here it runs down past the transmission. There is a shield that also protects the transmission from the heat. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5cf0a61d.jpg Passenger side clearance. Good distance between the exhaust and the starter. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8cbfb892.jpg And that's all for now... sorry, no critter pictures today. We do have a couple of cool spiders just outside our bedroom window, but I haven't taken any good shots of them. Until next time... |
Nice swap it looks really good.
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I like that Suburban tank. Might be able to get a few miles out of town now...or states. :D
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Jeep progress!!!
Ok, it's only a small thing, but it is still real, actual progress on my Jeep! :D I had only a short bit of time today to work on the Jeep, and rather than get everything out and crawl under the dash for wiring, I decided to get my steering wheel together. The wheel is a recent Ebay purchase. It's not a very expensive steering wheel. Though a real wood wheel, the spokes were a bit scratched up, so I got it at a good price. But being me, I didn't want it to look like an aftermarket wheel. It had to look like it could have come from Jeep. So... I rummaged through some boxes in the garage attic and came up with an old Oldsmobile sport wheel horn button. I disassembled the button, discarding everything but the portion that connects the button to the actual electrical portion of the horn button (to be purchased later), and the lower escutcheon. I sanded and painted the lower escutcheon silver, then trimmed the center portion of a Jeep Cherokee horn button to fit. After gluing these together, and while waiting for the glue to set, I sanded the steering wheel's spokes and taped off the wooden part so the spokes could be painted. In the end, I think it turned out quite nicely. The whole thing will attach to a '68-pre airbag GM sport wheel 6-screw hub, and will use the corresponding horn button (electrical portion) and so should be quite reliable. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psd2614e2d.jpg |
And more Jeepness!!
Made a place to hold the Chevy airbox. I cut a 4" hole in the bottom of the airbox, and made a tube to connect behind the front fascia. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6c9c4bb6.jpg Modified the airbox to close off the original air intake and instead use the new 4" intake tube. By the way, the welds are Silicon Bronze. Nice stuff to work with! Not for anything structural of course, but great for working with sheet metal. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69b3db64.jpg A test fit with the lid. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psa25a7fe7.jpg Finished, except for the last flex joint and clamps. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psc1a18da9.jpg I forgot to take photos of the build process, but here's the battery box (built out of the bed frame mentioned in the other thread). http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9f095464.jpg I also made a bar to hold 3 Maxi Fuse holders and 4 Bosch style relays. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps00a673ac.jpg Lastly, I mounted a set of Cadillac 4-note horns (A, C, D, and F) in the old pie plate positions. They're not actually louder than the factory horns, but their tone really gets your attention! http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps91830ca8.jpg http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...psea72592e.jpg No critters this time, though I wish I'd taken one of the Carolina Wolf Spider I found in the kitchen sink a few weeks ago! :shock: Egad that thing was huge! |
pro-touring? as long as you lower it and put some wide sticky tires on :D
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Lower it and put some 18x10s on the front and 18x12s on the rear!
I had three wagoners when I was a teen (30 yrs ago) and I lowered mine but with 15s all around (largest they had back then). I was fascinated with them and I still consider them one of my favorites. |
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Well... OK, so it probably isn't "Pro-Touring" in that sense of it. But it will be my daily driver, and it will get used to go touring--touring the country that is. It will be our long distance travel vehicle too. And while it won't get lowered, it won't get jacked to the sky either. The most lift it will ever see is a 2" spring kit, which puts it back where earlier Wagoneers sat. When done it will have 16" wheels with 31" tires (either Yokohama Geolander A/T-S, or Michelin LTX A/T 2), so nothing crazy there either. Due to lack of funds (And a mere doubling of the budget amount spent) the interior and bodywork will be left for next year. I have a set of Thunderbird Turbo Coupe seats that will be recovered and adapted to fit the Wagoneer's tracks. New carpet of course, and a new headliner too. Outside it will get Cherokee W/T flares, and a nice coat of white. The wood-grain will be removed, though I may go with an older pattern that follows the upper, slanted body lines. |
We have Jeepage!
When we last saw this insane project, there were birds living in the air intake duct. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7f42cbe7.jpg These, I am happy to say, have gone on to become productive members of society. Consequently, the air intake duct has been blocked off with a screen. The birds, Mr. and Mrs. Casawren, did, I'm afraid, file a lawsuit in federal court, alleging that the act of blocking such a prime piece of nest building real-estate was discriminatory and speciesist. Fortunately, Judge Earnest P. Squirrel dismissed the case. Citing Titmouse vs Grizzly Adams, Judge Squirrel reiterated the earlier court's ruling that wildlife does not have the right of Eminent Domain on an unnatural object such as an automobile when said object is surrounded by the natural and proper objects in which the species would normally find its abode. Mr. John Skunk, the attorney for the Casawrens, said the ruling was "a travesty of justice," but that his clients had no intention of appealing. Many hours of soldering have been accomplished under the hood. At this point, 99% of all the under hood wiring has been accomplished. So, under the hood looks like this: http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG The transmission cooler lines have been run. As you may recall, I'm not running a cooler in the radiator. Because of this, I needed to run a thermostat to ensure the transmission fluid comes up to temperature in the winter. I also wanted to run a separate fan on the transmission cooler, and a temperature gauge to monitor the fluid temperature. To this end I cut a block of aluminum about 5 inches long, drilled a passageway through it, then drilled two holes down into it, one for the fan thermostatic switch, the other for the gauge's sending unit. In this picture, you can see the thermostat block (the large aluminum block with the round cap), and my aluminum block (for the sending unit and the thermostatic switch). http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG From underneath, you can see how everything was run and bracketed to clear the exhaust. I also wrapped it all in a heat sleeve to ensure the exhaust heat wouldn't damage the hose. Also note, the hose used is transmission cooler hose, not fuel line! Fuel line will last six months to a year before it starts to leak like a sieve. Cooler line will last for years. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG And the cat sleeps... http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...ps26f4523c.jpg |
So now we move to the inside!
I pulled a huge section of harness out from where it ran across the driver's side of the dash, and split it open. I then began to identify the wires that belonged to the cluster, those that belonged to the A/C-heat, and those that belonged to other systems. The ones that I did not need, and which I could pull through and discard, I did. You can see the big harness running across the top of the steering column in this photo. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...0eKw/item.JPG? Those which I did not need, but which ran out to under the hood, I marked as such, in case I might need them. Those which I did not need, but which I could not extricate from the harness, were cut back to a reasonable position, bent over on themselves, and a length of heatshrink was shrunk over the end, just in case they might be live. This is what I started with. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG When I was done, this is what lay on the ground, just outside the driver's door. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG And this is what I had when I was done. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG And before you think the after photo doesn't look all that much different from the before, note how many little green tags there are on the wires now. Everything is nice and tagged. For proof, this is what it looks like now. Note how that big, fat harness it gone. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG Now that I can work with! And so I am about to go out and get to work. Before I do, there is, of course, the obligatory critter photo. This little guy (and I do mean little... about 1/2 inch long!) was hanging out on my BMW. He didn't seem inclined to fix it for me though. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG I guess I forgot to mention the BMW fiasco. Last Saturday I put a new A/C condenser in it. Yes, air conditioning! Until Sunday. Sunday, on the way to church, the front crank hub went out on the thing. I don't know for sure, but this probably cracked the front timing cover. In other words, it's a minor repair, but one that will require an extraordinary amount of work and money. And time, too. The parts will take a few weeks to gather. I'm thinking I'll probably part the thing out. Besides, don't you think BMW M5 seats would just rock in a Jeep? :thumbsup: And as for the engine, I think I'll pull that and the transmission, and put them aside. They just seem like the perfect swap into a 240/260/280z. :superhack: |
And the Jeep goes on...
The last couple of days have been spent with wiring and wiring related items. The first thing I did was install an accessory fuse panel for items that will be available when the key is in the "on" or "accessory" positions. The reason I have it as a separate fuse panel is that it gets its power from a high amp relay. The relay trigger runs through a switch located on the center stack. In the "normal" position, the accessories work with the ignition switch as with any vehicle. In the "on" position, the accessories are available without the key being in the ignition. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG As things have been coming together under the dash, I have been considering how I will run the ducting. Today I constructed a manifold for the defroster ducts. It's made from some exhaust tubing and metal stock, a bit overkill, but it will definitely serve the purpose! I coated it in Rustoleum rubber sealer to keep it from easily sweating with the A/C running. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG I know it looks a mess now, but the wiring will be made neat before it's buttoned up. I started wiring the radio, getting the hot wire, the switched wire, and the ground (both to the plug, and to the chassis) done before I had to quit. No recent critter pics, so I'll leave you with a pic of a pair Dung Beetles. We saw these in Botany Bay Plantation, on Edisto Island, South Carolina. http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/...SC_0423015.jpg |
Great update! This thing is going to be even more awesome when finished!
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Wiring progresses...
Got the vacuum lines to the A/C-Heat controls figured out, and wired up the power to the system. All fan speeds work as they should, and the various doors all move in proper relation to the mode selected on the controls. Also got many of the various switches hooked up. Found I need a double pole, double throw, momentary switch for the rear defroster. Did some research and ordered that. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG I wired up the rear window switch. The switch on the center stack (pictured) will work with the key on or off, and triggers relays at the back of the vehicle. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...R1X34/item.JPG Like so many others have found, my rear key switch is DOA. I decided to use a toggle switch mounted on the body, just to the left of the rear window. The only problem was, how do I make it so someone cannot just come along and roll my rear window down? My first solution was to have it only work with the ignition key in the "on" position, but I felt that would quickly become a real pain. So I came up with a switch that will turn the relays on only when the driver's door lock is in the unlocked position. Here's the switch. It's part of a flip-floping switch that I unbolted from its solenoid. I made an extended arm from an old A/C-Heat control lever, and attached it to the unit. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG Then I made a bracket to mount the assembly on the door, and used a couple hose clamps mounted on the lock rod to act on the lever. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG Works every time! And for the critter shot; these are (most likely) the Blue Mud Dauber. Apparently, these little guys hunt down spiders to stung and lay their eggs on. From what I have read, they have a penchant for the Black Widow, though I cannot say if such is really the case. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG Just what they are doing on my little side deck I have no idea. I don't know if they're competing for spiders, doing some sort of mating ritual, or just helping themselves to whatever mold or fungus is growing on the wood. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG Whatever they're doing, they sure have a cool looking paint job! :D |
Glad you're moving along on this. The truck's looking good.
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Well, between a 4-day migraine and loosing the A/C part I promised someone, I've actually gotten a bit of work done. Not a lot, mind you, but some!
Mostly, I've been wiring. Obviously, this means I don't have a lot of pictures to show, because cutting, soldering, and putting heat shrink on wires can't really be seen. But there is one place I can show where progress has been made. Here is the back of the instrument cluster! I used some old connectors I had laying around to make it so the whole thing can be disconnected as a unit. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG There has been a lot of "tidying up" of the wires where they run behind the center stack, and some rerouting as well. While doing all this, I was visited by this little guy. http://blg.nikonsrc.com/image/Ullne5...30eKw/item.JPG I don't know what he was, but although he is colored to look like a bee, he was not. He tried to feed from the knobs on the CB (who knew they were nutritious?), then fleww away. One cool thing I noticed, but couldn't get a good picture of, was that he folded his legs straight up when flying. It reminded me of some sort of space ship! That's all for today... |
No pics, but...
Fire in the hole! It runs! Idles smooth. Exhaust sounds nice! Transmission goes into Drive and Reverse. WooHoo! Still a bit to do though. Just got my A/C fittings in today, so tomorrow I'll be plumbing that. Should have pics again soon. |
Congrats Bill. :thumbsup:
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