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New Build - 1978 Cherokee Chief!

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by SmokinIdahoan, Aug 24, 2010.

  1. Sep 3, 2010
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Do the seats switch right or left? If so you might check into installing two rights. I did that on a couple of work vans. The right seat was barely used.
     
  2. Sep 5, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Sep 26, 2009
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    Putting lots of thought into what i need to do about that drivers seat.... they dont switch l-r because there is a lever/latch that allows them to fold forward to access the rear seat...at this point, i have called all the pick-a-parts within ~50 miles and am having a hard time finding a decent drivers seat....i called a buddy with an upholstery shop - it will run me ~200 or more to get it fixed, and at the same time - the seat isnt exactly what i want. i am thinking of finding some buckets or a bench that i like and modifying...but havent made progress on that front either...
     
  3. Sep 6, 2010
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    For me it would depend on the end goal of the project. If you are not going for originality, I would definitely get some some more modern, ie more comfortable, buckets or, as you mentioned, maybe a bench or split bench. I'm thinking something from maybe a Durango or a dakota. The seats from a full size SUV or truck may be too wide. This wouldn't be an issue if you go with buckets I guess. Keep us updated. Cool project. I like it a lot.
     
  4. Sep 8, 2010
    Jack Frost

    Jack Frost Member

    Mineral, VA
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    Nov 28, 2006
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    114
    when i worked on the '61 CJ5, I used some seats out of a 3 series BMW (dumpster diving does pay). Welding skills aside, or lack thereof in my case, they did fit well and ride good.
    ever thought about not having a flip-forward seat? Like having access through the rear gate? or do you need to have the rear bench also?
     
  5. Sep 20, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Sep 26, 2009
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    So, After being away on business for a week, and a complete lack of funds, finally got down to a little more business this weekend...

    First off, i pulled the instrument cluster out to attempt to fix the fuel gauge, and after a puff of smoke, i have found out the wrong way to wire it lol. I also found a rotted vacum line, feeding the heater/defrost controls - now replaced and voila' my controls work :D, next issue...the duct hoses from the heater box to the defroster's were rotted away (metal frame, covered in paper tape)...a little duct tape, and bingo - i now have defrost to go with the heat!
    [​IMG]
    I decieded to throw a coat of wax on it, just to see if the orange would come back from the oxide...it sure did :D
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Then, to make it a little more useable, i decided to attempt to fix the "gansta" lean that my drivers seat had going for it, so i pulled the seat out and found that the frame in the seat was busted, took some time and made a plate to bolt in - as i was drilling, the bit caught and bucked - right into my chin, a nice big split, and because the wife wanted to bandage, it took my goatee off too (had to shave to bandage :(..) anyway, i did fix the seat (before i got bandaged up lol) and headed down to wally world, where they had some decent floor mats for 7$ and a cheapie black seat cover for 10$...so not bad IMO, and here are the updated pics
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I can drive the jeep, comfortably now, lights all work, blinkers, speedo, temp sender, amp meter etc...only thing left is to figure out how to get the fuel gauge working....
     
  6. Sep 20, 2010
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Looking good, but, you forgot a pic..:D
     
  7. Sep 20, 2010
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    We love carnage pics, good thing you didn't knock out a tooth.

     
  8. Sep 23, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Here's a much better pic of the jeep....

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Sep 23, 2010
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    looking great Matt :beer:
     
  10. Sep 23, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Thanks Jim! I dont suppose you have a fuel sender and aftermarket gauge extra laying around lol. Thats the only other thing that really needs done to be a full DD... :D
     
  11. Sep 27, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Spent some time with the jeep this weekend, installed some Hella lights :D
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Sep 27, 2010
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
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    Apr 17, 2005
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    Ouch, those Hella's look to be in a very vulnerable spot. Around here where we have to parallel park a lot those poor things would be crunched in no time. I'd hate to see some doofus in a crapbox in a Walmart parking lot take out your nice Hella's.
     
  13. Sep 27, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Yeah, they are in a bad spot, but its only temporary, i think i am going to build a pre-runner style front bumper and mount them up protected :D
     
  14. Oct 6, 2010
    SmokinIdahoan

    SmokinIdahoan Avian Flu Controller

    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    Took a short lunch break today and blacked out the grill on the FSJ! I like it!
    [​IMG]
     
  15. Oct 6, 2010
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    I do too. Much better:beer:
     
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