Big Ron's 74

So here is the latest project I just picked up. It's a 74 with a 304 and 3 speed. It's been sitting for about 10 years and hasn;t been inspected since 85, so something tells me I have more to replace than I think. The only rust is a small hole in the passenger rocker and the passenger front body mount is on its way out.

I'll likely just get it running, slap on some 33s and drive the bugs out before I build it. I'm not planning anything major for a bout a year or so, but in the meantime, just lock it and put in a cage.
More to come, but I have to work on it about 20 minutes away since we sold our house and live in an apt for 6 months

 

Woohoo! Jetset Blue Poly (metallic). Nice color. Looks in fine shape.

Those tires kinda look ok from here. I'd drive it.

 

Those tires have been on there a looooong time. I brought my CO2 tank just to fill them up to get it on the trailer.

I forgot to mention (to my wife) it has an edelbrock intake, holley 4 barrel carb, edelbrock cam feeding into lame 80s fenderwell headers and cherry bombs under the rockers. Wonder how long it'll take my wife to demand a new exhaust when I get it running

 

Great start. Like Tim said, drive it.

 

I'd drive it as well. Replace all the hoses, the belts, check the bearings, put oil or greese on anything that moves. Spend a little bit of time on the motor and get it running good.

Then drive it..........

 

Just picked up a set of (5) 33 BFG muds with like 90% tread for $250. If I keep being tight with the $$$, the wife will like this jeep even more!

Should fire it up tomorrow after I decide if there is any gas in the tank and if I feel like draining it. drivin it this weekend!

 

I almost got it fired up today with my jerry rigged gas can. It fired but then the 20 year old starter started spewing smoke. It could have been because the ground wired were melting because I was so excited to star it and the cable I bought were too short so I used the old one.

Starter and cables in tomorrow and it should fire on up.

Side note. I put in a new ignition because I had no keys for the jeep. It works perfectly, but I still need to unlock the gas tank. Anyone ever get one off without the key? Pick it? Take a pipe wrench or channel locks too and force it off? The tank feels empty, but i'll feel better know after I get access to it.

 

I removed the rubber gas line from the metal filler near the body, then unscrewed the fuel filler from the body so that I could pull the whole thing out...then reached in from the inside of the filler neck to depress the lock mechanism.

Might be an easier way...but this one worked for me.

 

I suggest you follow Norm's suggestion. I recall that if you break the cap (ie twist or pry off the exposed part), the lock mechanism will fall down the filler neck.

 

Good call! That'll give me direct access to drain the tank as well without having to drop it.
Hopefully I can finish work today so I can get it running for the weekend and have time to do fun stuff like lockers and tires

 

I stuck a flat blade screwdriver in the key slot and turned the screwdriver with a wrench, it broke the lock but the gas cap came off no problem.

 

Would love to see some more pics of this Jeep, as it looks like a nice one!

 

I'll grab a few more picks tomorrow. I have to work on it at my dad's garage since we sold our house. I have only been fiddling with it for a few hours, but I should get it running tomorrow and get the tires on.
I yanked out the factory carpet and padding. Should have left it in so I wouldn;t see the rust.
It looked good when I first looked at it, but there may be a floor replacement in my future. I guess that means I can cut it up a "little bit" and not feel too bad about it R)

 

Only got to spend 2 hours this morning before the wife called me home. Got the starter in and she fired right up at perfect idle after sitting for over 10 years! Well...the carb started leaking fuel from every gasket, but luckily the local Advance auto had a Holley 4brl rebuild kit in stock for a grand total of $20 (These are the kind of purchases I'm happy to tell the wife about)

Should be driving in in a few days when I get the tires mounted.

 

Got the BFGs mounted today and the gas tank filled up. of course the "new" radiator that was 10 years old leaks where the bottom tank is soldered. New rad going in tomorrow and then a test drive and try and get it inspected:?

I also just picked up a set of waggie 44s that are built and locked with the 5x5.5 bolt pattern..so if the drum brakes need upgrades, I may have to swap these in sooner than I want.
Also picked up a J20 steering box that is rebuilt and tapped for hydro assist...so I may have to go to the JY and find a 304/360 power steering pump and bracket.

One of these days I'll remember my camera so I can document more!

 

Ha! 12th offroad vehicle I have built in the last 10 years. Only been married for 2 years, but together for all of those rigs. I think my only saving grace is allowing us to move 50 feet from my mother-inlaw after we sold our houseR)

 

get the new radiator in tomorrow and then she'll be driving

 

Well I drove the crap out of this today. Let's just say the front tires get a little light because of the power and short wheelbase
the motor has tons more power than my old 304 thanks to the intake, cam and exhaust.
Power steering and power brakes are a must with this short of a wheelbase. If I'm gonna do discs up front, may as well do a 44? Or should I keep the 30, run disc outters and wheel spacers to get a bit more width.



I even thought about narrowing a 44 to Wide track CJ width (56") and keeping the suspension as is..or outboard and do the full width 44 front and rear? If I outboard, I may as well use that as a chance to get a little more wheelbase, maybe in the 95" range since I'll b doing steering at the same time.....

Too many choices...whatcha think?