1981 CJ8 Project “Penny”

[designerRob]

Those looks awesome. That's really great that someone is making replacement covers.

And maybe the factory piping wasn't so dark when new. It might have darkened through age.

 

[Randyzzz]

Seat ready before and after… the original fabric seemed higher quality but had cracked and had darker pipe. Overall, much more useable and ready for another 30 yearsView attachment 95545View attachment 95546

Those look like they came out nice. Can’t wait to install mine.

 

[rubclt]

It’s been a little slow on this project working on the family daily jeeps, etc. thinking through restoration of original dash pad or a new one with SEM custom mix Nutmeg…

 

[Special K]

Would you mind sharing the details for the custom SEM nutmeg mix when you get it? Thanks!

 

[rubclt]

Would you mind sharing the details for the custom SEM nutmeg mix when you get it? Thanks!

I got this tip from another CJ friend… You have to go to SEM website and find mix dealer ask for code in photo. I had mine put into aerosol cans.

 

[cw05]

I got this tip from another CJ friend… You have to go to SEM website and find mix dealer ask for code in photo. I had mine put into aerosol cans.
View attachment 100121

What color do you plan to use for the AMC logo and Jeep letters?

 

[rubclt]

What color do you plan to use for the AMC logo and Jeep letters?

Not sure yet

 

[certifiablejeep]

Seat ready before and after… the original fabric seemed higher quality but had cracked and had darker pipe. Overall, much more useable and ready for another 30 yearsView attachment 95545View attachment 95546

Just for everyone's knowledge... the nutmeg material that they are using now isn't as "denim-ey" as the original. They have a black set of covers that are closer to the original, but still not quite original. All in all it is great that there are options now.

cb

 

[rubclt]

After a long break sitting outside a good wash to remove the pollen and dust. Into the shop for an initial punch list to get her back on the road.

 

[rubclt]

Hoping second attempt at fixing clutch would work… stiff stiff and not disengaging. Going back in for third try and installing new, lighter clutch.

 

[rubclt]

While waiting on parts to coming was able to get driver seat installed so I can optimistically drive soon. Before and after photos. Notice the AT lever swapped for MT…

 

[rubclt]

Paint oxidation compounded off, up next some polishing to protect patina

 

[spankrjs]

Hoping second attempt at fixing clutch would work… stiff stiff and not disengaging. Going back in for third try and installing new, lighter clutch.
View attachment 109410

I see that is an old school 3 finger pressure plate. All the pressure plates I use/have removed have always been the diaphragm style with lots of fingers. The 3 finger style are much stiffer then the diaphragm style pressure plates.

 

[rubclt]

I see that is an old school 3 finger pressure plate. All the pressure plates I use/have removed have always been the diaphragm style with lots of fingers. The 3 finger style are much stiffer than the diaphragm style pressure plates.

Some big springs…. I leaning that this is issue. I will snap a picture of the two clutches when swapping. Thanks @spankrjs

 

[rubclt]

Windy, cloudy and pending rain allows for more shop time with Penny. My buffer pad was about gone, used it up on the floor… I pulled driver seat and reinstalled. Thread chase all the seat and seat belt holes. Removed PO brake controller and non factor wires. Will add passenger seat once clutch project is finished


After photo

 

[rubclt]

Swapped Carter for New Webber. Started right up… one step closer… I did have a patina Webber Air Cleaner to use instead of new chrome one…

 

[rubclt]

New clutch and pressure plate arrived, bottom set. Installed and test drive was successful. Button up a few items with windshield seal and top front rail repair

 

[rubclt]

Removed hardtop to replace windshield gasket and fix rivets. PO used clear silicon that I scrape off before riveting

 

[rubclt]

Dash pad was rusted, time to restore. Vacuum and scrapper removed loose rust. Cut a washer and glued in… JB Weld with steel reinforcement worked well binding the metal back to foam. Topped off with POR.

 

[rubclt]

Similar story with bottom on windshield and rust. Removed all the loose rust and POR on top. New gasket has three screws holding it in place.