Meet Red, my 81 Restomod Build

[Jeepskate]

While I’ve got your attention- I’m thinking about seat covers. By covers I mean replacement upholstery. The passenger seat is perfect. The drivers seat is worn, as shown in the pictures. They came out of an 86 CJ-7. I also have a perfect matching rear seat.

So...stick with the factory black denim vinyl, or replace both with leather Laredo style seat covers, black with red purse straps and perforated centers.

Looking good!!! You already know what I'm gonna say

 

[sdsupilot]

That T rex horn button (and the whole steering wheel) is awesome!

 

[Jeepskate]

That T rex horn button (and the whole steering wheel) is awesome!

Thanks. Both eBay finds. Stumbled across the horn button, the steering wheel was made to order (had one done with blue stitching for JPSK8 too).

 

[Randyzzz]

Looking good!!! You already know what I'm gonna say

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Yep. Love those seats!

 

[Randyzzz]

Spent a little time playing with cardboard and hot glue this afternoon. Mocked up a console concept. I like the front part, and probably the back, just not so sure about the center area by the shifters. It’s just the first try, going to keep cutting and gluing before making it out of wood and upholstery. The back compartment is 6” deep. I’m planning on putting the subwoofer underneath that.

 

[don87401]

Not a bad idea, I am fixing to go through the same thing with mine.

 

[MemphisBigRich]

So nice... no bolt untouched ??

 

[Svarasv]

LT1swap for the win !
I also used his tutorial to work on my harness.
Just an advice, do not delete the oil press sensor, is good to have it whenever you scan the engine

 

[Randyzzz]

LT1swap for the win !
I also used his tutorial to work on my harness.
Just an advice, do not delete the oil press sensor, is good to have it whenever you scan the engine

I keep all the sensors in my swaps. They may not be necessary, but they really don’t cause any extra work either.

 

[Randyzzz]

Been laying low for a couple weeks. My Mom passed away on Dec 7. She went peacefully in her sleep. We were expecting it but it’s never easy.

So, I think it’s finally time to get busy again. I was looking at parts online and saw this diff cover. I figured if I’m going to rock a D30 front, I might as well buy it some jewelry and show it off. The cover is nodular iron and is made by Dana. Figured I might as well get a good gasket too!

 

[Randyzzz]

Looking good!!! You already know what I'm gonna say

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Did you have those covers custom made or did you get them from somewhere like LSeats? Those are exactly what I want.

 

[Belizeit]

Sorry for your loss. Takes some time for the pain to ease. Great looking cover also.

 

[HighSierra CJ]

Hey Randy,
So sorry to hear about your mom. You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[spankrjs]

Sorry for your loss Randy, my condolences.

 

[Randyzzz]

Sorry for your loss. Takes some time for the pain to ease. Great looking cover also.

Hey Randy,
So sorry to hear about your mom. You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sorry for your loss Randy, my condolences.

Thank you. It has been a journey.

I decided why not install the new front cover today. But first, I wanted to check the bolts that came with it. They were marked Grade 8, but I was suspicious. Looked off. So, I chucked up an all thread coupler in the vise, and approximated the thickness of the cover with washers and got out the torque wrench. Spec for the cover bolts is about 30 ftlbs. So I set the wrench to 20. Click. 25. Click. 30. Snap. Knew it! I got out the old Grade 5 bolts, using the same method they went to 35 before I stopped. So I reused the old bolts, but I’ll buy some better ones before I’m finished.
Bolts -Destructive testing-Cover installed with old bolts. I like the way it looks, and it’s heck for stout. The drain plug is finger tight, it sits flush when tightened

 

[Randyzzz]

My grandson came in as I was posting this- he built a Lego Scrambler!

 

[Belizeit]

I see the bottom drain plug on the lower left. Why 2 plugs, 1 over the other ?

 

[Randyzzz]

I see the bottom drain plug on the lower left. Why 2 plugs, 1 over the other ?

Depends on the tilt of the axle and how much lube you want to run.

 

[HighSierra CJ]

Love those lube locker gaskets. Finally put them on my TF999 transmissions. No more leaks

 

[barrys]

Sorry for your loss
I have seen those Dana covers and they seem very stout.