I bought my first Jeep in June 2014 - '79 CJ5. I performed a basic restoration on that Jeep (new paint, new interior, fixed some of the mechanicals, etc.) but didn't do a frame off. I began looking for a new project at the start of this year (either a CJ7 or CJ8).
In June, I found an '81 CJ8 in TX that has become my next project with the goal of a frame off restoration. At some point in its lifetime, someone decided to paint over the original paint (I think it was brown) with a purple and white color scheme (hence, Project Purple People Eater). Overall, the Scrambler was in pretty good shape considering it has been used mainly as a ranch truck. The frame is solid and the tub only has some minor surface rust. The body had a few dents around the top of the bed which I have already straightened out. The worst of the body is actually the two front fenders (both pushed in) - I'll probably end up just replacing those. It came with a nice half cab hardtop. I'm currently looking for some doors (if anyone has some leads).
I've been following this site for a while to gain knowledge and ideas prior to jumping into the project. I officially commenced work on October 28th. Within a week I had the body off the frame and the engine pulled by the following weekend. I haven't worked on it much in the past two weeks but I have managed to get the front axle disconnected from the frame. I'm hoping to get the frame completely stripped this week. I still have to pull the rear axle, remove the brake lines and cut the bumpers off the frame. I bought a new rear crossmember from ChiefWaho to replace the current one on the frame. I've had a few nuts within the frame break that will need to be fixed after I sandblast the frame. One of these nuts is behind the brake proportioning valve which is the only thing keeping me from removing all the brake lines from the frame (I just haven't gotten around to cutting the head off the bolt to remove it).
Anyways, here are some preliminary thoughts for the goal of the frame off:
- New crate Chevy 350 or 383
- TH350 trans
- 4.10 gears
- 3.5” BDS Suspension lift with a YJ Spring Conversion
- Tie Rod flip
- 33" - 35" tires
For the color scheme, I am leaning towards a dark hunter green with the orange graphics and brown/tan seats.
Please chime in as I post more updates and correct me or offer suggestions as y'all see them. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as I get further into the project. Now on to the photos...
In June, I found an '81 CJ8 in TX that has become my next project with the goal of a frame off restoration. At some point in its lifetime, someone decided to paint over the original paint (I think it was brown) with a purple and white color scheme (hence, Project Purple People Eater). Overall, the Scrambler was in pretty good shape considering it has been used mainly as a ranch truck. The frame is solid and the tub only has some minor surface rust. The body had a few dents around the top of the bed which I have already straightened out. The worst of the body is actually the two front fenders (both pushed in) - I'll probably end up just replacing those. It came with a nice half cab hardtop. I'm currently looking for some doors (if anyone has some leads).
I've been following this site for a while to gain knowledge and ideas prior to jumping into the project. I officially commenced work on October 28th. Within a week I had the body off the frame and the engine pulled by the following weekend. I haven't worked on it much in the past two weeks but I have managed to get the front axle disconnected from the frame. I'm hoping to get the frame completely stripped this week. I still have to pull the rear axle, remove the brake lines and cut the bumpers off the frame. I bought a new rear crossmember from ChiefWaho to replace the current one on the frame. I've had a few nuts within the frame break that will need to be fixed after I sandblast the frame. One of these nuts is behind the brake proportioning valve which is the only thing keeping me from removing all the brake lines from the frame (I just haven't gotten around to cutting the head off the bolt to remove it).
Anyways, here are some preliminary thoughts for the goal of the frame off:
- New crate Chevy 350 or 383
- TH350 trans
- 4.10 gears
- 3.5” BDS Suspension lift with a YJ Spring Conversion
- Tie Rod flip
- 33" - 35" tires
For the color scheme, I am leaning towards a dark hunter green with the orange graphics and brown/tan seats.
Please chime in as I post more updates and correct me or offer suggestions as y'all see them. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as I get further into the project. Now on to the photos...
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