I'm at it again - Trooper this time

**RamAirZ** · 06/26/2011, 08:55 AM

If I lived closer, I'd help ya. You liking that Master Series coating btw? As you know I love restoring cars too, working on this baby right now:

I really need to open my own shop

**Buffy** · 06/26/2011, 09:16 AM

I love the Master Series Coatings! I used the silver on all the rusty spots on the frame. The master cylinder apparantly leaked and caused some rusting on the frame in that area. Instead of the MSC black to paint the frame I ordered some Eastwood Extreem Chassis high gloss chassis paint. One good coat of their primer and two good coats of the paint and the frame looks great. I have all the skid plates coated and painted and are awaiting to get installed. I am interested to see how well the paint holds up to some abuse.

**RamAirZ** · 06/26/2011, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Buffy

I love the Master Series Coatings! I used the silver on all the rusty spots on the frame. The master cylinder apparantly leaked and caused some rusting on the frame in that area. Instead of the MSC black to paint the frame I ordered some Eastwood Extreem Chassis high gloss chassis paint. One good coat of their primer and two good coats of the paint and the frame looks great. I have all the skid plates coated and painted and are awaiting to get installed. I am interested to see how well the paint holds up to some abuse.

I know the MSC held up great on my '69 frame, it got banged around and bumped into alot at the shop, never a scratch. I told you the stuff was good!! Probably going to be ordering some more of it myself soon

**Buffy** · 07/09/2011, 05:44 PM

I spent last weekend working on cleaning out the inside of the gas tank. Man talk about a long hard process! So this weekend is trying to get it all back together. I had to fix the rear cross member as the brother-in-law used to pull heavy boats which resulted in cracking out the croass member. So guess what the tool fairie sent me???

New Lincoln welder...

Here's the tank after internal cleaning, sealing and paint...

OEM sending unit and fuel pump...

All assembled...

Gas tank skid plate....

I finally got my seats. Here is what a VehiCROSS back seat looks like in a first gen Trooper. It is just sitting in there at the moment. I have a section of a VX floorpan on the way that I am going to graft into the Trooper. There is some space on either side of the set that I think I will build a cup holder for each side.

**RamAirZ** · 07/10/2011, 08:59 PM

Looks good buffy, can't wait to see the seats and what not installed, and that looks just like my welder. I love that thing!

**Buffy** · 07/11/2011, 05:12 AM

Yea, I am loving the welder. I've been wanting one for a long time and the wife finally said to go get one. Lowe's is doing the no interest thing for 6 to 18 months so I brought one home.

I welded the cracks in the rear cross member and got the gas tank and skid plate installed yesterday.

Cross member repaired. I had a tough time welding the plates that I sandwiched the crossmember in as the are both about 3/8" thick. Those are some hefty stainless steel bolts for extra holding power. Anything worth doing is worth over doin!!

Tank and skid plate installed...

I got my Joe Darlington drop brackets....

**Buffy** · 07/26/2011, 06:36 PM

Parts are finally starting to trickel in. Here is my 4:77 diff and Aussie locker install.

Disassembly of the diff:

Locker parts:

The trust washer you always hear about but never see:

**Buffy** · 07/26/2011, 06:37 PM

I ran into a problem while assembling the locker. I couldn't get the clearances between the spaces and the retainer pin. I tried to sand the thrust washer to get the measurements to come in as described in the instructions.

So, I took a trip to the machine shop and had a couple thousandths taken off the spacers. I happened to speak with Matt at Indy4X who explained the only part of the instructions to pay attention to was the sheet that details installing the pins and springs. So if you are going to install on of these things just put it together! And note to the planet, Matt mentioned they may no longer be selling the Aussie so if you want one better get cracking!

All back together:

Housing ready for the third member and paint:

Pretty!

**nfpgasmask** · 07/26/2011, 08:38 PM

Very nice. This fall, I will be doing much of the same with my Trooper. Real paint job, Linex, crate motor, and lots of other new parts. I can't wait!

Where did you source your 4.77s?

Bart

**Buffy** · 07/27/2011, 04:20 AM

Originally Posted by nfpgasmask

Very nice. This fall, I will be doing much of the same with my Trooper. Real paint job, Linex, crate motor, and lots of other new parts. I can't wait!

Where did you source your 4.77s?

Bart

I go the 4.77s from a member on the Planet. Keep a lookout for Troopers that came with the big tire package which consisted of Snowflakes and 31 10.50 tires and 4.77s.

If you were closer, I would be more than happy to come help you with some wrenching.

**ZEUS** · 07/27/2011, 07:56 AM

Awesome! I may be PMing you about a few things in the next few months if you don't mind...? Paints and processes and what not...

BTW, the villian side of me has to ask... is that an old skool Wagoneer I see or maybe a CJ?

EDIT: Or maybe it's a CJ project with ol skool Wagoneer axles? LOL

**Buffy** · 07/27/2011, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by ZEUS

Awesome! I may be PMing you about a few things in the next few months if you don't mind...? Paints and processes and what not...

BTW, the villian side of me has to ask... is that an old skool Wagoneer I see or maybe a CJ?

EDIT: Or maybe it's a CJ project with ol skool Wagoneer axles? LOL

Feel free to PM me any time and I'll shoot you my contact info.

You are correct in that it is a CJ project. It is an 86 CJ-8 with a world cab steel hard top. It has only 38,000 original miles on it. The original motor, tranny, transfer case is missing but the deal included a brand new Cummins 4BT, advanced adapter overdrive, Richmond 5 speed and a Dana 300 transfer case. All brand new. The top is what makes it rare.

It is a super rare Jeep barn find if you will.

**yellowgizmo99** · 07/27/2011, 12:02 PM

did you get the 4.77's from chadzu on the planet? was talking to him and he said he had someone he was working with already.

**vt_maverick** · 07/27/2011, 01:18 PM

This and the other thread are very encouraging Buffy. Whenever I change the oil and see rust here or there or just caked on dirt on the diff I now know it's possible to bring things back to near-factory condition. Not cheap I imagine, but possible nonetheless.

Great work!

**Buffy** · 07/27/2011, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by yellowgizmo99

did you get the 4.77's from chadzu on the planet? was talking to him and he said he had someone he was working with already.

Yea, got them from chadzu. I also got an ARB for the front from him. Good guy to deal with.

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