79 Chief

[89wrangler]

I guess this would be considered a refurbish more than a build thread. The goal is a dependable daily/weekend driver. Back story is I bought this rig 4 years or so ago from member on here. Had no engine but most of the engine assesories, carb, alt, fuel pump, cruise parts, radiator, starter, belts, were inside jeep. Initial thoughts were to install engine and flip it, but that never came to fruition. It just sat back in the weeds until recently this year. My 77 chief I was driving was still running well, but was really getting bad from a rust standpoint so I figured why not upgrade! I had my 360 out of my YJ setting in the shop with less than 2500 miles on it. It is .30 over, RV cam, heads reworked, all new internals, performer intake and D.U.I. distributor when I built it. So I bought a new flex plate and decided to install the engine and see what happens! The other plans are to swap in, razor grill and headlights, part time kit, 2" rancho lift, winch bumper and winch, lockouts, 3pc rear bumper, tranny cooler, rear aux. gas tank, leather steering wheel, and inside spare tire carrier over to the 79. I also acquired a Holley projection TBI kit that is going on as well. Pics start tomorrow...

 

[89wrangler]

This is how it looked when I pulled up to the shop to hit it with the power washer.

the engine bay

seats before and after some scrubbing.

removed the cowl screen, what a mess...

 

[89wrangler]

The engine that has been setting on the stand for a couple of years.

Holley TBI kit

engine on it's way in.

engine in with throttle body test fit.

adding the accessories including AC

engine installed, need to clean up the wiring next.

 

[surfwagoneer]

Looking good, I'm starting a '78 chief project myself. Have two decent donors to work with. I'll definitly be watching your progress.

 

[89wrangler]

Got the engine bay wiring all sorted out, old/non-used wires and spark box removed and add new plastic wire covers to the harnesses. As I highly suspected, had to order a new gas tank, sending unit and fuel gauge before firing up the motor. So on to the interior wiring. Pulled the dash gauges out to check,clean and inspect bulbs as well as check all the vacuum hoses for the heater/defroster switch.