1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

curtcanada's 1970 Renegade 1 Resto-Mod Build Post

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by curtcanada, May 6, 2011.

  1. May 6, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    With the body work and paint already finished, and the replacement block coming out of the shop next week (fingers crossed)...I figure I'd better start my post. I had the opportunity to help with the body work and paint. It was interesting, and I enjoyed it because it was all new to me. If I had to do it again, I would just roll it into the garage, and wait for the phone call! All I can say is that there is a TON of hard work that goes into bodywork and paint!!! It's rewarding, only after the final coat gets laid on...before that it is literally days worth of sanding and prep work!

    Here's some before and after shots of the body work:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. May 6, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    So the engine is next. I have a Holley dual-plane intake and valve covers, an original CJ-5 T-98 4-speed from a 225, and DUI HEI waiting impatiently for the motor to get cleaned. Diff gears are 4.88's, with a factory flanged LSD in the rear. I have Hedmann headers and a Warn OD from the current set-up (although I'll need to get Herm's help with removal of the OD). I plan on using this Jeep as a daily driver on the nice days...a little mud here and there, but no excessive rock crawling or tree climbing.

    I have an opportunity to get a complete turbo system (originally from an old Riviera) that has been modified and proven to work on a 225 oddfire. It comes complete with intake and exhaust manifolds, carburator, ect... Has anyone had experience with installing a turbo on a Dauntless? Suggestions? Comments? Would an even-fire crankshaft fare better with the increased stress of a turbo?

    I'm not looking to drag race; but I'm all about some additional punch in the gas pedal. I've looked on turbobuicks.com, but didn't come up with any success stories. Obviously cooling is a big issue, and I plan on getting my radiator redone...and adding an oil cooler. I'm also going to be installing an electric gas pump and a new clutch. With the 4-speed, I'm going to need new driveshafts.

    There is a list longer than my arm; but, I'm trying to stay focused...one thing at a time!
     
  3. May 6, 2011
    bigjohn

    bigjohn Active Member

    Kelso Wa
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2010
    Messages:
    1,054
    That paint turned out awesome. Good Job fella!
     
  4. May 6, 2011
    rusty

    rusty Well-Known Member

    norfolk,va
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2006
    Messages:
    1,652
    Really turned out nice. Great job. :)
     
  5. May 6, 2011
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2002
    Messages:
    2,231
    Does look great!
     
  6. May 6, 2011
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    wow, that color scheme looks awesome! Good Job!
     
  7. May 6, 2011
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    8,360
    The even fire crank is reportedly weaker than the odd-fire.
     
  8. May 7, 2011
    '74Renegade

    '74Renegade Active Member

    Fair Oaks, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2005
    Messages:
    1,275
    Love the paint. What kind of hard top is that?
     
  9. May 7, 2011
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    3,294
    looks great........glad you were able to have hands on with paint/body work, it makes it that much sweeter in the end
    Jim
     
  10. May 7, 2011
    one2manyjps

    one2manyjps Member

    hot springs,...
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2008
    Messages:
    76
    Really looks great!!

    Easy to see the hours of work involved :)

    Bob in Arkansas
     
  11. May 18, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    I posted pictures of it, when I got the jeep; and, have kept an eye out for a picture of another one on the net. It was custom made by Performance Products, Inc. in Englewood Colorado. The construction is "old skool" fiberglass (the inside still has that sprayed fiber look to it). I tried researching the company; but, they must have closed down shop. If I had the money for an initial investment, I'd consider making a mold of it; and start selling them! Somewhere down the road, I want to paint it black, and figure out a better way to attach it to the body.
     
  12. May 18, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    Thank you for all the comments. Just to update, the motor is STILL in the shop getting machined. I gave up on the turbo idea...I figure the money can be spent on more important items. The guy working on my axles had a narrow-trac Dana 30 with passenger side pumpkin and disc brakes just laying around :) Seems that 4.88's can't be found for the old Dana 27. I'd rather have the open knuckle system anyways. Also scored a set of original Ren II slotted aluminum mags that will clear the discs (with a little grinding on the calipers). Current mags are Western Wheel brand aftermarkets. I was having issues with the sleeved lugs coming loose after a little bit of driving...glad to report that after a month or so of keeping them snug, they do eventually seat and stay in place!

    Once the motor is ready, I'll be sure to post pics!
     
  13. Jul 2, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    Finally got the call from the machine shop...motor's ready. We picked it up yesterday, and started re-assembly. Here's some pics, more details/pics to follow...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Jul 2, 2011
    jrscafe

    jrscafe Member

    Janesville,...
    Joined:
    May 14, 2011
    Messages:
    68
    Looks great. Great job.
     
  15. Jul 8, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    So, after researching ECJ5, I concluded that the Duplicolor Hampstead Green was the closest match to the original Dauntless 225 factory color. I'm happy with it!

    BTW, my buddy at NAPA called Duplicolor, and they said that this color has been discontinued. The only stock left is whatever you can find at your local car parts store!!!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Jul 8, 2011
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    8,360
    Looks good..Don't forget your timing chain tensioner.
     
  17. Jul 8, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    What did your rebuild cost you? I have to budget for one in the next couple years and was looking through my papers - been longer than I thought.

    Oh - I forgot - when you gonna come over and paint one here?
     
  18. Jul 21, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    Block machined, cylinders bored, heads...(what ever they do to heads?!), replace ring gear.
    New pistons/rings/seals/cam shaft/timing/lifters/rods.

    So far I'm in it for $3,000.00.

    I'll get a list of the parts and numbers together in a month or so. Have to move at the end of the month to make the wife happy after choking on this bill!!!
     
  19. Aug 21, 2011
    curtcanada

    curtcanada L, L, and the POH!

    Western Slope, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2008
    Messages:
    372
    Update (finally). Since the last post, the guy rebuilding my engine had to leave town. Too bad, he is one of the best :( He did get the engine reassembled before he left; but didn't have time to test it. It's now at the shop that is rebuilding the driveline. Probably better off to have the same guy do the whole thing. Throw in me moving to a new house, having our 2nd baby, and having to break down and buy a minivan for the family; I'm amazed I still have the Jeep :)

    I'm just getting the garage unpacked, and reassessing everything. As much as I wanted to be a part of this rebuild, I've learned my limits. It was probably better to leave the big stuff in the hands of the proffessionals. It will be done right, and faster than I could ever imagine doing it myself. I'm fortunate enough to have found the local guys that like to work on the unusual stuff; but, respect the fact that I'm willing to do some running around and order my own parts to save some money!

    Koodos to all you machinists out there. What you do is truly amazing! In my travels, I had to get a couple of custom bearings made for the rear hubs. From a machinist's point of view, I'm sure this is pretty basic and straight-forward. But, just like the mechanics putting together my driveline, the industry is losing the people that still have the "mechanical mojo" that is necessary to rebuild this out-dated equipment. Newer vehicles have become so disposable! You don't re-build anything anymore, you just throw it away and buy a new one :(

    I said that I wanted to learn from this rebuild. I think the biggest thing I learned is that we are previliged to be able to even partake in the restoration of a vehicle. I feel sorry for my kids' generation. I'm working on a 1970 CJ-5...this is equivalent to my son working on a 2000 TJ in the year 2041. Are there going to be axles, transmissions, body panels, airbag sensors, anti-lock brake sensors, the ECM module, incadescent bulbs, ect?! Is anyone going to want to rebuild that stuff?! Will there be the machinists and/or machines (for that matter) availble to fabricate/replacate the parts that were so easily thrown away?! It has become evident to me that, now more than ever, we need to preserve these older vehicles. It's not going to be easy; but, I'm going to make every effort to keep this Jeep in working order for my future generations to enjoy! I guess that means I'll need to get started on the 2nd one for my 2nd kid :) Off of the soapbox...

    Luckily, I had an extra 225 flywheel with a decent ring gear on it. Come to find out, no one makes a replacement ring gear. It's the little stuff like this that turns me into a hoarder!!!

    The radiator passed the leak/flow test at Performance radiator, so I'm going to re-use it to save money for the extra cost of the engine installation at the shop. OD is successfully removed (everything looked good inside) so that the T-86 3-speed could be replaced with the 4-speed T-98. The transfer case is in great shape, nothing to do there except extend the shifter linkage to accomadate the longer tranny.

    Had to order a new water pump. Went with TA Performance out of Arizona. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! VERY FRIENDLY, AND VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE! I stayed with the "standard" water pump, instead of the "high-flow series...most posts suggested doing so.

    Axles are complete. Front is a D27 with disc brakes, 4.88 gears, lunchbox locker, and warn premium hubs. Rear is a D44 with disc brakes, 4.88 gears, lunchbox locker, and warn premium hubs (always wanted front and rear locking hubs).

    My timing hasn't been the best. Last summer was the body work, and this summer was the engine/drivetrain. At some point I would like to actually drive the thing! This winter I plan on replacing all the wiring and installing the power steering. dcwoolner...I still owe you for Herm's power steering system!!! The pics will have to wait for the finished product.
     
  20. Aug 21, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Do yourself favor - hord the parts and wait till they are old enough to help with the rebuild. I dropped the tranny/tcase for the kids rig this morning and it was alot easier pointing and having him grunt than me... now I know why Dad got me doing this :)

    I am interested in your input main shaft for the T98. Is is small like the 4 cyl ones? The one we pulled today had 3 plates and a small input shaft. I am not liking the size I am seeing and will be talking to Herm tomorrow about it.
     
New Posts