Day 2, 10/31/09

Day 2 of the project. The old tires came off and we put some tires that just held air so the Jeep was easier to move around. After putting the tires on my uncle Jamey noticed that the right rear rim must be a little warped as we couldn't get it to keep air. So a little bit of bead sealer went in to keep it aired up. So now on the list is a set of 4 rims as I want the set to match. I was just going to sandblast the ones on there and repaint but with one of them bent up that is not an option now. Good thing these white rims are fairly inexpensive.
The Jeep was also transported to just outside the shop where the restoration project will begin. Tomorrow Nick (my son) and I will clean the Jeep out and assess what we have to work with and our next move.

Day 1, 10/29/09

After sitting nearly 11 years, and feeling no love, I rescued this 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief widetrack 2 door. This Jeep sat across for the company I work for, and I finally tracked down the owner with techniques even the FBI would be impressed with. After discussing with the owner she wanted it to go to someone that would restore her instead of junk her, I was that man. The owner said she only wanted $200 for her and I jumped on it.
Here is what she has. All numbers matching 360 V-8 with the 2 Bbl. carb (an option), Quadra Trac 4 wheel drive (another option),and an AM/FM/CB stereo radio. The story I heard was that the owners son was driving it when he started hearing a knock in the engine and pulled it to the side of the road. It was towed from there and put in the yard where I found her today for 11 years. I assume I will have to rebuild the motor, but for now we will just change out fluids and hoses and see what we are working with first.
Here are the pictures from the day I picked her up.