Jeep update - Sunday 4/28/2013, THE ENGINE STRIKES BACK!

Step 1. Start with a "clean" Jeep to work on.

Step 2. Hook up the transmission and get it ready to lift.

Step 3. Lift.  We had to jockey around moving the A Frame and get some other crap out of the way, but we are almost there.

Step 4. BAM!!!! Two bolts on the transmission, two on each motor mount and BAM, your rebuilt engine has just be installed.  This feels like a major step, each weekend when we have worked on the Jeep things are moving forward, but getting to this point is a big deal for me.

Step 5. Next on the to do list... fan, lots of hoses, distributor, spark-plugs, wires, etc. 

Last update from Saturday 4/27 on the Jeep... its a few hours of video compressed to about 1 minute and 40 seconds. Looks like we move at light speed and stand around most of the time. :)

Sleeping Dachshund

He really likes the meditation cushion. Guess it's peaceful.

The Jeep Engine

Some photos from today's Jeep work.

Dad and me sorting the nuts and bolts... 

Suzanne took this picture, the engine is on that stand, that's the bottom of the engine where the oil pan goes.  The pic below this has the oil pan (it's painted blue) attached.

Jeep update -- the engine

The engine is coming together nicely. This big gear is the flex plate. On Sunday we are planning to hook up the torque converter and then the transmission. If all of that goes well we will mount the engine back in the Jeep on Sunday as well.

I ordered the fenders this week and a few other small needed parts.  Should have them later this week, each weekend we are getting closer to taking it for the first test drive! :)

Jeep Update - 4/22/2013

About three weeks ago, we replaced the Master Cylinder. I snapped both brake lines removing them from the old master cylinder so Dad made new ones. 

We replaced all of the wheel cylinders and brake shoes.

I had the drums turned at a local shop. As of 4/22 almost all of the brake work is done. I still need to change both brake hoses so it will pass the safety test. I got new tires from at Discount Tires about two weeks ago. They are back on the Jeep as well.  

The engine is back. I painted a few of the parts that still need to go on, I'm hoping we will be able to get the engine installed this coming weekend. On 4/13 we took the Jeep for the car wash for a bath and got most of the dirt and grease off. This should make installing the engine a little better, less dirt raining down. :)

I had Six States Distributors rebuild the steering gear box, so you don't have 24" of play when making a turn (its like driving Mr. Toads Wild ride at Disneyland). I still need to order both fenders and a few other smaller parts.  

Suz & Em's Trip

Pics from our trip to California. Days: 1 & 2

Disneyland: checked out the new Carsland which was cute, hoping to catch it after dark today, Em said the lighting ceremony is neat. Tow Mater's ride is fun, kinda like the tea cups.

The next day we had lunch at the Tam O'Shanter where Walt Disney used to eat. We actually got to eat lunch at his table. He made the plans for Club 33 there.

Went to the Hollywood Forever cemetery to pay our respects to the two Ramones (Dee Dee and Johnny) who are buried there. Em kissed Dee Dee's grave as is traditional (I only blew a kiss).

Tried to get up to the Hollywood sign but decided to turn around at a dirt road to a horse ranch.

The Green Day concert was awesome!!! We saw how big city venues work. After a trip thru Hollywood traffic for more parking $, one wrong line, two trips to the car (dropping off backpacks and camera), we were patted down and allowed to present our tickets to get in.) The music was great and Billie Joe was super interactive with the crowd.

Suz & Em