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I
purchased H8PVMNT used in 1993. I got a great deal on the 1984 CJ-7.
At the time of purchase it had very little rust and was in
relatively good shape. It needed a few minor repairs such as wipers,
switches, tune-up, etc, but there was nothing major wrong with it.
For the first few years it was in my possession, it went
through only minor changes since it was my only means of
transportation and I was living on a student budget. I had a lot to
learn about Jeeps and what modifications would be
beneficial.
I made some minor modifications while
in school, and rebuilt the engine, but nothing that really altered the appearance of the
Jeep too much. I added a Weber carb, HEI ignition, Aluminum valve
cover, a 1" shackle lift, and a few other small upgrades.
The first big step in the evolution
of my CJ-7 was in 1999 after I graduated from Boise State
University. I landed a job as a programmer at Boise Cascade Corp.
and rented a duplex with a huge 2-car garage. I also bought a 1995
Jeep Grand Cherokee. That put all the pieces in place. I had
something else to drive while working on the CJ, I had a small
budget for Jeep modifications and a nice garage to work in.
The first step was to replace the
body tub that was rusting badly from it's previous life up in
Juneau, Alaska. You can read my write-up my swap to a YJ tub here.
While doing the tubswap, I also added a 1" body lift.
Next was a full roll cage. I
purchased a M.O.R.E. bolt-in cage since I did not have access to a
welder. It has yet to be tied into the frame, but that will be done
very soon. I also fabbed up some 4"x4" 1/4"
angle iron rocker guards. They are BEEFY. The Jeep can be lifted
with a hi-lift jack on the rocker guards with no problem. They will
be able to take some serious rock abuse. During this time I made a
center console out of a surplus army ammo box too. You can see how I
made the console here.
The next addition was some 32x1150
BFGoodrich MT's with the new "KO" tread pattern. I haven't
really gotten to test them out yet, so I can't comment on how good
they are.
The next project for
H8PVMNT was an on board air system. That was really a fun project and
you can read my write-up on it here.
After the on board air
project, I welded up a heavy duty rear bumper with a swing out
tire carrier. It turned out really good and the build process can be
viewed here: bumper
tire carrier
After the bumper, I
added a Mobi-Arc mobile welding system. It was a great project and
you can read my write-up here
There are lots more modifications
planned for the future, but I plan to keep this as a realistic
project that the average Jeeper could afford. So, don't expect to
see 8" of lift and 38" tires with a $4000 custom built
axle on this Jeep. The evolution of H8PVMNT is going to happen in
small steps, so keep checking back for the latest addition.
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| As purchased
in 1993 |
A short
while after purchase |
Rebuilt the
258 at 150,000miles |
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| Tub swap in
progress |
The next stage |
Last year |
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| Current pic
- Playing at the Oregon Trail |
Current pic
- Playing at the Oregon Trail |
Current pic
- Playing at the Oregon Trail |
Original Dealer
invoice for when H8PVMNT was purchased new in 1984.
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