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Restore order

935 views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Luckymac 
#1 ·
I have a 93 YJ Sahara that I bought in May. Just hit 200,700 miles. It runs really well for the mileage. Previous owner did some work with new Corbeau front seats and a lock box, brake system,and did some axle work. I have redone tie rods, wheel bearings, valve cover, front seal and am about to do the rear seal, oil pump, and oil pan (cracked). It is also in decent shape with little rust around back lights and some around windows. I want to do a good job restoring (maybe not full restore). My ideas: rear seat (need something with more back for kids), take out carpet and spray line-x or something interior, replace AC, replace steering gear box, probably some more axle and transfer case work, exterior lighting, all new window seals, door locks, and a new paint job. It's a lot and will take a long time as money will be here and there. My question after all that is what order would experienced people do this in? Make it look great and then do mechanical, do mechanical and then looks, etc.? Any considerations with a new paint job or other work? I know how open ended this question is and appreciate any and all opinions. I know I will never get out of it what I soend but this is my fun project now. Always wanted a Jeep and this will be around for a while.
 
#4 ·
Yep. Mechanical. Say you tear into the engine for some work and discover it is in poor health, or change the tranny fluid and find some nice chunks of metal. It'll be more disappointing after you get a nice paint job.

Start with that engine work with the pan. Then I'd suggest a tune up, with a compression test while the plugs are out. You seem to have most taken care of, with the front end work.

As for "cosmetics" start with the frame. Clean it down to bare metal and rust proof it. This will allow you to see how good the frame actually is, then preserve it.
 
#5 ·
I give another vote to get all the mechanical done and comfortably reliable before starting on the body.

You may find that as you take care of the repairs, deferred maintenance and new mods, that your original plans for the Jeep have morphed into something a bit more aggressive and that may change your plans for body mods.

It will suck to have a pretty Jeep sitting in your driveway that you can't drive because you are afraid to be stuck somewhere or it just doesn't run.

Good Luck, L.M.
 
#7 ·
MM makes a good point. Check your frame for rust. If you can weld and have access to a welder, there are parts available from several vendors.

I don't know how common rust is in SC. Here in the Southwest, good rust free frames and tubs are common.

Good Luck, L.M.
 
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