Well after being out of the country for a few weeks I dropped into the workshop this morning to see how Frankensan was going.
1. New chassis getting prepped [old one is too far gone]
2. Reconditioned CJ7 power steering unit standing by
3. Spring over axle conversion has just started.
The turbo diesel option was way too expensive ... around US$3,000 for a used Diahatsu turbo engine and gearbox , then , things got interesting ... I was given a 350 Chev block.
To you guys swimming in V8s [Oz and the US] this may not sound like much but they are SUPER RARE here in Indonesia.
I haven't had a good look at it yet so I don't even know if its a 2 bolt or a 4 bolt unit.
It doesn't matter much, this engine will be built for a 5,500 to 6,000 rpm redline.
It needs everything else, crank, rods, pistons etc. - I can bring these in on the plane with me when I return from my next Sydney trip.
I coincidentally priced a 383 stroker forged steel crank, pistons and forged rods - A$1,700.
I can go 383 stroker nodular crank and hi perf GM rods and pistons for half that which suits my budget better.
The expensive parts seem to be the heads and the intake system
New chassis being prepped for painting. The chassis will get an extra cross brace above the gearbox and transfer case
Old chassis - some rust in critical stressed areas and lots of drill holes
Front view of the tub
Rear view of the tub
" I LOVE the smell of napalmed 'Cruzers in the morning. . "
1944/46 MB/CJ2a 'FrankenJeep' waterproofed F-134, Simex 32x9.5x15 Extreme Trekkers, lifted, D25 LockRight locker front, D44 19 spline full Detroit Locker rear