This jeep was Betsy's dads which he drove for many years as well as most of the kids as they were growing up. They had lots of good memories in this chasing cows and taking pigs to the market with there dad. When he suddenly passed away in "06" I decided that I would take it and restore it. I had always wanted an old jeep and this seemed like the perfect starting point since it had sentimental value to Betsy and her family and Ab had always talked of fixing it up. It is a 1984 CJ-7, and I started tearing it down in December of "06". I took everything off down to nothing but the frame and started from there. I pretty much went through every piece on the jeep and replaced or restored it to like new condition. We did add a few upgrades along the way:) Most of the work I did myself but had some help from a few good friends and family. Mainly Trent B when it came to the motor work and Clayton A with everything else. Terry P was a great help with some of the technical drive line work as well. Clayton is unbelievable at fabricating and all around mechanic work, it is great having someone like him to ask for help! I did all the work on it in my dads barn, he was very patient with all the messes I made and the stuff laying around:) I think at first he thought I would never finish but towards the end I believe he was more excited about working on it than me. He really got into helping and seeing what I got done that day or evening. It really was a lot of fun and I am ready to try it again on something else. I worked on this off and on in the evenings and weekends and finally finished everything in July 0f "08" Even though I am now driving it and say it is done I keep finding other things to do on it. I don't think it will ever be done:) We had a jeep party at Betsy's Moms house after it was finished where the family took rides and we grilled out. Every one had a good time including Tucker and Daisy( our dogs) They love riding in it and letting there ears flop in the breeze:)
As much as we would love for Ab to be sharing with us and the family the fun times we have had in the jeep we know he is up in Heaven looking down with a big smile!!
Betsy and I in the beginning painting the frame after fixing it.
Clayton Welding on the Cage
Doing the never ending electrical work!!
The Day it was started for the first time! Clayton getting it running smooth, and our first drive:)
The Finished Project!!
The Jeep Party!
Kane was the entertainment for the evening.
A Serious Game of Football going on!!
No comments:
Post a Comment