The Restification of my '83 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo
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                                          Before...                                                                                ...and after!

I'll start out by saying this is NOT a restoration. Although I am trying in every respect to attempt to make the Jeep "appear" relatively stock, it will not be. The term "Restoration" is probably the most abused word in the automotive circle. I have seen and even participated in TRUE restorations, and let me tell you they are not all they are cracked up to be. The term "Restification" comes from joining the two words, restore and modify. My Jeep WILL have some very stock and "Correct" items on it as well as some much needed modifications for safety, convenience, and  practicality for the Jeeps intended uses.

If you want to preserve, in a completely historic fashion, a classic automobile, then by all means, "Restore" it. If, however you want to actually drive and enjoy  the vehicle you have spent alot of money on..."Restify" it!

Also, up front, I would like to thank my family, friends, and everyone from the Off-Road.com
Short Wheelbase BBS for all their help. Without them this project would not be possible.

When I purchased this Jeep, it was about to be stripped for parts, never to be a whole Jeep ever again. It really wasn't in driveable condition (no, not even on the road!) although the mechanicals were all good. As photos will show, you could throw cats through holes in the body. I'm convinced that the only thing holding the body tub on was the steering column and the wiring harness!

Now...on to the fun stuff!

The Dissasembly

I didn't begin taking apart the Jeep untill I was ABSOLOUTLY sure what I wanted it to be, and knew I would have the funds to see it to completion in a reasonable amount of time.

Jeep

                                                                                              Windows were cut in the body for access to the roll bar bolts.

These pictures show just how bad the body tub was. The only thing holding the front of the tub to the rear was the side pannels of the body (and those are full of bondo!).

Jeep

             This view is from the windshield frame back                                            Firewall from the inside.

After my brother finished grinding the heads off the bolts that hold the sport bar in, we found out we could have just lifted the bar out of the body without unbolting it. It was that rusty!

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        Down to the frame! Thanks LEVE for the Grille (background).    The 258 will get cleaned up and put back in.


Goin' back together!

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My new frame from AFW. Painted in Hammerite silver. Most of the bolt on stuff will be Hammerite Black.


Options include; Shackle reversal, Welded rear bumper/crossmember, Swing out spare tire carier, and Hi-Lift/Jerry can mount.


Cutting out shackle plates on the Laser.

A few pic's after suspension and drivetrain went in.
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Stainless Steel hardware is being used wherever possible to battle corrosion.
No, those aren't the wheels/tires that I'm gonna' run. It'll have 31"X10.50" BFG Mud T/A's.

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This was after a day of thrashing with my brothers help. Now I get to take all the body parts off again to get them painted!
White body/fenders, blue hood, primered doors, yellow grille, and black tailgate just won't cut it.

 Next page (Painted!)
 

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