This is Going to be a FUN BUILD! - 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief

[@jackrotter9434]

It's hard to stay focused with online school when Brad puts out new content like this all of the time... That baby blue is an awesome color!

[@Psyberdream]

Yep, classic jeep pron

[@bertpolo1998]

I'm SO happy you decided to keep the baby blue! Honestly one of my favorite colors on an older car. Super excited to see more videos on this exciting project!

[@TrailRecon]

I love the color!

[@bigpeeler]

"We'll be addre$$ing that"

[@MrJoey1570]

I found your channel a year ago after I bought a 2001 XJ,loved your videos on that Jeep and have enjoyed all of your content,Marco,the boys,your wife's new Jeep, the road trips,but this new to you Jeep Cherokee has me so excited,this build is going to be awesome! And yes,keep it baby blue! Thanks Brad!!!

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

I have been overlanding my '77 Cherokee for over 6 years now. Basically stock, but does have a 3" lift running 33x10.5x15's. I have a extra tank with the single fill and I converted to electric pumps a long time ago. You probably should too, trust me. It was probably the best mod I did to make it dependable. These old fuel delivery systems do not like modern fuels since they have a lower boiling point than fuel these things where designed to run on. I am at this time rebuilding the motor and installing a mild performance cam, going 9.0-9.5 compression and installing a Holley Sniper FI. The old carb did just fine, but with overlanding there really is just too much up and down in elevation. I am looking to prolong engine life and I do think the FI will help with that. Good luck! Glad to see another FSJ being saved. See you on the trails, George.

[@ebikeengineer]

Awesome find, I can't believe how good a shape it's in. I concur on keeping the light blue color. Looking forward to your videos on the restoration.

[@drastikmeazures1]

As a fellow owner of a rusty Jeep I'm especially interested in seeing Rust mitigation especially under body!

[@YouTuber1g]

I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee and I have a lot of POR-15 on my rust spots. I live in NJ and the car has spent it's entire life here. It still has a few years left! 4.0 w/ 185k

[@barkevvv]

please keep the baby blue seats! maybe go w a nice white trim or something, but the baby blue is definitely the way to go

[@RySP48]

I remember at sema you said you wanted too. I’ve been looking forward to this for months!!! So excited for you!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Yep, this has been on my mind for a long time!

[@alsims8280]

Had a 1982 J10, and it was one of the best 4 wheelers I ever had. Dependable, comfortable, tough. I'll be watching this build. Much Respect, sir!

[@Stuka87]

The front bumper is actually aluminum. For '79 only, they did chrome it, but the chrome peeled within a year. So from 80-91 they were just raw aluminum. '79 was never offered with a 4V carb, so it won't smog. I would suggest EFI from Howell to get it smogged. They have a 50 state certified EFI system. Vintage Air makes a system that works extremely well. Betting you having to slam the door is because of the rubber around the door. The after market stuff isn't the right size and makes the door not close well. Pretty solid starting place though!

[@TrailRecon]

Great information, thank you! I've got a lot of research to do.

[@edreiguerrero1817]

You are the true king of the Jeep's

[@TsarTrail]

Sweet! That brings back great memories of our Grand Wagoneer. If we still had it now we would definitely do a full resto. Can't wait to see the build.

[@chrisstevens2298]

I love those old Wagoners. They were awesome

[@billbertles2]

Worked for Jeep in the 70's. We did lots of performance enhancements that help. Start with a comp cam (260H) Cloyes Chain set (O degrees) and a 2-3/4, 3" single exhaust with a truck muffler. You'll enjoy the driveability. We used to put Carter AFB's on em and they worked wonderful but todays crowd is using aftermarket fuel injection to avoid extra fuel pumps and fuel system issues on hot days and hard climbs. Try to find a factory Air conditioning system as they worked wonderful. I've owned 3 Cherokee Chief's, 5 Wagoneers, 3 Willys utility wagons and currently have a 2016 JKUR.

[@chrisgrenzner9337]

My first car was a 1968 Wagoneer. Dark blue, Nash 327 and three on the tree. Brings back memories. I'll be watching this closely.

[@toledojeeper2932]

I hired into Jeep in August of 1979...my first job was on the Big J line....i worked on the framing jigs spot welding the sides to the floor pan....also spot welded the taillight assembly together for a while

[@clints8731]

I grew up with one of these beasts. It had a 401 cubic inch engine. It was darker blue. We called it old blue. It was such a tank. We had it from 1976 to 1998.

[@davidyeats6609]

DUDE!!!! That old school Jeep Cherokee Chief is awesome. It’s gonna be a Beauty when it’s done. Congratulations Brad 💪😎

[@cpk2GIRL]

Incredible find! The Jeep Cherokee SJ started the WHOLE modern SUV revolution.

[@ReimerKeith]

I miss my old Scout. Good luck restoring the Cherokee Chief.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Yeah, I miss my '79 Scout II . . . .

[@redjkjeep104]

So excited for this project! I had an old green and white chief that I would love to have again. Glad to hear you’re going to keep the baby blue and go back to chrome! So cool Brad!!

[@MrGursk12]

Awesome Truck Brad My Father had a 1977 Charcoal Grey Cherokee Chief back in 1983 Brings back a ton of memories! So Cool very excited for you! Can't wait to see more! Love it

[@ukjeeper]

Have possibly one of the rarest SJ's, sitting on my driveway, here in the UK. AMC tried to have dealerships in Europe for about 5 years ('79-'83?) before quitting and going home. Not many of the Jeeps sold here during that time still exist, unfortunately. Most of the SJ's were converted to RHD by cutting the steering column under the dash, moving the top half to the right side and running a chain drive under the dash. The one on my driveway had the proper conversion, steering box, brake booster, column, etc all moved to the right side. In addition, as it is an '83, it has the aluminium bumpers, not the nasty chrome plated steel bumpers that peeled and flaked off. As far as i can tell, it's the only Cherokee still registered with the DVLA (UK DMV) for that year. Roof is fubar, but pretty much everything from the rain gutters down is in great shape. The floor pans are amazingly good, for instance. Just have to find someone who can rebuild the roof, and patch a couple other holes (fender, tailgate). Not an easy thing to do, over here, as no one wants to take it on (without a lottery win first)

[@frankw7266]

Damn, that brings back some memories... I had a '79 Wagoneer, and that thing was a beast. Of all the vehicles I've owned, that's the one I'd love to have back.

[@rael6_4wd]

My grandparents owned (I think) that same model. It was green, with fake wood siding. I loved driving it as a teenager. Great memories. Can’t wait to see what you do with it. OIIIIIIIO

[@harrybachmann9815]

Congratulations. That is an absolute gem of a find! Really looking forward to how this project evolves!

[@Jason_Shelby77]

Dennis Collins does a lot of Wagoner restorations, I’m sure he can get you what you need.

[@happytimer7206]

Tom Rutherfordson III is also great

[@ucijeepguy]

Collins jeep is about the most expensive parts you can buy with no discernable reason why. There are some wagoneer resto companies available that would be money better spent.

[@johnjoseph911]

Brad i love watching TR over here in England, and have run several Jeeps. Building a classic 79 restomod is the icing on the cake. Be safe and well.

[@allenberry4759]

We did spring over on the front, moved the rear shackles to the back of the frame and relocated the mounts for the rear springs. All factory springs no kidney belt ride.

[@calabskier1393]

All I needed to hear was classic offroad build...immediate thumbs up. Looking forward to this.

[@cristaporter8800]

For the radio various manufacturers make "vintage" style and size radios that will fit in the stock hole that have Bluetooth to connect to your cell phone.

[@gunstanksplanes9001]

Oh Heck Yeah! Excellent choice Brad. Love the color!! Can't wait for the future videos on this one. 98' ZJ's 360 has 245 hp/345 torque. I had one. Awesome motor.

[@dontomlinson3364]

good luck. i had a yellow and black 78 with the chief motif on the vinyl seats so my kids would be branded on a hot day. may the gods be with you on the back window and that is the most anemic v-8 ever. it is a signature vehicle and everybody in town knew when the "big banana" went by. mine was floor stick with the knob almost in your eyeballs and don't even bother with first gear. it's also big and won't go the places you squeeze through on your videos but it is cool and you'll need that extra tank.

[@morganml3983]

chrome and a darker blue literally like the sky behind tou would be beautiful. Awesome vehicle!!!

[@freedom3594]

I was also born in ‘79 and I LOVE what is about to happen to this Jeep.

[@jeffreed9]

Brad, I love all things Jeep. I do love the Chief, Wagoner, J10 and J20 trucks. I’m looking forward to your builds. Keep up the good work on your channel.

[@jamesriggs3835]

I work in the automotive paint industry selling PPG products mainly but we do carry SEM products that if done using the proper procedures you can actually refinish all of the interior yourself in your garage and have excellent results. As for treating the rust there are lots of different products out there but the one we recommend at our store is OSPHO it is by far the least expensive and most effective ways to kill and convert rust. As for the damage the rust has caused if it is not too bad you should be able to use the product from USC called All-Metal as a good body filler. I will recommend only buy it in quarts and have your paint store shake it a good while and then let it sit a couple days before using it this should help reduce pinholes from air bubbles. As a disclaimer I live in Oregon so some of these products may not be available in California. Oh and when buying from an automotive paint store try to find a place with very knowledgeable staff, they should want and be able to guide through each step of the restoration. Sorry I went on so long but have fun and I wish you great success.

[@michaelr6901]

So excited for you, Brad! Looking forward to seeing this project come into fruition.

[@darrenjones5885]

The Holley Sniper is a self contained fuel injection system that replaces a carburettor. It looks like a great option for updating a classic.

[@steveflaim2656]

Great project! Love to see the old iron get restored. Looking forward to this story as it unfolds!

[@shane_barnesyt6841]

This build is gonna be so much fun to watch I have a old 1989 Jeep Wrangler yj I’m working on, I can’t wait for more of this build

[@VictorVectorJKU]

Cherokee Chief!! I am so excited for you Brad! I love that rig! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

[@alexnasiadka5140]

So cool!! You HAVE to keep the vintage look of this beauty, I think the chrome/polished accents would look really good on the baby blue

[@dan74able]

My father used to have a 79 Jeep Cherokee Chief. His was green with tan interior. Can’t wait to follow your build!

[@elsydeon666]

I love the SJ!! As always, especially with older vehicles, I suggest upgrading to LEDs for everything. Less power and more light is always a good and cheap upgrade.

[@rogerward3185]

I've owned both a '77 Cherokee and a '90 Grand Wagoneer. Loved them both, and I look forward to following along on this restomod. The thing that struck me about both, with the 360 c.i. engine wasn't the horsepower, it was the torque!

[@lifelong5425]

Brad, this is amazing, just working towards my first jeep, but this build really brings a classic back to life.....looking forward to watching yo put this together...trailrecon just adds proof to the Joy's of jeep ownership

[@yogi5835]

Looks great, maybe a spring over and 35s. Chief will get you through deeper water crossing. Can't wait to see update videos.

[@zoomad75]

As a full-size classic SUV owner, I know you'll love the ride and space these big trucks can provide. You pretty much nailed what mine is, classic styling with more modern/reliable amenities. Restomod K5 Blazer with an added Four Wheel Popup camper. I can't wait to see the progression.

[@kylancook3477]

You HAVE to keep that blue Brad, just that color makes my wife want to watch with me! It looks amazing!

[@tmmsplace]

Love the baby blue. No need for modern paint palette. Looking forward to seeing your process as I rebuild my 98 Cherokee in similar restomod fashion.

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

Nice. Great to see another FSJ being saved. I'm working on my GW. Looking forward to this one.

[@Rocscrawler]

My dad had a '77 4 door with a 400 cid. It was SOOOO KEWELL... If I could find that very jeep that he had, I would make it a project also. We'll be watching closely to this build.

[@moabwheeling]

This is going to be an awesome build Brad . I'm looking forward to it . I hope all is well with you and your family , until next time take care .

[@brandondeese1407]

I recently purchased a Jeep 2 door JK, building these things is super fun and I can see the allure now. I cant wait ti take it out on a trail for the first time

[@johnh2055]

When Iwas a kid my Dad had a ' Jeep Wagoneer (4-door) as his company vehicle. Prior to that they the company had tried Bronco's. TravelAll's & Blazers but they didn't last more than a year. His was a base model, it was yellow with white bumpers & light brown interior (bench seats & rubber floor mats). I have ALWAYS wanted to do a resto-mod of one in his memory, same yelloww/white conboard but more trail worthy. Good luck on the build, I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

[@boldrbangr9834]

A 2 door! Freekin' awesome! Looking forward to a great build. Keep the patina & baby blue paint, finish the fender stripes. The 33's suit this rig and definitely got back to polished wheels. Have fun!

[@ctapanes]

Love the baby blue and black color. Like the idea of black interior.

[@brecht7411]

The baby blue color would be awesome! Looking forward to the next update!!!

[@MichaelVician]

My Mom had a 79 Wagoneer she drove to deliver mail. I remember driving it on occasion. That thing was a boat LOL.

[@overkill4x434]

Wow wow wow what a find she beautiful 😍 so awesome the color is awesome love it my mom has loved jeeps her whole life I have to show her this she will love it she had an old jeep Cherokee we all loved it. Oh and the chief badges are amazing so cool even the deer 🦌 head I saw go by there for a sec. also those bench seats I love those there so comfy haha I have a 1967 AMC rambler american two door 258 I6 with the bench seats in back and bench bucket in front there still bouncey and the rambler also has 3 ash trays the two in back are built into the arm rests. All have to keep my eye on this project how exciting I’m happy for you that you found this treasure.

[@pete673]

Just my 2 cents, I agree with you on the chrome, light blue, and polished wheels.

[@ailo4x4]

When I was stationed in Riyahd, Saudi during the first gulf war (before we knew to number them), I was issued one of those. I was stoked. Until I drove it. I REALLY wanted to love it but just couldn't. Maybe it was the seats (well worn!) but I'm a tall guy and I could not get comfortable. Everything was just awkward. And I'm a vintage 4x4 guy. My first car was a '47 2A Willys. But I'm glad you love it and will bring it back to full glory. Looking forward to seeing its' progress! And since it's a Chief, you HAVE to put an Anchor on it ;-)

[@Venom-kq5xz]

I like the blue/black look, but ya bringing back the chrome makes sense.

[@PaulKaiser42]

Your stable must be getting full!!! Best of luck with the new rig!!! Can’t wait to see what you have planned

[@rogermuir3514]

One of kind it sure is a tme capsule classic Jeep truck. Congrats. Cant wait to see more upgrades.

[@joe.shad0fx]

I owned a 1980 Jeep Cherokee, 1988 Grand Wagoneer, and a 1984 J10. The cherokee was definitely a fun vehicle to drive. It'll be fun to see what you do with this build!

[@Jim_Berry]

Love it! Had a 78 just like this one. Wish I wouldn’t have sold it. Will enjoy watching this build.

[@pelewads]

As a fellow Corpsman, I have loved your channel for some time now. But when I saw this I almost wept. I learned to drive in a 77 Chief. I have never been so angry with my father, than when he sold it, while I was in the Navy. I wanted that rig sooo badly. I will wait, with extreme anticipation, to see what you do to it. Personally, I'd start with fuel injection. That should increase your mileage significantly.

[@jamesqueen115]

I love it. Yes keep baby blue and try to keep the outside looking as much stock as you can, because that thing is super cool. Maybe a old school winch bumper and some lights but wouldn't do much to the change that era of a truck. Definitely would be pulling a off road trailer with it and use the trailer as basecamp and wheeling from there. You definitely got a great foundation to build upon. Can't wait to see what you decide, it will definitely be awesome I am sure. Also thanks for your service. I have a few friends that are thankful for what you did. Non sibi sed patriae

[@nrolfsen]

So awesome, Brad! Going to be an awesome build and can’t wait to see what you’re going to name her :). I can tell you’re super excited!!

[@AutoEdits]

"I don't think I'll go larger than a 33..." LOL ... Jeepers Amnesia in effect. Congratulations on the awesome rig, I REALLY love it!

[@marthamullennex3051]

One weak spot in that 360 engine was the timing gear, it came with a plastic gear a steel replacement gear was available from the dealer, also from the dealer was a double roller chain, for the police special, with this you have to purchase both gears. The Chief was different as it came in two doors only it also came with wider axles like the pickup. The locking hubs are after market as they came with a 400 transmission and quadratrack there was also a an additional option, from American Motors, of low range. I owned several wagoneers up to and including the 79 and would replace the timing gear to the roller chain as soon as the warranty was out.

[@stevea3936]

Absolutely keep it baby blue! A matte finish would look cool.

[@joeconway1765]

George at Montana Overland helped me with some very hard to find trim pieces for my '78 Wagoneer. Super nice guy too

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

Makes me miss my 78' j10. That quadratrac was nearly unstoppable,even with near bald mudders.

[@IronWolfOverland]

Love it! My first Overlanding Truck was a 1983 Ramcharger. Loved that truck! So many family memories! Lousy angle of departure, but indestructible!

[@bigospig]

#1- Painless wiring harness to clean up that spaghetti under the hood and dash. #2- Vintage Air so you can enjoy it this summer.

[@Confindencedrugee]

I’m a young guy never really done much reading up on these but what a ride it’s got a great look!

[@montyholland3357]

Doing a dash repair using either Bondo... The most durable, or have it vinyl wrapped. Or you can pull it out and take and have it scanned and 3d printed.

[@samfoster709]

It's awesome that you're keeping the color. I like the black decals. I hope you put a tasteful graphics package on it when it's done.

[@nergispaul9022]

Had one just like that except metallic grey. 360 was a great engine. Q-T worked well. Averaged about 12mpg, but would go almost anywhere it would fit. Only problem was iffy electrics. Be ready for that.

[@kevingray4996]

That is an awesome rig. Can’t wait to see it come together. I heard you say possible fuel injection and that would be cool and you would make it more efficient for those road trips. I really like that thing.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Baby Blue is perfect! Good luck and looking forward to seeing the progress!

[@tonyatucker7445]

Brad- love the new Jeep. Please make it a nice beach cruiser build with a woodie floor! I’m pretty sure you have enough overland jeeps. 🤗

[@Georgia4Low]

Dream Rig!!! Can’t believe the condition, it’s solid for sure.

[@mitchelcreegan9636]

B's Off-Road and full size jeep network are your friends and a load of help. If you go to Howell fuel injection it will come with EO number and you won't have to worry about putting the smog pump and a I r tubes back on. Convert the a.c. compressor to sanden unit. Do the ford big cap conversion to the distributor and add MSD ignition control and have no worries about the factory control box.

[@zxej6879]

Get the exhaust manifolds ceramic thermal barrier coated. It will lower underhood heat. And improve exhaust flow. If you fuel inject it. The F.A.S.T system would give great driveability. But be sure to juice up the ignition with a stronger coil. Sometimes a stronger coil makes the choke adjustment more critical. But the fuel injection would solve that. I would really like to have one that is 1975 or older for a gas engine. But any year Wagoneer would work with the Cummins R2.8. And still be California smog legal. Those Wagoneers are big compared to many vehicles today. But way smaller than a K5 Blazer or a Dodge Ramcharger. When you are done. You will have a super enjoyable vehicle!

[@JesseePDX]

ive watched this video twice...at first i was jealous because SWEET FIND!...the second time i watched the video I knew this would be a rig in good hands...not going to sawzall the thing...with all the other channels doing gladiator builds so happy to see you do this! truth is I dont know much about these Jeeps shame on me...BUT I do have a 2 door cherokee that I feel I pay homage to this generation...PPS I loved you XJ build...all your builds...im getting into my older years and I appreciate alot of though put into a "system" instead of just slapping 35s and cutting the fender wells...already subbed but you know subbed for this build for sure! Also thanks to your wife for not killing you! Mine lets me buy whatever but with 5 cars now she jokes I'm a fleet manager... LOVE THE BABY BLUE!!

[@chiplacey256]

Your aftermarket radio should have two power leads. The main lead is connected to a switched power source, and the secondary one is connected to an always on source, like the cigar lighter. If that lead is also connected to the ignition switch, you will lose all your settings every time you turn the car off. Wonderful project.

[@bobw9297]

Lots of work ,lots of fun , endless ideas

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

Oh I'm jealous !!!! Beautiful as she sits, I agree don't build a rock crawler she's earned her scars and time for her to really enjoy the makeover and be pampered to a extent....

[@truedeadman]

You might want to check with Just Dashes....they can probably redo that dash pad and make it look showroom for you. Just a thought

[@jodam011]

Great classic jeep, that color blue and the black Cherokee chief strip are awesome, Congrats!

[@manoloaycartg4266]

Yes. Make it an Overland classic off road Jeep and yes please make videos of your process.. is cool to see those kinds of videos.. 👍😎👍

[@justjsse8917]

My dream jeep !! I have an xj but the chief is king

[@nachovalenti]

Wow,What a beautiful Jeep Brad. Nice colour and really good condition. Congratulations and waiting already for the next step.

[@ErikBentzen]

BJ's Off road for parts - I have a Wagoneer - resto mod - great project, I've had a blast. Put in newer Lexus seats on the original base's and it is super comfortable on the trail and great upgrade. Have fun.

[@justjames78]

Very nice. The color is awesome. Vintage 4x4 at it's finest!

[@jennifergreene1983]

Very nice!!! Im super excited to see the progress!!! I really like your plan for it! Upgrade, but keeping it classic. Congrats, Sir!