This build seems to be in jeopardy, but the boys at Dragon Customs might just have what it takes to save this goner. So, apart from small things like the steering wheel (picture), the retired radio with blown speakers, a few dents on the body work and a hole in the driver foot well, the engine has been the main focus, and cause of serious, concern.
As you may recall, the Jeep wasn’t starting and Calvin from Dragon Customs quickly pinned it down to a few possible issues. After doing an on-board diagnostics test, they found that the camshaft, crankshaft and TPS sensors had to be replaced; once done the engine fired up without hesitation. Except for putting our troubles to rest it only uncovered a bigger issue; bearing knock. It seems a bearing has worn and may have caused some serious havoc down in the underbelly of the monstrous V8.
At around 2 pm on Friday afternoon, I received a phone call with the old cliché “good news-bad news” story – I hate these more than the idiotic guessing game – but nonetheless I asked for the good news first; it started. Now I was high on that thing people get… happiness or something like that. Then the bad news inevitably came. Only I wasn’t really concerned, I knew the job at hand was in capable hands, so I ended the phone call still excited about the fact that it had started and enjoyed the weekend worry-free.
Now that it’s Monday, however, and traditionally on Monday we stress about everything, the thought of what lies ahead has crept back into my head. Because of this little bearing, the entire engine will have to be taken out and opened up to assess the damage. One little bearing could quite possibly have ripped the innards of this motor apart and damaged the conrod or the crank, possibly both. The metal shavings from its wrath could have been sucked up into the sump and wrecked the pump. I am terribly worried about the unknown, and can only hope the damage is minimal, if not non-existent.
On a lighter note the steering wheel has been taken off too and stripped so it can be recovered. I stuck to the original colour of the leather, but decided to opt for a different stitching. Above is the before picture – will load the after pick as soon as it’s done.
Have a read here regarding Peter’s previous blog when he purchased this dilapidated Jeep.
