86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

I recently inherited a 1986 CJ-7. The last time it was run was 2 years ago, it was in running condition, but sat in Northern Canada. Upon Towing it home and starting the tear down i found that much of the body had been repaired with bondo, and even more of it has rusted out. I am currently still trying to see if it will start.
I do not have very much experience at all in the restoration of vehicles. But i am going to restore it piece by piece. It has a straight 6, 5 speed and 4x4, beyond that i am lost for knowledge on this subject. I have access to various equipment and services through friends and i am just wondering where do i begin???

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

Well unless you have a knowledgeable friend to help you out is is best that you get the restoration done by a mechanic with some experience.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

get the manual, it will help allot...
join a jeep club in your local area it will also help allot
read allot and ask question
sometimes a body is beyond fixing.. it may be best to look for another one to drop in..

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

Where are you located? I am in London Ontario. I may be able to offer some assistance to you.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

Well, since i had very little time to myself this summer i figured the best place to start was to make sure the jeep started. So i changed out some basic things, like the air filter etc. got a new battery for it and tinkered with the connection. It will now roll over but wont get goin. So i am going to be cleaning out the carburetor, then checking the fuel lines and fuel pump. I am assuming it is now a fuel problem. Does anyone have any thoughts on this topic, something i might have missed?
I am not far from Trenton ON.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

Besides all the help the other members have mentioned you might want to pick up a" HAYNES" Automotive Manuel for the cj7
all models from 49 thru 86 book number 50020. You can get this at Cdn Tire they are not expensive and well worth it everything from electrical (with diagrams) to brakes, motor, etc is in these books.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

I ve got one of those guides, worlds of info, its helpin me along.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

Prefer manual it will help you more.

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

first of all replace all the external rusted parts, as the engine might not be affected by being in standing condition, but check the entire engine and all the filters and necessary mountings and accessories with a professional mechanic. This would help to restore your jeep..................:):):):):)

Re: 86 CJ-7, But Where Do I Start
 

The first thing I would do, if you plan to do a total rebuild, is check the frame over with a fine tooth comb. The CJ frames are infamous for cracks. I spent a week welding up cracks in the frame on my 82 before I did anything else. This is especially important if you plan on wheeling with your Jeep while you work on it. The last thing you want to do is break your frame on the trail. I find it best to start at the bottom and work your way up. You definitely want to find a good manual. This combined with any mechanical ability at all and you will be able to do most of the work yourself.

As far as your starting problem, first thing to do is check for spark. Also, take off your distributor cap and have a look at it and the rotor. If it has been sitting these things might be corroded and not making contact. If you have spark then it is probably a fuel problem. Sounds like you are on the right track.