Figured I'd post here as an introduction to the forum as I finally snagged a '76 Cherokee Chief.
I'm sure I'll be on here posting questions (sorry if they are dumb) while I'm getting everything sorted and shaking it down into a mostly daily driver for me. I've been wrenching on vintage motorcycles for most of my adult life until a few years ago when I was introduced to the classic pontiac world via a '73 Firebird. Cut my teeth on that and decided to dive into my childhood dream car. My dad had a red '79 Chief when I was a kid and I LOVED IT....but like all things it was sold. I've wanted one of these for years.
I know almost no history of this jeep other than it was a Idaho vehicle which was spared the rust and rot that hits most of these. The body is in great condition. Someone in recent past has done a re-paint in close to the original color bit in Matte Finish. I actually kind of like it for a daily...but we'll see how it holds up.
Its a "Z" code Chief...which I believe means it came with a 401. But it currently has a 360 with a 2 barrel Motorcraft and unknown miles. Has the stock Quadratrac with the low range option. Little to no rust....its started off pretty good as I drove it home 280miles at 70mph from St.Louis to Indianapolis with very little problem. There are issues that need addressed...but nothing awful. Only one fuel leak
- Steering box and pump are shot and will be replaced in quick order
- Exhaust was fabricated and replaced recently...but the welds suck and it has exhaust leaks around Y-Pipe....so thats gotta get addressed
I have a full Weatherstrip kit from BJs already here, so going to start replacing all the old weatherstripping immediately. I'm going outside today and tomorrow to do a full assessment and just have a beer and stare at the new toy
Cheers, Joe