Stop time in the 1981 Jeep CJ7 model
In the 2020 crossover era, it's good to stop for a moment and see where it all started. Joy Byrne's Red Seven brings us back to our sources, reminding us of the nature of refined jeeps
The great freedom, for seventy years
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
The modern automotive world gives us comfort, indulgence, safety and savings. Crossover herds are disguised as adventure riders, even though their whole purpose is to remain on the asphalt strips - heaped on while faded copies for the same seventy-year-old source. Memory and nostalgia fool us, coloring what is no longer pink, provoking a longing for times that will never return. Rare cases where memories can be channeled into authentic districts that give moments of pure happiness, a rare commodity in our demanding world. We went to Sderot Hasharon to see if the Jeep's ancient charm still exists?
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To the full articleThe Wrangler brand was only introduced in 1987. Until then, the CJs were called, an abbreviation for the Citizen Jeep which was the civilian successor to the military jeep. The affectionate name for CJ7 is Seven, for 5 readers Five
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
The Red Seven continues a long series of Jeep CJs brought on by Joy Byrne, one of Israel's top jeeps; He started his motor life with the Five Model 1968, which he bought before the Army. He renovated the Five with his own hands, and learned to drive it in the field. Jeeps came and went, until the real thing came - an American CJ7 of the "multinational force" which was his first real jeep. It had six pistons in longitudinal configuration, power steering, excessive brakes, big wheels - a real classic. Joy fell in love with the miniature vehicle with great capabilities, and since then the Jeep has been burning in his motor life. With the establishment of the family, the 7th gave way to some disco, there is now patrol, but the CJ's love has never waned.
An open jeep gives a total sense of freedom, a clean connection with the environment
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
Only in a Jeep
Today, cars are measured by miles per gallon, pollutant emissions, price, or pose factor. Cars like the CJ7 we measure the number and size of the smiles per mile and here, the dial shatters the scale. The first smile shines on your face when you meet him waiting in the driveway, smiling at you with round, childish eyes, what a human! Then, come in - there's no smart or stupid key here, no head under a slanted roof, no doors or even windows. You just swing a foot past the doorway that is not there, sit on the seat and look around - you don't "get in" into a car, you "ride" on it, in a magical and agricultural environment. There is only open air around, from above the sky, there is not even a windshield that splits between you and the view. freedom!
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
The dashboard is painfully simple, everything is straight and angular, sturdy and clean. The switches and levers are old-fashioned and charming, the speedometer is round, the tin surfaces remind you that it is a vehicle that is supposed to handle the elements, soaking up the sun, rain and dust. Multimedia monitors, ambient lighting and other crap? The only electronics are on your phone, it's a machine for irons, rubber, and lots of wind.
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
History of Pistons of History
When we revel in the elderly Jeep, it's hard to imagine that it went down the line of production nearly forty years ago ... I guess some of our readers weren't even born in 1981, there were no smartphones and not even laptops, no Facebook and Internet, Ronald Reagan was sworn in as President of the United States, and Begin was Prime Minister ... Subaru Leone led the Israeli car market, in Europe starring Fiat Ritmo and Peugeot 505.
The red 7th CJ survived the hardships of time and remained true to the original, decades ago it was renovated by Ido Cohen, and in its bow the original engine pulses. It takes a few miles to realize how perfect the mechanical formula of this vehicle, to date, is everything that its planners demanded of it. Amateurs like Joy (and me) are in love with him around the world, strengthening the old icons, and perpetuating their spirit.
The massive tow hook and bumper arches will fly to the recycle bin at the first opportunity
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
He drove through the fields
The Seven turns out at its best speed of 30-40mph, for leisurely strolling through the green fields, preferably with your eternal lap wife. Today I had to settle for Joy's company, but it also did not spoil the fun of traveling the fields with the Red Jeep The gasoline engine sizzles gently, occasionally hearing the carburetor's silent exhalation. And blessed for the precious moments, the left leg resting on the doorstep of Benon Shalant, the power steering lightly answered with my fingers How simple and wonderful.
GoodYear tires in section 75 allow air pressure to be reduced to 12-15 PSI, without fear of tearing. Don't need visceral terrain tires too
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
I was surprised to find out how solid the mechanics under the deck were; There are no vacations in the drive system, the 3-speed gearbox fits perfectly, and after a brief adjustment, you easily change gears. Third gear is enough for any need over 25 mph, a second gear suitable for more technical travel, it's almost a semi-automatic vehicle. The brakes are locked with every pedal touch, the steering wheel is lightweight, the grip of the road is questionable - this vehicle has no sucks of sporty pretensions, not to mention the complete absence of safety systems, ABS or even airbags. Travel comfort is mainly influenced by the pace of travel and tire pressure.
Bumper headlights have already been thrown in the trash, the winch facility will also be cut, as the day goes on
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
Driving an open jeep is a perfect blemish of the jeep experience, something that is no longer possible in modern SUVs - unless you invest a new NIS 300,000 and dismantle it from any unnecessary part. But even without doors and a folded front window, the modern wrangler is too big to give you the authentic experience. My firm opinion is that every jeep must oblige the open jeep experience for at least a few years.
Joy is completely devoted to the new Jeep, and never ceases to be astonished by its motor capabilities. Beyond nostalgia, this is a charming, tiny and pristine vehicle, peeled from every pose that accompanies SUVs that have been greatly enhanced. Joy does not intend to make a SUV and offenses from this jeep, nor a touring machine - though he will soon lead the Collectible Jeep Club for a dune trip in Jordan. The trip to Wadi Ram will be an exception, this car is supposed to be a light weekend of fun. Accordingly, Joy does not intend to invest in it big and small.
Here's how they used to: heavy iron, leaf springs, no electronics, aluminum and plastic
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
In the Seven Bow, one of the world's oldest and most classic power units beats a 258-inch (25-cubic-inch) six-cylinder engine with a length of 4.2 liters. In the age of turbocharged engines, it was hard to impress the 112 kW and 20 kgs, but it weighs more than enough on a 1.230-pound car. A 3-speed manual gearbox provides a short transfer ratio, and of course, no transfer box is missing 'as ever'. From below are a flexible ladder chassis, leaf springs, Dana-30 front axle and AMC20 at the back - no more classic than that!
When the Jeep shoe was purchased chubby tires and ornate rims that did not fit the original Seven concept. Joy restored an old hat and assembled original Jeep rims with GoodYear Wrangler tires to the original size, 235 / 75R15. That's what the jeep locked in 1981, it's what it needs to lock in today. These tires are perfectly suited to the size and weight of the jeep, allowing lowering of air pressure according to the nature of the trip and the type of terrain.
Joy yeah, put on gloves, goggles, something ...
Jeep renovation project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
Antiquity has a future
The 7th Red CJ has been around for forty years, but all life before it. The first thing Joy did was to prune the front of the bow - it's not an original accessory, and it sabotages the sense of freedom and connection to nature. Then used the front window folding mechanism and performed a "line alignment" which included changing straps and fluids, rotten water pump, and other cosmetics in the passenger compartment.
In the future, Joy plans to assemble original seats and replace axles for the 1983 model, faster and wider. Once an original front bumper is found, it will flush the current loaded with unnecessary headlights and rough irons; The winch is also unnecessary for the type of intended use. You also won't damage a 5-speed gearbox with a relationship worthy of their own; The jeep is currently whining in third gear, even at legal speeds. At the end of the road waits from the edge of a body of paint, in classic dark brown.
No one knows how old this water pump is, it's time to replace it
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
Genuine Jeep 7CJ is a rare eczempler in Israel. In its current state, the 7 is worth a little more than NIS 45,000, Seven modeled will achieve twice the price. It's quite a bit of money for a weekend car, but you can enjoy the open jeep experience for half that amount, too, if you buy Six from Nazareth. I had Six like this for four years, and it gave me lovely hours of motor fun and the love of nature. It doesn't matter what CJ you have - Five, Six or Seven, one who comes from America or creates in Nazareth, the main thing is that you will have an authentic CJ, with no doors and no front window.
I couldn't finish the story without showing you my old Six; Costs less than half, giving (almost) the same experience
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
On the technical side: Jeep Wrangler 7CJ, 1981 model
Engine: Atmospheric gasoline 258 cubic inches (4.2 liters), 6 pistons
Power / RPM (hp): 112/3200
Torque / rpm (kg): 21/1800
Gearbox: Manual, 3 gears
Propulsion: 2X4, 4X4, power gear
Fuel Consumption (Combined, KML): 6
Performence:
0-100 mph: in 13.4 seconds
Maximum speed: 135 mph
Safety Systems: None
Measurements:
Length (cm): 376
Width (cm): 174
Height (cm): 172
Wheelbase (cm): 237
Ventral spacing: 22 cm (below differential)
Access / Abandonment angle (degrees): 55/30
Tires: Good Year MT 235 / 75R15
Self Weight (kg): 1,228
Jeep Renovation Project CJ7 (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Ilan Graitzer, Rami Gilboa)
Engaged in the craft
Assisted in the preparation of the Jeep: Assaf Halevi from Garage Express (who contributed knowledge and lift for self-work), BMW Goodyear tire importers, Golan Tishbi, Gili Pop - Zur Zion Electric (sound and electrical repairs), Lior Ben-Ami - electricity, Dor Akiva - Memory Tires, Ben and Guy Master-Tire