PROJECT / 001
1975 Jeep
Cherokee
A long-term restoration and engineering project combining mechanical restoration, fabrication, automotive electrical work, embedded computing, and custom audio.
Restoration & modernization
OVERVIEW
Six years of building.
This Jeep has been one of my longest-running projects. I began working on it during high school and have continued developing it through college.
What started as a non-running 1975 Jeep Cherokee eventually became a complete restoration and modernization project. Almost every major system has required some combination of troubleshooting, fabrication, rebuilding, or redesign.
The project has also become a way to apply concepts from electrical engineering to a real vehicle. The newer systems include embedded computing, sensors, digital signal processing, custom electronics, and methods for reducing electrical noise in an older automotive electrical environment.
RESTORATION
From project vehicle to engineering platform.
The Beginning
I started working on this 1975 Jeep Cherokee during my sophomore year of high school. When I got it, the vehicle was not driveable, the engine was not running, and the brakes were not functioning.
Mechanical Restoration
The restoration involved rebuilding major mechanical systems, repairing the frame, rebuilding the axles, servicing the drivetrain, and bringing the engine back to reliable operation.
Frame & Body
The body was separated from the frame so the structural components could be inspected and repaired. Damaged areas of the frame were reinforced using thicker steel salvaged from an F-350 chassis. The rear quarter panels were also carefully measured, cut, welded, and ground smooth.
Electrical System
A large portion of the original wiring was replaced. I used the factory service manual to understand the original electrical system and rebuilt much of the Jeep's wiring while adding new circuits for modern equipment.
Interior
The interior was modernized while retaining the character of the original Jeep. The instrument cluster was restored, soundproofing was added, and 2020 Dodge Challenger seats were installed using custom fabricated brackets.
Electrical & Audio
The Jeep now incorporates a substantially upgraded electrical system, including dual 100Ah AGM batteries, a battery isolator, a large inverter, custom audio equipment, and electronics for the onboard computer.
Embedded Systems
The project has expanded beyond restoration into embedded engineering. A Raspberry Pi-based onboard computer is being developed to monitor vehicle systems, read sensors, provide a touchscreen interface, support CarPlay, and control a custom digital audio system.
08 / GALLERY
The build.
Photos documenting the restoration, fabrication, mechanical work, electrical systems, and interior modifications.
Bodywork Before Paint
The body after extensive restoration and preparation work, ready for the next stage of the build.
Paint Preparation
Additional preparation and bodywork completed before painting the Jeep.
After Paint
The Jeep after the exterior restoration and paint work was completed.
Quarter Panel Repair
The rear quarter panels were repaired by carefully measuring, cutting, welding, and grinding replacement sections.
Sandblasting
Components were stripped and prepared through sandblasting before being restored and refinished.
Transmission Internals
Inspection and rebuilding work on the TH400 automatic transmission.
Cooling System
The cooling system was flushed and serviced as part of bringing the drivetrain back into reliable operation.
Grille Installed
The restored front end coming together with the original-style grille installed.
Grille Preparation
The grille during the preparation and refinishing process.
Instrument Cluster
The original instrument cluster was removed, restored, and integrated back into the Jeep's electrical system.
Steering Wheel
Restored interior components coming back together during the build.
Custom Seats
2020 Dodge Challenger seats installed using custom fabricated mounting brackets.
Soundproofing
Additional soundproofing installed throughout the interior to improve the cabin environment and support the custom audio system.
Interior Soundproofing
Soundproofing work as part of the Jeep's larger custom audio and electrical system.
Custom Battery Tray
A custom battery mounting solution fabricated for the Jeep's dual-battery electrical system.
Dual Battery System
Two 100Ah AGM batteries installed through a battery isolator to provide additional electrical capacity for the vehicle and audio system.
Electronics Box
The custom electronics area that houses components for the Jeep's modern electrical and embedded systems.
ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL
Restoration
Engine, drivetrain, axles, brakes, frame, bodywork, and suspension restoration.
ELECTRICAL
Vehicle Systems
Custom wiring, power distribution, battery systems, protection circuitry, and electrical troubleshooting.
EMBEDDED
Jeep Computer
Raspberry Pi computing, sensors, touchscreen controls, vehicle monitoring, and custom software.
AUDIO
DSP System
Multi-channel amplification, digital signal processing, filtering, noise reduction, and custom audio integration.
CURRENT STATE
Still being built.
The restoration is not finished. The Jeep continues to evolve as I add new electronics, sensors, embedded systems, audio equipment, and other improvements. The project has effectively become a test platform for applying electrical engineering to a real-world system.