Completly rebuild V6 Dauntless or try and get it going

[redlegtexan]

We picked this up a couple weeks ago from our old neighbors in California. Husband died about 15 years ago and was mostly garage kept except for the past two years. I hadn't seen it running since I met them over 25 years ago. They dropped a V6 225 Dauntless into it. Question is pull the motor completely and try to rebuild it with youtube and a screwdriver or leave it in and try to bring it back to life first? Body tub is ready to come off then its going in a garage where I want to work on the brakes, suspension, and steering first. Thinking about getting a stand and stripping the engine down except I have no experience other than youtube videos and other forums of people taking theirs apart. Current condition:



Closer look at engine:


Looks like he fabricated this himself to get it to fit:

[wesk]

Question is pull the motor completely and try to rebuild it with youtube and a screwdriver or leave it in and try to bring it back to life first?

If the jeep is reasonably capable of being quickly made streetable that is always the direction I prefer. There will always be the little irritants later after a complete restoration that make you wish you had established the overall driveability of the jeep before you tore it down. Even it you are limited to off road only for a month or so you will still get a very good feel for what may not be right and need extra attention during the restoration.

The 225 V6 was a very nice addition to the jeeps of that period. It was the perfect step up in performance that allowed improved speeds, acceleration and moderate torque increases without forcing any extra chassis beef ups.

This is the ideal time to open up communication channels with nearby experienced mechanics. Join local car or jeep clubs, join the nearest MVPA chapter. Everyone in this hobby wants you to succeed and will help you out.

Start a project log or notebook. Keep track of issues you find during the pre resto operational period. Keep track of parts you will need. Make a plan, decide just how much resto you want to do and just how stock or modified you want to go.

When the teardown starts get a decent digital camera (not an Iphone) and take plenty of photos as you pull it apart. Make notes and drawings where re-assembly may prove difficult later. We Have a "Project Following Page" you can use to show your progress. Make sure you separate your progress reports from your technical questions and parts needs by making the entries on the appropriate forums. Tech question on the "Technical Forum", Parts Wanted on the "Wanted Forum" etc.

Welcome aboard.