What's a SUPER Chief - OLD TOPIC MESS UP...REPLY HERE!

[testuser]

I'm not sure what but there's a problem with the old topic. I'm assuming right access on the file but I can't get to the web server (not allowed). So we can continue it here:

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Greetings,
What exactely is a 1977 Super Chief? How is it different from a Chief?

I understand this might be an obvious questions, so if possible, please e-mail me with your reply.

Thanks,

-arbi

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It is apparently a Wagoneer upgraded to WT-spec running-gear, with the flares molded in on the back. A certain dealer did the conversion back when the trucks were new; the Brooklands "Wagoneer Portfolio" book has a contemporary article about the truck. I don't believe this was a factory-sponsored conversion, though you might have been able to order the conversion through other dealers besides the one doing the conversion (think of buying a conversion van today).

Needless to say, finding one still in existence today would be a miracle...

Bob Barry

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BLAST! Over Christmas, I saw one that was in immaculate condition. The owner(new) claimed that it was just a trim option for the Cherokee Chief, like Laredo or Renegade(mixing his Jeep Metaphors) I knew he was wrong on that because it(body) was much narrower than my Chief, so I kinda let the conversation die.
It was a sweet truck though. I didnt know they were extremely rare or I might have made him an offer, especially since he didnt seem to know what he had.

Were the lift and custom bumper part of the original 'conversion'?

missionpilot

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I've gotta 78 Cherokee Super Chief with all the original papers and manual. It is not a WT though, at least the fenders have never been altered.I have often wondered what exactly the difference is. So far all I can see is the Cherokee emblem with the "S" below it.

highsteel

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Does it say "Super Chief" anywhere on the truck? Or just the Cherokee "S" emblem?

Bob Barry

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I thought it appropriate to chime in given my user name I have a '79 Super Chief. It is basically a 2-door, WT, Chief package, with the words "Super Chief" along the sides and back where "Cherokee Chief" is on other WT's. It is two tone black and silver.
I was told by the PO, who was the original owner, it was a special edition from AMC/ Jeep of Costa Mesa, CA (now Orange Coast Jeep I think). I believe it was a factory authorized, dealer installed option. By option I mean the paint, because the lettering is stenciled into the paint and not decals. It has the large round Indian head "S" emblems on either side behind the rear windows. The PO bought it from the dealer with a 2 -1/2" Rancho Lift, AM/FM/CB, and 33's.

The PO had a commercial metal fabrication business and made a few extras for it like a steering box brace, locking center armrest , and a roof mounted spare tire carrier.

It is almost exactly the same today except the paint has faded and thinned in spots, but it still cleans up real nice. (Its times like these I wish I had the skills to post a picture).

The motor needs a rebuild due to very low compression and 160,000 miles. I have a '79 golden eagle with a brand new motor that will find its way into the Super Chief sometime this year.

Anyway I hope that helps.....Rob

Super Chief

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NOW GO TO IT!!

and email me pics if you want them hosted.

[Bob Barry]

Nothing new to add, but a google search did turn up a Super Chief Pontiac, a Super Chief locmotive and a Super Chief motorhome.

And one "Super Chief" here in the member's rigs of our very-own IFSJA site, but it just looks like any other lifted NT Cherokee "S".

[Lindel]

I don't think the Super Chief ever was anything more than an engineer at Jeep's dream. The closest I've seen is called the Long Track that Zack Heisey is working on. basically an extended model 17 with an extra set of FSJ front doors.

I don't have his website handy, but he has pics of it on there. Present engine/drivetrain is AMC IIRC, but plans are for a 500 Caddy block.

[mdill]

I don't beleive there were any "factory" super
chiefs, there are a lot of people calling "S"
cherokees super chiefs, but they would be wrong,
or missinformed, or just plain wishfull thinking.
I do think there may have been some dealer hacks
that generated something they called a super chief,
on of which is the above mentioned dealer that
used a WT running gear, WT fron fenders and some
body magic to make rear flairs on a 4 door full
optioned out Wagoneer, I think they were totaly
optioned with 401's and the only pic I have seen
it came with winch also. Could there be other
dealer "Super Chiefs" I don't see why not.

Mike D.

[1977BigChief]

The "s chief" is the sport model, Or SJ.

[68glad]

finally some clarification after 11+yrs.

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by 1977BigChief

The "s chief" is the sport model, Or SJ.

Um, no. SJ is basically any full sized Jeep. The SJ designation has nothing to do with the "S" model Chief.

[joe]

Originally Posted by DieselSJ

Um, no. SJ is basically any full sized Jeep. The SJ designation has nothing to do with the "S" model Chief.

Yup "SJ" is a FSJ designation Chryco came up with after they bought Jeep.
The "S" on the earlier Cherokee Chief badges was for "sport" model not super.

[MadMax78]

The Toro and the Rampage body style have been done to death. Looks more like a hopped up 4 door elcamino and ranchero to me.Expletive Deleted! Ford had the Sport Trac, Subaru had the Brat and Chevrolet had the Avalanche, so I don’t know why Fiat thinks a Dodge/Ram version would fly.Expletive Deleted! I’m not a Dodge/Ram fan any way so it makes me no difference.Expletive Deleted! I just wish all the manufacturers would quit with the concepts if they never intend to build them.Expletive Deleted! It won’t make me buy their product just because they have a cool concept vehicle I like

[mud89]

the right answer was this one : "It is apparently a Wagoneer upgraded to WT-spec running-gear, with the flares molded in on the back. A certain dealer did the conversion back when the trucks were new;" the dealer was the famous Brian Chuchua

[asphaltrockdweller]

Originally Posted by mud89

the right answer was this one : "It is apparently a Wagoneer upgraded to WT-spec running-gear, with the flares molded in on the back. A certain dealer did the conversion back when the trucks were new;" the dealer was the famous Brian Chuchua

This is correct!
Brian Chuchua was the Carol Shelby of the Jeep world. You can thank him for the Jeep Scrambler basically. He designed the Jeep Goucho, that later went on to become the CJ8.
I own one of his Yellow jeep Wagoneer's

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=130663