Newbie looking at early CJ5

I really like the look of the engine compartment on the '64. That would sell me. The '71 just looks more abused generally.

But as Twin2 says, the diamondplate may be covering some rust. Not the end of the world, but something to be prepared for.

You could probably live with those tires, or trade them. I run 31" okay on an F-head, and Goodyears are top-price tires.

 

I would agree with the above comment about the diamond plate exterior. 9 times out of 10 it is probably hiding rust, rust repairs, or other damage.

 

Be careful about the diamond plate. It can hide lots of nasty body damage. Actually, unless it is sealed correctly, it can cause more body damage. Crawl under it and check all the inside corners. Some people claim it's for corner protection, usually it's to cover old body damage.
My brother asked why I didn't just do the diamond plate on my 3B. "Nope, I'd rather do it right the first time"
It took about a month and 20 square feet of 16 GA but I'm happy with it.

 

I did look under the plate. Not dented or rusted. Not sealed well either. The biggest part of the 64 is the floorboards so far. I have crawled under both, the 71 is pretty clean. Looks like it was kept inside when not in use. The 64 has not bad. It doesn't look abused, just used. the 71 was a farm mule basically. Owner made his own air cleaner out of an original bell to use a paper filter. He didn't like the oil bath. He said it didnt do a good enough job. IDK how well they work, but he did an ok job. Looks almost period correct.

The 64 seats are really close, more than normal. My 35" inseam doesn't like them, and am looking for different seats if I buy her. Plus the full cage roll bar takes up some foot room trying to get out. Haha, I am getting old. Whatever I get, I may opt to fender notch to get some more room.

I am going to try to get to the 64 soon. He is close and want to see underneath her again. Look and the body mounts and windowscreen frame again. paint is old enough that it would have bubbled by now if they was major rot going on. I looked pretty close last time, but I will look closer. take a body magnet and a small awl this time.

I really appreciate all the input. It has been a long time since I shopped for a used vehicle. Some things don't escape, others are "Oh yeah. Doh!"

 

Oh and one more thing. the 64 has a Warn Overdrive. It isn't installed, and needs rebuilt. For what that is worth.

 

The po's have been driving them for years so they got adjusted to the vehicles quirks. As a new owner it will probably concern you so expect to spend some $ to get it to where you want it. I've driven my CJ3B several 100's miles a day. No problems. I know how it works. Some people would be crapping their pants if they tried to drive the 3B.
Yeah, I could drive it to Moab tomorrow.

 

Even parts for Warn overdrives are good to have around, good trading material.

 

If you had any doubt about the '71's rear axle, it's flanged. You can see the ends of the axles. through the big hole in the middle of the wheel. You don't have to remove the drum.

I kinda like the '71 too - it looks like it's been well used, but I think the appearance is quite honest and what's expected from a mule. The one wheel looks like a Ford wheel with the center cut out - not Jeep.

A '71 with the F134 gets a T-90, not a T-14. So I'd assume that it too is a F134.

 

If your tall the windshield on the 71 will be better as it has the taller arched glass and bottom mount wipers. The rear tank also aids in the constant fuel smell of most under seat tanks.

 

I too liked the 71, but what I am struggling with is I would have to gut to much to make her street worthy. And it runs ok, not as well as the 64. My biggest concern with the 71 is the farm tech-work. It is not hacked up, but adapted to their needs. If you are looking for a frame off, this thing would be great. I don't have the space for that and need a more complete package that I can adjust on the weekends. I really want the 71, but I am struggling with a few issues. The 64 seems like a best fit, yet something is holding me back from it. The long run the 71 seems wiser choice, the 64 is rolling out the door today.

Then there is the wife, and doesn't always share the same vision as I do on projects. She might see the gem in the 71 over the 64, but not by much.

I guess the good thing is that the wiring is minimal and can be done rather simply. Shoot, I am talking myself into the 71. And I like the one piece axle. But the motor on the 64 just runs so sweetly. Hmmmm, they are small maybe I can fit both in at the house. hehe That is a marital problem recipe.

Thanks again gents. I will continue to investigate and report back.

 

Tires, tops, seats and winches are the last thing you need to worry about when looking at a Jeep. They are just icing on a cake. You need to look at the frame, body, floors, hat channels, brakes and running gear to see what you are buying. Does it go? Does it stop? What do all the fluids look like? How old does the oil filter look and has it just been changed? Oil in the water or water in the oil? Go through all the gears in 2 and 4wd and listen for any hints of problems under load and coasting. Does it stop in a straight line? Take someone with you that knows Jeeps and can dissect what parts it actually has on it.
Make a checklist of the points I just said and check them off as you look at it. So many times you get caught up in a negotiation and forget to actually verify what it is that you are buying.
Always be ready to walk away. If the brain says no, don't let the heart overpower reason and logic.
My last point is by far the most important. "IF YOUR WIFE DOES NOT WANT A JEEP, THEN DON'T BUY AN OLD PILE OF PARTS!
Unless the wife understands what a "project" is then your life could turn into a nightmare and then someone like me comes along and pays you pennies on the dollar to take away your broken dream.
It is really easy to put $10,000 into a $2,000 Jeep. These are not an investment but rather a passion to those of us that have the incurable Jeep disease.

 

I'd be positioning towards the 71 myself.
Most everything it has you'll end up doing to the 64 anyway.
The single stick 18 points to a V6 in the 71
But stuff gets swapped around.....

 

You're probably right.
I was just assuming.
and I'm a flatty guy..
headed to the back of the room