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1955 Cj5 Moneypit Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Dgroshek, Jul 26, 2018.

  1. Jul 26, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
    Messages:
    194
    I found a 55 CJ for $400 back in late November 2018 and decided to buy it. After thoroughly inspecting everything, I basically decided to save the D 44, D 25, T90, and Dana 18, scrapping everything else. The body was swiss cheese and I felt I could poke holes through the frame with a screwdriver. So my journey began.

    UP TO DATE POSTINGS WILL START AFTER 8/1/18

    More posts and pictures to come once I download all pictures to the site.

     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2018
    NeedsRusteze74 likes this.
  2. Jul 26, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
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    1,450
    $400!!!! Wow, Looking forward to this one. Christmas lights look great (y)
     
  3. Jul 26, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    This set of pictures is the car while being disassembled and seeing exactly what I have.

     
  4. Jul 26, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    For the next set, I start disassembling everything. This came with a Ford V8 that was seized. I really didn't take many pictures of the body because it was in such bad shape.

     
    NeedsRusteze74 likes this.
  5. Jul 26, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    After everything I wanted to keep was labeled and boxed up, I started taking things to the sand blaster. They also powder coat, so I got everything powder coated in Black. I ended up taking both axles, transmission, transfer case, and a few other things but the only pics of sandblasted materials I have are the axles. Finished pictures of the tranny and t-case will be seen later.
     
    NeedsRusteze74 likes this.
  6. Jul 26, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
    Messages:
    194

    This is what they looked like when I picked them up.

    A little lull in time here; not much getting done because I decided a few things:
    • Axles will be professionally rebuilt.
    • The frame is too F'd up for me and no one wanted it when I posted it on the classifieds here.
    • The body is too far gone for my metalworking skills
    • Let's see how much money I can spend from magazines and online! I think I kept Quadratec, Kaiser Willys, Walcks, Novak Adapt, and Summit Racing in business for the past 6 months. Also Throttle Down Kustoms who make awesome full tube frames. Pics of those will be posted later.
    During the lull, I rebuilt my transmission, transfer case, and made dents in my living room coffee table during the process. If I can find pictures during the rebuild, I'll post them tomorrow bit I think I was too busy swearing to take any.


    That's it for tonight, much more to come soon.
     
    Danefraz, Beach66Bum and Muzikp like this.
  7. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    Transmission and transfer case rebuilds were MUCH easier than I expected them to be. Novak has pretty good instructions but I ended up following along with a YouTube video for the rebuilds. If I can remember the video name, I'll post it here.

     
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  8. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    Here's some pictures of the new heart of the beast; a SBC V8 that a friend practically gifted me. Still in the Jegs crate.

     
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  9. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    Throttle Down Kustoms came through with an awesome frame. This thing should survive a bomb.

     
  10. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    Frame after primer to keep rust out...

     
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  11. Jul 27, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
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    7,540
    :watch: Enjoying the show.
     
  12. Jul 27, 2018
    CJeep5

    CJeep5 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2018
    Messages:
    23
    I've been lookin at those TDK frames, but i can't pull the trigger on one yet.
     
  13. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    They're very well built. I bought mine with the add on skid plate and transmission crossmember but decided to go with the stock look. Pics of this soon enough. It definitely would be easy to switch out the new style at any time. A bit of advice, if you're open to the style of front bumper, they will weld one on. I couldn't decide and pictures below show what I decided on.

    I also customized the frame with YJ spring placement and integrated saginaw steering bracket. This extended the frame by about 2 inches.

     
  14. Jul 27, 2018
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Pasadena, Md.
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2014
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    589
    Does the new frame have reversed shackles?
     
  15. Jul 27, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    Technically yes, I guess. I'm not 100% sure what entails a shackle reversal on a stock frame. The frame guys swayed me into upgrading to yj suspension.
     
  16. Jul 28, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Oct 25, 2006
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    Well, I see the welded in tube for it. Try it out. Might be awesome. Spring over YJ stock springs with shackle reversal might make it interesting.
     
  17. Jul 28, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Fwiw primer is porous and will let moisture in.
     
  18. Jul 29, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    Primer was on for about 2 months. When I was ready to paint, I sanded everything and re primed using 2k epoxy primer. Paint went on a week later, actually used upol raptor bedliner for frame
     
  19. Jul 29, 2018
    montanacj

    montanacj Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2012
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    794
    Looking good. I like the frame choice.
     
  20. Jul 30, 2018
    Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    TX
    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2017
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    194
    After I primered the frame, it was time for dry fitting everything. I got my WillysOverland repro tub in while this is all happening too. Sorry the pictures aren't in that great of order.

     
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