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Starting In On My 71ish Jeep

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Bandit, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. Nov 17, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Well, after many years of not touching my old jeep (15+), I finally decided to get after rebuilding it.

    First, a little history. I got this when I was 17, bought it from a local guy not knowing what it was, but just wanted a cool little jeep for on the farm and in the bush. It was a hack job at best, most everything didn't work. It didn't steer or stop, or start for that matter, but I was able to get it going decent enough that it was usable off road. The nicest thing was that it had a beautiful running rebuilt 225.

    I had become a member of this site years ago and used it as a great resource for information trying to figure out exactly what this jeep was cobbled together from. From what I figured out, is it had an approx 52 cj3a body grafted onto a 1971 cj5 chassis. It has the 225, t14, flanged 44 rear and 27 front with 4.88 gears, and I had put an Aussie locker in the rear, and a 2.5" procom lift cause the stock spring were sagegd right out. It also had a broken Husky overdrive on it, which I was able to repair with parts from Herm. So knowing what the chassis was, and that the flatfender body was pretty much junk, I began collecting old jeeps with the intentions of getting enough parts to put together the cj5 body that was supposed to be on it, and make it a nice usable jeep. Now being that I am in northern Alberta Canada, jeeps aren't that plentiful out here, and the ones that are here pretty much evaporated into rust years ago, so it has taken me a while.

    So that brings me to the plans I have for this jeep. The biggest thing that was holding me back was trying to find a repairable tub for it. I have for parts a 56, 60ish, another 71, a couple intermediate jeeps, and an 82+. I will post pics of the parts jeeps if anyone is interested. There's some decent goodies on some of them that are worth saving.

    I have a half decent intermediate tub that will be the basis for the build, once I fix the rusty floorboards. The tub from the other 71 is rusted beyond repair. I think the intermediate tub will be a better choice for me anyway, as this way I can do a saginaw or herm steering conversion easier, will have hanging pedals for the brakes and hydraulic clutch conversion, and will have a better heater than the 71 came with.

    I also plan on putting 11" drums on the rear, and one of the intermediates has a 30 front i will be swapping in, re-gearing, and converting to discs.

    Lots of work to do, but we have long winters here and it will give me something to do.



    IMG_1293.JPG IMG_1300.JPG IMG_1303.JPG IMG_1304.JPG IMG_1305.JPG
     
  2. Nov 17, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    Messages:
    971
    Looking forward to your build process!
     
  3. Nov 17, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Got a little bit more done today, pressure washed the chassis and drivetrain, and will be tearing it down to the bare frame and repairing some old work done on the frame. Will remove the old repair and fix the cracked spots and fishplate it properly. Also thinking about strapping the frame on the top from just ahead of the rear mount for the front springs, to just behind the front mount for the rear springs. May also do the bottom between the front spring rear mount and rear spring front mount too. There is no rock crawling etc out here and this jeep will only see light off road use, so I think this will be adequate for my needs and will address the weak areas. Thoughts?

    IMG_1332.JPG IMG_1333.JPG

    I also brought in the tub I'm going to be using, stripped it down and washed it too. Other than the bad floorboards, I found some rust and damage under the spare tire carrier. Not the worst I have tackled, but still will be a good bit of work to do.
    IMG_1329.JPG IMG_1330.JPG IMG_1331.JPG
     
    ITLKSEZ and 47v6 like this.
  4. Nov 18, 2019
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    Messages:
    2,754
    interesting stuff. cant wait to see more progress!
     
  5. Nov 18, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    I think the strapping of the frame would trap moisture and accelerate the rust possibilities of the frame.
    In your neck of the woods, sounds like that could be a problem.
     
  6. Nov 18, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    I'm just looking at it from a strength standpoint right now. The jeep will be a fairweather vehicle, won't see salt roads or anything, and while we have rust issues, it's nothing like vehicles see in eastern canada. I was thinking about boxing that portion of frame too, but that would definitely trap dirt and moisture, and I've always been told that boxing just moves the point of cracking to a different area if you don't do the whole frame. I was thinking the strapping would be an effective way strengthen the frame where needed.
     
  7. Nov 19, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    So I pulled one of the parts jeeps in, the intermediate that I planned on using the dana 30 front out of, and pulled the diff out tonight. What I found wasn't too good. This poor jeep had been beat on severely. Not to mention that saying the work on it was half *** would be a huge compliment. Long story short, the diff is junk. The spiders had been welded, and after looking closer the short side axle tube is bent too. I was at least able to take the 11" brakes off the rear diff though. And I checked the engine out, looks like someone swapped in a 290. Was kind hoping seeing how bagged it was that there was a 401 stuffed in there.

    IMG_1338.JPG IMG_1339.JPG IMG_1340.JPG IMG_1341.JPG IMG_1342.JPG

    I went back out to my parts jeeps, and had a look at the 80+, and it appears it has a narrow track 30 in it as well. I hadn't even thought to check it originally, as it has 5 bolt locking hubs on it, and the disc brake caliper that mounts with two bolts, so I assumed it was a wide track. I dragged the jeep to the shop and pulled the diff, and it does actually appear to be a narrow track. It is 53" from WMS to WMS, so unless the fumes got to me tonight, I'd say thats a narrow track, right? Only crappy thing is that it is 2.73 gears, so I'll have to change the carrier too to re-gear it to 4.88. I'll probably put a lunchbox locker in too at the same time. An I'm hoping to at least salvage the 6 bolt bearing hubs off the drum brake diff and convert this one over.

    IMG_1344.JPG IMG_1345.JPG IMG_1347.JPG IMG_1348.JPG
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2019
    Cowboyjeeper likes this.
  8. Nov 19, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Had a few minutes this morning, so figured I'd post up a few pics of the other parts units in case anyone was interested.

    Black one is the other 71, has no trans/tcase, but has the 225, and was converted (poorly) to power steering at some point in the past, but has the pump and brackets I need. Also has a flanged 44 in the rear, so that's a nice bonus:) I'll be using the windshield, hood and grill from this jeep, and seat brackets and frames. Unfortunately the front fenders are junk though, I'm going to have to order repro's.

    IMG_1313.JPG IMG_1314.JPG

    Yellow jeep is a 56 I suspect, and is essentially stripped out, no engine/trans/tcase, but I brought it home just in case there was something that might be worth saving.

    IMG_1315.JPG IMG_1317.JPG

    And the Orange one is a 60+, and actually has a chevy 283 in it. Drivetrain is missing from this one as well, and the tub is shot, but it has an old school warn winch on it, power in only. I was thinking about using it, but I have a nice 8274 that I'll be using.

    IMG_1319.JPG
     
  9. Nov 19, 2019
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
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    3,559
    Wow, three Jeeps MIGHT make one in your case!
     
  10. Nov 19, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Key word in there is definitely “might” :rofl:
     
  11. Nov 22, 2019
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Messages:
    1,188
    Desert Dogs and a set of chrome reverse steelies!
     
  12. Nov 22, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    I finished tearing the frame right down, and got the cracked portions repaired. I fishplated the frame on the inside, just so it repairs wouldn't be visible from the out. Even though its not gonna be a show machine, I'd rather not make the repairs too visible. After some more thought, I believe I'll box the frame, at least back to the crossmember. I wasn't really quite prepared for how light the frames really are in these old jeeps, I'm used to 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

    The frame had a pretty good twist in it, so I had to come up with a good way to secure the frame so I could twist it back straight prior to any repairs. I ended up using my F-250 gravity press to hold it:)
    IMG_1380.JPG

    I welded up the crack in the frame, ground the weld back flush and fabbed up the plate for the inside the frame. Prior to welding, both the frame and plate were coated with a weld thru coating to help prevent rust.

    IMG_1385.JPG IMG_1386.JPG IMG_1387.JPG

    Same on the other side with the crack above the spring hanger. I had to remove the factory boxing in the area of the Ross box, but will replace it.

    IMG_1390.JPG IMG_1392.JPG IMG_1393.JPG IMG_1400.JPG

    In the next few days I'll be picking up the steel to box the frame, and as long as the weather stays decent I'll sandblast and coat it as well.
     
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  13. Nov 23, 2019
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    If that yellow 56 has a ventilating windshield that is definitely worth saving.
     
  14. Nov 23, 2019
    Bowbender

    Bowbender I'm workin' on it!

    Northern Minn.
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2014
    Messages:
    561
    That's exactly what I was thinking, but Grant beat me to it!
     
  15. Nov 23, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Yeah, that yellow Jeep does have a vented windshield. I never really looked too close at it before, seems to be in decent shape other than
    the glass and rubber. I’m a tall guy, so I probably wouldn’t be able to use it though. I should prob pull it off the Jeep and store it indoors somewhere. I’d probably sell it if someone needed it, but I don’t know what shipping for something like that would be to send it to the U.S.


    DD4EA2B5-804A-4A41-853F-C77A7705A091.jpeg 851AEF7B-DE3D-436A-A18B-A6D11A996AA8.jpeg B0E1B795-1682-4227-B500-6699ADE11DF2.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2019
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  16. Nov 23, 2019
    Cowboyjeeper

    Cowboyjeeper Member

    Show low az
    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2019
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    473
    That venting windshield is awesome. Very rare from what im told
     
  17. Dec 3, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    After being gone for a week or so, I finally got my steel for the frame and had a little time to box it in. I used 1/8 sheet steel.

    IMG_1504.jpg IMG_1503.jpg IMG_1508.jpg


    I had to make one new body mount as well, the old one on one side was mangled beyond repair.

    IMG_1506.jpg IMG_1507.jpg

    Hopefully I will have a little time later this week to get the frame sand blasted and painted. I had bought a wet blast sandblaster for hooking to a pressure washer and gave it a try on the inside of the frame before I boxed it, and while it worked, it wasn't very effective at removing the rust. i tried it on some old body panels I had laying around as well, and the only way it would remove the paint reasonably quickly was if I used very coarse media. I was using crushed glass. Some of the other media products may work better, but they quickly become cost prohibitive.

    I have a large sandblast pot as well, but I may just bring it to a commercial blaster to get done, unless we get a warm spell. I don't have anywhere to blast indoors, and it really sucks doing it outside in the winter. Unfortunately it is quite expensive to get any blasting done here though, so unless I find somewhere to do it for a reasonable price, I may have to find a way to do it myself.
     
  18. Dec 12, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    The last week the weather was pretty chilly, got down to -27c yesterday, but is warming back up a bit now. Only at -18c. Actually not bad at all for December.

    While the weather was a little milder earlier in the week, I managed to get the frame sandblasted, and after a little more repair work on it, I primed and painted it. I used Endura epoxy primer and paint, in medium gloss black. I’ve used it in the past, and the stuff is incredibly tough.
    After I blasted it, I found the frame serial number, 366875, which according to the serial number info page puts it at mid to late 1970 production.

    D9FB138A-4BB7-486B-93EA-3B4B32FE6F31.jpeg 2ECAB2AA-69B3-4DC0-ACEE-117C35C3AE0B.jpeg

    I also had the time to go through my trans and tcase, as I figured it’d be nice if the oil at least would make an attempt at staying inside of it. We’ll see how it does. I also resealed my Husky overdrive while I was at it, and changed the tcase over to a two shifter setup using another older Dana 18 I have for parts, just for coolness. Now I just have to give them a final cleaning and they’ll be ready for paint too.


    A86D7935-65CD-49D4-A0C4-8D983403F6FA.jpeg
     
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  19. Dec 13, 2019
    Dne007

    Dne007 Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Cypress, Tx
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    That looks great! I can't open the picture up to see it as a full screen. You may want to try www.Postimage.com , it's a free imaging service which I use;)
    dne' ;)
     
  20. Dec 13, 2019
    Bandit

    Bandit Member

    Alberta, Canada
    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    83
    Hmmn, on my browser when i click on the thumbnails the image enlarges. I'll have to get this picture posting thing figured out I suppose.
     
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