68 cj5 rescue , here we go!

This old jeep has been sitting in my Dads back yard for 10 years. It was running fine when he parked it but the suspension was messed up so he quit using it. specs are 1968, cj5, dauntless 255 v6 , 3spd, pto winch , seems to have all original parts. Never done a retoration. This will be my first project of this sort. I would like to keep it all origianl or as close as I can afford to. Here We GO!!!

 

Nice score

 

So where is all the rust that is supposed to be on a jeep that age that has been stored outside with no top? Looks like that will be an easy resto and looks like it is worth taking completely apart and re-do everything. JMO. Great score..

 

"Willys produced by Kaiser Jeep"
on a '68?? Interesting...

The :v6: Jeeps are awesome-nice score!

 

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Wow, that does look to be in great condition!

Looking forward to following this build for sure!

Sharp looking LJ you got there too!


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nice --

love the red & black

subscribed

 

Well I've gotten alot done but you can't tell alot by looking at it. I was amazed when we mixed a little trans fluid with some gas and turned it over afew times to get some lube in the cylynders then. it fired up on the first try. purrs like a kitten. just a little tiny bit of smoke, but I can live with it for now. Had to put a fuel pump & filter and replace the gas tank for it to run on its own. first test drive I found that there was only first and reverse. After driving around in circles for 10 minutes or so and trying to force the other gears it finally broke loose. Now I have all four gears and shifts good. I had a friend replace everything but the hard lines on the brake system. Got some rugged ridge seats, they don't fit perfect but I will make them work. As for the restoration , funds only allow small projects right now, so I am tackling things like the switches and trying to find some front leaf springs. My dad put some late model 2-leaf springs on it and it sits up high in the front. Once my glass man gets done with the windshield I will put on the new wiper motor and switch. I have lights, wipers , brakes, and power, just add tires and we will be driving it. I think I am just going to get it drivable for now and restore it later when I can afford to do it right. My son is in the marine corp. so I thought about putting it in a desert tan primer while I am playing with it , then when I am ready to restore I will have primer already on it. The winch is a toyota winch with a ramsey PTO. I would like to find a ramsey winch. I actually found some paint under all that dirt. This forum has been SOOOO much help.

 

Nice! Don't lose that back seat, if you decide you don't want it let me know.

 

That's sweet...nice ride!

 

very nice

 

Great to see an update on this project, and I bet that wa a good feeling to have it fire up and drive after sitting for all that time!

Is that paint original? If so, I would keep it as is, or at most - freshen it up with a cutting compound!


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Excellent starting point. It appears to be in decent shape, in terms of the body. I think I see a red V6 engine. Is that so? There has been some discussion about the engine color, here, in the past. The red is curious. Do you know if the engine has been repainted in red or, does it look factory?

 

Time flies, didn't realize how long I've been fooling with this jeep and how little I've done compared to my original plan. Got the old jeep on new rubber and able to drive on the street. Drove it to work a couple of times and even did a little muddin. Taught my son how to drive a stick in it. Haven't touched the engine since it runs so good(which is factory teal green color FYI). Had a little tranny issue so started taking it apart to find the T-14 housing is busted. Now I am hunting a transmission. Contemplating an automatic conversion but funds are limited.

 

Seems that most projects cost at least twice what was budgeted and take four times as long as planned! Glad you are still with the jeep project. IMO, the auto is not a good choice for an 80.5" wheelbase jeep. I'd look for another T14 is the cheapest and easiest or I would swap in a truck 4 speed to get the most out of the jeep on and off road.

 

What a great looking Jeep, good job bringing it back! I wish mine looked a tenth as good when I started it! I agree with Mike C that your best bet is finding another T-14, or adapting a T-18 or NP435 vs. installing an auto tranny. The driveshaft in most cases would be waaaaay too short with an auto in most cases.

 

To start with a good cleaning was the beginning. Now oil and grease where it must be, there is a lot to do.
I would try to keep it as it is, because all changes will suppose other unknown problems.
Just replace what is in too bad condition. And .. enjoy.

 

Solid advise guys, lookin for a build able T14 case. Thanks

 

Louisiana ????

 

Any updates??