Getting Started on my very first Project - 63 CJ5

I'm getting started on my very first CJ5 soon. By the serial number it was built in Dec 1962... would that make it a 62 or a 63? Not that it matters much...

I'd appreciate any advice you have except "Don't start, it's too expensive".R) My plan is to get this CJ running and driving and use it to learn about restoration before doing a real project. Step one is to get the engine running. It shouldn't be too hard, except I'm a total newbie and haven't even owned a vehicle with a carb before. Heck, it's been almost 10 years since I had one with a distributor.











The body tub is hacked up (CJ7 door openings? Grrrr) but solid enough to make a decent runner for now. The engine seems relatively unmolested except for the wiring. Overall for what I paid I think I'll get my money's worth.

 

Looks like a good start. Never seen one converted to square openings @ the doors. Hmmm....you might want to keep that as a conversation piece. Are both door openings like that?

 

Good luck. I see you have the :hurrican: . Good dependable engine.

 

Have always wondered what that would look like. Those S shaped doors get hard to get in and out of once you lift it and develop a "middle aged phisique." I kinda like the doors.

 

My advise. Get it running then give it to me... well he asked for my advise R)
Looks like a start.

 

I would purchase a factory service manual.

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31140&highlight=manual

 

63 is a good year. I like mine anyhow. Looks like a good start. The doors are interesting.

 

Howdy neighbor! Glad to see you made it here. Ask plenty of questions, we're glad to help. Get the FSM like Chuck said, do a basic tuneup if it needs it and play with it. Have fun!

 

Looks like a fun project!

I wouldn't worry about the square door openings for now, but I would not plan on keeping them. The CJ-5 body looks funny (to me) with that thin spot between the door opening and wheel opening.

Have you checked out the frame yet? I'd look very closely at the frame, especially next to the spring hangers, since this seems to be a common problem. Don't worry about the body for now - get it running and drive it.

 

You gotta love the coil mount I wonder how well it grounds?
thats an intresting mount on the front. but it lookes like a greatproject

 

Maybe repaired with CJ-7 metal? Hmm.

 

I have to admit, I really hate the CJ7 door openings. They're the first thing I'll fix when I get into sheet metal... if this tub is even worth it. I think it's just a total bubba repair, not even CJ7 sheet metal. The frame has some bubba repairs too, right by the spring hangers as mentioned above.

The mount on the front is a complete mystery. Someone put a little work and new angle-iron into it, not the scraps that they used to do all the repairs. It's purpose is a complete mystery to both me and the previous two owners.:? Hopefully tomorrow or sunday I can at least get it running and maybe get a clue on the brakes... right now the pedal just sinks to the floor with no resistance. Haven't even climbed under it yet to see why.

 

Make sure you bring an extra large can opener!

 

My first post here...

Thanks Rusty! I can't wait to get this thing back on the road.