My winter project- '73 CJ5

Hi Guys-

New to the forum, thought I'd try my luck and post some pics of my new acquisition...a zebra stripped CJ5!!!

Quit laughing!

Planning on doing the following:

1. Either fix my tweaked frame or swap out for a good one.
2. Install new ring / pinion in front axle and do a disk brake conversion. Will need help on this topic. Looking for a link that will take me through this process explaining what set up from what donor vehicle to use.
3. Replace diamond plate dash. Wiring and ductwork is still behind the diamond plate. Keeping my eye out for a complete unmolested 71-75 dash.
4. Need new windshield frame and low back seats.
5. Replace both tail light sheet metal tub pieces.

I know most have seen better looking CJ's found sitting in fields. For Ohio, the tubs not rotted through, most all of the
body mounts are there, except for the two in the back (under tail lights). And most importantly, its cool looking.

My biggest concern is to try and focus on replacing these parts with the expectation of driving it this spring.

Opinions are welcome.



Regards,
TiminOhio

 

Welcome, I don't see anything wrong with the stripes. Good enough for John Wayne. Good luck on the project. Plenty of folks here that know what ther'e talking about (not me though).

 

Who's laughing? Not me, I think that looks like a rig Ted Nugent used to drive! Sounds like you've got your winter planned out, you'll get lots of help and comments from the great bunch of guys (and gals!) on here. Good luck!

 

Stripes reminded me of that old series " Daktari" with Clarence the Cross eyed Lion. Kinda shows my age a bit.

 

Can't beat a 73 with a v-8, I still have fun with mine after 15 years of driving, fixing, spending money on it, breaking it. The cycle never ends! Not always in that order though.
You have a great looking project, going to keep the color scheme?

 

looks good have fun fixing her up just rember what jeep stands for Just Empty Every pocket. well at least that is the way it works when you get the bug bad because every time you get one thing done you figer out you want to do three more. jeep are a lot of fun.
R)

 

I've had 3 73's with V8s Yours don't look bad at all. You will get plenty of help here for anything you want to do to the thing. Your last pic shows you have ample help already. Little girls seem to like old jeeps.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

looks like a great project. Welcome from VA

 

Looks like a good project. Can't say mine was in much better shape when I got it. I like the zebra stripes.

 

Man, seeing pics of that thing brings back memories of last April for me. I got a '67 CJ-5 and was so stoked cuz I figured I just needed to sand some rust off the body, rattle can the exterior, herculiner the inside, change the battery, and I'd be good to go. Well, two weeks later it was at the sand blaster and the thing was gutted. Re-sprayed the whole jeep, cut the fenders, herclinered the inside and each individual piece separately before re-install, welded holes in the floor boards, new tail light cutouts, shackles, powdercoating random pieces, wheels and tires, roll cage, half the engine is new, new battery, new radiator, winch, CB, power steering, Dana 44 front with discs, power brakes, headers, new exhaust, fabbed new seat brackets, new shocks, body mounts, bushings, tie-rods, the list goes on. Work on it constantly, and it's never done. Thought I'd have a quick project and start wheeling in two or three weeks, it's been 8 months, and I'm hoping to have it done by April for late spring and summer wheeling. My jeep looked a lot like yours when I got it, too. Different sized wheels and tires on the front and back and everything. Anyway, good luck buddy, stay focused, and make sure you know how deep you are gonna go before it's too late. Its a ton of fun, a big feeling of accomplishment, but also a lot of time and money, so have fun, and keep us posted on how it goes.

 

Tim I've got a used dash from a 75. I'll try to get you some pics this weekend if you want?

 

Welcome Tim, from Minnesota.
Man! who would do that to an icon like a JEEP.

 

Thanks for all the replies!! I promise to keep you guys in the loop throughout my build. I have people e-mailing me with parts…..advice on disc swaps (thanks NitWit!). Looks like a good group of people gathered on this forum.
I'll follow up my questions with plenty of photos.

 

good luck, if you need any help/parts help let me know. I'm nearly done with my 74' CJ5 rebild. I have some of the old parts off mine.. I can help you in locating parts, and any advice on what to do to yours. I have a complete teardown nearly finnished. and I've come across many problems. most of which I explained/figured out in my posts on www.NEOW.net under readers rigs "74' CJ5 complete rebuild"