From Vegas to Dallas: The '76 CJ-5 Zebra goes Texas Country (lots of pics)

I'm starting this thread up with much to come. At this point there is only a minimal amount of work done, mostly familiarization with the Jeep as far as what I 'really' have in front of me.

Even last night while taking some pictures to send a buddy I noticed some bad news I hadn't seen before. Patch panels between the front wheel wells and the firewall that look like they were either glued or very messily tack welded on. Honestly I'm nut sure what they tacked or glued too... the panels underneath literally crumbled in spots when prodded . I had already planned a new steel tub anyways, so it's not that much more to replace (if needed) the front panels as well.

As this is my first ever jeep build, and first experience working on 4WD, *please* feel free to toss in your two cents on anything I am doing! I'd rather have 4 opinions to research and choose from then no idea what to do.

Some basic stats on the Zebra:

304 v8 - definitely some modifications done to it by one of the POs, but it was a 304 from the factory. RV cam, looks like modified heads, intake and newer holley reman carb. It runs, bubbling like a rat rod.
Front-end, read and transfer case all look to be stock. AMC 20 out back, Dana 30 in front and a Dana 20 case.
I'm in the process of finishing repairs on the D30 - PO was rolling it out and into the garage with the front left wheel not attached to the hub and buggered the axle splines and spindle threads to hell. The AMC20 was at least painted and cleaned prior to me getting it... haven't opened her up though yet. Electrical is a spaghetti mess and I'll be looking for a nice aftermarket harness to replace it with that will allow me to add a nice modern stereo.

next post I'll go through some of the plans I have for her, some semblance of an order of operations plan as well as lots of questions! See ya then!

A few pictures from the day we brought her home.



You can see in the below, just barely, the line of the patch panel at the top right of the wheel well.

 

That sure is some paint job.

 

Nice project. Sounds like a good start. I live about 10 miles from you in Carrollton.

 

Are those front tow hooks secured as poorly as it appears? Looks like one bolt through each. Not sure what they're bolted through, or whether it's even a proper grade 8 bolt, so be careful with that.

Uncle Ted Nugent would be proud.

 

I actually think the hooks are held on with Duct Tape and toothpicks...

The more I tear into her, the more I wonder what the POs were thinking. I managed a rub of the VIN and determined the 304 is *not* from the factory which is consistent with the engine while running - it didn't sound in the least like stock. The motor was put in, and it looks like the frame is in great shape was was re-coated but the other items are bordering on hilarious...

There are galvanized steel sheet pieces sheet metal screwed in at random places. There is a 2-3 inch body lift kit made of wood planks! Finally a few pieces of sheet metal were pasted in place with body filler...

That said it's giving me the motivation to double check everything and I'm learning.

I did make some progress on the tear down this weekend, got the front fenders free, seats out, under dash heater box removed.

Had to spend most of Sunday cleaning out the second bay in the garage. Have a flatbed 5 x 8 trailer that needed to be re-painted and have the wood replaced.

I was curious if anyone had any suggestions for cleaning down the frame once I get the rest of the body off. I am using a steel brush on my impact drill to knock the rust free on the trailer and just using shake cans of rustoleum primer and paint. I was planning on using POR-15 for the frame if need be, or just to rough it up and re-coat with black paint if its in solid shape.

thoughts?

Jim

 

:iagree:

The flap disc is so much easeir then the wire wheel and less chance of strands of metal stuck in you.

 

Ted Nugent come to mind.......
Looking forward to see all the progress.