Barn Find----Sort-of

I haven't posted in a couple of years ever since y'all helped me finish my '48 project so I thought I would share this newest adventure.
This jeep really has been sitting in a barn for many years on the farm where one of my duck leases was (Arkansas). I tried to buy it several years ago without any luck. The other day I called the owner just on a whim and offered him less than I thought he would take but he accepted.
The question now is What To Do With IT. It is entirely stock and I think original except for the front bumper.
The motor will barely move when I hit the starter but everything else seems to move OK. Should I upgrade brakes and steering or keep it stock?
I believe this is a 1962 ???? SN#57548 143665.
Your recommendations are appreciated.
Tommy

 

You mean '62? It's clearly not a '72.

I presume you looked at the VIN number document and made a typo. http://www.earlycj5.com/zoomer/Vehicle_Indentification.pdf VINs are discussed in a sticky thread at the top of the forum.

I'd clean it up and drive it. If the brakes need a lot of work, upgrading to 11" drums would be a good idea, and would be acceptable in terms of originality ... at least to me.

If it weren't what I wanted, I'd pass it along to someone who was looking for specifically this type and condition of vehicle. No crime in making a little money off the deal. But I'd drive it a while and take a bunch of pictures first.

 

yep, definetly older than a 72. keep it stock i think. looks like a fun project. it's nice when they're original and unmolested.

 

Sorry for the typo--- -1962

 

if you decide to change it a bit. I'd buy those seats from you!

 

I vote for stock. You have almost everything still in place, no parts chasing.

It's easy to modify a vehicle but tougher to restore one that has been customized. Stock vehicles get more rare every year.

 

x2

 

Yep, I vote to keep it stock, as said before not many stock ones around and would be fun to drive it that way!

 

Well, I took the head off tonight to try and see why the motor is stuck. Number two cylinder had a pile of wet rust---NOT GOOD.
I have not yet been able to find the source of the water.The head gasket did not look blown, and I couldn't find a crack either in the head or the block. The gasket had the metal trim that goes around combustion chamber opening on the head side. Does that make any difference.
What do I need to look for? Is there anything other than the gasket or a crack that can cause this?
Thanks for your input.
Tommy

 

I'll cast my vote for stock! As for the motor, I'd tear it down and take the block and head to a machine shop and have them checked real good.

 

Looks like the body is in good shape. Get 'er running, wash and a quick wax, and awaaayy we go. Nice score.

 

stock!

 

the valves for number two may have been open whilst it sat condensation over many years could splain it..

 

The exhaust valve was open and that was where the corrosion looked like it originated. I have moved to near Memphis so I called the machine shop where I moved from and the owner said basically the same thing.
I am in the process of disassembly. When I get the motor pulled I will have a machine shop work on it.
The odometer shows only 20,000 mi., the pistons are standard and the cylinder walls show almost no wear. I doubt that is actual miles but you never know. The engine number is 4J316050 but I couldn't figure the chart out to know if this is the original motor.
I appreciate all the help.
Tommy

 

X2. Nice find!

 

I vote stock and good luck

 

I would appreciate it if someone would interpret the engine number 4J316050 for me. For some reason I can't seem to make it work.
I'm going to do my best to keep this one stock but I'm already finding some not surprising surprises. I drained the motor oil, trans., and transfer case and found water in all. I guess that is what you get for buying a jeep that spent it's life in Arkansas delta mud. The good part so far is the radiator held plenty of anti-freeze and the radio worked.
Thanks for everybody's comments and help. This will be a long road.
tommy

 

i too have a 62' cj5. my engine number is 4J291958. also, the lower right (passenger side just above the oil pan) of my block reads SD 80795 15. when i got mine i did some research and believe mine is the original motor. hope that helps!

 

as far as the water goes clean the goop out and refill. these things are relatively bulletproof, might need a few changes to get it all but it will be ok. do your self a favor and buy a service manual it will save a lot of grief later...

 

I would keep it stock as possible should be a great ride.