A few questions

I'm in the market for a 76-83 CJ-5. I've looked at quite a few...all varying in quality and price. I'm hoping someone can fill in some gaps in my CJ-5 knowledge.

1. If I have to redo the wiring, is a wiring harness all inclusive? Does the old come out and the new go in? Easy to do, hard to do?

2. What year did the CJ-5 go from having a tail gate to not? I've looked at two 77's (so they said)...one had a tail gate, the other did not.

3. What year were the window frame latches replaced by the screw-type device?

If there any other nuances I should be aware of, I'd appreciate the help.

Thanks, John

 

Welcome from Boston! Please add your location to your profile.

1) A new factory wiring harness is probably made of unobtainium. The only new harnesses are universal replacements (hot rod stuff), which will be different from the original harness. Personally, I would fix the existing harness in the car.

2) Solid back panel was optional for the CJ-5 after 1972.

3) Last year for latches was 1975..

There were three eras: 1954-1971 (Early or "Kaiser"), 1972-75 (intermediate AMC) and 76-on (late AMC). Many differences across each of these transitions. Check the tech section for some other basic information about general characteristics over the years.

 

Tim, your kin to an encyclopedia.


Welcome, from Cape Cod Mass.