1974 CJ5 Rookie Build

Hey guys, this will be my first build and I am hoping I can get a lot of support/knowledge from you guys. I am looking to build a 74 cj that I just picked up the other day, here is some of my background:
- Never owned a Jeep
- Never worked on a Jeep
- Never sanded/painted a car
- Never wired a car
- Welding skills are near non-existent
- Hardly own any tools to start
- Doing the entire build out a a single car, model T style garage.
That being said, What could go wrong?

Ok enough, I know how you all like pictures. So here is the Jeep the day I bought it. The back was full of Junk, I don't know what any of this stuff is worth and I am Hoping I got a good deal on the Jeep! (Paid $2k)

Here is it just getting home:


Here is all the junk in the back: YIKES!


Im PUMPED for this build!

 

So a lot has happened since those original pics:
I bought this in the beginning of March.
Here is what I started with:

I am mid way through stripping it down to the frame. Here is some glamor shots:


Got the tub off:

Cleaned and painted:

 

Ha ha, good catch I tried there first and thats who directed me to this site. Ive noticed WAY more information here about this Jeep, obviously.

I was thinking about posting a link to bring the build up to speed but I didnt want to step on any toes linking websites.

 

More:
Took the tub to get stripped and primed:

Cleaned the crud out of the frame:
Before:

After:


And got it ready for a POR-15 Application:
Before:

After:



And that is pretty much where I am today. I got the frame back on the axles last night but didn't snap any photos. I have TONS of pics of everything and have also blogged it all @ thompology.com

This weekend I am going to try and change the timing chain (already screwed up my harmonic balancer listening to a neighbor) if the one I ordered comes in today or tomorrow.

 

What kind of car is that in the back ground?

Jeep frame looks good.

 

Welcome from another '74 owner and northern Californian. I admire how you jumped in with both feet. The frame looks great!

 

That's a 1964 Chevy Impala in the back ground.






Todd

 

Welcome from the Sac area. Looking good, let me know if you need a hand. I'm local and have a very original '74 if you need to see how something goes back together.

 

AWWWWWW CRUD!

So while I was chatting with a neighbor about this and that we were screwing around with the engine, and without even thinking about what I was doing I threw a 3 hook puller on the harmonic balancer and tightened it down to pull it off :shaking:
So as you can guess, I jacked it up. What a bone head move. Worst part is I had the right puller sitting in my tool box.
So now I need a new one. Or I can get the one I have repaired but I don't know how to go about that, any suggestions?

I headed out to J&W Auto Wreckers to see what they thought. They couldn't find a used one on site and had a reconditioned one for sale. The problem was, when I help them up together the reconditioned balancer's mark for top dead center did not match my balancer's! Now I am afraid to order one online being as that one said right on it "1974 258" but was wrong.

Any great ideas?

@74Renegade I would LOVE to see your rig so I can dream of what mine could look like one day!

@CJ Glen you around Sac area? and thanks all for the "Welcome"s

 

Don't get too excited, your frame looks better than my whole jeep. It's pretty trail beat. Except for the lift and a few minor comforts it is pretty much as it came from the factory. I am pulling the tranny this weekend to do some bell housing thread repair.

 

I am about an hour north of Sac.

 

It a 1963 chevy Impala in pic #6...has one before 63 SS with 327ci and four speed ..

 

@74 Renegade: at this point I would just be stoked to see one that is put together, I forget what I am even working towards. Hopefully I stop breaking stuff so I can get this project rolling!.

The rubber in my harmonic balancer was decent but now looks like this:

GAH!
I am still looking for a fix to this. I hate to spend 100+ bucks on a harmonic balancer when I can get a whole 258 for not too much more. Ive been watching craigslist, and it would be nice to have one to slowly build while I drive this one into the ground.

UPDATES:
So since it was about to rain here I dropped the frame back on the axles and am back to a rolling chassis:

Also while I am trying to figure out the harmonic balancer situation, I got the oil pan, stripped:

Primed:

And painted: (It got too cold outside so in it came. Really stinks up the house and my gf LOVES it.)

Ready to drop the fuel tank back in (waiting on paint on one bracket):

The tub is still at the blaster's, they got busy and I let them know I am in no rush. Going to check out the price of oil pumps, thermostat housings, and a few other parts tonight to determine my next step.
Current Build Cost: 3,201.20 and climbing.

I still need to look into an economical disk brake conversion for the front D30. Any ideas?

 

Almost forgot. Headed out to the Grandparent's for Easter Sunday, and while wandering the property I found my next project buried in a chicken coupe. Just a couple shots to tease you. It also has ZERO rust, although it was buried under quite a bit of garbage and chicken poop!


OK, OK, OK thats enough of that one for now, I was just stoked at the find! been sitting for years and years.
I need to get through this '74 completely and then we can dive into the '54

 

Nice build,you are doing a fine job. Just replaced my balancer the other day. Got it from Trailquest, Think it was 49.00 plus shipping. Keep up the good work.

 

@bkd: I know I know but I want a total in the end.
@rusty: Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out

I may have tracked down an issue:
After briefly searching the internet, I have found that I may not have a 258 but instead have a 232
I was told if the stamped number on the block has the letter "E" it is a 232

Can someone decode this and confirm or deny:


So now I have 2 more questions:
1) If it IS a 232 could that be why the timing marks didn't line up?
2) Does this mean the timing set (gears and Chain)I just ordered will be wrong?!?!?

 

Balancer ideas.

If you decide to go new, this place has good prices for parts.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/catalog.php?a=Ad+Code+www.google.com+

You might also try calling Don, at Motor Machine----916-944-0649. Most trustworthy shop I know of in the Sacto area.

 

Probably is a 232, same balancer i think. Still a good motor. When getting a new balancer be sure to check for correct year. May be a difference in older vs. newer ones.