Start a 1957 Jeep CJ-5 Project...?

I have the option to pick up a 1957 Jeep CJ-5 for free (other than the cost to transport it). I already have a 2005 TJ that I have plans to build up. But I also want to eventually build a rock crawling beast from a CJ-5 or CJ-7. I've put up a link to pictures of it and from what you can see, the body's in rough shape.


I'm trying to decide if I want to pick up the Jeep and if I do, should I restore it or rock crawl it. If I rock crawl it, I have a decide idea of what I want to do. I'm seeing a V6 swap, manual transmission, Dana 44's front and rear, at least 35"s and lockers. I'd do a full custom rollcage and skids for protection. The body I would simply patch where needed and spray bomb it since I'll be out beating it.

If I restore it, I'll take it back to stock and even put the plow back on it, easier way to clear the driveway... for what I'm not sure since my Jeep loves to play in the snow.

I'm at the point where I won't have the money to finish my Jeep till next year. So this one won't be started for at least that long. I figured I could get some good input here. I'm going to start searching around on the forums for how to identify axles, decide on drive train, etc.

 

Welcome from Portland, OR!
It's your Jeep, do what you want with it.
Having said that, I agree with Boyink, there are much better platforms to build a Rock crawler out of that has a much better wheel base than 81", better running gear, etc.
I'd restore it or part it out depending on how bad it is. Or sell it to someone who will give it the tlc it deserves and use the money toward your other Jeep or collecting the parts you want to build the rock crawler. Of course, I'm just a tad biased as I also have a '57 that is slowly getting restored (very slowly).
Nickmil

 

Hello from Texas R)

Well Im with the other guys, restore it. I've been working on mine for a year and the fun part has just begun. Still quite awhile from being done, but if you look at some of the almost finished rigs its worth it. Good luck.

 

well im new here and dont wanna step on anyones toes but my 2 cents says to build a crawler if you want. ive got a 55 cj5 that started life as a mail carrier. its slowly been converted into a crawler w/ relatively litle money. most of my parts were salvaged and i stuck w/ the hurricane four banger. ive had a lot of poeple laugh @ me but im confident in the engine. its been worked over a little by a local engne builder here so i hope its not a lost cause. btut ne ways go for the crawler. set a cheap budget and try to do all the fabrication yourself. good lick wutever you decide

 

It is your JEEP so do whatever you want. If you want to stick a piece of dynamite under it and blow it up do it... just let us know where the bits and pieces fall so we can salvage anything left.

That said I vote resto simply because IMHO later Jeeps make better hardcore crawlers then the early stuff, not saying it can't be done but it is easier when you have an aftermarket helping you.

 

I ended up passing on the project. Because of the amount of work required and lack of space to store it, I decided that I would just wait for something else to come my way. Once I have a house and garage, I think I'll be ready to dive into a project. Thanks for the input guys.