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59 Cj5 Garage Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by carupal, Nov 12, 2018.

  1. Nov 12, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Well, my wife made me sell my 79 CJ5 that was orange and cool and running. So naturally I needed something to spend my time and money on (I have none of either, but since when did that stop anything.)

    I know practically nothing about how to build a Jeep but was at a friends ranch and found this sitting out in a field.

    This one is a 1959 Willy's CJ5 that is white(ish), cool, and definitely NOT running. So I brought it home.

    [​IMG]

    I figure with the help of this sweet forum, myriads of YouTube videos, and a copy of the Factory Service Manual we can see what happens.

    What could go wrong?
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2018
  2. Nov 12, 2018
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2016
    Messages:
    534
    Triumphs, followed by minor setbacks, headaches and then a final fabulous finish, of course. :beer:

    Great intro with photos.
     
    Valentino84 likes this.
  3. Nov 12, 2018
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2007
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    5,916
    Welcome aboard.
     
  4. Nov 12, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Welcome.
     
  5. Nov 13, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Got the Jeep off the trailer and pushed into its new home for the foreseeable future. Luckily our primary vehicles are not super new and heated seats work wonders on cold Rocky Mountain mornings so they get to live outside in the elements.

    [​IMG]

    Now, what to do with this beast? The things that I have going for me are lots of time (I don't have to finish it before my youngest (6) graduates college) and I have hardly any money invested in it at this point. So, I figure the best corse of action is to just jump in with with both feet, tear the whole thing down to the bolts and see what I can rebuild it as...

    [​IMG]

    Ok, maybe not.

    I am not wanting to make anything super modified - I like the idea of taking something that was supposed to be junk and making it useful again - but I don't have the skill or patience to try a perfect restoration.

    I am thinking keeping as much stock as I can (rebuilding things that can be rebuilt), but making it a bit more drivable and user friendly. As such here is a list of "probable" modifications:

    4.3L GM Engine swap (keep T90 and Dana 18)
    Saginaw steering conversion/new steering column
    Front disc breaks
    2-3 in lift
    31in tires

    From what I have read on the forums that can probably be done in a weekend or so with about $100 :poke:

    Now, all I have to do is start tearing it down and see what there is to work with. (Did I mention that it definitely does NOT run?)
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2018
    Valentino84 likes this.
  6. Nov 13, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Apr 28, 2011
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    5,407
    are you talking about the jeep with dog bone
     
  7. Nov 13, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    I am not building the dog bone Jeep. Just something crazy I found else ware on the interwebs.
     
  8. Nov 14, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    I'm not seeing any pics except for the dog bone Jeep.
     
  9. Nov 14, 2018
    Fly Navy

    Fly Navy Member

    Emerson, IA
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2014
    Messages:
    361
    So I'm not the only one... good. I thought maybe my computer was acting up.
     
  10. Nov 14, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    I think they're hosted by Google. If you're not logged into Google you can't see them.

    That's my guess. :shrug:
     
  11. Nov 14, 2018
    baldjosh

    baldjosh Member

    pacific north west
    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Messages:
    451
    same here...i was wondering
     
  12. Nov 14, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Good to know. I will work on getting my images set up though a different host.
     
  13. Nov 14, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Images should be fixed now.
     
  14. Nov 14, 2018
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
    Messages:
    3,559
    Hey Now! Welcome from Florida.
    That Jeep is in better starting shape than mine (except my V6 ran).
    Good luck.
     
  15. Nov 14, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    I was just reading through some of your build. Looks great. Wait till you see the floors of this one - it's a doozy.
     
    Buildflycrash likes this.
  16. Nov 14, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Since the subject of body image has been brought up, now would be a good time to give an update on disassembly. With a couple days of work and the fantastic efficiency of my new Rigid impact driver I was able to get most of the interior pulled out of the tub, fenders and grill pulled and wiring pulled out.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I have a hate/hate relationship with electrical work (although it beats plumbing, as you can see from the coolant deluge on my concrete) so I am attempting to remove the wiring harness as intact as possible, labeling all the connections before disconnecting and keeping the dash all together to deal with at a later time.

    You will also notice my super sophisticated sorting and storage method for small parts demonstrated by the lineup of labeled blue solo cups. If I were really thinking ahead I should have color coded the cups based on systems - blue for body parts, red for drivetrain, yellow for other stuff - but that kind of splurging is out of my budget so blue it is.

    I should be ready soon to pull the tub off the frame, although I am trying to figure out if I should save PO's body mount and lift system? It looks like it would provide a pretty cushiony ride.

    [​IMG]

    This image also gives a taste of the original floor panels that are conveniently covered with diamond plate. Looks like I am going to get a crash course in welding and fabrication, but I will probably just set the body aside for a while so my tears don't cause more rust to appear.
     
    Valentino84 and Hellion like this.
  17. Nov 15, 2018
    Lilbuff63

    Lilbuff63 Member 2022 Sponsor

    Sonoma County Ca
    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2014
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    285
    I do like the body lift bushings, very natural look!
     
    Valentino84 likes this.
  18. Nov 15, 2018
    carupal

    carupal Sponsor

    Casper, WY
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2018
    Messages:
    9
    Before I can get the body removed I need to attack the steering wheel. It is not in the greatest shape, with several cracks and I was planning on replacing it anyway with the Saginaw upgrade and being a taller guy I need all the room in the drivers area as I can get, so a smaller wheel is in the plans.

    [​IMG]

    I have read on several threads that sometimes the wheel can be a booger to remove, but I thought, "Hey, that's some other guy's wheel. Mine will probably come off with a robust tug and away I will go."

    You will notice at this section of the journal that there will not be a lot of helpful pictures showing the ingenious contraptions that I came up with to pull an old Willy's steering wheel. I would love to be the go to guy with the step by step tutorial on how it is done. I forgot to take pictures as I was straining not to throw large tools and heavy objects throughout the garage in frustration.

    Willy's Steering Wheel Removal in 3 Easy steps
    Step 1: Remove horn button and horn wiring by pulling it out through the steering column.
    Step 2: Brace steering wheel and remove the nut attaching the wheel to the column.
    Step 3: Pull off steering wheel.
    Step 3b: Spray PB Blaster on spline. Let is soak for a while.
    Step 3c: Try to pull off steering wheel.
    Step 3d: Take a trip to O'Reilly's and get a loaner 3 jaw puller.
    Step 3e: Try to use puller attached to the base of the steering wheel, even though you have read multiple times that due to the slope it will probably slip off or chip the hard rubber.
    Step 3f: Spray PB Blaster on spline. Let is soak for a while.
    Step 3g: Concoct a triangular contraption using the softest 2x4 wood you have available and attach puller.
    Step 3h: Throw splintered 2x4 pieces toward nearest trash heap.
    Step 3i: Hit steering wheel with large hammer.
    Step 3j: Spray PB Blaster on spline. Let is soak for a while.
    Step 3k: Concoct a triangular contraption using flat steel rods dissected from clamps and attach puller.
    Step 3l: Throw bent steel rods toward nearest trash heap.
    Step 3m: Concoct a triangular contraption using heavier gauge steel rods dissected from table saw guides and attach puller.
    Step 3n: Apply heat from heat gun.
    Step 3o: Use angle grinder to cut spokes off steering wheel and throw loose parts toward nearest trash heap.
    Step 3p: Use angle grinder to cut off remaining rubberish substance, while not dying from inhalation of 50+ year old dust.
    Step 3q: Attach puller to exposed metal at base of what's left of the the wheel.
    Step 3r: Apply heat from heat gun.
    Step 3s: Pull off steering wheel.

    When you have successfully completed Steps 1-3 you should have an original Willy's steering wheel that looks something like this:

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Nov 16, 2018
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2016
    Messages:
    534
    Your first photo is now MIA. It does have a 'do not enter' symbol in it's place though.

    That was a decent looking steering wheel as steering wheels go. Pity it had to be destroyed YOU HORRIBLE MANGLER! :lol: I kinda like that it's from an earlier Jeep, like a CJ-2 or something(?) with that small horn button.

    Just because the engine's not running doesn't mean it cannot run. Ya oughta refurbish that ol' 4-banger and run the Jeep with it and then use that as a baseline for a better mill, for the sake of comparison.
     
    Valentino84 and dozerjim like this.
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