1972 CJ-5 Almost Restoration

I'm going to trust you NapaGuy - because the alternative is to depressing. 8)

Stay tuned for a weekend update on how this task pans out.

 

The FedEx guy arrived yesterday with presents. Ordered a Gallon of epoxy primer from SPI, super helpful people, and if you don't have a local distributer they will ship for free. They also have some of the best rated primers around, or so the inter-web declares. Also some seam seller and metal bond.

 

First off Happy 4th - and a big thank you to all who serve to keep us free, and help bring freedom to others.


Thought a mid week post was in order. Took the week off to book end the holiday and get some work done on the jeep.


Big plan for the week, the goal is to have the tub, fenders, grill and hood all primed and prepped for paint. And with a little luck I'll get the gas tank installed and start running the gas lines...


Got the ruff body work on the tub finished up and epoxy primer sprayed. I'm pretty happy with the way it starting to look.


Prepped for primer



Primed



Really excited about how the tail gate delete came out





Spent some time this morning with the finishing putty. Covering all the pin holes and scratches I couldn't see before the primer. I'll get that finished tomorrow morning, and a 2nd coat of primer.


And wouldn't you know it. I'm wrapping up the day, cleaning out the gun and having a well deserved beer. And who shown up - but the our friendly neighborhood Snap-on guy.






And no sooner does he stop, then my wife decides she want's to stop by and check on the progress… You know that feeling, when your out with your friends. And maybe your having a little to much fun, and your wife shows up? Yea. It's kind of like that.





Honestly, I had no idea ether of them were going to be here today.

 

Somehow you never manage to get done what you set out to… mehh

Took all of last week off with the intention of finishing up all the body work, and getting everything in primer. I had 8 days to work on the jeep, with one day off for the 4th. Everything was perfect, I was going to make my goal. Some how work was typed off to the fact, and called me in on Thursday and Friday. Foiled again… Between that, and the 104 degrees last weekend. I didn't manage to finish it all up. But I did learn what it's like to try to spray primer in 104 temps - paint dries between the gun and the tub.


Did get some stuff finished up. The outside of the tub is completely primed, with all the scratch marks filled and sanded down. I'm very happy with how it looks - can't weight to shoot the color.











Still need to blast out the inside, and bottom. But progress is being made.


Also managed to get a couple of items blasted, and sprayed with POR 15. In preparation for the tub coming off - gas tank, fuel lines and brake lines will be going in.






Took some time to clean up the workshop, move things around and get the boat up in the rafters. It's amazing but no matter how much room you have, you manage to fill it.



And finally started removing the old paint from the hood. Still need to blast out some of the old seam sealer. but I'm close.






I understand that we only have a hand full of suppliers to source parts from, and I know they need to "make a profit". I'v no problem with that. But for gods sakes, can you please use a better primer? I would be happy to pay an extra $5 to $10 for a gas tank that has a primer that doesn't peal off with masking tape. $10 is well worth the 30+ minute I spent blasting the tank clean, and respraying.

 

Hey Al, Awesome job on the resto so far! I wanted to ask about the shelter that you have set up. What brand is it? I'm looking for something that I can store my boat under/work on jeep projects, and that looks like a very decent sized tent! sorry in advance for getting off topic, I look forward to further updates

 

Thanks!


We've had this one for about 7 years; one 38 foot catamaran, one hurricane and most of a jeep later. It's still going strong. I suspect a new cover will be needed this year. It's starting to show ware at the rafter tops.

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...1&langId=-1&division=FarmTek&productId=464863

I would highly recommend it to anyone that doesn't have the funds to build a permanent structure. It can be a little cold in winter, and hot in summer. But the audition of an old oil heater can take care of the winter cold. And give you something to do with all your waist oil.

 

Still charging forward. The bulk of the fabrication and body work is complete. And most of the primer is on. Just have the inside and underside of the tub, grill and dash to prep and prim. (Put that way, it doesn't seem like I'v made that much progress) But any forward momentum is good momentum.




Got the new tank installed, and the skid plate hung.




Then it was on to bending fuel line. What a PITA this is. The goal was to bend up the line, with lots of tubing left over. Thinking I could pass it along to someone else that wanted to replace there file line. Not sure if it's going to pan out the way I want - I'v been struggling with bending and not kinking the stainless line.


The pattern that seem to be emerging is; 1st bend is flawless, 2nd bend is serviceable, then much further down the line the 3rd bend kinks. And I effectively destroy 4 feet of line…


I'v tried 2 different benders, and both leave a lot to be desired. From poking around a little, it seem the trick is to get a bender that holds the tubing against the mandrel as you bend it. Both of the tools I have don't do that. So the tubing has an opportunity to lift off the mandrel and spread - and kink.





Looks like I'll be looking for a new tool… Any recommendations? OR perhaps someone who has been down this road wants to sell the tool they used. Assuming you don't need it anymore...

 

Been following your build and it looks great can't wait to see the finished product

 

Thanks Ross. You and I both! My goal of finishing for her 40 year anniversary is out, manufactured in July 1972. But I'm still hopeful for end of summer.

Thats what I'm starting to learn is the right tool for the job. When I was poking around yesterday I found the Imperial 470-FHC. Looks to be the same one linked from Summit. I'll get one ordered this week. With luck it will work well for both fuel and brake lines.

 

Didn't get a lot done this weekend - life keeps getting in the way. So I thought as I close out July, and reflect over the last 1 1/2 years - a little before and after would be in order….


3/4 Rolling Chassie
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012



Transfer Case
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012



Passenger Side - Engine
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012



Drivers Side - Engine
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012





Chassie
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012





Rear Drivers Side
Feb 20, 2011



July 28, 2012

 

That's pretty incredible.

 

Nice! I enjoy looking at before-and-after photos.

 

Thanks. Im pretty blown away. Looking back.... Still so much to do!

Anyone spot the "problem" on the transmission?

 

Nice job, very inspiring. How tall is the lift?

 

Thanks jflots.

It's a SkyJacker 2.5" lift with the Nitro 8000 shocks.

 

I know I know!!! Its white and will show all the dirt? lol looks awsome my man, A+ for effort for sure!

 

Thanks!

Ok, so yes the color is a little off. Was suppose to be grey, but... On the pluse side it will also show all the oil leaks. I'm sure I'll have some, so consider this preparation.

But there is a "technical issue" with the transmission. You need to look close, as it's hard to see with all the coatings on the before..

 

Does it have two reverse light switches?

Any hints?

 

Oh i was just joshin ya. It looks really really good. Specially with the top plate being black, it really sets itself apart. I actually took the chassis pic and blew it up on my computer and still cant see a tech issue with it. Give us a hint...at least re-post the picture that shows the issue.