Money Pit - 1968 Jeep CJ5

Money Pit - 1968 CJ5

Hello. I am new to this group and, alas, I am female. I am trying to restore a 1968 Kaiser Jeep CJ5, which we bought new. It has been sitting idle, with a very few excursions, for 15 years or so. The engine, a 1968 Buick Dauntless V6, seems strong, but we have overheating problems. My husband tore off the Jeep's "face" and removed the radiator and fan. He found a hole in what we are currently describing as the timing chain "box". The water pump, which is new, is attached to this "box". We were told that, if there was water leakage out of that "box", we were in big trouble, however, when dismantling, we found a hole (1/4 in. diameter) on the passenger side of this "box", which appears to be in a chamber which funnels water from the water pump into the engine. We are hoping that there is no cracked block, or worse, as was suggested by a local Jeep person. Any input on this?

Also, assuming we do have a viable vehicle here, we are interested in a full roll cage to fit it. Any leads on reasonable prices????

Thanks and happy holidays, Linda in Tucson, AZ

 

Welcome from SoCal.

Lot of Dauntless guys around here to help you, unfortunetly I'm not one of them.

Don't forget pics! We can never get enough pics here.

 

Welcome from MI. Have a '67 myself, but it's a flathead. Not sure on the rollcage, but I gotta say, you ALWAYS have viable vehicle! Just a matter of how much work you want to put in. Shoot you can get all the parts you need to build a Jeep from scratch, if you were so inclined...

 

sasquach,

How did a '67 end up with a flathead??

JB

 

Sounds like you got a keeper to me. I'm not quite sure exactly where the hole you're talking about is. Is it corroded?broken? Is it in the aluminum timing cover case? You definitely need a Factory Service Manual (FSM). Do a search here to find out where to get one. Smitty Bilt makes a full cage front hoop and spreader bars kit. You'll need the help of a Certified Welder to do it right.

 

Well, it took a lot of sleep deprivation and studying for exams on my part... aka my brain left and I stuck in the wrong word! F-head... F-134... the usual... I should have just said 4-cylinder and left it at that...

 

Welcome from So Cal. James P Enderweis is in Lake Havasu. He knows a lot of race car people that could probably help you out with the rollcage.

If you have a digital camera shoot some photos of your problem areas and post them here. Lots of knowledgable peeps here to help out.

 

Welcome from Ohio, lindafrew!

This is teriff advice. Let us see your probs (and your epic Jeep!).

Is the "hole" threaded? If not, I'll bet it could be with the right size tap. Screw in a plug and prob's fixed.

 

We definately need pics. I have a 1967 kiaser cj5, but the dauntless wasnt enough horse power for me, alas it is setting on my shop floor beside my jeep.Dont get me wrong, it was a strong engine, just did not fit my needs. I did do alot of research and did some work on the internals of this engine. I think I know where you are talking about, but pics would really help so nobody (including me)leads you the wrong way.

 

Welcome from Ohio. 1968 and you bought it new. Not many can say that. I would love to see some pictures. Good luck on the restore. This is the place for getting questions answered.

Oh I bought my roll cage kit from 4WD hardware. I just need to get it installed. Not doing any good in the basement.

 

Welcome from IN.

 

Welcome, from Plymouth, Ma.

 

Welcome from Norwalk, Linda. Pictures are very helpful...

 

Linda: Welcome from Havasu, and another '68 owner too. I think that make 8 of us in AZ. I can't recall, but there is someone else in the Tuscon area. Definitely neep pics to see what you are fefering to.

As to the cage, get the "kit" form several sources and have a "good" welder stick it together. Your best and simplest solution.

 

why "alas"? some of my best jeeping friends are female. welcome to the group from iowa. btw both my 69cj and my parents are from tucson. the cj's here in iowa finally and we visit my parents in tucson every spring.

the folks here know more than i ever imagined. ask and they shall answer or find one for you!

 

Welcome from San Diego!