1970 Cj5 Grille

Restoring a 1970 CJ5 and the grille that it has will require some extensive body work. When I looked to replace it with an aftermarket grille, I found that the grille for this year CJ is not available. I guess there were some changes related to radiator adaption. Can you tell me if the grille itself is any different than the one on the 72-76 CJ5? I'm actually thinking about an overlay, since mine is in need of so much bodywork. Another option would be to get the aftermarket grille for a 72-76 CJ and change the radiator plenum on my old one to the new one. It would just require a little fabrication (but do the fenders and hood match up correctly to this one? or is the geometry different?). My CJ is equipped with the 225 Dauntless V-6.

 

Pretty sure the outside geometry is the same but, the radiator is recessed into the 72-76 grill whereas, on the early cj, like your 70, the radiator is not recessed in. The turn signals should be the same I think, if that matters to you.

I wouldn't think it would too hard to find a good 70-71 grill to replace yours.

 

As Dave stated the grill external dimensions are exact..........through the 70's and early eighty's for a CJ but the radiator mounting as will as the turn signal light size did change over the years...............for and exact used OEM grill try J&W in Analope , CA.
Last Time I was there they had several OEM grills and I'm sure they could find the V6 version...............

J&W Jeep

 

Also note that the V6 grills have variation as well. Early grills have the radiator sort of off set. The later V6 grill has it centered. I may have some pics to help clarify.

Early V6-but I thought the off set went to the other side for some reason. I think they were basically F4 grills with a different radiator but, not 100% sure of that.

Later V6

 

First pic is pretty close to the one in my '60.

 

Good info! I have a similar question. The grill on my 69CJ5 needs replacement and I have located a 71 that is in good shape. Aside from the turn signal size and potentially radiator size, is there any difference in the dimensions from 69 with the small turn signals to a 71 with the larger turn signals? Based on tarry99's answer it sounds like no but his reference was to the 70s models which I think is after the signal changed.

 

The is a picture of a 67. Small signal lights and narrow radiator.


This is a 70. Wide radiator and would need replacement signal lights if you currently have the small style. These would be the three screw style signal lights.

If you look at the left side of the 70 grille you can see the home made plate to accommodate the small radiator. You would need to do the same or find a wide radiator.

I don't know about the length of the rods that run from the grille to the firewall.

The fender and base mounts the same

(I got to beam my pictures!!! I'm beaming right now!!!)

 

Cool, based on the picture you posted it should work. Mine looks just like the second pic. I would post the pic but still figuring out how that works...

 

I hadn't considered the support rods. Older ones were the tube style while later had thinner but solid rod type. I'm guess the length may be different as well.

Also note the hood release latch on the later one. Not sure when that came about...70 or 71. It can be removed so, not a big deal if you don't want it.

 

I believe the change to wide radiator,hood latch,larger signal lights was 1969 for V6 models

 

Above is a picture from before I pulled everything apart--69. It looks like the 70 style in ojgsrsoi's posting. I'll give it a try and let you know how it works. Thanks all

 

You are correct. I have a 68 and 69, both V6 models.

 

I bought a 66 V6 donor when I redone my 64 134F, other than welding the battery base from the 134F frame to the V6 frame everything was the same. the 134 radiator fit in the V6 grill, and the shroud fit the fan just fine.