New ‘63 Owner, Starting From Scratch

Okay, after six to seven years of looking, every morning the “for sale sites”, and looking at maybe a hundred vehicles, I finally found “the one”. A one owner, always garaged, 22,000 miles, 1963 CJ-5. Really, really good shape compared to everything else I’ve seen that wasn’t restored. It’s all original except for the four tires it’s rolling on (spare is original), one of the wipers, the seat covers and the speedometer, although I did get the original speedo from the PO, hoping it can be repaired. Knowledge-wise, I’m pretty much starting from scratch, so I’ll be asking a lot of questions until I get run off, ha. I have the orginal order sheet showing the paint code as 175, mallard blue. It runs great, (had it up to 55 mph on a slight incline with maybe a little left), the trans and transfer case seem fine, no popping out of gear and 4wd works good. Lights, horn, gauges all work except for turn signals. I really like the patina it has. The best thing for me is the originality, I wouldn’t change a thing, except maybe add a bikini top to protect my old bald head. Thanks for reading my rant, I could go on and on, Ray near Waco, TX.

 

I'm not one of the old-timers here, but WOW !!! That is a dream. You did find the right site for help. Welcome here.

 

More pics. Please?

 

Beautiful! x2 on the pics!

 

drive it and enjoy . you'll always have a smile on your face

 

Glenn, yes, the chaff screen is original, as I learned. I was just happy to find that it was “clipped” onto the grill and not screwed into it. My wife asked me to take it off if possible so she could see the jeep “smile”, ha. We both really love the jeep and just now drove to our favorite little restaurant in it and it’s only 100 degrees today, but we’re used to it here in central Texas.

 

More photos definitely; you need an exhaustive, thorough photo documentation of this old lady
just for the sake of posterity.

It's like a time capsule.

A Bimini top is a good idea. Never seen one installed on a Jeep without a roll bar though.
You may be able to fashion something utilizing the sockets at the rear tub corners.....

 

That's great original paint! Very nice!

These bug screens were sold as an accessory. Not sure if it's an official "Jeep Approved" accessory. Such were sold across the parts counter at Jeep dealerships, and often were rolled in to the original delivery.

15" or 16" wheels?

 

Very Nice Jeep. I like that.


Enjoy!

Dave

 

16” wheels, spare with anti vibration oak block are original.

 

Original jack and lug wrench?

 

Swivel metal covers over floor drains

 

Had it up to 55 mph on a slight incline yesterday, might have had a little more but I chickened out, ha. Will be interested to see compression numbers. The pictures make the jeep look “more perfect” than I guess it really is. It’s perfect to us though. There is only minor surface rust in some typical areas, tool box interior, etc. Rear floor is level with only surface rust on the raised ribs.