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1973 Cj5 Frame

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by aandptech9, Feb 27, 2023.

  1. Feb 27, 2023
    aandptech9

    aandptech9 New Member

    Georgia
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    Feb 27, 2023
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    I recently became the proud owner of a 1973 cj5. I purchased a replacement frame because mine was severely damaged. My new frame is identical except for one detail. The rear bumper/crossmember has these circular areas on it. (I’ll enclose a pic) can’t find any others that look similar. Any info would be appreciated.
     

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  2. Feb 28, 2023
    Jon B.

    Jon B. Retired three times; still working.

    SW Minnesota
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    Apr 6, 2022
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    I’ll take a look in the pole shed today. I have a ‘72 CJ5 and a spare frame, so there are two examples.

    I’m thinking that the spare frame looks like yours but…

    Jon B.
     
  3. Feb 28, 2023
    aandptech9

    aandptech9 New Member

    Georgia
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    Much appreciated
     
  4. Feb 28, 2023
    Jon B.

    Jon B. Retired three times; still working.

    SW Minnesota
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    As I suspected, the spare frame is, indeed, like yours. The back end of it is 12 feet in the air (it’s standing on the front end), so I can’t get decent pictures of it. I also don’t know exactly what model year it is, only that, dimensionally, it matches the ‘72. I bought it from member C-dubb here; maybe he knows.

    The ‘72 has no rear crossmember or bumper. Also, the data plate on it appears to be hand made, using a set of letter/number punches, so I’m not positive that it’s the original. The build of the Jeep matches the VIN, so maybe…

    Jon B.
     
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  5. Feb 28, 2023
    neohic

    neohic Gentleman Jeepist

    Woodland Park, CO
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    Mar 29, 2018
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    My ‘75 has those same round areas in the rear crossmember.
     
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  6. Feb 28, 2023
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Humm, wonder what they were for? I will check my 74 tomorrow and see if it has them.
     
  7. Feb 28, 2023
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    Mine too.........????:confused:
     
  8. Mar 1, 2023
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Well, I looked at my 74, looks like it has these on both sides of the rear crossmember.
    The mystery deepens, Just cannot figure the reason or them. IMG_4090.JPG
     
  9. Mar 2, 2023
    HarvestGold

    HarvestGold New Member

    Nebraska
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    The original rear crossmember on my '74 had the same circular areas.
     
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  10. Mar 2, 2023
    amboynut

    amboynut Member

    Chelatchie, WA
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    Look to me like tail light mounting points. Or flux capacitor adapter bosses.
     
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  11. Mar 2, 2023
    FlatlanderCJ5

    FlatlanderCJ5 Member

    Wichita, KS
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    This is my 73 (made Dec 72). The rear panel is flat as a board. As suggested, maybe that circle area was added for tail lights, or maybe the backup lights? Not sure.

    frame rear.jpg
     
  12. Mar 2, 2023
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Just speculating, maybe the rear crossmember assy might have been manufactured to work for the cj5 and also some other model of AMC vehicle. Another thought maybe the raised boss was a support attachment point used during the assembly of the vehicle frame.:shrug:.
     
  13. Mar 2, 2023
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Also wondering if any of the pre AMC intermediates had this, like in 1970 or 71.
     
  14. Mar 2, 2023
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    My '71 does not.
     
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  15. Mar 2, 2023
    52M38-73CJ5

    52M38-73CJ5 Member

    Wenatchee WA
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    Nov 11, 2020
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    My 73 does not have them.
     
  16. Mar 3, 2023
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
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    I don't remember my '75 having that but it seems the 1976 had something like that.
    Judging by the bulge, it must have been something that mounted inside the cross-member.
     
  17. Mar 7, 2023
    CraigE

    CraigE Member

    Greeneville, TN
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    My '71 CJ-6 doesn't have the round stampings, either.
     
  18. Mar 8, 2023
    aandptech9

    aandptech9 New Member

    Georgia
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    Thanks to all who replied
     
  19. Mar 9, 2023
    Lane Meyer

    Lane Meyer Member

    Maryland
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    I read a thread somewhere in the last couple of years that came to agreement on what those were for. Unfortunately, I cannot recall what the outcome was or where I saw the thread. My search-fu is weak and I was not able to find it. :(
     
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  20. Mar 9, 2023
    rusty

    rusty Well-Known Member

    norfolk,va
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    My 75 had those, trailor light hookup.
     
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