1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Rookie '73 Cj5 Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by JHutch, Jun 15, 2019.

  1. Jun 15, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Hey guys,

    I'm new to this forum thing, so bear with me. I just recently bought my second Jeep, and was hoping to get as much help and advice as I possibly can.

    I started out with a 1995 YJ in high school, but had to sell it to pay for college. Now that I've paid off a good chunk of those student loans, I bought a 1973 CJ5 from a guy not too far from my house, and drove it home just last night. It's got a couple of problems with the steering and a couple of crappy additions from a PO, but it's a nice little project.

    I'm considering taking the body off the frame and basically fixing everything I come across, but I'm not sure how long/expensive it's going to end up.

    First things first, I need to figure out how to fit in the driver seat, since I'm 6'3" and it doesn't seem like CJ5's were made with semi-tall folks in mind. Let me know what you think and how you think I should go about this rebuild. I'm always open to corrective criticism and advice, so bring it on.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2019
  2. Jun 15, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Pictures to come, once I figure out this whole media gallery thing. Like I said, bear with me :banghead:
     
  3. Jun 15, 2019
    65seejayfive

    65seejayfive Blazin’ new trails

    Pennsylvania
    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    333
    Awesome, can’t wait to see pics! I know everyone has their own way to post photos but I use my iPhone and downloaded the “TinyPic” app. I just copy the link and embed it with the above buttons in the toolbar. (y)
     
  4. Jun 15, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Thanks for the advice! Finally got it. :D
     
  5. Jun 15, 2019
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    I estimate 13 years.

    Resist urge to chase perfection from the bottom up. Make it safe, reliable, arrest any further decay. Enjoy as-is until you have your financial legs under you. That might be a decade, and that's OK because you will be driving your Jeep.

    Someday buy a small MIG with a bottle. Try your hand at cutting out cancer and installing a patch. Somewhere not highly visible. Pick away at it, keep it fun. Go too deep like "some guy I know" and you'll not have any fun with your Jeep. Most probable result is needing to sell a pile of parts.
     
    sterlclan and JHutch like this.
  6. Jun 15, 2019
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    Looks pretty good, actually. No wiper motor?
     
  7. Jun 15, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Yeah, doesn’t look like it. It’s probably going to be a “good weather” Jeep for a while, so I think I’ll be able to get away with it. I appreciate the advice, too. I’ll try to avoid anything crazy
     
  8. Jun 15, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    it ran and drove home,stopped ok? steering is decent? fix the obvious safety issues and get some seats that fit a little better. and drive it.
     
  9. Jun 15, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    The brakes are a little iffy. It pulls to the left when you hit them too hard, so I’m gonna have to figure that out. If y’all have any ideas of what’s up, let me know. I’ve seen in other posts that it may be the lines, so I’ll check that out first
     
  10. Jun 15, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2018
    Messages:
    398
    Could be as simple as just being misadjusted. I did that with mine and it stops relatively straight now(as straight as a cj with drum brakes all around)
     
  11. Jun 16, 2019
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2007
    Messages:
    742
    Notching the rear wheel well housings to be able to move the seat back a few more inches is a popular modification and almost mandatory if your taller than average. Im 6'7'' and had to notch the wheel housings, get a smaller steering wheel, and lower the seat mounts just to be able to get into the jeep comfortably.
     
  12. Jun 16, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,869
    The pulling is adjustment most likely. All too many people rip em right apart and never use them. Make it safe and use it. Mods and upgrades will come as you figure out what it needs.
     
    JHutch likes this.
  13. Jun 16, 2019
    clint_73

    clint_73 New Member

    B.C.
    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Messages:
    16
    It took me 6 years to do my '73. Finished it last week and I'll take it for it's maiden quick burn down the road today. I tore it down to the frame. Almost every nut, bolt and washer came off. Don't do that if you don't have to. I'd never do it again lol
     
    JHutch likes this.
  14. Jun 16, 2019
    JHutch

    JHutch New Member

    OKC, OK
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2019
    Messages:
    6
    Yeah, I’m considering doing that soon. Do you know of any good resources/forum posts for measurements?
     
  15. Jun 17, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    Messages:
    971
    Looks like a good solid start!
     
  16. Jun 18, 2019
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    Like everyone else said, drive it for awhile at the very least before you do anything major that takes it off the road, because that ALWAYS equals a long journey with tons of project creap. I know from experience. And welcome to the forum! It looks like you have a really nice start!
     
New Posts