Slow Build 73 CJ5

So guys I was the fellow that received the 73 CJ5 for Christmas. Now I have the ultimate dilemma...... Do I try to "build it"? Little background on me... I have done some minor tinkering before but never body work, or much in depth engine work. I am gonna post some photos so you can see the underside of the body maybe you can let me know if it is even worth rebuilding or if I will need to purchase a new bucket. I am also gonna post some interior photos after I removed all the old carpet and passenger seat. I am not sure if the dash panel is stock, also the seat brackets were manufactured, the jeep was someones hunting buggy, so it was not kept up very well. Any and all info. and advice is welcome. By the way the 304 runs very well, and I only have $600 total in the jeep so far. My main desire is to have a solid jeep to drive around and be proud of, no real rock crawling or mudding.


Drive and Passenger floor panel have been replaced with thin rivoted sheet metal.




Rust on underside body supports.

Body setting on frame, both sides of rear

Are the rear shocks supposed to be attached to the bracket holding the leaf spring?

Underside Rust

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Yes

Jay

 

Re: To build or not to build?

The dash looks stock but the windshield frame is from a 76+

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Build away, it's not in bad shape. I think it's a good project for a novice builder.

 

Re: To build or not to build?

i like the speedometerR). really when i think of it, it's always more important to now how much gas you've got. i like it, i say build.

 

Re: To build or not to build?

How can we tell the windshield frame is newer?

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Sorry found the answer the wiper motor should be on bottom outside.

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Build on there is nothing like it. Build it the way you want it!

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Past the point of no return!! Started tearing her apart on a rainy Saturday. I am gonna keep going. I read the other build threads for inspiration, got feeling I am gonna need to learn how to weld. Also, I have a hard top and doors that I may sell and a 76+ windshield to sell, or I may try to swap for a 73 windshield and other parts needed. Here are a few photos, gonna be a SLOWWW build.

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Good luck!

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Hey, nothing wrong with slow. I am really enjoying mine, mostly because it IS slow. When you aren't in a hurry, you can take the time to savor every accomplishment. It amazes me how long I can sit and stare with satisfaction at a single piece of new metal. And yeah, you'll want to pick up a small MIG. Working with sheet metal is frustrating at first, but quickly becomes deeply satisfying.
John

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Yeah,
I have been considering the purchase of a small MIG. I have not welded much so first task is getting the body off, then tackle the welding. I figure the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at the time!

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Got the hood and dash off tonight before supper. Hood was a snap. Dash was another story altogether. I had to disconnect and label all of the wiring and gauge connections, plus disconnect the throttle lock and choke from carb. I got pretty nervous when taking temp, gauge probe out of block. But I pushed on and got everything unhooked and dash out. Any advice on proceeding? My goal is to get tub, fenders and grill of this weekend. I want to sand blast and begin prep for painting next weekend. Here a few photos.....

 

Re: To build or not to build?

You've got the right idea, tear it down and clean it up. looking good so far

Jay

 

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Re: To build or not to build?

Draw a line in the sand. Once you start disassembly, you're going to find a lot of hidden issues. Decide for yourself how far you want to go before you get past the point of no return.
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Re: To build or not to build?

Yep, I am past that point already. I believe I crossed it when I turned the first wrench. But I have plenty of time, I have never had a jeep before, and hasn't cost me much so far. So I am just gonna plug along, if it takes a year or two that will be ok. Long as you guys keep me encouraged!!!

 

Re: To build or not to build?

YES any Jeep is worth saving. It looks like what I started with.

 

Re: To build or not to build?

Worked away on the CJ this afternoon. I finished pulling all of the wires and switches through the firewall. Removed the battery tray support brackets, rods holding the grill/radiator. Then removed passenger and driver side fenders. I have a few questions if anyone wants to chime in.
1. Any advice on brake cylinder and pedal removal.

2. Any advice on steering wheel removal.

3. Can the the rods that mount the firewall to the grill be purchased? I have not seen them in any magazines or websites. I kept mine but they seem to be bent.
Gonna do my best to remove the tub Saturday and Sunday. After that plan is to borrow a friends sandblaster and start paint removal.
Few photos with fender removed:





Oh yeah. DMfrazee, I hope mine looks like that one day. If your jeep is the one in the Avatar it looks great from what I can tell.