Blalp!’s Build/project (‘64 Cj5)

Day 1 (July 2019)
No engine, a good frame, and plenty of rust.
My goal was to build a rig able of highway speeds in the cheap. My mostly stock 2a was a back roads only rig. There are plenty of class 6 and logging roads a few hours north of home that I just couldn’t get to with the 2a. The plan for the CJ5 is a Dauntless V6, and a 3.73 axle ratio. By posting here, I have to finish it!

 

It’s a starting point, but not much more...

 

A link to my engine swap thread.
Ecj5 V6 Swap Via Jeepster Commando C101

 

I started small for a quick win. The metal was sourced from a steel hard top that had some damage and rust.

 

Today I cut and bent my floor pans. While they aren’t welded in yet, I did confirm that my floor supports do hold my weight. (I used 1” x 2”x 1/8” tubing.)

 

With the tub now sitting on the frame, and my excitement with the front floors, I figured it was a good time to confirm the fit of the fender to the tub with larger home made rocker repair panel. It feels like things are coming together!

It does look like there is a pretty big rake as it sits. The tires in the photo are 32x11.5s. Would you all agree that this Jeep has been lifted? Or at least the rear? I like how the front is sitting, but the rear is too tall for my taste. I’m curious to know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

I agree.

 

Agreed, those front springs are tired. Did it ever have a plow?

 

That’s a good point, it looks like there was a plow in one of its previous lives.

 

At lunch today I grabbed a piece of scrap metal, and a couple body hammers to address this area. I didn’t measure as it was more of an experiment. The results couldn’t have been better. The radius was spot-on.

 

Installed my lunch time experiment. Now it’s time to form the second half.

 

I found some asymmetrical angle iron for the tailgate opening at the local metal supply company. The tail lamp panels I made are welded to the angle and ready to install.

 

Commando floor cut to length and clamped in place with the tail lamp panels. I stocked up on metal should I find myself with plenty of time.

 

Next weekend if all goes according to plan, I’ll tackle the wheel houses.

 

After final measurements, I welded the rear floor, tail lamp panels, and wheelhouses. There is still plenty of work to be done, but this was a big step!

 

Its been a while, so I feel the need to account for my time. Currently assembling my Super 18 project (the pill isn’t going back in).

Also did some welding on the frame. I hope to find a 15 gallon tank on my doorstep tonight. Still have hope to be on the road by end of summer!

 

I’ve spent some time in the garage...


After finding a thin spot on the rear of my frame (after welding in V6 mounts ), and asking how to repair; I found a frame locally that was sourced from Arizona. This frame had a couple of cracks that I repaired with the advice of Warloch.


I have since bolted up my axles with new stock hight front springs, put the engine/transmission in, finished and installed the “Super”18, and set the tub in place. As you can see in the photo, I loosely bolted the fenders and grille in place so I could plan out my Saginaw Steering setup. The “new” frame came with a manual steering box installed. This wasn’t something I was planning on right away, but when the mount is already done, and you have a box...well, you get the idea. The driver’s seat is just clamped in place for fit. Naturally I had to set the hood in place for inspiration. I still have plenty to do, and need to purchase Steering shafts and parts, so my goal of being on the road before winter probably isn’t realistic. I am however excited that things are moving forward!

 

Pretty cool metal work. I like your hand shrinker/stretcher method.


Nice work.


Dave

 

I haven’t decided if I want to make my swinging pedals work or not. With my new frame apparently being a ‘70 or ‘71, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for this little gem!

 

You won't regret it I promise.