My 1963 Cj5 Build Thread

Today was the day I finally got my CJ home. Two locked up wheels and all four tires flat meant that it wasn’t going ANYWHERE without a fight. Nonetheless, we got it on the trailer and it’s now at its new home.

This Jeep sat outside for the past 10 years and so far the worst rot looks to be under the passenger seat. Whole box will need to be replace and some of the floor and wheel well.

The first order of business for this guy is some cheap tires, free up the brakes, and start tearing into the engine. Previous owner thinks the block may be cracked but we’ll see.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

 

Looks like a fun project

 

Just in case you didn't know, that is a Tuxedo Park Mark III you have there. That chrome license plate light on the tailgate is super sought after and very rare.

 

I made another post where some members told me it is a Tux. I don’t know a whole lot about Jeeps yet so it’s interesting to hear about how rare some of the things it has are.

 

Looks like it will be a good project. Keep us updated on it. Good luck!

 

I did some rust assessment today and this is what I’ve discovered. I’m curious to see what you guys think of it. I’m up for the challenge of welding in panels but I want the opinions of more experienced people.

 

Congrats on that Jeep, and good luck working on it. You are stoked you have the chrome bumper, and other Tuxedo park elements...Myself and many others have been searching in vain for those for years.

 

I got to the engine a few days ago after removing the fenders, hood, grille, and radiator and because it’s been sitting, the engine won’t spin. I dumped some penetrating fluid into the cylinders and have been waiting. Is there anything that you guys have done in the past to get an engine freed up?

 

Marvel Mystery Oil down the cylinders and let it sit. Just keep trying to turn it with a breaker bar. Make sure you actually got the oil into the cylinders, just dumping it into the spark plug hole will make it pour out the exhaust valve. You'll have to use a funnel or a piece of tube.

 

Make sure it’s in neutral and the transmission isn’t rusted solid. Push in the clutch and try to bar it over.

 

While I haven’t made any progress due to money and location constraints, I have been planning. Many people have noted on my other posts that my Jeep has the original roof bows. I really like them; however, I have a concern with safety. Obviously they won’t do any good in any kind of roll over but I also don’t like the look of having a roll bar and the bows. What do you guys think of the idea where I fab a roll bar but with the profile of the original bows? Thoughts?

 

I would like to get canvas made. I like the way the original bows look but I want rollover protection.

 

Small but big update. My Jeep is finally inside an enclosure for the first time in at least 10 years!

Jeep inside for the first time in 10+ years

 

I have acquired an engine! I determined the one in my Jeep to be too far gone for my current situation. Fortunately my family came to the rescue and got me another one for Christmas!

Willys engine

 

Long time without an update, but I finished college, went on vacation, moved to a new state, and started a new job. I also went and ordered a disc brake conversion kit from Brennan's Garage. It should arrive in the mail tomorrow. I definitely don't need it for a long while but I figured I should buy it before I couldn't lol.

Trackick Disc Brake Conversion Bracket, Two Pair

 

Putting my pride aside to ask this lol, how on Earth do you get the brake drums off on these? The drum backing plate wraps around the drum so I'm completely lost. I'll be home tomorrow if anyone needs pictures for reference.

 

Brake drum removal???

I think these may help. I’m sure others can provide more info.

 

that's a pretty clean lookiong F head you got there

 

Believe it or not it came out of a welder