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I am not sure where to go with my 1960 CJ5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by klx300, Jul 24, 2015.

  1. Jul 24, 2015
    klx300

    klx300 New Member

    Point of rocks,...
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    I have a 1960 willy's CJ5. It's been in the family for 40+years. I have been torn on what todo. A couple of years ago I tried to get it running again, I replaced the carb, plugs, valve clearance, and checked compression. I believe there was a little difference between the cylinders. The problem is I could never get it to run quite right. It would be hard to start, wouldn't want to idle, or other times it would idle but wouldn't rev up. I am torn right now. One part wants to keep original, another part wants to put a 4.3 chevy v6, and another part wants to convert to diesel.
    Another issue I had was the heater box, under the dash, finally rotted loose. Haven't found a replacement kit for that.
    The front passenger tire locks ups. Jack it up and it rotates freely, pull it from one place to another and it drags the front wheel.
    The thing that makes it tough, is a person wants to make it useable, I don't have the place or money for a collectors item, that's why I keep on thinking of a diesel or v6 conversion.
    Any thought's or suggestions??
    Thanks.
     
  2. Jul 24, 2015
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    Carb needs to be re-cleaned.
    Gas tank and lines to fuel-pump and carb need to be checked to see if they are clear.
    Get a pertronix ignition unit and replace the points and condenser with it.
    Sounds like you have the transfer case in 4 wheel drive.
    Mine doesn't have a heater box, never did.
     
  3. Jul 24, 2015
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Your Jeep should be easy to put in order but it takes time and yuo must check one subject after the other.
    Do not waste money for nothing.
    Try to find a friend specialist, or keep some money to pay one.
    About heater, I have no heater and it is hot enough with the engine.
    I have the heater parts but in fact don't need it.
    But I have doors for winter. Without doors, if you are in a cold place, only garments can protect.
     
  4. Jul 24, 2015
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    Pictures would be a great help for this thread. We all have challenges keeping our jeeps running, but that is part of what we enjoy.
     
  5. Jul 24, 2015
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    What's your intended use for the Jeep? That will make a big difference on recommendations for you...
    Oh, and welcome to the forum!
     
  6. Jul 24, 2015
    Yooper John

    Yooper John Member

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    I'd stick with what you have. A re power will be lots more work and major money. As of right now, having done the same thing, you will probably be looking in the vicinity of $1500 in parts to replace everything that is a safety issue or deteriates with time. That would include all new brake components, all fuel and brake flex lines, carb and pump kits, seals and gaskets, electrical tune up, grease and parts cleaner, etc. I had my radiator cleaned and had to have the heater core replaced in my 65. The shop was able to solder my tanks on a later model new core, since the original configuration wasn't available. Should be easy to get running good, then fix safety sensitive items, and finally plug away at annoyances like leaks. In all honesty, it took most of last winter to do everything to mine, but now it runs and stops great, doesn't leak, and I feel comfortable taking it on long trips, which we do often. Good luck, and get to work!
     
  7. Jul 24, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yep, welcome!

    A couple of points - first, a diesel conversion will never pay off economically, and will involve a lot of work. You'd have to do it because you want to, not for practical reasons. Most diesel engines from light trucks are anchor heavy, and expensive on the used market. The few passenger car diesels that might work (Mercedes, VW, others?) won't give you much of a power boost over the F134. If you want to go highway speeds, a gasoline engine like the Chevy 4.3L V6 will provide plenty of power for that, and these are plentiful in the yards and in donor vehicles. If you look around, you can find the adapter you need used at significant savings.

    Any Jeep that's been sitting for 20 years (or any car, for that matter) is going to need the carburetor rebuilt, cleaned or replaced fuel lines and gas tank, etc. Old gas and dirt/rust in the gas will be a problem. If you want to try and get the engine running right, there is a lot of experience here with these engines. Post up a specific question and i'm sure you'll get lots of responses.

    It seems that every Jeep that has not been owned by an enthusiast need the front knuckles gone through, and probably also the bellcrank and other steering parts. Again, specific questions should be answered quickly and in detail here.

    The original heater is often called the 'placebo heater.' If you want to replace it with another factory heater that's not rotten, you should be able to find one. If you want an effective heater, the Summit and Mojave heater kits work well and have been covered a lot here. Search.

    As Doug wrote, it depends on what you want. Even in perfect condition, an F134 Jeep is going to struggle to stay at legal speeds on the highway, much less keep up. They are happiest topping out at boulevard speeds. Again, this topic has been covered a lot - search.

    IMO the easiest and best way to control costs is to buy the Jeep that you want, rather than build it. Kaiser introduced the V6 in these Jeeps because customers wanted a Jeep they could drive on the highway and these customers were converting them on their own. There are lots of Jeeps like yours out there that have already been converted, or a few years newer that came from the factory with a V6. Read eWillys for a while - http://www.ewillys.com/ This site does a good job of posting all the Jeeps for sale that it can find, and this will give you an idea of what's available for purchase out there.

    Your '60 has been in the family for a long time, and you may have sentimental attachment to it. I suspect you just need a little direction to get it running in its current form. Then you can enjoy it for what it is ... or you can think of modifying, or trading up to something newer/more suitable. But starting an engine swap because the current engine starts hard seems like a significant overreaction.
     
  8. Jul 24, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  9. Jul 24, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    With the FSM, start with a basic step-by step systematic tune up, to factory spec. Including points, condenser cap, rotor, which you did not mention.

    Correct any other obvious problems (mice in the air cleaner, rotted fuel line,or whatever). But don't flit from item to item, guessing or hoping to get lucky.

    With air, gas, and spark in the right amounts at the right places, it HAS to run.

    Once you know the basics are correct, then you can follow up with careful diagnosis and correction of any remaining problems - one at a time.
     
  10. Jul 24, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Echoing others comments you pretty much need to go through the entire Jeep, replacing, cleaning, repairing, inspecting, etc. Getting that F-head running good should be the simplest route, as that is pretty much as simple an engine as there is. Everything else on the Jeep is the same amount of work regardless of what engine you have.
     
  11. Jul 24, 2015
    jbjeeps

    jbjeeps Member 2022 Sponsor

    The Idaho side...
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    Two terrific reasons for keeping it stock. First, don't worry about its appearance, at least not at the beginning. As others here have suggested, get the engine running as good as possible. then, evaluate the steering and brakes thoroughly, replace parts as needed and get your Jeep steering and stopping safely. Replace all rubber hoses. Get lights working properly.

    You might be tempted to tear it apart and do a "frame off". Resist that temptation. Keep it all together as you work on it.

    When you have it running, steering and stopping safely, drive it. Make a Friday evening burger run. Pack a lunch and take a Saturday cruise in your favorite local wooded/desert/open area.

    Accept the fact that your Jeep will probably be a work in progress for as long as you have it. That's part of the fun of it.

    Where do you live? You might be close to one of us. Many here would be glad to take a look and offer advice.
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2015
  12. Jul 24, 2015
    kelleesimms

    kelleesimms Member

    College Station, TX
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    This is great advice and exactly what I've been doing along with a lot of help from this board. I currently have a driveable vehicle I can enjoy, but not drive TOO far ;) while I continue to troubleshoot the next area of attention.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Jul 24, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Me three.
     
  14. Jul 24, 2015
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    The other thing that really hasnt been mentioned.

    Too often people get a vehicle that they haven't owned before, or havent driven in a very long time and immediately tear it down.
    You now risk a loss of money, momentum, time, or any combo of them that could end the project.
    You also risk the snowballing "While I'm here", where you just keep adding more and more things.
    The main reason I always advise to get it going "as is" and drive the snot out of it for a while is to get a feel for it.

    I've had my Jeep 6 years and just maintained it. I've driven it all over on the streets, highway, and trails getting a feel for what I like and don't like. I spent the time really getting to know my Jeep and what holds me back from doing what I want.

    Thats what you should do before deciding on repowering or rebuilding it.

    Explore what you have. Experience all its highs and lows (safely!), and decide what needs to change to let it work for you.
     
  15. Jul 24, 2015
    PierreDnepr

    PierreDnepr Member

    Barrie Ontario
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    Same here, mine is driveable but need attention - steering is next on my list when I get the time. Its not that it is really bad but could be improve. I wouldn't consider a tear done until I'm 100% happy with it mechanically (and retired) since the teardown would be mostly for cosmetic reasons.
     
  16. Jul 24, 2015
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    So, you can't get it to run properly or correct the RF wheel lockup problem?
    With all due respect, these reasons alone don't dictate doing an engine swap.
    You think you have issues now.......before an engine swap?
     
  17. Jul 24, 2015
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    X2! There have been and will be plenty of projects that people give up on and sell when they are over their heads with the work. Don't let yours be another one. ;)
     
  18. Jul 24, 2015
    Stout

    Stout Member

    Quakertown, PA
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    LOL did that. Two years later, I had a completely rebuilt Jeep.

    I ditto the previous responses. Keep it original and pound away at it one problem at a time until you have a safe, reliable Jeep. Then decide where to go from there. Post some photos.
     
  19. Jul 24, 2015
    klx300

    klx300 New Member

    Point of rocks,...
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    Jul 23, 2015
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    I appreciate all the helpful information. Currently my Jeep is stored about 3 hours from where I live. After seeing all the information on here, I realized that I might have been suffering from tunnel vision, the last time I worked on my Jeep. The low grade fuel we get now days, makes you want to either go diesel or fuel injected. But on the other hand, if a person figures out a better way to winterize/store it, for times of storage or major repairs that would be easier, to keep on the road. It gives me more to ponder on and also, it is great to have a resource like this when I am working on it. I did get a kit to replace the gears in the transmission, it has the 2nd gear issue of popping out. I did remember that when I was driving it as a teen.
    [​IMG]
     
  20. Jul 24, 2015
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Don't know if anyone mentioned it but the wheel lock-up is almost certainly the result of a leaking hub seal any knuckle lube in the brakes. An easy fix.

    Sort of a dissenting opinion here as what course to take and the final decision will come back to what use you expect to get out of the Jeep. Personally, I would be running the Chevy. Better functionality in every way and not that difficult swap. My first sbc transplant in my 3B took about 2 weeks.
     
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