Kalva's 66 CJ5 V6 Build - Long Island NY

First Post..
In my search for a 60's Jeep Commando I found This Forum and later a 1966 CJ5 V6 Three Speed in Western CT for the right price. $1000 running with no brakes and a Best Top in good condition, so on a trailer she went.
The Commando Dreams will have to wait. Now I have a Short Nose CJ with a solid frame and strong motor that I would like to return to "Stock-ish", at least stock looking with a little updating to Steering and Brakes. The 6" Lift, Hood, Both Front Fenders (cracked full of bondo) will all have to go. Just wait until you see the pic's of the steering wheel...


Looks good from 50' Pick Up day in Western CT



Hood has a horrible 90's scoop, atleast 5-6 lift and four different wheels / tires


Under the Hood my first Dauntless v6 with Power Steering (kind of)



Interior is all PO WTF!!!




"Floor boards are solid" he said-LOL light gauge metal with deck screws and fiberglass poured in




Worst of all is the Modern Steering Column with foam Airbag
Soon will be back to the Original 17" bakelight thin steering wheel and yes it is on order :driving:



More to come

 

It looks like it has been converted to Saginaw steering, which is a plus. The original steering column was made for Ross steering.

 

A few funky things but I think you did well.

 

Yes it has, a little sloppy the way he routed the power steering hoses, but I'm keeping the P/S pump and already found an original style column and box I will fabricate to work with the setup

 

Thanks, I believe so. Around the NY area CJ5 rust buckets are going for $2500 and I have not seen a V6 for sale. Even better the Jeep was originally from southern Colorado and found its way to CT.

 

Got a chance to get under the carpet, some nice surprises
From the initial inspection the floors were in need of re-replacing, Now I have confirmation, Drivers, Passenger & Cargo area will all need to be replaced. I was pulling up the carpet and most of the fiberglass patches and very thin sheet metal previously know as floor boards.




Cut thru the cross bar and pulled out the 5 point racing belts. Lots of work to go, I'll need to put down a stronger rear floor to hold a rear seat for my girls. Found a Good thing, he welded a later model Roll bar to the frame (bad is he also fiberglassed the holes he cut thru the wheel wells) I'll cut these areas out and clean it up.






Looks like the patch repair on both drivers & passangers side didn't include the body mounts and the trans tunnel is a mess (Have one on Order from Walcks4wd.com)

 

Welcome to the forum! Looks like you're off to a good start. I couldn't help noticing the custom alternator bracket...

 

Wow, that alt bracket is extra custom! :twisted:

 

Thanks 69Willys...

Yes a few "Previous Owner WTF"??? are around my 66, just wait until you see the Power Steering Bracket. I'll look for some Chevy 305 brackets as the Buick V6 is one with 2 cylinders cut off, unless anyone has some ideas.

 

Kalva nice Jeep and here is where you could locate some brackets that bolt on. http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?88118-Buick-225-Power-Steering-Pump

 

IIRC a lot of 70s Buick cars have the brackets depending on engine size. Search the forum around.

I'd offer you my alt bracket, but I'm still waiting for my loaned out bracket to come home.

 

That heater is cool as all get out!

 

I will remove that heater box soon, then I will need to find the whole set up as its all been removed by PO.

 

Up Date 9/20/15
Got to work on the floor boards with a coworker today, this is the 2nd official day of work not bad I've had the CJ since June (kids,wife & work) AKA Life yet im making a go of it



Dash is out (that's me)


Floors had fiberglass covering thin stove piping, pulled it out and started the rust removal...



Driverside just pulled right up...(Coworker that help find the Willys, tow & and help with bringing it back to life) Thanks Doug


Just behind the seat step, covered by pipe tin, hidden gemchainsawguy


I lucked out, We where able to save the tool box and keep it attached to side panel,
Mock up of Bolt In Transmission Floor Cover Plate Assembly 1950-1971 M38, M38A1, CJ5, CJ6 from Walcks4wd.com
Best $119 spent...old cover, rusted and welded so badly it was toast/burnt toast



Off to sheer & press


Floors getting mocked up






Rear cargo area was also covered with tin sheet, this is what we found


Made the cargo are with 3 bends two up by wheel well and half to give a nice edge by the gas tank area


This what was found under the fiberglass wrap around the rollbar. Better off with out the rollbar barely tack-welded together


Looked better with the glass on it


More to come

 

Just put in a order to Morris4x4 for both rear inner wheel wells & 4 drain plugs, going to remove the rollbar and either find a factory replacement or attach it the right way.

 

Nice work.

That's one crazy dipstick!

 

Thanks, working on it