My New Project - 1967 Cj5

I’ve been looking for a solid and original old truck / SUV for 10 years (Jeep, Scout, Bronco, Blazer, etc.) and finally found this Spruce Tip Green 67 that was originally sold in Oakland, California at Cochran and Celli Jeep. It was advertised as running with only surface rust for $3k so I headed to South Carolina to check it out. I expected the worst but it was in better shape than I thought. Very solid and all original except the hood, a few parts on the engine, wheels and tires, and roll bar (which I like since I have two young boys that will be riding in the back). The owner even surprised me with the original wheels and a dealer-installed rear step bumper when I got there. It also has a working Bellvue Warn M6000 winch that was installed when it was new or shortly after and the original Cutlas hubs. I ended up getting it for $2k and hauling it home Saturday.

Mechanically, it needs a fuel pump (which will be installed tomorrow), has a few leaks underneath, and it pulls hard to the left when you hit the brakes. I’ve already ordered a Bestop bikini top, winch cable, original looking Smitybilt seats, and side-mount spare tire carrier. Next I’ll sand and paint the original wheels and order some smaller tires that look more original. Once I get the foundational items fixed / replaced, I’ll look into getting it painted. I’ve thought about keeping it as-is and just treating the rust but it doesn’t look great with the black primer hood and my wife really wants it “shiny” haha. Maybe I could find someone that can paint the hood and then give it the patina look? I’m conflicted on how far to go in terms of the restoration. It will be used to drive a mile to my office and 3 miles to our marina, as well as trips around town. I don’t want to get it so nice that I’m afraid to drive it, but I don’t want it to just look “ok” and then regret it later.

A few questions:


1.What is your opinion on the 235/75/15 Hankook Optima H724? They aren’t very aggressive but have a white wall to give it more of a classic look. I thought about getting some original-looking tires but most of them are bias ply or very expensive radials. BFG mud tires would look nice also but I don’t need them for driving around town and they’re over twice the price of the Hankooks for a set of 5 ($750 vs. $324).

2.Do the aftermarket rear seats that look original include all the brackets or are they made to fit factory brackets? Where can I find the factory brackets/ frame?

3.Where is the best place to find an original 15” wheel to use as my spare as well as the original air cleaner?

4. Is my Jeep possibly lifted? The previous owner said it is original suspension but it has 33s on it, although there isn't much clearance.

5.Any other advice for my project?

 

Welcome to the forum. Looks like a great start. For $2000 you did really well. Good tires will help out a lot. I always start with the brakes and then change every fluid so you know where you are starting from on the condition of the drivetrain. Depending on the miles, tie-rod ends and steering box are the next check. Then look at the regular tune-up parts. Above all else, just drive it and enjoy it before you get too carried away on a restoration.

 

wow, that jeep looks pristine, at least rust wise. If you get me a shot from the side i can tell you if its lifted or not, I have 33's on my cj5 with no lift and know what it would look like.

 

welcome to forum . yep I would say you did very well
as others have said brakes , steering , oils . and drive it a little before you get carried away ordering parts

 

Nice score!

 

Very nice. Yes, you did well. Get it safe and drive it, the Jeep will tell you what it needs.

 

First off welcome from Concord NC. You got a great deal on that Jeep. I moved here about 2 years ago from California and that would have gone for more than $2000 easy.

 

Does not look lifted to me.

 

Good looking Jeep, especially for what you paid. I want to check your serial number for '67 as yours has the later windshield with the low-mount wipers, but still has the straight-top glass. This is a transitional feature unique to around '67.
You may consider keeping your original seats as you sit much lower in them than the aftermarket look- alikes. The later windshields had an arched-top glass that gave a better view out the top when sitting higher in aftermarket seats (aftermarkets are much firmer, so you sit noticably higher).
Also, does your hood have a snorkel cutout on the passenger side? Your Jeep is late enough that it shouldn't, but that may be a replacement due to the non-original paint. The snorkle cutout disappeared in the '66 model year, another transitional feature.
Your Jeep has its original Hall tail lights that are very desirable, so don't let those get away! You also have back-up lights which were a new (transitional) feature for '67.
Nice to see such an original find!
-Donny

 

Welcome Aboard...........My 65 CJ5 also came from Cochran & Celli in Oakland along time ago.........Nice find and a original Black 1960's License plate.........can't believe that CJ migrated all the way to the East Coast.........Check your frame and underbody as Celli was known to undercoat all those CJ's at the dealership...........Save that Warn winch brackets and controls.....hard to find if your going to use that winch.....mine also has the same winch.

Brakes yes but don't spend allot of time on the old brake system or the old original Ross steering........make it safe for now but there are some easy more modern fixes for both those systems.

It looks as if you have all the original seat frames and the inner suspension...........find someone that knows old automotive seats and have them tune up the inner suspension and re-upholstered them , you'll be much happier with the outcome as compared to those aftermarket offshore low backs.............Here is what mine looked like after being re-done......I also added seat heaters.

 

Man that's purdy and a good score for 2k. Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Oklahoma!,

 

Great looking CJ. I agree with Donny, probably not a 67 but a 68. Dash layout is different on a 67. It had a Meyer cab on it at sometime. Welcome from Texas!

 

Wow, I'm overwhelmed at all the nice greetings and great information. Thanks everyone!

 

How can you tell it had a Meyer cab on it? Funny you say that about the year... the ad said 1968 but they told me it was a 67 when I got there and the title says 1967.

 

Yes, it does have the snorkel cutout but the hood has been replaced at some time. Great info about the seats and tail lights... didn't know that!

 

My 67 has four clean holes under the driver's side "Jeep" logo. Anybody know what was mounted there, assuming it was a common thing?

 

The original wheels that came with my 67 have some corrosion around the holes where the tire plug goes. I'm wondering if they'll leak air around this hole now that it is bigger and no longer a clean circle.

 

tells of meyers top . still has lower hinge on tub and the gas tank filler strip . if top is gone . guys are still looking for those pieces

 

Ahhhh wondered what that hinge was for... after I realized the soft doors go in a hole in the door jam