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Armordave’s ‘74 Cj6 Build Thread

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Armordave, Jul 30, 2019.

  1. Jul 30, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    I’m late to the game with this, having already done frame up to drive train and suspension but as I go into the body phase I will post and maybe it will generate some good advice.

    By way of introduction, this is a 1974 registered CJ-6 (but was made in 1973 so what is left of stock seems to be 1973 or earlier). What is not stock is a T5 and a Dana 300, and I swapped in a 1978 engine. The 5 speed is nice but I think it will require some mods to the tub that were not original to the 3 or 4 speed that was original. The tub is currently butchered for it to fit.

    I took the frame down to bare metal, and we rebuilt the engine and sealed the trans and transfer case. New clutch. Got a new wiring harness for it, refreshed the radiator, rebuilt the steering column, restored the steering wheel, new gas tank fixtures. New shocks, clutch rod parts, Brake master, brake lines, etc.

    The tub floors need to be replaced and as yet undetermined other panels and tail gate that may be full of bondo, which I will know when I get it blasted down. I’m still not sure if I am going to fix the tub or replace it. I do NOT know how to weld yet, but there was a time when I didn’t know one wrench from another, but since then I’ve done a lot of mechanical work (but never done body restoration). So the idea of doing it myself is daunting. Maybe a new steel tub, or maybe I just learn and if I “f” it up I go for the new tub option.

    After looking at the dash and new Painless wiring harness I have to install, that may be a bigger challenge than the mechanical stuff.

    This has been a family cabin jeep in the mountains of NM for 30 years. I towed it back to Florida to “restore” it. While not a restoration per se, every nut and bolt has been inspected, cleaned, repaired, painted or replaced.

    Before you ask, Yes I could replace the “cabin jeep” for much less than its going to cost me to do this. Not sure it will be worth what I have in it when I’m done. But it is a family “heirloom” so a labor of love I guess.

    As a start, here is a photo of it as it was when I towed it home (looks a lot better from a distance), and a photo of where I am presently.
     
    73 cj5, rejeep, 3b a runnin and 4 others like this.
  2. Jul 30, 2019
    masscj2a

    masscj2a Member 2023 Sponsor

    Ware, Mass
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    743
    My six is pretty much where yours is right now. Drive train complete on new frame and suspension. Tub is part way done. What's the Rover in the back ground?
     
  3. Jul 30, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    Great I might need advice, or have a little. The rover is a 1967 Series 2A 109 NADA.
     
  4. Jul 30, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    This is what i have to deal with. The exterior panels may be OK, nice paint on them but I know there is plenty of bondo underneath and probably other damage. The bulkhead is pretty good down to the curve to the floor. However the floors from there back need to be replaced as well as all body mounting points.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2019
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    1,450
    Drive train looks great. I like the idea of trying to repair this tub and if that doesn't work out go for new. As many around here have said, learning to weld makes you better at grinding :D.

    I think this is an excellent thread for showing how to tackle a lot of the body work.
    My 67 CJ5 build

    Reading that thread gave me the illusion that I could do it also, good luck.
     
  6. Jul 31, 2019
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    AMC / Willys was not very big on Rust prevention.......there is a few people out there building floor panels..........if you have access to a rotisserie I would get that body on it and start the surgery......just make sure you put some temporary braces in a few spots to keep the body straight while you cut out all the garbage.
     
  7. Jul 31, 2019
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    I learned to MIG on my Jeep tub. If you decide to weld you'll also need a good size compressor and die grinder.
     
  8. Jul 31, 2019
    masscj2a

    masscj2a Member 2023 Sponsor

    Ware, Mass
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    743
    That's going to be a lot of work. You can either settle in for the Long haul and expect a lot of frustration or buy a repro and be done sooner. I've learned over the years that sometimes it's easier to surrender and look for an original tub or go repro. I try to always save the ones I can, but also know when it's time has come. Replacement panels are out there. The only ones you won't find (to the best of my knowledge) is that little floor extension panel, between the riser and rear floor panel and the side quarter extension. But that can be grafted in from cj panels. Good luck and let us know.
     
    Armordave likes this.
  9. Jul 31, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    I believe you are correct in every respect. My "extension" panels are usable, only the floor under them is torn up. This tub (I am told) is in pretty good shape compared to most. Judging by how many have asked to buy it I'm assuming there are many better out there. If could be fixed by someone with skills; thats not me at the moment. The idea of buying and having equipment after the job is done is appealing (plasma cutter, rotisserie, better welder) vs giving all the money (Probably $4000-5000) to someone else. Still, I have to agree that buying a new tub is the better part of valor.
     
  10. Jul 31, 2019
    Jeff Kline

    Jeff Kline Member

    North Central PA
    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    54
    Not sure what the differences are in a CJ6 from 71 to 74, This is where I got my CJ5 body and was the cheapest place around. 2k for my 5 and the 6 body tub is 2150. @ 225 shipping. Had it in 3 days from order. http://ccsurplus.com/store.htm
     
  11. Jul 31, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    Thank you for that link, it's one I hadn't known about, and yes it is a less expensive source. I did notice that the body shown has the fuel filler by the driver seat whereas mine is on the back right corner. I'll have to research that. Do you know? I was leaning towards Willys Overland because they will prep the tub but they tell me they do not have the templates for a CJ-6. I was of the opinion that the bulkhead holes are the same as CJ-5 and only the body mounting points would differ. What was your experience like getting the holes drilled and fit right?
     
  12. Jul 31, 2019
    Jeff Kline

    Jeff Kline Member

    North Central PA
    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    54
    Mine is still on the pallet LOL, It seems to be good quality, some of the firewall holes are different than my 74 had but it is for 71-75 so that's to be expected. Also had the JEEP stamping on the cowl which seems to add to the cost everywhere else. Judging from the all caps "JEEP" and the floor drains Id say mine is a 71 clone. I just started blasting my frame so it will be a while to see how it fits. Good luck in whatever ave you choose to go.
     
  13. Jul 31, 2019
    Armordave

    Armordave New Member

    Plant City, Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2019
    Messages:
    42
    Stay in touch. Looks like we are on the same trajectory.
     
  14. Jul 31, 2019
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    Big difference between.........OEM ( stock ) Jeep parts and the MD Juan offshore (JunX) as in if your looking for your OEM fenders, hood, windshield and other components to fit.........well Good Luck!.........I judge a stock body repair or restoration by how much is there percentage wise that's still marginally OK vs how much needs full replacement..........I've even taken two bodies and used whats good from both to make one...........and I've seen many fellows take the new MD Juan Items and spend far more time straightening out panels and relocating holes than it's worth.

    That's a tough decision only you can make that is solely based on what your ultimate vision is of your finished vehicle.
     
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