Inherited '70 CJ-5

Thanks for all the input. Looks like resto-mod wins out. I believe I will take you alls advice. Definitely upgrade the brakes (I like the disc upgrade in the tech section), a lift and bigger tires, a roll bar/cage (not sure which, it had niether from the factory), HEI, new seats and belts, and that factory hard top is coming off (always hated that thing, if anyone wants it let me know). Other than that, just cosmetic items like paint and some Rhino lining. Looking forward to getting started. I'll have pictures soon. Got some old pictures from when it and I was newer. I'll try to scan those as well. Finally, to Lorne from CA, HA HA I think I'll keep it. We have too much history together. :v6:

 

Do you have any photos of this fine Jeep that you can post? I might be interested in the hard top if the price was right, I have family in Enid and a place I could store it.

 

I like to get in line on the top if rondog passes on it, Im in Tahlequah.....Vic

 

I've dug up one picture from its early days. The setting is Cherry Gap in Kings Canyon National Forest in CA. The model is my sister at around 10 yo. The jeep was maybe 3-4 yo at the time. It looks very little different now except the hardtop has become permanent (no more soft tops were ever bought) and the paints a little faded. My sister's a different story. :v6: View attachment 6696

 

I vote Resto mod as well. Mild lift, some good aggressive tires, 11" brakes, saginaw steering, an Overdrive if it does not have one.

Don't go nuts on the 225 V6. dependability is more important than horses.
A good build kit, hardend valves for burning unleaded, maybe work the heads to increase flow, a RV cam upgrade, offy dual plane, 390 cfm four barrel (don't over-carb, a common error), headers and the best exhuast you can afford. get the radiator rebuilt or at least tanked-cleaned and by all means make sure the shroud goes back on.

After that, I'd look to fine tune your axle ratios to match your driving needs as stated here by others. maybe upgrade the alt. for more amps
if you want added light, welder, ect.

Rob
_________
'47 CJ2a gonna build this summer W/ 225 V6
'52 & '53 M38A1 parts
'58 & '67 CJ5 parts
'54 CJ3b F134 ALMOST ready to rummble
'67 CJ5 Tux, parts
'78 CJ5 360, go-go scary

 

Go ahead and go for the top, Onaroll (Vic). It's not realistic for me to even consider one at this point. I tend to get ahead of myself, I'm just too much of a packrat.

 

I have some questions about your rebuild. What gas tank did you use and did it replace the original under the seat tank? What components did you use to convert the front D27 to disk brakes? Did you box in the frame when you had it apart?

I have a 69 CJ-5 that has been in the family for many years, I am looking to tear it down and do a frame off restoration so that I can make it a safe driver for my son who will inherite the jeep when he is old enough to drive.

 

Before you spend the time & money for discs, consider just swapping to 11" drums all around. Easy & cheap to do with junkyard parts and you dont have to change any of the hydraulic system. I have this setup and it works very well, except for water crossings-they take forever to dry when they get wet.

 

WELCOME TO ECJ5! Please post an introduction sometime.

Don't forget about the search function. All these items have been covered at length, including drilled brake drums, in past threads.

 

Welcome from TX. Since this is pretty stock I would spend some time documenting the way it is now with photos. This will be invaluable if you ever sell it and have to document the mileage as original.

Sounds like a winner.

 

It lives! Wow this was my first post, I think. To see where it all went check out Pete's build on the home page.:v6: