1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Pre/post '76 CJ5's: THAT much difference?!

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 56WillyCJ5, May 29, 2006.

  1. May 29, 2006
    56WillyCJ5

    56WillyCJ5 Oops! Actually 55WillyCJ5

    Columbus, GA
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2005
    Messages:
    78
    I've been looking online and thru some catalogs trying to spruce up my 1955 CJ5 and make it more usable as a near-daily driver. I'm talking the Tuffy center consoles, overhead soundbars, 3 point seatbelts, and so forth... you know, minor additions. The downside is that all the catalogs list these accessories as " '76-'06 CJ & Wrangler".

    I understand the windshield width is different, as well as some other 'major' body differences but are these minor accessories REALLY not compatible with the early CJ's?!

    Excuse my ignorance but I just don't understand why things like a center console would be so different (except maybe needing a little floor plate to bridge the gap where the gas tank drops in).

    What's y'alls experience? Trust the catalog? Ignore them unless a major body or engine part? Get the part anyway knowing it will work with perhaps slight modification?

    Thanks!
     
  2. May 29, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Pretty much the only things that were saved were the exterior body panels from the cowl back, pre to post 76. Different floors, interior, dash, frame, axles, engines transmissions, brakes, dash, instruments, etc. etc.

    The windshield width is different at the top, but the bottom width did not change.
     
  3. May 29, 2006
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    I only had to redrill 2 holes in each seat frame (could have cut and rewelded the pass side) to mount the 76+ seats.
     
  4. May 29, 2006
    jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    Nacogdoches,Texas
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2004
    Messages:
    1,745
    I used one out of a Wrangler/CJ that a friend's son gave me in my 58. IIRC had to use some spacers on side next to tank. Drilled holes and bolted directly to passenger side tool box. hth
     
  5. May 29, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Your best course (IMO) is to assume nothing interchanges, and then ask about specific items.
     
  6. May 29, 2006
    56WillyCJ5

    56WillyCJ5 Oops! Actually 55WillyCJ5

    Columbus, GA
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2005
    Messages:
    78
    You referring to a console? You didn't state what item you are referring to.

    :?

    Thanks!
     
  7. May 29, 2006
    jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    Nacogdoches,Texas
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2004
    Messages:
    1,745
    Tuffy console
     
  8. May 29, 2006
    56WillyCJ5

    56WillyCJ5 Oops! Actually 55WillyCJ5

    Columbus, GA
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2005
    Messages:
    78
    Oh, fantastic! Tuffy's one of the ones I was looking at! Glad to hear it didn't entail too much in modifications.
     
  9. May 30, 2006
    OrangeCJ5

    OrangeCJ5 Sponsor

    Taylorsville, UT
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2003
    Messages:
    422
    I made the Currie rear bumper/tire carrier combo work on mine. Involved drilling and tapping some holes. I think you can just about make most stuff work. It seems even the stuff for the '55-'75 is never "bolt in" anyway. I usually just buy it and then see how much work it will be to make it fit. If it's too much, I send the part back.
     
New Posts