someone else's project

From reading some of your postings I see many great ideas. I purchased a '74 cj5. I'm not new to the cj5 virus, but worry I bit off more than I can chew. It came with some unfinished issues. It has a fiberglass body. The problems are: 1. Seat brackets, the seller put modern brackets in, nothing like sitting on the floor. What ideas could you suggest to build a seat bracket? I was going to have something bent up out of aluminum checkerplate. Or should I go with an original brackets? 2. The steering is labeled from a 79 salvaged jeep. Is this an acceptable transplant? 3. Lastly, The clutch and brake pedal, you don't want to know. I need to find a clutch and brake assembly that will fit the glass tub. New, used what are the options? Are they part of the steering column assembly? Basically what I have is many new and used parts put together incorrectly. The Jeep runs and drives but needs some tweeking. This is going to be an exciting project. Thanks for your help.

 

Re the seat brackets, I would use steel instead of aluminum. And strong, flat bars, not plate. Take a look at the dimensions used in the original brackets.

Sparky's pedals are from a '76 and later CJ. The 72-75 pedals are a little different, in that the pedal stalk comes down behind instead of beside the pedal. I'm sure that either would be fine.

You can also prowl the junkyard and look for swinging pedal assemblies - though a quick Google search did not come up with any suggestions. Otherwise, you can use a pedal unit for hot rods from someplace like Wilwood. Spendy, but would probably be easiest to fit to a 'glass tub.
http://www.wilwood.com/Products/005-PedalAssemblies/index.asp

 

I received the CJ5 with new seats. so I am going to try and make them work. Thanks for the info, I will try to post updates.

 

So the 76 replacement clutch, brakes and steering worked? I was under the impression that I was stuck with 72-75 replacement parts.

 

Since this is project, the main concern is "can you make work" not "what was original." Ideally a '74 would be most like a 72-75, but since you have a fiberglass body anyway, even the 72-75 parts will need some fitting. Your steering column and pedals will be a custom install, regardless. The frame of a '74 is way different from a '76 frame, but some things are exchangeable, like the front axle. '74 didn't have disk brakes, but the axle housing is the same and will bolt right up. Gear ratios are different though.

 

Well put! This is too cool with you all linking me to examples and the other links! What is your experience with the fiberglass body? For example I have a custom aluminum checker plate dash, nice. Remember I am re-doing someone elses's work. What are the tips to fasteners? For example steel you just put in a screw or nut and bolt with the fiberglass I am a little unsure of the limitations. The mfg suggested big washers on the back side. Is it really that simple? For example, It came with a new bestop roof. I see the previous owner had some difficulty with the installation. It is the snapless kind. He must of used a dreml to get through the double wall and put nuts on the underside of the lip to hold the mounting rails, make sense? And the seats I mentioned before, 5 (tries) holes and he never really got them right, bummer. That's Ok though my plan is to correct all this. The fun part, right?

 

BUILD your own seat brackets. The ones from 4WD are LEVEL. Therefore, when you set a seat on top of them, you feel as though you are going to be poured out of them and end up under your clutch pedal.

They are hard to see, but you can get a good idea of what mine are like in this thread:
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24372

As you can see, mine recline you a bit, and give you a little more room from the bus steering wheel. Mine cost $20, after raw material, welding, and a can of black spray paint. Heck, get tricked out, and mount the seat sliders on these so if a midget wants to drive your Jeep they can.

As for the different steering column, I would try to find a 72-75 column. You might run into a few issues:

-May have to use a 76+ dash.
-When the column is mounted, the linkage might not "reach" the steering box to connect.

Plus, the bus steering wheel is too cool.

 

Mugzilla
Very nice and clean seat mounts! I think I will try your idea. How did you install the seat belts? would it be to much to ask for some measurements of your brackets? I noticed the floor in your Jeep, cool.

As for my dash it is a new custom install. I do not have the old one. So does this give me more options? The windshield is from a newer model (fiberglass) with the wiper motor inside.

 

This is some examples of what I'm working with. From what I have read from this site I will have some suspension things to address as well.

 

Thanks, I have a lot of the "other stuff to do" too. I'm thinking of doing a little at a time so I can drive it and work on it as I go.

 

I will make templates/better pics 2 weekends from now. Basically, they are "flush" with the back step-up, and angle upwards as you move forward.

The belts mount to the floor with 2 huge washers on each side. Someday, I plan to weld them to the seat brackets.

The floor is some roll-on fake Rhino-liner. I like it.

 

I have to compliment you on the rig. Very nice. I have a 73 myself. It's been sitting in a garage for the past 10 years. Needs some help. I was wondering what you did for a roll bar? Purchased or made. Also, would you be willing share the specs on the seat brackets (ie, measurements)

 

Maverick,

Sorry that I ended up getting your thread hijacked!

All, I will photograph and sketch my brackets in 2 weekends when I head to Ohio to finish up a few more loose ends on my rig.

The rollbar is what was on my Jeep when my dad bought it in 84. Sorry, I have no other data on it...

 

My roll bar is what came with the Jeep. It's at a 90 to the body and mounts to the top of the rear fender wells. I was considering making them the same angle as the windshield but I think that will take away from the look of the '74. So for now that is what i'm going to go with.

Mugzilla thanks for going through the trouble to post you seat bracket idea, I look forward to it!

 

I also would be interested in the pictures of the seat backets if you don't mind.

Thanks
Jim

 

Here are the pedals you have been looking for.