CJ-5 1/2 good idea or not...

Hello all

This is just some stupid idea I got, after spending some time under my jeep to fix my muffler. (by the way, I had the jeep since november, and it was the first time tonight I heard it running with the nice low ``humhumhum`` that a I6 is suppose to make.)

But lets go back to the question...

I bought a cj-7 frame (1976) for 50$. It is not that bad, could be repaired easily. It has some rust on it, and thin wall at some spot.

The stupid idea is this : Since my current frame is rusted and was repaired and patched a lot of time, I think that it is prone to break some time in the future. God knows when, but in the event it happen, I was thinking about (and this is where it gets weird) taking the CJ-7 frame, make it solid and rust free, and remounting my jeep on this frame.

Then I could modify my tub, a la CJ-6, to have a CJ-5 1/2, with a wheelbase of a CJ-7, and I'd keep my CJ-5 door opening.

So, do I keep my CJ-7 frame in storage in case I need it for this, or is this another of my stupid ideas that I should forget about ???

Comments are appreciated

Thanks

Bob in Sherbrooke, Province of Québec

 

All I have is a bikini top, but correct me if I'm wrong, but I could always put a CJ-7 soft top, without the doors...if I ever do such a jeep...

Bob in Sherbrooke

 

If you do a good enough job on the body work you could modify the CJ7 top and doors to fit. As Boyink stated, its all about how much fab work you can handle. I wouldn't hesitate to shorten that CJ7 frame to CJ5 dimmensions either. If that is what you want. All a matter of how much work and how unique you want your jeep to be. I don't like the CJ6 look so it is out for me. But I am a firm believer in "to each his (or her) own".

 

Do It!8)

 

I had that thought way back. I still would like to do it someday. Go for it! Remember .... don't hack any good vintage tubs! Pretty sure you wouldn't. CJ

 

It is a homemade tub, so don't worry about this. In fact, the tub is so overbuilt it probably help the frame !!!

Bob in Sherbrooke, Province of Québec

 

Protest against global salting on roads, there destoying Jeeps.R)

 

Tub will be the hard part, but it can be done. While lots of stretched flattys, 5s, 7s and TJs have been attempted, many never get finished, and some get finished, but end up with "issues" when they are done. If you can, take a close look at a stretched body and also at a '6 and make your own decisions.

 

There it is, done with some computer program. It is crude, but give a good idea. Not as long as a CJ-6, but similar in looks
I think I like it. Could have some nice cargo space behind that rear seat...

But let's hope that my current frame will resist....

Bob in Sherbrooke

 

go for it

 

I say do it. It gives me ideas, dangit get out of my head ideas

 

I don't get it! So if your trying to justify using a CJ-7 frame and want to re use your CJ-5 tub, and stretching the tub in a certain spot is the easiest way to do it....and you want a unique look....then OK, I can see, it. I don't see an advantage of doing it. It will be a 7 with the doors of a five....just harder to get in and out of. I can saw this cuz I own both a 6 and 2 7s. Now if its just for the challange and cool factor, then go for it. How will you address a hard or soft top as the tub rails differ and they are boxed on the 5 and sloped on the 7? Meaning 5 style but with the 7 size. What of the body mounts?

 

Also the cj7 windshields are different from the early 5s. May be difficult to get the top to fit correctly. You might see if you can get a 5 top and stretch it to fit over a 7 framework.

 

Guys (OnlyinaJeepCJ,Ghetto Fab.) if you did not read this thread from the start, you should. Here is a quick summary

1. I have a rusted and patched 1977 CJ-5 frame under my jeep right now
2. I have a quite good 1976 CJ-7 frame in my driveway
3. Just for the fun of it, I was thinking out loud here about fitting the CJ-7 frame under my jeep
4. Being carried away, I even draw the thing
5. I only have a bikini top, and I dont plan for other tops
6. And this won't happen untill my current frame breaks, and I hope that it will be in a long time, but I hope it will never happen...

So I understand your good comments, and thanks !


Bob in Sherbrooke, Province of Québec