CJ5 body kits

hey all, just wondering if anyone purchased a steel body kit online? and if they're happy with it. i've been looking at these kits which include windshield frame, tub, fenders, hood, and tailgate. there are some big differences in prices between manufacturers for what looks to be the same product.

http://www.walcks4wd.com/p76.html has a kit for 55-68 cj5 for $2895. others i've looked at go up to $4000. i got a '65 frame thats in good shape but the body on it was scrap

the frame had a 4 cyl and i just bought a 225 dauntless ( oh i'm all about the:v6 i have to cut off the old motor mount brackets and replace them with v6 brackets. do i weld them in on the same spot? or do i have to move them a bit? anyone who made this conversion please let me know. your help will be greatly appreciated

 

"according the the willys site in toledo there is only one manfacture in the world still making steel tubs and they are located in the phillipines" as for the motor mounts i have not done a swap but have owned both and i think you are gonna have to move them,one more thing you will run into is the transmission input shaft and the throwout bearing collar on the t-90 you will need the longer one

 

I've never seen a aftermarket body as thick as a original. Look for a good stock tub. As far as t-90 behind a v-6 don't waste your time. A sm 420 will bolt up to the V-6 with all stock componets, and you have to find a adapter for the dana-18. Well worth the money.
If you need a picture of V-6 motor mounts, I can send you one.

Pete

 

All the replacement bodies come from MD Juan in the PI AFAIK. http://www.mdjuan.com.ph/index.php

Different suppliers 'prepare' them differently for sale.

I'd agree - get an OEM tub if you can. Any CJ-5 tub from '55 through '75 will be the essentially the same and will fit with minor changes. M38A1 tubs will work too. From '76-on, the floors change a lot, though you should be able to create an early tub from a later tub and replacement floors.

Unless totally rusted away, most tubs can be salvaged. Welding in new metal is fairly easy - it's all flat pieces and simple curves. You only need basic metal working skills and a 100V MIG welder.

 

T90s will hold up to Stock Chevy V8s, will not be a problem with a :v6: . One of the better 3 speeds due to it's strength and simplicity. No four speed is a simple "drop in" as far as I know.

 

thanks guys, the only way to describe the shape of my jeeps body is "catastophe". which is starting to sound like a good name for it. someone had taken a torch to the firewall and its rusted really bad. finding a stock replacement in my area is like a needle in a haystack. usually the frames are bad too, but i got lucky and found it in an old barn. been there for 20 yrs.

i found the conversion kit for the T90 from novak, but i'll check out the SM420. heard alot of people talk about them. i haven't even got the frame to my garage yet, too damn cold. the guy i'm buying it off of said he thought it had a v6 in it, makes me wonder if someone cut up the firewall to get the v6 in there. so really i don't know what engine mount brackets it has or tranny. i think it a T90 by looking at it but it was about 5 degrees out when i looked at it. it was coverd in grease and dirt to get a number off of it.

Pete if you got a pic of the v6 bracket, send it. it just might tell me something bout this money pit i'm buying. thanks again guys

 

Get in touch with Kodiak, he's in NY and he seems to have the nose of a bloodhound at finding old Jeeps. I think he just sold a tub last week or so.

 

I got a decent M38A1- converted to cj5 body tub( battery box) was removed and covered up ..a few guys on here have seen it would not take much to fix maybe 150.00 in panels from Jeep Panels Plus or Classic ..just the front floors...Also have a T-90--dana18 set-up with bellhousing for a V6 or V8 engine..make you a deal on all of it or anybody else for that matter..

I am buying another body kit and from what I have LEARNED the hard way from a few other vendors.. I am agoing with willys overland repli-tubs..Yes they cost a little more but from what I have seen and been told they are the best for user friendly....

 

Purchased CJ-5 steel body from MD Juan in Oct.Fenders,hood,tailgate and windshield came in descent shape.Cowling on tub is OK but side panels need body work prep before painting. Looks like the ocean next to the phillipines.
Also tub came without grill support brackets on cowling and the dash panel is blank so save your old one or be prepared to drill your own holes. Overall, body is OK just remember its rust free.


67 CJ-5:v6:

 

I will get you some pic's this weekend. A t-90 was a great tranny in 1965, but this is 2007. A 4 speed is a great up grade. I have a t-90 adapter I will give you if you pay the shipping. If you buy an adapter than put your money into something worth having. A t-90 is a non syncro 3 speed. A great tranny behind a 4 banger.
As far a tubs I live in California and there is a lot of good tubs on craigs list out here. Get me an e-mail adress so I can send pics direct because I don't know how on this site.

Pete

Pete

 

now i'm curious, whats painful about willy's overland? i'm not going for the 100% perfectly restored jeep. i just want it to look good and build it myself.

Pete you mean ship a tub from ca to ny? whats shipping like, 300-500? thats my guess. send me some pics. i'll post some pics when i find my camera, haven't seen it in a while. thanks

 

:iagree: Contact Bill (Kodiak12060). http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/member.php?u=834

 

I am also looking to replace my salt wasted tub in my 75 cj5 and am also looking for the same info about who is out there and who is best nothing around here that has not been on the beach (in the ocean) thanks stu