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Slow Build 73 CJ5

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by TwilightTinkerer, Jan 22, 2009.

  1. Jan 22, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    So guys I was the fellow that received the 73 CJ5 for Christmas. Now I have the ultimate dilemma...... Do I try to "build it"? Little background on me... I have done some minor tinkering before but never body work, or much in depth engine work. I am gonna post some photos so you can see the underside of the body maybe you can let me know if it is even worth rebuilding or if I will need to purchase a new bucket. I am also gonna post some interior photos after I removed all the old carpet and passenger seat. I am not sure if the dash panel is stock, also the seat brackets were manufactured, the jeep was someones hunting buggy, so it was not kept up very well. Any and all info. and advice is welcome. By the way the 304 runs very well, and I only have $600 total in the jeep so far. My main desire is to have a solid jeep to drive around and be proud of, no real rock crawling or mudding.
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    Drive and Passenger floor panel have been replaced with thin rivoted sheet metal.
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    Rust on underside body supports.
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    Body setting on frame, both sides of rear
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    Are the rear shocks supposed to be attached to the bracket holding the leaf spring?
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    Underside Rust
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  2. Jan 22, 2009
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    807
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Yes

    Jay
     
  3. Jan 22, 2009
    khamill

    khamill Member

    Kansas
    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2005
    Messages:
    161
    Re: To build or not to build?

    The dash looks stock but the windshield frame is from a 76+
     
  4. Jan 22, 2009
    joel63cj5

    joel63cj5 loose change

    manchester tn
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2008
    Messages:
    67
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Build away, it's not in bad shape. I think it's a good project for a novice builder.:beer:
     
  5. Jan 22, 2009
    brandon533b

    brandon533b Member since 2007

    Yakima,WA
    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2007
    Messages:
    220
    Re: To build or not to build?

    i like the speedometerR). really when i think of it, it's always more important to now how much gas you've got. i like it, i say build.
     
  6. Jan 22, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    How can we tell the windshield frame is newer?
     
  7. Jan 22, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Sorry found the answer the wiper motor should be on bottom outside.
     
  8. Jan 22, 2009
    Joe 69cj5

    Joe 69cj5 Going into Retirement

    Llano Ca.
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2008
    Messages:
    152
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Build on there is nothing like it. Build it the way you want it!
     
  9. Jan 25, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Past the point of no return!! Started tearing her apart on a rainy Saturday. I am gonna keep going. I read the other build threads for inspiration, got feeling I am gonna need to learn how to weld. Also, I have a hard top and doors that I may sell and a 76+ windshield to sell, or I may try to swap for a 73 windshield and other parts needed. Here are a few photos, gonna be a SLOWWW build.
    [​IMG]
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  10. Jan 25, 2009
    Dbarker

    Dbarker KE5MOF

    Stillwater, Oklahoma
    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2006
    Messages:
    89
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Good luck!
     
  11. Jan 25, 2009
    nwcpro

    nwcpro I wanted a Jeep....WHY???

    Rochester, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2006
    Messages:
    65
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Hey, nothing wrong with slow. I am really enjoying mine, mostly because it IS slow. When you aren't in a hurry, you can take the time to savor every accomplishment. It amazes me how long I can sit and stare with satisfaction at a single piece of new metal. And yeah, you'll want to pick up a small MIG. Working with sheet metal is frustrating at first, but quickly becomes deeply satisfying.
    John
     
  12. Jan 25, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Yeah,
    I have been considering the purchase of a small MIG. I have not welded much so first task is getting the body off, then tackle the welding. I figure the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at the time!
     
  13. Jan 28, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Got the hood and dash off tonight before supper. Hood was a snap. Dash was another story altogether. I had to disconnect and label all of the wiring and gauge connections, plus disconnect the throttle lock and choke from carb. I got pretty nervous when taking temp, gauge probe out of block. But I pushed on and got everything unhooked and dash out. Any advice on proceeding? My goal is to get tub, fenders and grill of this weekend. I want to sand blast and begin prep for painting next weekend. Here a few photos.....
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  14. Jan 28, 2009
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    807
    Re: To build or not to build?


    You've got the right idea, tear it down and clean it up. looking good so far

    Jay:coffee:
     
  15. Jan 28, 2009
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  16. Jan 28, 2009
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Draw a line in the sand. Once you start disassembly, you're going to find a lot of hidden issues. Decide for yourself how far you want to go before you get past the point of no return.
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
  17. Jan 29, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Yep, I am past that point already. I believe I crossed it when I turned the first wrench. But I have plenty of time, I have never had a jeep before, and hasn't cost me much so far. So I am just gonna plug along, if it takes a year or two that will be ok. Long as you guys keep me encouraged!!!
     
  18. Jan 29, 2009
    dmfrazee

    dmfrazee Jeep Builder

    Smithfield Pa.
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Messages:
    16
    Re: To build or not to build?

    YES any Jeep is worth saving. It looks like what I started with.
     
  19. Jan 29, 2009
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    3,294
    Re: To build or not to build?

    good attitude...the Jeep hobby suits you well :beer:
    Jim S.
     
  20. Jan 29, 2009
    TwilightTinkerer

    TwilightTinkerer Just a guy!

    Georgia
    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2008
    Messages:
    129
    Re: To build or not to build?

    Worked away on the CJ this afternoon. I finished pulling all of the wires and switches through the firewall. Removed the battery tray support brackets, rods holding the grill/radiator. Then removed passenger and driver side fenders. I have a few questions if anyone wants to chime in.
    1. Any advice on brake cylinder and pedal removal.
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    2. Any advice on steering wheel removal.
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    3. Can the the rods that mount the firewall to the grill be purchased? I have not seen them in any magazines or websites. I kept mine but they seem to be bent.
    Gonna do my best to remove the tub Saturday and Sunday. After that plan is to borrow a friends sandblaster and start paint removal.
    Few photos with fender removed:
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    Oh yeah. DMfrazee, I hope mine looks like that one day. If your jeep is the one in the Avatar it looks great from what I can tell.
     
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