1956 Jeep Willy's CJ5 restore

So I finally decided to start this restore on 12/31/08. I'm going to restore this jeep to original, if you have any good tips or ideas post up this is my first jeep I ever restored.

I started taking everything out of the jeep, bought a couple cans of degreaser and sprayed the tub with it, then hose it out.


I pop the front window channel out so it wasn't in my way and had to get a pic of the tub so you guys can see what this thing has been through. However I did noticed the tub was cracked in the center it was kinda flexing over the frame.



OK so I took out all the bolts that are holding the tub to the frame out. It was time to take the tub off the frame. Pulled my forklift in and used some straps to pick up the rear of the tub. Then slide the strap under the front.



The under panels of the tub looks good, little surface rust and no major cracks.


However as I mention earlier the tub was cracked, here's a pic of what I was talking bout. But I will fix that later when its time for body work.


The frame looks great, there are some minor cracks in where they box it from the factory but nothing serious. Figured Id stripped down the frame, send it over and get it sandblasted. I wanted to box in the rest of the frame but I have noticed that certain area of the frame are needed. Like the clutch linkage/bracket sits in side the frame, seems like if I moved it out it would cause the linkage to be crooked. So im on a pause on what im going to do.





Today 1/1/09 Im going to go down to my shop and finish tearing the frame apart. I do have some hillbilly welding that I need to grind of the back of the frame, replace the rear cross member on the back of the frame since its all rusted and torn up. Be sure to post some more pics later on tonight.

 

I believe they are goodyears but I could be wrong, they came with the jeep and shock to see they are still holding air.
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Well I didnt get as much stuff done as I wanted too, since I didnt get to the shop til bout 2:30-3:00pm. But then again Im sure I will be down there finishing up the frame. Heres some pics


Finally got the frame gutted.


Front axle, gettin ready to pop the diff cover

Gears look good, found out they are 5.38!! Alsp the cutlass front locking hubs still work great!



Rear D44 axle, will open diff soon

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Today 1/2/09 I will be popin the rear d44 diff off check gears, then finish the frame work.

Also I have notice a place in the frame where it was once broke and someone else gusseted, thinking bout gusseting the inside frame remove the guesset on the outside of the frame, add the tub mount that's missing then box in the frame around that gusset area, I will get some pics.

 

That tub looks amazing. Could you take some more pictures of the floor pans and tranny tunnel, please? I'm recreating some pans from scratch right now and need references. Thanks.

 

Look like Goodyear Suburbanite to me.

 

I think I need a fork lift.

 

I will have to later I just put the tub in my storage container lastnight
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Ok so bout 2 weeks ago I decided to go have the frame sandblasted so I can check for cracks. I got the frame sandblasted for FREE through a friend of my dads. I finally got some time to go pickup the frame from the sandblasters and worked on it lastnight after work. I went around with the mig and welded up all the cracks I seen in the frame. Majority of the tiny cracks were mostly up front where the jeep was box from the factory. Also I have noticed a few cracks around the leaf spring mounts. So I decided to go around and run beads on all the leaf spring mounts to give them some extra strength. Im not done yet but figured Id post some pics of what I have done so far.

Yes look how crappy the welds are on this frame after being sandblasted!


I decided to remove the rear crossmember, so I can clean up that area, do some welding and the I will fabb up a new crossmember.



Also found this gusset on the frame, right after I tore the jeep apart. So I decided to add my own gusset inside the frame and going to box over this part of the frame for extra strength. Going to remove that gusset on the outside for a cleaner look, run a bead, then grind it smooth for a cleaner more stock look.


More pics of welding I done lastnight

 

I know its not a MB or a M38A1 but I really do like the military theme on these old Willy Jeeps. So I decided to do the military theme with this Jeep, finally found a M38A1 that I really like so figured I will build and paint it the same as this one here below, minus the bazooka!

 

cant wait for more!

 

Plans have changed on this build. The frame is very weak, so I will be building a new one out of 2"x4" .250 wall square tube here in about a month. Dont wanna offend anyone here since this site is a restoring site, but the build has went from original to custom rock crawler. Before I was into Jeeps I had a 68' chevy shortbed stepside truck that I hot rodded out. I had a guy pull out in front of me at 65mph in that truck and I lost it all. And while that time I was building a big block 461(510hp) on the side for the truck. I been trying to sell the motor and no luck in this economy so figured I will use it with this build. Looking to build a custom rock crawler out of this 56' CJ5, wanting to keep the body original except where I plan to cut it in the door opening to stretch it 10" since the wheel base on these Jeeps were only 84 inches. I just got a set of GM 3/4 ton 8 lug axles(front d44 and rear gm 14 bolt) for this build as well, figured since the engine is GM I want the rest of the components to be. I plan on using a th350 for the transmission and a 205 transfer case. The CJ5 suspension with be coils similar to the new Jeep wranglers and have a long arm lift.

If anyone is interested in the original parts be sure to let me know. I plan on keeping the tub, frame(until I build new one), fenders, hood, grill/core support etc. I have a d27 axle with locking hubs and d44 axle either 5.13 or 5.89 gears dont remember, stock driveshafts, original rear seat, tact, original air cleaner, original leaf springs, etc. Im willing to do a smokin deal on these parts, since I dont need them anymore.

PS. I will post the build on here if you guys want me to, be sure to let me know. Dont wanna offend anyone with a custom rock crawler build.

Thx,

Dustin S.

 

Wish you were closer I would take the seats in a heart beat. Really wish you were not cutting that solid body up, If i were closer I would offer you mine, pretty mint except for a few spots but finding them like yours is getting harder and harder

 

Rondog is close to you and he is redoing a 56 hopefully he will chime in and get some deals. It's your jeep we want to see what ever you decide.

 

I have to agree. If you are going rock crawler, I'd start with a YJ. Frames are stonger and galvanized. Tubs are much eaiser to find in good shape. I'd keep on track with this build. I think you have a good plan.

So start with a YJ, stretch the frame, toss the axles under it, drop in the drive train then wheel it like you stole it! You will be much happier in the long run wtih this finished project.

 

If you still want to do the rock crawler thing, and you want to sell those wheels, PLEASE let me know!!! I'd LOVE to find a good set of original 1956 CJ5 wheels! I have 6 or 7 good stock wheels, but they're a mix of CJ2A, M38 and pickup wheels. I'm also on the hunt for a stock rear seat for a '56, if you have that!

My '56 is going for the showroom stock look, with various safety and performance upgrades. Finally starting to move on the project again, got both axles in the rebuild stage presently.

 

Sorry guys trying not to offend anyone here but I'm not a fan of the YJ! a real Jeep has round head lights not square! Oh I'm sure I'd be happy in the long run with this all being stock. But I have everything to build this into a awesome rock crawler. The engine, tranny, and t case I have from a project before I was into Jeeps. And I work for my dads steel fabrication shop so I have all the steel I need. Thanks for the info guys!

PS I will contact rondog!
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Check your PM's, Rondog's already barking at your door!

 

Don't apologize bro, it's your rig and your money. Build it the way you want. I just know there are other tubs around that I would rather see get cut up, like I said if I were closer i would offer you mine