Several questions: seats, PTOs, clusters...

Hi guys, I've got a few questions so bear with me.

First, I'm planning on getting an overdrive for my Dana 18 transfer case and PTO adapter(for a winch up front), but I have questions about doing so. Should I get a front or rear shift PTO, does it make a difference for this application, is one better for it? Because the PTO has been relocated further back, how does the shifter work with OEM hole for the PTO? Is there a shift linkage kit I can get to use the OEM hole or will I be required to cut a new hole? Pictures of this setup installed would be great to see.

Should I get my original cluster rebuilt (if so where) or should I get a reproduction. Is it very expensive to have one rebuilt?

My seats need some repair of the springs, the frames are fine. Where can I get these redone upholstery and springs (is there anywhere in the Minneapolis/MN area that is good for this)?

I'm sure I will have more questions as I progress, but this is what I have now. Thanks for your help in advance. I must say the people on this forum are the nicest people I have ever met on a forum This place has been a huge help for me thus far.

 

Hi Jon -

Re the PTO and overdrive, I suggest you call Herm www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com adn ask his advice. He's the guru wrt the Warn/Saturn overdrives. He should also be able to tell you about the PTO adapter and linkage.

Instrument cluster? Most would buy a replacement cluster, although the OEM parts are generally of much better quality than currently available replacements. What's wrong with the cluster? I expect the glass is available separately, and the I'm sure the gauges are. If the spedometer or odometer does not work, careful cleaning and verification that the drive cable is ok would be my first steps. I don't think it would be economic to have the common types of these rebuilt, since replacements are available. To investigate a professional rebuild, do a Google search or look in Hemmings Motor News for a specialty shop.

Re seats, try asking at some upholstery shops in your neighborhood. If they can't do the work, they may be able to refer you to someone in your area who can. The early seats are pretty simple; some wire, springs, horsehair and vinyl fabric should be all that's required.

 

Thanks Tim. There is nothing wrong with cluster, I just want it to be new and clean like the rest of the rig is going to be.

 

I agree with Timgr.
Regarding the cluster, I believe Moparman1978 is having the face reproduced (I hope he is, I sent him a sample to have scannedR))
Actually he told me it had been scanned and they are working on new faces. Not sure if these will be overlays or what but might pm him and find out.

 

Regarding the cluster....I was just told by Bob's Speedometer Repair (Found them online and gave him a call) that it would be $275-325 to rebuild my speedo cluster...so I have decided to get a replacement for $120 shipped to my front door.

 

Wow, thats expensive! Thanks for the info.

 

If you go the OD/Adapter/PTO route you will have to relocate the pto shifter hole further back to compensate for the adapter length.

Look for a Ramsey PT1-J or a Koenig Model 51 for the CJ Jeeps.

 

Where is a good source for a reproduction cluster that looks just like the OEM one in a 63?

 

Here is one on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/jeep-kaiser-cj5...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e62053741

Here is one more

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jeep-CJ5-Speedo...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5b368766

There was a guy on ebay that had a lot of speedo stuff, he might be sold out now. My speedo came from Vietnam. His store was/is blue moon scooter

 

Yes it is expensive. But if your one of those 100% correct guys it is worth every penny.

 

There isn't a place that sells reproduction ones in the old style with single digits on the face? I may get a NOS one, but just wondering.

 

Peter DeBella advertises an early NOS cluster for $225.

http://www.debellajeepparts.com/oddlot.htm

 

I saw them at Peter DeBella's. Has anyone purchased items from him, is that a reputable site? I know sites like Jungle Jims are questionable, so I'd like to know people's experiences with Peter.

 

I ordered one of the NOS speedo clusters he shows available, it arrived promptly and looks NOS as advertised. .6 miles show on the odometer, to all appearances it has never been used.
I did see that the red lenses for the AMP and OIL lights had fallen loose, so I had to open it up and put fresh tape on the plastic lenses. The old tape is yellowed and crumbling. Probably to be expected from 40+ years of storage.

Don

 

Here is a speedo for $150.00 plus shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Jeep-CJ3B-C...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f9254fb4