67 CJ-5..... 2 yrs or less build

So I got this 67 Cj-5... looked to be in pretty good shape. 225 V-6, T-86 w/18 transfercase. We have been running around here on the ranch with it a little and figured that I needed a project since I no longer have "The Money pit" (Boat). So in the shop it came. I pulled the front end off. Next I used a victor wrench, torch, to cut all the body bolts. The one on the passenger floor wasn't doing anything cause the body had rusted out there. I used the forklift and lifted the tub off. First thing I noticed is that all the body tabs stayed on the frame cause they to have rusted off. So basically the driver floor bolt was doing all the holding. Off to the steam cleaner for a fairly good cleaning. Few cracks here and there at the front end but mostly pretty good. Walking around it I noticed 2 holes in the bellhousing from the body rubbing on it. So far I have aquired an 84 Grand National fuel injected turbo motor, SM420 trans, and a power steering box. I cut the front bumper off and all the brackets that the previous owner welded on. This is when I realized some people should not own a welder. Also rhino type lining should not be sold to the general public. That is another mess I have to deal with. I've ordered a bunch of metal for some frame work, figured I would make most of my own parts. Ordered a YJ 4" lift but still have to look into all the mounts and stuff.

 

what are you planning to run for engine management?

 

I have the harness and computer. If I feel its inadequate I will switch to a FAST controller.

 

Not a bad canvas to start with Mike. I'll keep an eye on your progress.

Getting ready to do the same thing with my '60...

 

Instead of the turbo maybe this for some low end torque?

 

Now there's an idea, I've got one just like that!

 

Ok so I finished stripping it down today. Pressure washed the hell out of it and torched one bracket off. The rest of the day was spent with interuptions of broken seed driers, dealing with cotton harvest, and reprogramming mom's sprinklers after she attempted it herself. It didn't work the last time she tried either. Tomorrow I hope to accomplish more.

What I started with this morning.



Little farther.



Stripped.



Pressure wash time.



Cleaned and back in the shop



Previous owner left me a head start. To bad it wasn't snap-on.



At least its not cheap chinese stuff



The cotton harvester aka the kotex express as the kid calls it.

 

Keep workin hard.

 

I wish I had your shop Mike mehh. It will take me a month to get done what you've accomplished in a couple of days... I need to tear the boat down and get it outta the garage before I can even think about stripping the Jeep down.

Keep the updates coming!

 

I'm trying to keep everything at one end so its out of the way in case something else breaks that I have to bring in. Next weekend I have a ford rearend to rebuild. I also need to put airbags in my dentist's pickup and rewire his 5th wheel horse trailer after it comes back from sandblast and paint. Trying to keep as busy as possible to keep the divorce crap off my mind.

 

I hadn't heard about the big 'D". Sorry to hear it, but I can tell you from recent experience, life will get better. You're on the right track keeping busy. And look at all the cool stuff you're getting done!

 

Only update is that I scored a Dana 30 front and Dana 44 offset rear with 1 piece axles.

 

Hey Mike,
Grew up on the ranch here in San Jose, before they all turned into buildings for lease and parking lots!! Now the only dirt you see here is under your finger nails!!! Nice pics. Real nice shop!! I'm rebuilding my 1969 CJ with thew 225 V6. here's my link to the pictures so far,
http://s1211.photobucket.com/profile/vidjds
John

 

Ok now that the holidays are over I was able to get a little free time this weekend. Torched off all the old spring brackets. Found cracks at most spring points also. I'm gonna tackle all that stuff once everything is fitted, stretched, and built for both the frame and body. I'm making to many changes to do it all at once as I move into this project.

So far I have the new suspension pieces tack welded in place. Was gonna install the axles but forgot to order u-bolts. I pick those up tomorrow.



While waiting its onto stripping the body. I need to use the sawzall on the cage since the owner welded it to the floor.




My intentions are a 12" frame stretch in the center. At the same time I'm gonna stretch the body 12" right through the middle where you step in.

 

Hmmmmmmm, weld the cage to the floor. Now that seems like a great idea! :chainsawguy:

 

Got the axles in today. I put the 27 back in for now. I have to cut the spring over mounts off the 30 and didn't really feel like messing with it today. My main goal was to make it a roller so I can move it out of my way when I need to. Tomorrow I'm gonna start cutting out pieces to box in the front section of the frame so I can start mounting the steering box.

 

That looks familiar. Hey Mike, I live in Willows. Used to work at Valley Wide Chemical in Butte City and then at the four corners years ago.

 

If you worked at valley wide then you have been in that shop more than once I bet.

 

Looks like you're making pretty good progress Mike.

I still wish I had your shop...

 

Slow progress. Hope to pick up the pace soon. You don't want a large shop. Just more mess to clean up.

Now just a little voltage testing for this weekend welding.