Blalp!’s Build/project (‘64 Cj5)

Before I cleaned the garage and put the Jeep in the corner for the winter, I managed to finish up a few little projects. In this photo, you can see the tie rods cut and tapped to fit with the Saginaw box, dual master in with lines run and ready for bleeding, and the rear mounted tank is bolted in. It’s progress!

While this is a ‘64, the fact that I am using a ‘70 V6 frame, ‘70-71 dual master and mount, V6 axles (3.73), and a ‘69 V6 with T14, this really isn’t much of a “build” anymore. Compared to a factory V6 CJ, the only real difference is the Saginaw steering, rear mounted gas tank, and twin stick large hole D18. Perhaps I should change the thread title to “blalp’s parts swapped CJ5”

I am scheming to adapt my NP435 to a D18 with a custom mount that is 1” or 1.5” long. This is assuming a short learning curve on my ‘new’ lathe. We’ll see..

 

I ordered a Juan transmission floor cover. It looked pretty decent on the garage floor. However, it didn’t fit very well. You can see the modifications to make it look ok. I roughed out a transmission tunnel from another piece of old hard top. I shaped it this way so I can eventually make a center console of some kind.



I’m not 100% sure if I will use the seats that came from the Commando, or refurbish the original CJ5’s seats. Once I decide, the location of the steering column can be finalized.

 

I did not have a problem installing the Juan cover in my Jeep. I did have to adjust around the T-Case shifter. Just remember, the cover is made to fit the tub they make.

 

It’s been too warm for me to spend much time in the garage. However, I have made a little progress here and there. Below are a few highlights.

With some 1/2” stock, I drilled, tapped, cut, and welded some nuts for the trans tunnel.



Here, is my take at a lower steering mount.



A tree landed on my Commando hood, so it will live on as part of my passenger side wheelhouse.



More scrap hardtop was used for the rear center filler. I used some 3/16” bent to 90* for the center body mounts.



In an effort to maximize space in the garage, I put the Jeep together. Some may find it ugly, but I am happy with how it’s looking.



I have a ton of weld grinding to do. Once done, I’m planning on using tint-able spray bed liner (brown). I’ll probably epoxy prime the outside patches before finding a close brown spray-paint. If my wife gets sick of riding around with a paper bag over her head; I should be able to give it a ‘real’ paint job with relative ease.

 

It’s been a while, and that has pretty much everything to do with the garage improvements.

Last weekend I pulled the trans back to figure out why my clutch wasn’t disengaging all the way. It didn’t look like the pilot bushing was in all the way, but it didn’t move. While taking some measurements of the input shaft, I noticed there was a burr on the tip from being struck (or dropped) in its past. A closer look in the hole confirmed contact with the crankshaft. A quick hit with a grinder solved the problem. Reassembled and confirmed I could push the clutch and now the Jeep rolls easily in gear. (I also cleaned up the POs anti-seize)


With the underside painted, I put the tub on for what will hopefully be the last time.



After putting some seam sealer on the floor, it was time for some fiberglass.



My new goal is to be on the road by end of June. I think it’s doable!

(Edited to display images)

 

I stopped by the DMV today for a little inspiraShaun!

 

you guys get stickers for antique plates too , I mean it has to be renewed every year

 

We don’t have a sales tax, so they get us in property tax and vehicle regulations. However this Jeep has paid it’s dues and only cost $24.50 total (city and state portions combined).

I have a safety inspection when I get it on the road. Due to its current age, it qualifies for every other year safety inspection which gets me to 60 years old, and no longer needs a safety inspection.

 

That must have changed since I moved away from nh. We had annual registration, but no inspections. Looking at my jeep (from NH) compared to the options down south, what a difference. There's rust, and then there's RUST

 

After a day of bolting in the roll bar, passenger seat, seat belts, and a few odds and ends; I took the wife to a local fast food restaurant (within walking distance) for a maiden voyage.

We made it there and back with no major problems. There are, however, a few items that need to be addressed.

-There is a brake pull (guessing the RF wheel cylinder didn’t feel like doing anything).

-4WA after my new tires and wheel get here later in the week.

-Plugs, wires, timing, and inspect distributor.

-Lube the Speedo cable.

-Nickmil kindly mailed me a well marked paper stencil to make a flywheel cover. He did this at his expense and that I pay it forward. Thank you Nick!

-Start shopping for a rear dump manifold. The bolt on the clutch pedal taps the header when fully depressed and sounds uncool.

-Although I tested the gauge cluster, the temperature doesn’t seem to work. Not sure if it is a resistance issue as the gauge is a 4cyl, and running the native V6 temp sensor.

This project has been on and off over the last three years. As short as the trip was, it felt great to drive it! I even received a couple complements.

 

Congrats on a running driving Jeep!

 

Wow look at that progress! Glad to see it out and about!

 

I’m a bit behind in posting these. (These were taken late September to early October) The Jeep is tucked in for the winter, and it’s snowing out today.



Wife and I had a picnic on a beautiful fall day.



Starting Brennan’s front disc swap. Used the hole-saw method (5/8” IIRC)



New NAPA studs and rotor installed.



Left side done.



Plenty of room inside. These are the 7” wide version of the wheels @Fireball has on one of his rigs.



Flywheel cover cut out from the pattern the @nickmil kindly sent. I used 1/8” plate. Just need to drill the bolt holes.



To Do List:
Currently working on a glove box.

I need to find a shorter pitman arm, or a two-hole knuckle. The steering is just way to sensitive at speed.

Notching the wheelhouse will be in order. The gas pedal is uncomfortable with the seat so far forward.

I hope to pull off my NP435 swap before spring. The 3.10 ratio of the T14 is just too tall with 3.73s. That said, I have two NP435s, and I am leaning towards the 4.56 close ratio for the street as apposed to 6.68 low gear.