1964 Cj5. It Comes Back Around.

Some of his wrap up on the crossmember and brace.

 

Well this went sideways for a little while.

My SM420 saga. Probably had it out 20 times. I can drop it now eyes closed. In short I discovered that there is a long bearing retainer version of the SM420. This version with the thick Oddfire flywheel is a no go.

Link if you’re interested.
http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/157599/

During all this in the end my buddy swapped in floor pedals instead of the wonky hanging set up that was in it. This caused another issue being my CJ has Commando front axle and steering. Took some heat and beat and sleeve and weld but all is good.

To say this Jeep fought getting its 420 swap is an understatement. I have new scars to show for it. I will follow up with picture when there is light.

Hopefully I can get to doing some of the fun stuff now.

 

Video of the wrap up to the sm420 battle.

 

Double post

 

Drove around yesterday and seemed good but slowly 4th gear started getting a bit touchy durning shifts.

This morning I changed the oil in the transmission and transfer case and readjusted the clutch cable.

Fourth gear was still touchy with a few times of not wanting to go in all. Burned through a full tank of gas in it. It did get better so maybe just a stuck synchro. I will flush the transmission a few more times before I really worry about it. I have no idea how long this thing had been sitting around before I got it.

Before I brought it home I spend a little while playing in the dirt. The ratio in the 420 first gear is head and shoulders above the old t14.

 

Took the Jeeps out to Pilot Rock on Christmas Day. This is the first time actually taking the CJ on trail since getting the SM420 installed. Typical California weather, cold in the shade and warm in the sun.

Jeeps did great. Steering box worked its way loose, rear brake drum is dragging now. The only real issue on the 60 year old Jeep was the few month old, $80, Chinese fuel pump that decided to stop working in the middle of nowhere.

Luckily after after driving about three miles ahead my backup realized I was no longer behind them.

After a quick shower in gas under the Jeep for a pump replacement we were back on track.

Driving on the freeways in SoCal in the old relics you would think we were driving Ferraris. Waves, thumbs up, pictures etc.

 

Very nice looking jeeps. That is awesome you can go get on some trails nearby. I thought you were going to say you got some finger waves on the freeway, but it's nice that people were cool that you weren't going 80 mph. I remember the first time I drove a 420 with the 7 to 1.. quite the difference, huh?

 

Massive difference. Turned it into an entirely different Jeep.

 

Neighbors video of our Christmas Day run to Pilot Rock.

 

Neighbor hooked me up with some welding on the Jeep. Moved the spare over, added a surplus gas can rack. I have a few old ammo cans to add inside for storage but welder ran dry or wire. So to be continued.

still need to relocate the plate.

 

Spent MLK day out in the Calico area exploring the desert. Weather was beautiful low 40’s to low 60’s.

 

Short vid from Calico.

 

Been meaning to do some paint correction since I got the CJ but been busy fixing it or driving. It has rained all weekend so why not. So far just got the hood and cowl with some deep cut compound. You can see on the fender where it has not yet been leveled how scuffed it is.






Later this week I need to pull the radiator. The lower neck has started leaking.

 

Last Sunday out in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar.

 

Finished with the buff and polish. Well mostly. The dash could use some love and the wheels are crusty. The hood I actually wet sanded and it came out great for what it is. The sides I also wet sanded but just to get out any nibs and make it smooth. I didn’t spend much time and made no attempt at removing orange peel. I have already added a fair amount of sagebrush pinstripe.








Was hoping to take it for a cruise to Big Bear tomorrow but the radiator picking up speed on its drip.

 

Man, what a nice Jeep!

 

I posted in a separate thread asking for help and am now updating this journey thread.

so to sum it up, the Jeep started stalling while at a constant speed, became hard to start and then wouldn’t start at all. Checked for spark and fuel and had both. Went to check time and had the timing case snap off. Judging by the dirt on the edges it had been cracked for some time.





Then things escalated. Current carb is a single barrel Chinese junk, no name. So getting a 2bbl manifold, timing cover, efi, hei distributor and a crank trigger.

While waiting on parts I removed the hood and well, idle hands. After wiping most the dirt off I figured may as well make is shiny.

Just washed.


Still beat up but now with shine.

 

And if anyone is interested I have been using the Harbor Freight Hercules 6” polisher. I had been using a really nice 20 year old Groits that was killed by designed obsolescence. After using this one I like it way more than my old Groits.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-amp-6-in-forced-rotation-dual-action-polisher-59561.html

 

Still waiting on parts for so figured may as well get the battery out and the area cleaned up while I have the opportunity.




The dirt on the lower part that was below the battery was incredibly hard.


Not going to win a beauty contests but it’s cleaning up.

 

Probably a good time to move the battery to the firewall like a proper V6 Jeep.