Possible Tuxedo Park Mark III

Hi All-

I have a 1963 CJ-5, 134ci, 3spd. It's been in the family since new; my grandfather had a Jeep dealership in the late 50's / early 60's. I've had the Jeep since 2000 or so. It has been repainted more red than pink/salmon, but the more I learn about the Tuxedo Park models and what I can recall from my earlier years, I become more convinced that this one of them. The paint code is 332 and the trim code is 429. I did not find the 332 listed on the paint color code page and I've never seen the trim codes anywhere. The Jeep is in good running condition, but rust has taken a toll on any flooring. The top has been gone for some time as is the original seat covers and fenderwheel cushions in back. Many of the chrome pieces were painted over.

If this truly is a Tuxedo, my dilemma is that I'm not a big fan of the Tuxedo style. We used this Jeep for years out on a sprawling Texas ranch and it's 'uppity' roots never were mentioned. Before I learned of this I had already made some mods out of safety/driveability concerns: relocated the gas tank to rear, installed rollbar from mid 70's CJ5. And I had planned more, namely a nice silver paint job after fixing all of the problems, maybe a brake and steering upgrade, and a nice tire/wheel package.

I never wanted to make this a rock crawler, but I'd still like to make it manageable in a modern sense. How original does it have to be to maintain any relevance to the Tuxedo Park options?

Thanks,
Tim

 

Paint code 332 is indeed Indian Ceramic. I don't have a listing for 429 on the trim code, are you sure you have that number correct? Most of the trim codes from that era are in the 200's.

 

Mmm, well, depends on what you want. It's your Jeep, and you can do what you want with it. Looks to me like most of the TP stuff is gone now, and you don't want to paint it Indian Ceramic (pink). If you wanted to maximize the resale value, you'd likely want to restore it to as close to original as possible. Even in pristine original condition, it's only a few thousand dollars difference at most for a TP over a comparable CJ. It's not collectible to the same degree that passenger cars are.

BTW you need a front bumper - don't leave it off. The bumper acts as a cross-member between the front spring mounts. The original was riveted on, so it's not meant to be removable.

 

wouldn't the VIN identify it as a Tux model ?

 

Your trim code is probably an L-29 which is Black British Calf Grain Vinyl with Indian Ceramic facings. Take a look at article http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/general/Tuxedo Park/

 

thought they all used the 22 designator in the VIN...maybe it was the last version then.

 

I checked the trim code again. It is definitely a 429. Maybe a typo at the factory?

From what I have read the VIN numbers were not different until 1964. There is no badging or any designation on the vehicle as a TP Mk III.

The vehicle has tons of sentimental value, and I really want to be able to drive and enjoy the vehicle. The upgrades would help reliability, safety and comfort.

My fear is that I am performing some sacrilegious act by not restoring it to original. I don't want a car that is a relic and never driven.

The picture that is shown was taken during some mods. I have the original bumpers, although they are fairly well dinged from life on the ranch. I was planning on replacing the front one with the standard steel bar type...

Thanks for all the advice so far.
Tim

 

I just acquired an August '62 TP in original condition with paint code 332 and trim code 429. It also has a Koenig model 520 hard top also painted Indian Ceramic.

 

without pic's it didn't happen

 

Patience...

 

Paint and trim plate is neat. They are usually lost after 50 years.

I like the Indian Ceramic color, but it seems like it weathers to an unattractive faded pink. Likely the yellow pigment (cadmium yellow) fades fastest in the sunlight, and that removes the orange-y "ceramic" look of the color. Yellow from that era fades with just a couple of years of sun - BTDT.

 

That is a very early Tux for sure.

 

Wow! Awesome!

 

Yea. Fer shure. What a find. Looks completely complete and original. Congrats.