Where do you stop?

[Ernie Harris]

I've been working on my '57 CJ5 for awhile now, making it mechnically sound. At the same time I'm rebuilding my 2003 TJ frame up. The TJ has turned into a "resto-mod" and I'm OK with that. The '57, right now, has the patina of 70 years of life. I like that. The problem I have is every little thing I work on creates an opportunity for me to "just do one more thing and make that look much nicer" which violates the patina rule.

Where do you guys stop when you're in this situation?

 

[colojeepguy]

If the rest of it looks like your picture, I would leave it looking just as it does.

 

[Beach66Bum]

If it’s mechanically sound, turn that key and “Drive them Jeeps!”

 

[Ernie Harris]

If the rest of it looks like your picture, I would leave it looking just as it does.

Thanks - yeah - I'm not gonna mess with the body at all - the axles, drive shafts and suspension are showing their age a lot though . I'm not going to replace anything but they do need to be gone through.

 

[dnb71R2]

Looks like you're atop The Grand Mesa...Have you driven Land's End Road yet?
And, I agree with others, drive that Jeep now!
And we need to get together soon!

 

[Boyink]

My answer to that as a 50+ year old is a whole lot sooner than I did when I was younger. Much more time spent working Jeeps than driving them.

 

[Jw60]

Some things like factory brakes and steering really need upgraded and don't really affect the "look".
a D30 front axle is the norm with the folks I see.

If you are satisfied with the 134 than good...
Otherwise saginaw steering and a dual reservoir master cylinder feeding front disks and rear brakes with parking function at the wheel are what you want.

 

[Jw60]

That said... Missouri and the other "flyover states" typically need a v6, fuel capacity, and highway gears along with good brakes and steering.

Mine has a hotter 4.3 with fuel injection, soon to be 4-speed, the biggest brakes I could find, and saginaw steering.

All the mods on mine could have been done 40 years ago to tow the m416 or a small teardrop trailer in modern traffic.

 

[givemethewillys]

I've been working on my '57 CJ5 for awhile now, making it mechnically sound. At the same time I'm rebuilding my 2003 TJ frame up. The TJ has turned into a "resto-mod" and I'm OK with that. The '57, right now, has the patina of 70 years of life. I like that. The problem I have is every little thing I work on creates an opportunity for me to "just do one more thing and make that look much nicer" which violates the patina rule.

Where do you guys stop when you're in this situation?

Sounds like you need another Jeep!

 

[jeepstar]

Where do you guys stop when you're in this situation?

we have long boring winters here, and that's the main time i like to work on my jeeps. the spring/summer/fall is the driving season.

 

[eyotajeeper]

We (wife, son, and I) have 10 (I think?) jeeps in various forms. so I can't honestly answer.

 

[53A1]

Keep the '57 drivable and definitely don't have two frame up/rabbit hole projects going at the same time. When you get tired of working on the TJ take a break and drive the '57. It will keep you motivated.

 

[Ernie Harris]

Looks like you're atop The Grand Mesa...Have you driven Land's End Road yet?
And, I agree with others, drive that Jeep now!
And we need to get together soon!

I am and yes, that's how I got to that point . Agreed - I'm always up for a meetup.

 

[Ernie Harris]

Sounds like you need another Jeep!

I do . I'm rebuilding my 2003 TJ frame up so I've paused on the CJ for now...

 

[Ernie Harris]

Keep the '57 drivable and definitely don't have two frame up/rabbit hole projects going at the same time. When you get tired of working on the TJ take a break and drive the '57. It will keep you motivated.

That is EXACTLY what I'm doing. I did the loop over the National Monument yesterday for an hour of sunshine and fresh air