Build Thread 1959 CJ5 CPR Build

[pcampbell]

We inherited my father-in-law's '59 CJ5 recently and were surprised with a blown motor when we got it home. So, this father and son project has now elevated to "build" status.

CPR = CJ Powerplant Resuscitation

We've only had it here for a few days and I haven't had time to take it out to the shop and start the teardown. Figure we'll take this opportunity to do a massive cleaning, do a thorough check on everything, and possibly throw some front discs on. Of course if my history with vehicles holds, project creep is inevitable.

Here are a few pics to set the stage:

 

[pcampbell]

 

[pcampbell]

Came with a hard top and doors. My son isn't crazy about the factory white

 

[pcampbell]

Sears hubs and and PTO winch

 

[pcampbell]

And the ugly...

Cylinder 2:



Cylinder 3:

 

[pcampbell]

As you can see by the color it was more than just water. Someone had poured various things in there. Sabatoge or ignorance...take your pick.

Pulled the head off last night. All 4 cylinders are small lakes. Hoping to have time to pull the body off and begin the rebuild soon.

I have one big decision though: go back Hurricane or do a conversion. The jeep isn't perfect but it's decent compared to a lot I see. By the time I rebuild the 'cane I could go a long way toward a V6. I've got an SM420 sitting in the shop already. Getting a good 4.3 would be cheap (have a buddy with one I could probably work a line on). Still, $800 worth of adapters, radiator, and all the misc stuff....hmmmmm

 

[pcampbell]

And just for my own motivation....

The CJ doing what it does where it likes to do it:

 

[0822]

It is going to be a great project... keep the pictures coming.

 

[tarry99]

And just for my own motivation....

The CJ doing what it does where it likes to do it:

Hey..........don't worry this stuff is all about one's personal pride and ego.........you alone can determine where that Jeep goes and how quick it gets there.........in most cases we add or modify things over a period time that may for some never end.........point is get it running & enjoy it.

 

[Old Dog]

That's one nice look'n 59.:drool:

 

[Sasquach]

You are very lucky to get a CJ that early still in original condition, think long and hard before modifying this old beauty because they are far and few between like yours and cut up butchered engine swaps are everywhere. The engine rebuild will be a fun project even if you let the machine shop do most of the work if you go that way.
Have fun.

 

[JAG811]

Awesome !! Keep the posts coming

 

[pcampbell]

Thanks everyone for the support.

I thought a lot about the rebuild vs. convert option and I am going to go on record as committing to rebuild the F. My natural instinct is to modify but this one is different. I am considering it a family heirloom and it's just too nice to stray too far from its roots.

Besides, the sound of the old 4s just belong with the jeep.

However, I will very likely do the following:

1) do bigger brakes
2) Saginaw steering (I realize this is a significant change but the practicality wins out)
3) 32" skinny tires
4) 2.5" lift
5) maybe Overdrive
6) maybe lower Transfer Case gears

Most of these are "hidden" or undoable with the notable exception of the steering.

One thing my father-in-law always believed was the jeep is something to be enjoyed. It's a disservice not to use it where it was build to be used. The above changes will only make using it out in the wild that much more enjoyable.

 

[0822]

You are very lucky to get a CJ that early still in original condition, think long and hard before modifying this old beauty because they are far and few between like yours and cut up butchered engine swaps are everywhere. The engine rebuild will be a fun project even if you let the machine shop do most of the work if you go that way.
Have fun.

Don't hack it apart.

 

[Sasquach]

You will be opening a can of worms if you alter it much...Forget the Overdrive IMO as the 134 will not pull anymore than the 3rd gear already there especially lifted with larger tires.

 

[Kane]

That baby deserves to stay close to stock. That motor will cost less to rebuild than a conversion and the cool factor is very high.

 

[tarry99]

Thanks everyone for the support.

I thought a lot about the rebuild vs. convert option and I am going to go on record as committing to rebuild the F. My natural instinct is to modify but this one is different. I am considering it a family heirloom and it's just too nice to stray too far from its roots.

Besides, the sound of the old 4s just belong with the jeep.

However, I will very likely do the following:

1) do bigger brakes
2) Saginaw steering (I realize this is a significant change but the practicality wins out)
3) 32" skinny tires
4) 2.5" lift
5) maybe Overdrive
6) maybe lower Transfer Case gears

Well the fun begins.........
11 in brakes front and rear would be great along with the Saginaw Steering are both a major improvement. If you still have the 5:38 gears the Overdrive could be a possibility but maybe as Sasquach mentioned with taller tires it may kill the gear ratio all together.
You would have to use a Large hole Dana 18 or 20 case in order to use the Tera-Low gears in that Transfer Case . Doubt that 59 has the later case.

 

[Sasquach]

As I said you will be opening a can of worms(or your wallet ) but if I were going in the direction you are with steering and brakes you should do what my freind BajaEdition did and go with a newer Dana 30 axle with disc or larger drums and is better used with the Saginaw box.
But here's my thinking...Once you start down the modify path there is no stopping and you end up trying to build what is available already in a later CJ only at 4 times the price and when your done if that every happens you will have spent all that money just to devalue what you own now.
My 2 cents

 

[rr41mag]

A pto winch? I'd love to have one of those. That flashlight mounted on the coloumn I haven't seen one of those in yeeeers!

 

[mstar]

Just a couple thoughts on your project.I have been down the modify road several times.It is fun and can be rewarding.That being said I think you may be happier in the end with a nice little stock CJ5 .As others have mentioned to have one this original is a gift.I have a '69 CJ5 that is not stock.I tried to keep it stock but ventured off the path a little.So now what I have is a slightly not stock referred to as a "restomod". The other jeep I have is a '67 CJ5 .So far I have kept it stock except for 11" brakes and a dual res. master cyl.As far as the Ross Steering goes i would give it a chance before converting.I have rebuilt front axle trunion bearings,wheel bearings,tie rod ends,bellcrank bearing,drag link ends serviced and steering box adjusted,new stock size tires and alignment set.It goes down the freeway 70 mph with no problems. I plan on a full restoration of the body and paint on this vehicle . Anyway you go it will be a great project.

Cheers, mike