Build Thread 1959 CJ5 CPR Build

[Sasquach]

X2 on the Ross. My recently completed CJ3b with Ross steering was a bear on the road and wheels would not return to center being towed etc.
After adressing all the related issues, tie rod ends, steering knuckle bearings, Ross box, drag link ends, pitman arm end, etc. and doing a good alignment it now steers excellent with allmost zero steering wheel free play and goes where you point it.
Don't throw in the towel thinking it can't be saved. Heck we won the war with this system.

 

[pcampbell]

I think the votes in favor of keeping it stock are mounting quickly

Here is what I know for sure ... the body is coming off to clean and paint the frame. The axles will get checked out and probably at least new seals. The motor will obviously get rebuilt. Probably will not do much with the body for now. It's not perfect but most of the issues just add some character. All of the misc stuff like cables for vents, etc need replacing.

As far as steering, etc...we'll have to see. The brakes at least need a rebuild.

Basically start by just make everything work the way it did in '59. Then figure out a plan from there.

I appreciate everyone's input. It's hard to really appreciate just how preserved it is until I see some of the other basket cases on Craigslist.

Body may come off this weekend if I get time. Need to spend a day organizing the shop and moving my dad's '54 chevy pickup project out of the way before I get too crazy.

 

[pcampbell]

30800 miles seems low until you realize it was probably all at 10 mph

 

[Sasquach]

One upgrade that is safety minded and not degrading to the original concept is larger drum brakes and a dual master cylinder. I think Herms has the M cylinder kit.

 

[pcampbell]

There must be 30# of dirt piled on the skid.

It's dirty under there but solid.

 

[pcampbell]

I am sure there is someone out there somewhere with the story which explains this situation. Unfortunately I don't have it and my imagination is evidently smaller than I thought.

 

[Sasquach]

Head gasket, once they fail for a variety of reasons it opens the cooling system up to allow coolant to migrate into the combustion chamber.
Not to worry, get it apart with as little destruction to the block and crank as possible and let a good machine shop go from there.
Mine had to go .060 over on the bore to clean up from similar disaster and $1200 later is as good as new.