Build Thread 1965 CJ5 Build...diving into the money pit

[scoletta]

So, I made the decision. I will be diving into my first build on a Jeep. My JK has been relegated to a driveway dweller until this gets done.

My Dauntless Buick 225 V6 is in a local machine shop having some nips and tucks before I can put the heart back in my CJ. The T-90 is ready to go and the brake lines are riding a box on the shelf until I know what I am doing.

I will post pics on my next post but needed to get this thread started before I backed away from this build. It is all or nothing at this point.

Anyone coming out to York for the All breeds show that wants to see my CJ, PM me. Anyone that wants to talk me out of the build, do it quick before I am hooked.

 

[scoletta]

No pics yet but I started cleaning up the tail light panels to prep for welding. Apparently between the original color and the current color, someone had a ton of bondo that they wanted to use!!!

I have cleared 1 panel of bondo and it looks like someone used a ball peen hammer on it. Drivers side is beat to hell with only 1 rust spot and the passengers side has a lot of rust but very little bondo.

This will probably mean I am cutting out the entire area on both sides and welding in new panels. I am a little concerned that the work on the tub will be wasted but I want to save it if I can.

 

[caveman]

It sounds like it's too late to talk you out of it . Not that anyone here would try. You're hooked now. Good luck with your build.

 

[duffer]

The T-90 is ready to go.....

Did you get an aftermarket adapter to fit the T-90 to the 225? I believe the factory 225 adapter/bellhousing only fits the T-86 /T-14 /T-15 case bolt pattern. Also, if using the T-90 , you will need to convert it using a long T90C maindrive gear. Durability wise, the T-14 /T-15 's would be a better choice for a Transmission but I've reefed on T-90 's with sbc's and got away with it.