Build Thread 1973 CJ5. From rot to trail/hunting rig

[ThePunisher]

Finished replacing all of my brake parts yesterday. Left front drum had a nest of earwigs in it, it was rather disgusting lol

Just need to finish adjusting them and then bleed the brakes and I'll be fully operational

Decided I'm going to go ahead and mount the front of my cage to the dash to save room. Looking for cheap mounting plates right now otherwise I'll fab up a set.

After I finish my brakes I'll be working on my seat mounts then it's on to cleaning and sanding the inside of the tub to lay down bedliner

Updated pics coming later this week

 

[ThePunisher]

Okay. Time for a lot of updating. This thing has been sitting virtually untouched for a few months since it's been at my parents house this entire time. Luckily I was able to get some big things done before I transferred it to my house.

Got the seats mounted, front half of the cage welded in and I got it fully functional. It runs, turns, drives and has working brakes.

 

[ThePunisher]

The best part is I finally got it transferred to my house and now it's indoors at all times.

The morning it showed up. Of course I had to park it next to my sons Jeep


Some updated pictures

 

[ThePunisher]

Over the last 2 days I got some small things done.

Got the fenders cut and ready for tube fenders



Stocked up on some tools today. Got an impact wrench finally for my air compressor, impact sockets, air sander and a paint gun. So I started getting some parts ready for paint. Starting with the roll cage

Getting primer laid down

 

[ThePunisher]

I also just noticed that my original pictures can't be seen because I moved them in photobucket.

All of my photos can be seen here
Jeep Build Photos by emokidss | Photobucket

 

[tarry99]

Keep up the good work..............get that Jeep out Hunting this year!

 

[ThePunisher]

Keep up the good work..............get that Jeep out Hunting this year!

Hoping to have it ready by hunting season but I'm also getting married in September so that might not happen.

You live close don't you? We might have to have a jeep party soon lol

 

[BC CJ]

Looking good!

I have an old roll bar I'm going to use for the front cage aswell. Was your front hoop originally from a factory jeep roll bar? What model/year?

Also, the steering wheel... is it upside down on purpose? Maybe you are a big guy. I'm pretty average size and still feel like the wheel on my intermediate is a little too 'in my face.'

 

[alpha6]

Hoping to have it ready by hunting season but I'm also getting married in September so that might not happen.

Glad you came to your senses...hunting is much more important than getting married. If she loves you she will understand.

 

[ThePunisher]

Looking good!

I have an old roll bar I'm going to use for the front cage aswell. Was your front hoop originally from a factory jeep roll bar? What model/year?

Also, the steering wheel... is it upside down on purpose? Maybe you are a big guy. I'm pretty average size and still feel like the wheel on my intermediate is a little too 'in my face.'

The roll cage came out of a CJ7 . I got it in 2 pieces. My stepdad has a jeep he's building too and he got a tub from a guy with the cage in it. He had already bought a cage so he gave it to me. Then the guy that gave him the tub called and said he had the other half of the cage and that I could have it for free. So I grabbed it, hacked it to fit and welded it together.

The steering wheel is upside down because I'm 6'2" and until I order a flat one, I'm keeping that one out of my face lol

 

[ThePunisher]

Glad you came to your senses...hunting is much more important than getting married. If she loves you she will understand.

True story

 

[ThePunisher]

Sunday nights I have to stay up all night because I work nights Monday-Wednesday so I decided to get some work done last night, I was out in the garage until 3am getting small things done. Started stripping everything down to get the tub ready for paint and also for a new wiring harness. Also worked today on it before going to work.

Getting it stripped down


Originally I thought that I would keep the solid rear gate but recently decided that I need the tailgate for other things that I will have going on later down the road so I cut that out today. Just need to find a gate.


I also hacked the rear supports off of my cage because I'm going to extend the cage into a family style roll bar and took off the fenders to make wiring easier. It also opens up space for me to clean the front half of the frame, the engine and get a few small things wrapped up in the engine bay. Not to mention it should make the fenders easier to prep for paint.


Progress is moving right along!

 

[ThePunisher]

Started body work yesterday. Didn't get as far as I wanted because I found a lovely rust patch that I had to repair. First time doing any sort of repair like that and I think it turned out decent. I don't care about it being perfect as this is just a hunting/minor trail rig.











Now I need to just do a light coat of bondo on that area to smooth it out and the passenger side will be ready for primer.

 

[alpha6]

Looks like you did a pretty good job on that...good job!

 

[ThePunisher]

Looks like you did a pretty good job on that...good job!

Thanks man! First time ever attempting something like that before. Took longer than I wanted but I'm glad I took care of it now

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

It seems that the smallest details are what I am most proud of with what I have done so far.

It takes time to get a vintage CJ back to its glory, and you are doing it right!

 

[tjmons]

Keep up the good work. Its lookin nice. Its best to repair it now then later.

 

[ThePunisher]

Keep up the good work. Its lookin nice. Its best to repair it now then later.

definitely glad I'm getting it done now before someone stuck their foot through the panel from the inside while on the trail lol

 

[ThePunisher]

Got my 5 mostly primed yesterday



Still have some problem areas I need to smooth out but at least it's one step closer to being painted

Also ordered a new wiring harness from ezwiring I can't wait to get that in and be running again. Going to order a full gasket set for the engine and go through that while I've for this thing partially torn down

 

[alpha6]

That is coming along. Looks pretty smooth from the pics...