Build Thread 1977 CJ5 Frame off Restoration

[Georgia Jeep]

When you look at the pictures you may think I have lost my mind. If it wasn't for the joy of doing this I would be doing something else. Found a 1977 CJ5 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in Alabama. The guy selling it was headed to college and needed to get rid of it. It was totally disassembled and I do mean disassembled. It looked to be all there, with a few exceptions but since I had a 73 at home with a strong AMC 304 , even if the engine was bad, I still had my bases covered.

I have been at it about 90 days so far, weekends only and an occasional off day here and there.

 

[Petescj]

Thread approved. Sorry it took a bit. It slipped past me. Id add posts like you have in this thread to show what youve done. And your poll closed already. I wouldve voted "Lost your mind". We all have.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/swapping-258-304-a-19005/

 

[Georgia Jeep]

When you look at the pictures you may think I have lost my mind. If it wasn't for the joy of doing this I would be doing something else. Found a 1977 CJ5 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in Alabama. The guy selling it was headed to college and needed to get rid of it. It was totally disassembled and I do mean disassembled. It looked to be all there, with a few exceptions but since I had a 73 at home with a strong AMC 304 , even if the engine was bad, I still had my bases covered.

I have been at it about 90 days so far, weekends only and an occasional off day here and there.

Spent the last few weeks working on the frame and getting it ready to paint. Sand blasted it and then hand sanded it and shot it with Rustoleum Gloss Black....started putting back on all the pieces, steering box motor mounts, fuel tank and cover and Transmission mount plate....happy with the results.....

 

[Georgia Jeep]

Also sent the engine out to the machine shop and got it back as a long block, expensive, but worth it.....new pistons, cam, bearings, valves, seals, everything.....still a month or so away from dropping it in the frame....

 

[Georgia Jeep]

While the motor was out to the machine shop and the frame was curing, I decided to do a little rust repair.....it turned out pretty good, got a rocker panel from Classic Enterprises and it was perfect.....this was my first ever attempt at welding in a panel, but happy with the way it turned out....have the confidence to take on the floor boards....

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Looking good.

 

[IOPort51]

 

[Georgia Jeep]

Haven't posted anything in a few weeks. Got the frame finished, the engine installed, carb rebuilt and a whole bunch of other odds and ends. It turned out well. I have ordered a complete new exhause system, so in the mean time I will work on the tub.

 

[Georgia Jeep]

Its now a roller....new complete exhaust on the way....now working on the tub

 

[Sasquach]

Wished I could have voted, Petes responce sums it up. Lol, been there done that.
Looking good though.

 

[Georgia Jeep]

I haven't posted in a few months, no reason other than busy with work and on the project. Since my last post the body is back from the body shop, replaced the rear floor, used a product called RAPTOR and lined the complete inside of the tub,the engine is in, all the brake lines have been replaced. Shot the color on it (Hugger Orange) and began the final assembly.

 

[Georgia Jeep]

I haven't posted in a few months, no reason other than busy with work and on the project. Since my last post the body is back from the body shop, replaced the rear floor, used a product called RAPTOR and lined the complete inside of the tub,the engine is in, all the brake lines have been replaced. Shot the color on it (Hugger Orange) and began the final assembly. .

Starting to get everything assembled but I am having problems with the wiring but I was able to crank it and I am happy with the engine (55 lbs of oil pressure on a hot engine and no leaks......

 

[profire]

Man your doing a great job, the jeep looks great. I will be pulling the tub on mine when spring time rolls around and pretty much doing the same as you.

 

[RM77CJ5]

Nice job on the Jeep. Good choice on the Raptor product. A lot of people use it on the underside of their muscle cars. I almost did! And I've been thinking about it on the wife's CJ5 . But it will be up to her.