Build Thread 75 CJ-5 RestoMod

[dschwab]

I just started my full RestoMod starting with a new frame. The frame was under a 66 CJ6 so it will require a slight mod to fit under my jeep but it is a great blank canvas to start with. Here is a list of future items to be completed:
YJ SOA conversion along with front shackle reversal.
Disc front brakes and possibly the rear.
Power steering, power brakes, and Hydraulic clutch
TBI on the factory AMC 304
getting the body decent enough to paint
Hard Top
And probably more to come.
View attachment 14265

View attachment 14266

 

[0822]

Looks like a great project... keep the pictures coming.:lpopcorn::lpopcorn:

 

[dschwab]

Looks like a great project... keep the pictures coming.:lpopcorn::lpopcorn:

I will keep them coming throughout the rebuild.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I will keep them coming throughout the rebuild.

Looks like a fun project for sure!

 

[73CJ]

:ww:

The only interesting part is gonna be shortening the hood and fenders 3-4".

Several articles about the steering box conversion are on the Internet.

 

[dschwab]

:ww:

The only interesting part is gonna be shortening the hood and fenders 3-4".

Several articles about the steering box conversion are on the Internet.

Maybe I'm missing something but why would the hood and fenders need to be shortened? If its because the 66's had the snub nose front end, this frame was built for the longer front so there was more room for a 350.

 

[dschwab]

An update to the project. Got the frame finished today and received a nice box of goodies from WFO concepts for spring hangars, shackle hangars, spring perches and shackles. Next I need the Leaf springs and then I will fit the axles. I will post more pics when the axles are underneath her.

 

[Smooth68]

Seeing those boxes of parts delivered are always a good time. Sounds like you have a nice build planned.

 

[Kane]

Maybe I'm missing something but why would the hood and fenders need to be shortened? If its because the 66's had the snub nose front end, this frame was built for the longer front so there was more room for a 350.

The 66 originally had an 81 inch wheel base and yours has an 84. You said the new frame was modded for a the longer nose so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[dschwab]

After many headaches I now have a rolling chassis on 4 inch lift YJ springs.

 

[gaspipe]

Did you fab that frame?

Looks great!

 

[dschwab]

Did you fab that frame?

Looks great!

Yeah the Frame was fabed in a friends garage for a CJ6 . Then he scraped the project and I modded it to fit under my 75 CJ5 . I left it a few inches longer in the front and a few inches longer in the rear to account for the longer YJ springs. But the frame was super easy to build. I just use the plans out of 4 wheeler magazine and adjusted the lengths to what suited me.

 

[dschwab]

Decided to start the sheet,real work today, as you can see the rear corners are pretty rough.

 

[dschwab]

Not completely done but a little better than before

 

[Peanut Butter]

What measurements did you use for your frame?

 

[dschwab]

Building a Jeep CJ-5 Frame From Scratch - Jp Magazine

I built it to these specs and added 2 inches to the rear and 4 inches to the front to accommodate the longer YJ springs. I should have the front grill and fenders on next week or the week after I'll get pics of how much room is out front and behind.

 

[dschwab]

Got a few items in the mail today and one of those items was a set of Patriot headers (ceramic coated) and they look good!

 

[Hedgehog]

Very cool, I'm impressed.

One thing though. I'm always nervous about spring shackles that are at the angle you have yours. I know that you haven't much weight on the frame and that will compress the springs changing the shackle angle. But what will stop the shackle from collapsing in the wrong direction, especially if you should hop the front off the ground hyper extending the springs?

I'm very impressed with your frame though, makes me want to build one myself.

 

[dschwab]

It's funny you should mention the shackle angle as I have been concerned with this myself since day 1. Since this is my first time dealing with suspension geometry I relied on the wonderful Internet for help. So I'm in kinda of a trial and error build, if I get the jeep loaded up and the shackles are slightly past vertical (in the right direction) I will build in a stop to keep them from flipping over on them selves. If they do not, a simple cut and relocate will be in order. But like anybody that wants to have a stellar jeep I'm always open to suggestions.

 

[Only in a Jeep CJ]

In most builds the shackles will be at the wrong angle until the weight of the drivetrain and body flatten out the springs arch and the extra length settles them in the right spot. But IF the drivetrain is light and the springs are stiff, those may be too much. I would not worry about it until after full mock up.....and simulate cargo and passenger weight.