Build Thread 76' CJ6 Shortbody Rebuild

[Choppa]

I bought this one a few months back and is currently busy rebuilding it frame off.
I first had to get it running and required a new radiator, alternator, starter and some electrical work.

Next step was some proper wheels and tyre with spacers and then the rollcage.

Once we tested it thoroughly I started stripping and getting it ready for paint.

Note the slight difference in the body markings, especially the back wheel arches and the spare wheel stop block from the normal ones found.

 

[Petescj]

Wow that is unique. I wonder why it was designated a CJ6 instead of a CJ5 ? And what was the purpose of the sheetmetal addition in the rear wheel tubs? Very interesting

 

[Choppa]

The reason for the CJ6 vs CJ5 designation is that the Jeeps were manufactured by Volkswagen in the Cape Town fabric since 1976 and they only did the CJ6 's and upwards. They did however have a few of the CJ5 tubs and Chassis from Willys available and ended the production run of the stock prior to making the longer CJ6 's. These are really rare and a friend of mine actually worked in the factory when they introduced the system to be able to change the VIN number on these vehicles online when parts became a problem. (Sanctions)

The wheel arches is in fact not sheet metal but a larger loadbin. The sides of the loadbin where made lower to have a bigger bin area and what you are seeing from the sides are the loadbin steps.

The body was badly rusted and had to be repaired and is currently being prepped for final paint.

The chassis was sprayed and over the weekend I replaced all the brake, clutch and fuel lines with some new SS ones.

 

[Choppa]

I also redid the brakes, hubs and bearings and replaced all the nuts and bolts to get it going again.

Some extra pics of the tub as well and the new front bumper that I made a while back prior to finishing it off and powdercoating it.

 

[Choppa]

We started spraying last night but the colour is not what I was looking for so will go to the paint shop later in the week to pick a different colour. Probably something more greenish.

Also test fitted a set of Willys Overland brakes but I quickly realised that it wont fit so il have to build some new brackets for the calibers and get a set of Disks. The only vehicle that has the same PCD in SA is a Suzuki Vitara so will try and source a set.
Just need to measure out the position and have the mounts laser cut and maybe machine the discs's centre hole to fit the locking hub.

 

[Choppa]

We picked a different colour and sprayed an area just to get the idea. Like it much better than the red so we might take the Jeep into the spraybooth to paint it properly now.

Please comment on the colour as Im still unsure if this will look good at the end.

 

[Petescj]

We picked a different colour and sprayed an area just to get the idea. Like it much better than the red so we might take the Jeep into the spraybooth to paint it properly now.

Please comment on the colour as Im still unsure if this will look good at the end.

Definately better than the red , but I still liked the Dessert tan a bit more.

 

[dabbrowne]

That's a classic ride!

 

[Choppa]

Definately better than the red , but I still liked the Dessert tan a bit more.

Thanks for the comments,

I also liked the desert tan but thats the standard colours of the Army here and unlike you guys across the ocean, we arent really proud of the army slackers here by us due to several reasons.

So I want to move a bit off from that colour as to not be associated incorrectly.

 

[Choppa]

Some progress has been made with the build.

The colour changed again and is now back to the sahara tan colour but in Matte.

 

[Choppa]

Once I got the panels back the tub and fenders were installed and I started rebuilding the dash to its original look.

 

[Choppa]

Then all the final bits and pieces where screwed on.

I unfortunately cannot find a original replacement set of seats in SA and importing a set is really too expensive so I got another set from a different vehicle and made them fit. In time I will just have a nice set of canvas/ripstop covers made.

The next thing on the list is the sparewheel carier to be manufactured and the sidesteps.