Build Thread 79 CJ5 Refurb Project - Where to start???

[bjorkjc]

My dad and I want to soon start a refurb project for his 1979 CJ5 / AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Neither of us have tons of mechanical knowledge so I was looking for opinions on a good starting place. It's in relatively good shape for its age with low to moderate rust damage. My biggest worry is that the engine has been run in 10 years. Any thoughts on how to assess to see if the engine is salvageable and how best to go about trying to get it started?

Thanks!!

 

[JAG811]

Start with a lot of reading !!
Pulling the Jeep apart will be the easy part ... one thing kind of leads to another as you find three more things to look at, the minute you start on one.
I find you can get a jump start on mechanical knowledge by going through these and other threads. Get your self a manual or a restoration book and read, look and read some more.
Good luck ...

 

[IOPort51]

Will the engine turn over?? Can you put a breaker bar and socket on the balancer bolt and rotate the engine?
Drain and drop the tank, DO NOT allow 10 year old "gas" in your carburetor!! clean out the tank and replace the pick up screen and more than likely the tank sending unit. Blow the spiders out of all the fuel lines.
There is a sticky in the archives with a list of things to do when you get it home.

 

[dave123]

I would start with a through going over of the Jeep. What does it need, what will it cost, what can you do yourself, what will you have to farm out?

How long will it take? Now triple this number.
What will it all cost? Now triple this number.

Now is this worth it to you?

Don't want to sound negative, I love Jeeps and work on mine all the time. Just that many people get into this not knowing what they are getting into and it turns into a money pit, and they get depressed, and they sell it at a loss.

Just dont' want this to happen to you.

As they say remember the 6 P's.

Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

Good Luck !