Build Thread CJ-3B Rebuild

[Sasquach]

looking back, you must pucker just thinking about any close calls you had. Nice work on the axle tube.

I had alot of respect for Fred Flintstone and thought about cuting the floor out too. There was much luck involved with every stop, traffic was a little lighter back when I used to drive it on the road too.

Well at day 12 the frame is bare and with some string lines on it I see I have some more straightening work to do. The driver rail is great but the pass side looks like it took a side hit in the front axle rear spring hanger area and is gona need some help, Short of a better idea I think I will try the same system I used on the axle tube. Stay tuned for the results!

 

[Sasquach]

That went smoothly! Again not perfect but plenty close enough.
Got some cracks to weld up here and there, some wire wheel work, some paint and then I get to start rebuilding peices and reassembling!
Drop the short block off at the machine shop today and gona have them get it back together as a rebuilt short block and I will take it from there.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

damn you work fast sasquatch

 

[Sasquach]

damn you work fast sasquatch

Work has been slow and we've had some rainy days so I'm nearly full time in the garage, the frame did go surprisingly quick though.

Thanks for watching and let me know if you run out of popcorn.

 

[Old Dog]

That jack is getting a work out.
Keep up the good work.

 

[Sasquach]

Don't want anyone to think I'm getting too lazy so here is my progress report. Day 16- Frame cleaned up with some cracks welded up and sandblasting done, sprayed some primer on right after this photo and now close to starting to get some parts going back on.
My next step is a bit of a delemma as I would like to replace all the leaf springs but am really leary of Chineese junk so what to do?

 

[ken98k]

Are you going to box the frame?

 

[Sasquach]

Are you going to box the frame?

I have decided to do this as a restoration and will not be doing anything that would take away from that other than possibly some minor changes that could be easilly undone.

If I were going to be building it as my one and only 4 wheeler I would have to answer yes, these frames really need attention in the front crossbar area to stop the twisting(this one was completely cracked around the front tube). These frames are extreemly light and I can pick it up myself and move it around with some effort.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

Don't want anyone to think I'm getting too lazy so here is my progress report. Day 16- Frame cleaned up with some cracks welded up and sandblasting done, sprayed some primer on right after this photo and now close to starting to get some parts going back on.
My next step is a bit of a delemma as I would like to replace all the leaf springs but am really leary of Chineese junk so what to do?

i don't believe anybody here thinks you are lazy, it would have took me over a month to get this far. helluva job

 

[Sasquach]

Update...
Engine back from shop and back in the straightened frame, new Transmission , rebuilt T case, all new brake lines, rebuilt steering box and all linkage, rebuilt front axle and knuckles, new springs and shackles, every ball or roller bearing replaced on it with the exception of the front pinion(it was good).
Currently working on the rear axle that was in very bad condition, found a set of NOS ring and pinion and again all new bearings and seals and it's about to start going back together.

 

[Out of my mind CJ5]

I just read this entire thread and i must say you are doing a darn fine job on that thing, excellent work

 

[kickitandholdit]

jaw dropped on this thread. Its gonna be BEAUTIFUL and I don't even use that word.

 

[gert]

Sweet Im jealous you have more done on yours than I do mine and Ive had mine in the garage for 2 years :lpopcorn:

 

[Sasquach]

Time for a an update; got hung up for a bit of time rounding up all the parts for my severely wore out rear axle assembly but everything came together and found a NOS R&P set and now is all back together. With the axle back under the frame and a few other bits and peices I started taking on the body work and has been the trend with this project I found some surprises, the tub although fairly rust free had more bondo smeared down the sides than I knew about. Wheel houses were toast so I cut those out and ordered some new peices.

 

[oldguy]

Very nice looking work. Your rebuilding one of my favorite Jeeps and doing a fantastic job of it. Also FWIW restoration is what I'd do. Modify when they are to far gone like my 78 ( and there's a lot of them), restore when possible! Love the thread!

 

[DieselJeep]

Very solid lil 3 ya got there!

I really respect that you are keeping it mostly stock. Way too many guys hack up old Jeeps!

 

[Sasquach]

Reviving my project and can see I need to get caught up on pics so will post some this weekend.

 

[BajaEdition]

OK, I guess I was way to long in the Hospital
when did you get this CJ3b , and I need more pics,I love those high nosed things.

 

[0822]

Very nice job it looks great! keep the pictures coming

 

[Sasquach]

I thought I included some history when I started this thread but guess not. Anyway I first purchased this in 1983 when I saw it sitting in a guys front yard for sale, bought and used as is for several years then sold it to a friend who had it gone thru(more or less) and used it with his kids growing up. With his kids grown and out of the house and well used by that point I bought it back....and here we are today....long story not so long.
I missed lot's of the sequence picture wise but the tub got new wheel houses and much masaging, some epoxy primer and CARC desert tan paint and back on the frame.