CJ2A or CJ5 Help Me Choose

[SlowPocono]

I may soon be looking at a 1947 CJ2a and a 1964 CJ5 as potential purchases.
They are both approximately original in configuration as far as the body equipment, suspensions, and drive-lines are concerned.
Each of them has had what appears to be the same level of refurbishment, both cosmetically and mechanically.
The asking prices are the same.
I like them both.
Unless I'm disappointed with what I find when I inspect them, I'll probably be buying one of the two. Hopefully, I won't buy both of them.
I'm anticipating that the advice I'll get here will be to buy the one that I like the most, and I think that's good advice. The problem, for me, is that I'm not sure which one that is. That's why I'm asking for your help, again.

You guys have a lot more experience with these things though and I've observed that you don't always agree with each other on what's best, so I'm hoping that you will share your thoughts on these two possibilities with me.

Thank you.

 

[caveman]

If i lived closer i would tell you to buy the CJ5 and then grab the CJ2a out from under you. But in reality you have to decide for yourself Look them both over real well and decide. Personally i like the older jeeps.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

47 would be my choice.. have a soft spot for'em ever since i wheeled with a 46....was a machine!!

 

[Posi]

I have a few questions,
What are your plans for the Jeep?
What type of driving will you most often see?
How tall are you?
Do you see yourself keeping the Jeep long term or feel it's possible you would sell within 5 years?

If both were in the same condition, at about the same price, it would be easy for me to make that decision, the flattie all the way.

The CJ5 had a long run 55-71, 72-83 there is still a number of them out there and they all basically look the same this is why they don't typically sell as high as the shorter run 2a 45-49. Plus they have a huge cool factor going for them however, having said that their not for everyone. I've owned 5 and enjoyed them all.

 

[mstar]

Pocono ,you didn't say what the jeeps will be used for so assume it is just a collector buy. Love the flatty and great collector interest.CJ5 has more room as far as usefulness but won't get much respect on resale.Owning a vintage jeep is definitely a real hobby as you already know.mike


POSI, you type faster than I do.

 

[Old Dog]

You really need to check them both out and be sure to take them for a ride. If you can take them both for 20 min ride that will tell you a lot.
I've always had a soft spot for the flattie, and would have one if I had the extra money.

 

[SlowPocono]

I have a few questions,
What are your plans for the Jeep?
What type of driving will you most often see?
How tall are you?
Do you see yourself keeping the Jeep long term or feel it's possible you would sell within 5 years? ...

Pocono ,you didn't say what the jeeps will be used for so assume it is just a collector buy. Love the flatty and great collector interest.CJ5 has more room as far as usefulness but won't get much respect on resale.Owning a vintage jeep is definitely a real hobby as you already know. ...

Thanks for the questions.

I don't view myself as a "collector". The examples I'll be looking at aren't pristine but they look pretty nice in pictures.
The Jeep will be kept in the garage and driven occasionally on local back roads and on some simple dirt roads and trails. Maybe to the dog park now and then, and as Carl Walck likes to say "out for ice cream".

I have no intention, at this time, of banging it up against rocks or exposing it to fish environments or hog wallows.

Posi, I'm 6' tall and I'm aware of the special ergonomic considerations.
I expect that every aspect of the experience will involve discomfort and I'm okay with that.

Here are pictures of the Jeeps I'm talking about.

 

[Posi]

The Jeep will be kept in the garage and driven occasionally on local back roads and on some simple dirt roads and trails. Maybe to the dog park now and then, and as Carl Walck likes to say "out for ice cream".

Just a thought, I can see getting in and out on short drives will get old real fast with those high seat bolsters in the 5. Both look good, but I would go with the 2a for the win.

There looks to be some quick fixes to make that 2a look a bit more original if you were so inclined. Looks good as is though.

 

[mstar]

That's going to be a tuff call. The flatty is cute but the CJ5 may have possibilities.the seats would need to be replaced with stock style low backs for my taste. like someone said the proof is in the driving.have fun! mike

 

[Petescj]

Wow. 2 nice Cjs from the pics. If your still undecided after driving them Id lean toward the flattie for the way cool factor. Your not going to see many in our area. Plus you have the contact in Walcks. Later down the road if you decide youd rather have a CJ5 the flattie will pay for it anyway.

 

[Old Dog]

If the flatty looks as good in person as the pic. I'd be taking it home.
The 5 look's like a trail rig, not an ice cream getter.

 

[SlowPocono]

I'll admit that your advice was influential.
This is what I've wound up with and I'm very happy with it.

For all your help, THANKS!

 

[Turbogus]

NICE! Before you take 'er wheeling make sure to change the fluids and inspect the belts and lube any fittings.