CJ5 Body repairs and mods.

[mb22753076019]

I recently purchased 2 1974 CJ5 's from an individual. One is lifted and was used as a bog truck, and the other is pretty much stock. They both run, but both need different types of repairs. I was originally planning to use both CJ's to build one nice one for my daughter's 16th b-day (2 years and counting.....plenty of time....). I am now considering building both jeeps. The lifted jeep has a pretty decent Renegade body, with full roll cage. The stock jeep has a much better motor and frame. The stock jeep has a tailgate and very rusted body which may still be rebuildable. I know pictures will be helpful and I'll get to that soon. I have been reading forums for weeks now and am wondering a few things. I have heard that the rear floor can come off of just about anything up to a YJ. I am wondering if a newer windshield frame will fit. I am wondering if I can take a CJ7 hardtop and cut it to fit a CJ5 . I'm sure I'll come up with tons more questions soon. But if anyone here can enlighten me on some of these topics, I would appreciate it. I would like to be able to give more information at this time, but I can't. I bought these jeeps about 3 weeks ago and have only started them both and driven one of them. I haven't taken anything apart yet. I'll get pics soon so everyone can have an idea of my situation. Heck.....I only paid $1,200 for both jeeps with titles. I want my daughters jeep to be close to stock with enough lift to clear nice looking 31" tires. I want her jeep to be nice looking and dependable. The TOY jeep will be just that ..... a TOY. It will be lifted and fun to get in the woods with. I would like it to be nice looking, but fun and functional is more important to me. I don't mind redneck pinstriping (scratches). I'm sure with the condition of one of these bodies, I'll have to do lots of mods to build it. That's why I have these questions about body compatability. Sorry this is so long......thanks.

 

[kickitandholdit]

post pics and start making threads. i personally would try to have your daughter in a roll cage. if she swerves to miss a deer or pedestrian she she is going to need a cage and a good seatbelt and the stock roll bar is thin and mainly cosmetic. the stock roll bar is only safe if your wheeling and tip on your side. these jeeps are easy to roll to. so give her a good lecture about not swerving for animals and such. also no air bags or any safety mechanisms really haha (just had to say that in case these thoughts haven't crossed your mind)

1200 for two running jeeps is fantastic by the way. your ahead already

cutting a CJ7 top to fit a CJ5 isnt going to happen. anything is possible but CJ5 tops are everywhere and shortening a 7 top would be an endless night mare.

 

[Rust Bucket]

post pics and start making threads. i personally would try to have your daughter in a roll cage. if she swerves to miss a deer or pedestrian she she is going to need a cage and a good seatbelt and the stock roll bar is thin and mainly cosmetic. the stock roll bar is only safe if your wheeling and tip on your side. these jeeps are easy to roll to. so give her a good lecture about not swerving for animals and such. also no air bags or any safety mechanisms really haha (just had to say that in case these thoughts haven't crossed your mind)

1200 for two running jeeps is fantastic by the way. your ahead already

cutting a CJ7 top to fit a CJ5 isnt going to happen. anything is possible but CJ5 tops are everywhere and shortening a 7 top would be an endless night mare.

These are some excellent points regarding the use of a CJ as a first car. You may also need to address the brakes, as the 74 most likely has drum all around. Not to mention, my guess is you don't have power brakes. I am in the process of converting to disk (replacing the entire axle) to help with this issue. Of course, there is no need to convert as long as she understands tailgating is never a good idea in a CJ!

Congrats on such a CHEAP buy! I searched for months before buying and was pretty happy with a 1k running '75 model. You one upped me, lol.

Can't wait to view the pics!

 

[mb22753076019]

Drum brakes will be converted to four wheel disc. One jeep does have a full roll bar, which my daughter will have. I am a paramedic and an auto mechanic, I assure everyone the jeep my daughter gets will be as safe as possible. Anyway, I know there are CJ5 tops around, but I don't like the way most of them look (the ones I've seen anyway). I was thinking I could shorten a CJ7 top, even though I know it will be tons of work. And both jeeps have power steering, and the one I give my daughter also has power brakes. I will probably add power brakes to my toy jeep also. Right now, I am in the planning stage of what I want to do and my main concern at this stage is to get my plans together for the bodies. I've been told many body panels can be used from many different years of jeeps. Can anyone give me any info on what I might be able to look for. I am mainly concerned with floors. Newer TJ's and YJ's are easier to find in salvage yards and may be a big help.

 

[mb22753076019]

Here are my 2 CJ5 's. The yellow one has a very rusty body and a great running AMC 304 . The Brown one has a good body but the AMC 304 smokes. They both run. The brown one has many mods that I may need help identifying. The front axle on the brown one is not centered because of the front chunk. The pics aren't the best I'll keep working on that. Any comments or advice would be great.

 

[kickitandholdit]

Its good to hear your thinking of safety

If you cant find the body parts here is a good place to look.
Jeep CJ Body Parts by Morris 4x4 Center

Im not sure about the floor from a different model fitting in a cj but i have seen people get yj tubs and put on the cj and use the cj front clip. this way you can use newer style doors and newer tops and interior ect. I dont know what all goes into this swap, it would take more research.

If your rust is bad and it needs alot of body work in different places it might be easier to replace the tub in one piece if your rust is bad enough. i have no idea if you need a new tub but if your considering a new tub check out this site they also have other good stuff and great prices. scratchndentparts.com

 

[kickitandholdit]

Its good to hear your thinking of safety

If you cant find the body parts here is a good place to look.
Jeep CJ Body Parts by Morris 4x4 Center

Im not sure about the floor from a different model fitting in a cj but i have seen people get yj tubs and put on the cj and use the cj front clip. this way you can use newer style doors and newer tops and interior ect. I dont know what all goes into this swap, it would take more research.

If your rust is bad and it needs alot of body work in different places it might be easier to replace the tub in one piece if your rust is bad enough. i have no idea if you need a new tub but if your considering a new tub check out this site they also have other good stuff and great prices. scratchndentparts.com

 

[73CJ]

I am wondering if I can take a CJ7 hardtop and cut it to fit a CJ5 .

Not a good idea. Keep looking for a CJ5 top.
​