Members CJs New Old Guy

[jeff_b]

Hello from central Missouri. Old fart transplanted from Massachusetts here with no sense, and zero experience with Jeeps of any sort. I had a great idea to buy a off/on road rig to bequeath to my grandson (he's 3).
Therefore, I test drove a FB Marketplace 1970 CJ5 with SBC 350/TH350:





This gem had current MO registration, inspection, and a clear title......the old vehicle paper trifecta which seems rare out here. PO said sometimes it starts in gear and moves (!), and that I should start it with my foot on the brake. Also, I need to pull up hard on that B&M shifter to shift. The engine fired right up, and was super loud with the cherry bombs. As we drove out of the cul-de-sac, (so loud) he warned me with a shout the brakes will pull to the right. I'm glad he warned me, but I still wasn't prepared. I'm happy it had power steering (as it turned out, no fluid). He directed me to an open lot and I attempted to operate the Transfer Case twin sticks and lockout hubs. Even with the power of the internet helping the PO, we couldn't verify stick position/4WD function. Did I mention I know nothing about CJ5s?
PO told me he bought this rig 2 years ago from his neighbor who did most of the work on it, and he didn't drive it but a few hundred miles. PO said it comes with a BestTop (no rear window) and bikini top. Did I mention I know absolutely zero about CJ5s?

Of course I bought it.

Got me a Jeep Service Manual, Bentley Rebuilders Book, and Haynes Repair Manual. The first thing I noticed was this cute little guy has stuff missing or is built somewhat different than what I see in the books. This ought to be fun.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Starting in gear means there's no neutral safety switch hooked up. As for hard shifting you will need to adjust your shifter lever or cable depending on what they cobbled together.

As for the twin stick that will depend on what Transfer Case you have. But I would assume (never assume) that both forward is 4wd low both back is 4wd high. Left stick back and right stick in middle should be 2wd high.

 

[jeff_b]

Starting in gear means there's no neutral safety switch hooked up. As for hard shifting you will need to adjust your shifter lever or cable depending on what they cobbled together.

As for the twin stick that will depend on what transfer case you have. But I would assume (never assume) that both forward is 4wd low both back is 4wd high. Left stick back and right stick in middle should be 2wd high.

Thank you for the feedback, I'm sorting out what I bought, and after inspecting the wiring, I'm surprised it even runs. I love this thing maybe more than any other niche vehicle I've owned. What's wrong with me? Is it that Jeep thing people don't understand?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

J - just
E - empty
E - every
P - pocket

 

[jeff_b]

oh no! I thought my BMW addiction was bad..

B break
M my
W wallet

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Always thought BMW stood for
B - bring
M - money
W - with you

 

[Belizean]

Depends on what BMW and shape, but the Jeep might be cheaper.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Depends on what BMW and shape, but the Jeep might be cheaper.

Lol you will learn soon enough young Padawan

 

[jzak]

Welcome to the group, and your new love/hate relationship. CJs are the most dependable, easy to work on, and easy to find parts for classic vehicle you'll ever find. The problem isn't the CJ, it's the redneck previous owner who wanted to make a Gravedigger monster truck and wound up ruining everything. You'll spend half your time and money just fixing the god awful work done by the PO. We've all been there.

 

[jeff_b]

Welcome to the group, and your new love/hate relationship. CJs are the most dependable, easy to work on, and easy to find parts for classic vehicle you'll ever find. The problem isn't the CJ, it's the redneck previous owner who wanted to make a Gravedigger monster truck and wound up ruining everything. You'll spend half your time and money just fixing the god awful work done by the PO. We've all been there.

Thank you, I do appreciate how easy it’s going to be to work on. And it seems I’ll have a lot of opportunity to do just that! Luckily there is very little rust under it, and with the Transfer Case gasket leaking and the Transmission pan leaking everything is well lubricated under there!

 

[TSB8C]

Great looking rig. B&M offers a variety of neutral switches depending on the shifter type you have. Cheap and easy safety feature to add. Another question is whether you have backup lights or not since that also requires a switch to activate when you're in reverse. I have a GM 700R4 and had to add two external switches, one for the neutral safety that activates in park or neutral and has the light blue starter solenoid wire connected through it and then another for the backup lights when the shifter is in reverse position.

With that Chevy drivetrain, you will absolutely find lots different than what's in your service manuals. But there's nothing wrong with you. It is that Jeep thing many people don't understand. Half the fun of owning is driving and the other half is wrenching/building/customizing and making it your own. Sweat on it, bleed on it a bit, dream about it at night, and become as familiar and intimate with every part like you sleep next to it in bed.

 

[KRUPP]

Looks like your 5 could be at a good starting point, relative to a lot of what's out there. For me, it's the rust that's the biggie to avoid.
If it has solid bones and a decent body, you're way ahead in the game.

Have fun and you've found a great site with some great guys as a resource.