Build Thread Project '67 Tux

[Bowbender]

Thought it was time to start a thread sharing my journey into this project.
I got the itch to get a Jeep again a few months ago and promptly found this one, only I had to wait over a month to get my hands on it. I was looking for an older, stock CJ that was drivable. This one fit the order, the Tuxedo Park Park model is a nice bonus! I know, I know, you guys want PICS! I'll post some up and we'll get started...

I can't upload directly from my tablet, so I'll have to figure that out to get more up.

 

[Bowbender]

Here's a few "before" pics

 

[cworld]

what do have in mind.? What's on your to-do list? Good Luck

 

[Bowbender]

I set out looking for a stock older CJ that was in running condition. I feel I succeeded in finding one. When I ran across this one with the V6 I got a little bit excited. After talming to the seller and learning it had 33k mi. on it and he was the third owner, I wanted to drive it and if it checked out, I'd have a project.
I wasn't surprised to find more rust than I'd hoped for, the body has been patched and painted sometime in the past. I was happy to find the mechanical and electrical appearing unmolested.

 

[Bowbender]

what do have in mind.? What's on your to-do list? Good Luck

My plan is to keep it pretty much stock, not a full blown restoration at this time. The existing body has too much rust to repair to make that feasable. I plan to cut out and replace all the rot, fabricating the pieces myself, trying to stay close to the original shape. The reason for this is twofold, I want to try to keep the cost down, and because I can . I enjoy fabricating things and look forward to the challenge.
My to-do list at this time;
-Go through the brake system and make sure it's good. They work pretty good now, but pull to the left a bit.
-Go through the steering system, there's some play there that needs some attention.
-Go through the running gear, change lube, make sure everything is in working order.
-Fix coolant leak (started that)
-Fix rust and paint.
-new wheels and rubber
-new top
I know there's gonna be project creep... it's already begun

 

[Bowbender]

Last week I decided to get started, thought I'd tackle the tailgate. Went to the steelyard to get some angle iron for the new frame, and before I was done I had them bend up a piece of diamond plate for the new bed and a crossmember for the floor. This is gonna be fun!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Looks great. Keep at it!

 

[Bowbender]

Here's the first few pieces of my "do it yourself rust repair kit"

 

[Bowbender]

I had a coolant leak, so I thought I'd dig in and find it and fix it. I Found the water pump was leaking slightly and also is leaking from the intake manifold / block near the thermostat.
As I take it apart my pile of parts that need to be cleaned up and repainted grows...
When I get to the water pump I twist off three bolts getting it off .
I don't think they had been turned since '67.
Now I need to take the radiator /grill off so I can drill out the broken bolts. The parts pile keeps growing...
Here's where I ended up . Took the radiator to a local shop to get it tested. I expect to get it back monday after he repairs the leak he found . Water pump and a bunch of gaskets should be here next week too.
Stay tuned, this should be an interesting adventure...

 

[alpha6]

Here's the first few pieces of my "do it yourself rust repair kit"

I don't know how you are arranging things, but welds or bolts may help keep them on. Hope your parts come in quick...will be watching this build.

 

[0822]

It's looking good keep the pictures coming. Very nice looking CJ

 

[JAG811]

Those early 5's are sooo cool !!
Love those V6's too !!

Keep the updates coming

 

[Bowbender]

Picked up the water pump and radiator today, gonna head down to the shop and see if I can get some broken bolts out... then maybe paint some parts.

 

[mtnwhlr]

New wheels You mean you aren't going to reuse those hubcaps I thought they were to cool.

 

[Bowbender]

New wheels You mean you aren't going to reuse those hubcaps I thought they were to cool.

The wheels that are on it are too wide(9") for the tires I'm planning on using. I'm going to get some 7" wide wheels, keep things closer to stock size. I'll hang onto the hubcaps, straighten out the dents and shine them up.

 

[Bowbender]

Broken bolt update; SUCCESS!! I was able to get them out without using my backup Helicoil kit.
I taped/ covered the openings into the engine to keep the drilling debris out, ground the ends of the bolts flat and center punched them. Started with a 1/8 bit and then a 13/64 bit. Was able to get one out with an E-Z out, the others didn't want to cooperate as well. I was able to "collapse" them with a small punch and pick and drill and chase the pieces out with a tap. I knew I was going to have to be patient and work carefully or I'd wreck something. I'm pretty pleased with the results. To celebrate, I stayed up late and painted a bunch of the parts I have off; air cleaner, (new) water pump, battery shelf, fan blade, grille support rods....

 

[0822]

Nice JOB!!!!

 

[JAG811]

To celebrate, I stayed up late and painted a bunch of the parts I have off; air cleaner, (new) water pump, battery shelf, fan blade, grille support rods....

LOVE IT !!!
And nice patience with the easy outs and tapping things clean ... I know from experience it takes a steady hand

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Congrats! Feels great to have it go as planned. I always plan for an extra six pack in case it doesn't!


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[Bowbender]

Thanks guys, heading to the shop to do a little more paintin' and pull the seats and gas tank. I need to get dimensions for the floor pans and some other body parts I'm going to replace. I have a friend with a sheetmetal shop who can make anything you can imagine. I'm going to get him to do some of the bends and I'll take it from there.