Build Thread Starting from the frame 1977 CJ5

[Serdich77CJ5]

Brand new to the CJ world but a lifetime fan. Just purchased this lovely CJ from a neighbor.



I know she looks rough, but he took it apart last spring and stored everything inside various buildings on his property. Unfortunately, he didn't keep the tub, said it was to far gone to save. He is going to help me bring everything he has to my garage, since I don't have a trailer. Lot's of inventory.
I've never done anything like this before so I know I will have questions, and am open to advice and pointers. I'm retired and this is my I'm bored project.

I've been a CJ fan and lover since my teens so this is a dream for me to finally have one. Building it is just a bonus.

 

[TSB8C]

Can't wait to see what all else he has and you got. I do see an engine and tranny in that pic, though can't tell what they are yet except it's an inline 6. I had a '77 CJ5 as well a few years back. Fun time.

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

I saw some of what he has. All three seats in great condition, grill and radiator. gages, dash plate, didn't see the fenders, radio and speakers that were in it. Engine has a new carb on it and a new starter. He said he put new plugs in it and was driving it around last spring before he took it apart. Show me a video.

Looking around what is there, frame has one bad spot driver's side rear someone cut off the back and put on that ugly bumper with tow rings, 4 brand new tires and rims. He says he saved all the bolts and put them in zip log bags with labels. Will need all new body mounts welded on (have to teach myself how to weld). He also said he has the fuel tank somewhere also. Someone did a front disk break upgrade on it already, will need new rotors and pads.

Lot's to do. But I have the time. This is going to be my Beach Jeep when the wife retires and we move to the NC shore in 4 or 5 years.

 

[Belizean]

4 - 5 years ? You are burning daylight. A beach Jeep project will be fun.

 

[KRUPP]

Let the fun begin!

Nothing like starting from the foundation.

Get yourself a couple 4.5” grinders. Have one set up with an abrasive wheel or cutting disc and have the other set up with a wire cup brush. You’re gonna use them a lot at first.

Get a bunch of plastic tubs for organizing too.

Don’t be in a hurry and have fun!
Lots of good people here willing to help out.

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

Let the fun begin!

Nothing like starting from the foundation.

Get yourself a couple 4.5” grinders. Have one set up with an abrasive wheel or cutting disc and have the other set up with a wire cup brush. You’re gonna use them a lot at first.

Get a bunch of plastic tubs for organizing too.

Don’t be in a hurry and have fun!
Lots of good people here willing to help out.

Thanks for the advise I already have gotten the cut off didn't think about the wire brush. Great idea about the plastic tubs for storing various items. I plan on pulling on the knowledge of this group as I proceed.

 

[Jeep Soup]

Maybe Beekeeper can move my replies from the Snip it thread I replied on.

 

[Jeep Soup]

Horrible Fright is going to be your Go To Place for disposable tools.
4 1/2 angle grinders are cheap, and are a Perishable Tool in Projects like you just took on.
Milwaukee Tools are nice. But Rust Dust eats them up too, maybe a little slower, but they Break Just as Fast hitting the ground accidentally getting knocked off. I'm a KLUTZ and broken 2 just by tripping over extension cords !!

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

I'm a bit of a Ktutz also. I have an the cut off I bought is an air powered one since I have a 21 gallon compressor in the garage. I have a couple of cheap no name finishing sanders I was planning on burning up first using like 60 grit paper on them. Going to have to go get some dust masks unless I want to break out the old M40 gas mask.

 

[Jeep Soup]

I live in AREA BFE of the Iron Triangle of Wisconsin. In the Central area.NO TV stations, Spotty Dish service, Phone.....
If you hold the Right Yoga Position on the Lawn......etc.
We have fiber optic Internet.

So I don't think Parts Safari's are going to work out......

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

I've got it in the garage so here are some better pictures.

 

[Jeep Soup]

Welcome to the Insanity !!

 

[Tim_Coble]

Wow, very similar to my project (76 CJ5 ). I just finished getting the major frame repair welded in (need to finish up the rear x-member and re-attach a couple of brackets).


Good luck!

 

[KRUPP]

Nice to get it out of the weeds. I can relate. My current CJ was behind some trees I had to cut down to pull it out of the shed.


It'd be a great time to blast it if you've got a good power washer.

So, how are its bones? Is the frame rotted at all or not too bad? Can't tell for sure, but it doesn't look all that bad. Looks like a couple passenger side body mounts are wallowed out for some reason.

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

Wow, very similar to my project (76 CJ5). I just finished getting the major frame repair welded in (need to finish up the rear x-member and re-attach a couple of brackets).
View attachment 105991

Good luck!

Looking Good. Good luck to you also

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

Nice to get it out of the weeds. I can relate. My current CJ was behind some trees I had to cut down to pull it out of the shed.
View attachment 105992

It'd be a great time to blast it if you've got a good power washer.

So, how are its bones? Is the frame rotted at all or not too bad? Can't tell for sure, but it doesn't look all that bad. Looks like a couple passenger side body mounts are wallowed out for some reason.

I have a pretty good power washer. However I would freeze up the garage isn't heated and the outside isn't any warmer. High today was 33 degrees.

 

[Serdich77CJ5]

Nice to get it out of the weeds. I can relate. My current CJ was behind some trees I had to cut down to pull it out of the shed.
View attachment 105992

It'd be a great time to blast it if you've got a good power washer.

So, how are its bones? Is the frame rotted at all or not too bad? Can't tell for sure, but it doesn't look all that bad. Looks like a couple passenger side body mounts are wallowed out for some reason.

Frame it's self is in good condition except for a little rot on the driver's side rear. Body mounts need replacing. I've already received my frame repair steel so I'm in the process of cleaning the frame up and prepping it to weld on the new parts.

That's my plan to start at the back and work my way forward cleaning repairing and replacing as I go along.