The plunge

[driver007]

I have a 81 CJ5 in great shape. A couple of rust spots and the normal surface rust for a jeep of that year. I am planning on doing the motor.
I have done the front axle tranny and Transfer Case . I was going to take the fenders and hood and windshield frame and dash in for paint when I do the motor. That would just leave the tub. The frame is real nice still has factory paint on it in some spots. Do I do a complete frame off because I am so close. I have to admit the under dash removal intimidates me. I have the shop and tools just never went that far before. Steering and electrical .Do I por15 the whole thing before paint I only want to do it once.

 

[grozam]

Sounds like you have a nice jeep to start with. I also have an 81' jeep that's in great shape for it's age. I was going to use por on it, but i'm worried about removing parts and bolts later as anything por gets on won't budge afterward. I think i'm going to use epoxy primer & paint instead on mine where it will be a problem using por. Body off is easy on jeeps as they don't have much wireing to them.

 

[driver007]

In regards to a new wiring harness. I plan on a oem project. Do the new harnesses replace the old ones with little trouble. Plug and play if you will. Witch brand would be a wise choice for a first timer?

 

[ZaCJ7]

In regards to a new wiring harness. I plan on a oem project. Do the new harnesses replace the old ones with little trouble. Plug and play if you will. Witch brand would be a wise choice for a first timer?

I can only speak to the kits they do for first gen Camaros, but Painless makes an easy to decipher, plug n play kit. I imagine their harness for CJs is just as adequate.

Do you actually need an entire new harness, or are you just trying to make sure you don't have to go back and chase gremlins later?

 

[Petescj]

Ive pondered this same question myself. How far is too far? I decided that when I do my Limited project its to the bare bones and no turning back. I had to convince myself that it will be a true project though. Its not something I'll be out wheeling around with next Summer. The electrical part of it scares me as well. I just think that theres enough support here to get me through it. Im gonna go crazy labeling things as well.

I have a 81 CJ5 in great shape. A couple of rust spots and the normal surface rust for a jeep of that year. I am planning on doing the motor.
I have done the front axle tranny and Transfer Case . I was going to take the fenders and hood and windshield frame and dash in for paint when I do the motor. That would just leave the tub. The frame is real nice still has factory paint on it in some spots. Do I do a complete frame off because I am so close. I have to admit the under dash removal intimidates me. I have the shop and tools just never went that far before. Steering and electrical .Do I por15 the whole thing before paint I only want to do it once.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I have a 81 CJ5 in great shape. A couple of rust spots and the normal surface rust for a jeep of that year. I am planning on doing the motor.

I am about in the same position as you are in. I have a 1980 that wasn't a total basket case, it just needed a little help. I went all the way down to nuts, bolts, and rusty steel. I have tried to fit it all into a sandblast cabinet and then give it a good coat of quality paint. Sand blasted the frame and other big stuff and then went over all of that with good paint, inside and out. Need to get the motor in to the shop now.

I didn't want to be chasing demons in the wiring when it all comes back to life. This is the reason for a complete new wiring harness. Other components (gauges, spedo, what not) will be evaluated when the re-assembly occurs for repair/replacement.

I have never done any greater auto repair other than an alternator or maybe spark plugs before. The Simplicity of the Jeep CJ can not be stated often enough. These vehicles were manufactured to be used, rebuilt, and used again.

This stuff is really fun and I'm glad I found this forum. Really nice folks that do what they can to help answer questions.

 

[driver007]

Interesting point do you need a new harness or could you replace the wires on the old one.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Interesting point do you need a new harness or could you replace the wires on the old one.

I need all new connections and fuse block on mine. Most of the ends were hanging...It is tired and my time is better spent at work earning enough funds to finance the build than doing it ALL on my own.
Besides, I like the pretty colored new wires in the internet pics!

 

[ZaCJ7]

I need all new connections and fuse block on mine. Most of the ends were hanging...It is tired and my time is better spent at work earning enough funds to finance the build than doing it ALL on my own.
Besides, I like the pretty colored new wires in the internet pics!

More power to ya, then! Let us know what harness you end up getting. Will be curious to know which ones are worth a dang.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

More power to ya, then! Let us know what harness you end up getting. Will be curious to know which ones are worth a dang.

I sure will. It will be in my build thread.

p.s. Don't wait too long on my decision, I gave myself until Thanksgiving of this year to at least be substantially finished!