The "1953" AZ CJ5 Build Project

My first build here so there is lots to learn. I found this CJ5 out here in the desert southwest near Coolidge, AZ. Not much rust on it but it has some repairs needed. and parts figured out. The title says it was first registered in December of 1953 but I think I can deduce that that wasn't the case. But I still don't know what year it is. I'm thinking that when the title was reissued it read the original typewriter 1958 into a 1953 but I can't be sure. Looks like PO torched out the firewall so I'll need to rebuild that and then plug all the holes where it looks like a shotgun was taken to it. But other than that the welding seems to be minimal.
Missing a few engine parts like oil bath and bracket, battery tray, alternator, new complete wiring and oil filter. It has a welded dash panel so I don't know if that tells us anything about the year or not. Thee are no serial number of vin plates that I can find on it. Only the frame stamped sequence number which doesn't appear to get me very far. It appears the original color is a Royal Blue which from what I have researched was an option color. I'll send some more pics of it later.
I've identified the T90 A1 transmission, I think it is a Dana 44 rear but not sure about the front. Cap-n-cray identiifed the dualmatic front hubs for me, haven't seen those much.
It has a push pull system for air controls mounted to a solid steel bracket for Defrost, air control, and something else but I haven't seen these on many of the pics so maybe that can help identify the year. Anyway, I can't afford a complete original restoration so I'll do as much as I can for now. I'm going ot need a fuel tank and seats and seat frames at some point too. They seem hard to find. Enjoy the pics.
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Looks like a good start to a long project...........and yes , there will be lots to learn along the way. Seems the PO and his cutting torch had bigger plans for that Jeep other than the 4 cylinder that currently resides in there........Welcome Aboard!

 

For ease of viewing.

 

Looks better than some of the Jeeps my brother has parked in my yard. As far as the top, go to the CJ3B page, they have a good write up about them.
It lloks like you have a good place to start from.

 

Great project. Looks very clean.

 

thanks 68buickv6. I'll have to see if I can find out how to do that.

Got the body off. Rust underneath looks pretty good. Only one serious spot and that is a front passenger brace needs replacing.

Anyone know what these are for? Passenger side high on firewall.

 

Had the boy helping out today. we found out that the left side wheels are reverse threaded studs. Who would have know? Well he used a breaker bar to work on them and they were really tight. I was scraping off caked on grease elsewhere. I finally asked him if he had checked on the socket to make sure it was not stripping the stud. Well, as it turned out he had buried the nut three quarters through the rim before he stopped and checked. Wait it gets better. When he tried to back it out the correct direction for whatever year this CJ is (yes we are still trying to figure it out), the nut head stripped and the small amount that wasn't buried in the rim is now rounded off. So......I have no idea now how we are going to get this thing off. Buried too far for a nut splitter, I thought about maybe putting a sacrifice nut on behind it and then welding it together to see if we could back them out together but I don't have a welder and I am worried that the weld might set the nut to the stud. So I am open for suggestions.

 

Nice CJ, I might have some parts that you could use up here in Durango if you're ever in the neighborhood.

 

I'm sorry to read about your issues but the left hand thread is something I learned fourty six years ago. either lug nus or lug bolts. My neighbor will help me change wheels on the 3B and I have to go ask him if he noticed the L stamped in the end of the bolt. If, heaven forbid, I ever take the Mitsu Fuso into a tire shop again. I ignore the no customers sign and go out to show the rattle wrench monkey the large L stamped on the parts of the left side.
If the lug nuts are pulled into the wheel as you described, the wheel is junk now too. Figure out how to cut things apart and replace studs and hope the drum isn't bent. Sorry, I wish I could give you a cheaper answer.

 

Thanks uncamonkey. I was pretty sure this is where it was going to end up. Fortunately I have a spare exact match rim so it is what it is. We'll get it done eventually. Good news is we've scraped off all the years of hardened grease from the differentials and front steering knuckles. Got the diff covers off and cleaned up and it looks great now.

 

If I understand well, you tried to take off a wheel and the nut was blocked. Then you found that you had to turn in the reverse side to unlock the wheel.
The nuts on the wheels are not the same for right and left side of the Jeep, I learned this when we had to change a wheel, travelling with an old Willys.
We staid maybe 20 minutes on a St Tropez beach, trying to move away a flat tire... Then suddenly we discovered that it was better to turn in the reverse way! That's the Jeep...

 

I just read you post .. I dont know if I am too late or not.. I have a complete set of 55 axles . I also have a welder and would be glad to help in any way I can.. I am located in Glendale. I dont check here too often so feel free to contact me through E-mail....jeepjunkie@cox.net

 

Nice jeep ! Welcome from Tennessee ! What is the serial on the frame ? We have a post that will tell you the year . Definitely looks to be more of a 58 than any thing .

 

Thanks and your never too late. This was started knowing it would last a while. I'll email you.

 

I've looked everywhere and all I can find is the frame rail number and it appears to be a production number only it is missing the first few digits but I know it is the early CJ5 just not the 1953 the State said it was. Frame rail is 104780.

 

look in early cj tech for serial numbers yours comes out to a 1960 . probably made in November or December . This is a form by Zoomer

 

Thanks for the info. I just found out the state has a film of the original info so I'm going ot head down to the DMV and get a look at it to see if I can find out what the original title info said.

 

hey Mark, I am in Gilbert too. Yours looks about the same as mine when i started. We will have to get together sometime. Mine did not come with any kind of top or a heater unit, so you are way ahead of me there. Mike

 

Getting together would be great. Even if I can't add much to the conversation it would be fun to meet some Jeepers aroud here.

 

This weekend we pulled the front Axle and spring and shackles etc. Good news is everything came out....eventually. Got 90 % of the chasis reconditioned and its in the process of painting.