Buffs 58 cj5 build

Thanks guys!

 

Big things are happening in Buff’s garage! I still have to clean up some of the wiring and get rid of things I don’t need but actually think I might be able to fire this thing up this week. Still a lot to figure out like steering shaft and throttle linkage but it would be nice to just hear it run!

 

That's looking really good.

What battery tray did you go with, it looks nice.

 

Ruffstuff specialties optima battery tray, still needs some paint!

 

I’m pretty happy to hear this thing fire up the first time, no hiccups, no backfire, only ran it for a second. It’s fairly loud due to the open headers. I’m still nervous about things working right, there is plenty of oil pressure, haven’t ran it long enough to open the thermostat but it sounds pretty darn good for my first motor!

 

I think I got my Herms power steering setup “figured out”. I’ll have to see how it goes after I get the power steering hoses hooked up. It’s definitely tight, I might even try to dent the header a little bit, I just don’t want to mess up the ceramic coating.

Looking down it’s pretty tight!

The u-joint angle at the column looks kind of big but everything moves nicely with no binding. I think I compare it to a drive shaft but this is obviously operating under very low RPMs.

 

Looks good!

A little tight, but I don't think you will have a problem.

 

This is my steering clearance with stock Astro Van manifolds.




I would also point out that TBI's don't like to ice up, so the heat riser is needed.

 

Hmmm, I don’t have that option on my headers, wonder if there’s something else I can do? Thanks for the pics, it’s definitely a tight fit!

 

Yeah, I think it will be ok, I just get nervous!

 

Finally got this thing out of the garage! Open headers, no shocks, just the e-brake, just took it down the block. It’s getting closer!

 

It is registered and insured and I did have the seat belt on.

 

well...safety first and all that...lookin (sounding) good

 

Looks like I got a little “Jeep lean” going on, I’ll have to get the roll cage and everything in it and see how it looks.

 

Been keeping busy picking away at this thing, roll cage and seats are mounted! I’m going to tie the roll cage into the frame.
Got an accessory panel with usb, volt meter, lighter, and some switches. Built a mount for it and added a tach and switches for the heated seats!
Got the shocks mounted and checked out for clearance, I ended up flipping them so the fittings are in the engine bay. Not crazy about the remote reservoir but doesn’t cause any clearance issues.
Flexing it out to check for clearance, rear tires hit tub on the inside before anything else even gets close. Might add 3/4 wheel spacers in the rear for more clearance, that would bring the rear out flush with the front.
The little details seem to take a lot of time. Looking forward to getting the exhaust done hopefully sometime this week and get everything dialed in so I can go take my Dad for a ride!

 

That all looks Great!!

 

Coming along nicely!

 

Drove the Jeep to Lake County today to see the O.J. (Original Jeeper)! I was happy with how it handled coming over the hill. It’s geared a bit low so rpm’s are a bit high(2,800 at 60). Got about 16 mpg from Cotati to Lower Lake. I have an overdrive on the way so that will help a lot. My Dad was happy to see how it looks!



It’s come a long way!

 

Got out on some dirt roads today. My Dad had a good time, not sure how long it’s been since he road in the Jeep, probably about 15 years when it was still his. We sat at the top of the hill, ate a sandwich, drank a beer and BS’d for a while! Didn’t need 4wd but checked it out anyway, crawls pretty slow

 

Your Jeep looks awesome! Question. Looks like you have a Motobilt bumper. On their website they list CJ bimpers to fit '76 to '86 CJ's. I think yours is a '58. What did you have to do, if anything, to get the bumper to fit your Jeep?