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Miner's '57 CJ5 Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by schneedrache, Jul 6, 2016.

  1. Aug 14, 2016
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    If you can bear it, save EVERYTHING until you are done. Too easy to throw away an irreplaceable small part. Even the junk body pieces will yield valuable clues later when you are putting things back together. Put bolts and screws back in their holes, or in logically labeled zip-lock bags.

    If the cowl and firewall are close to slavageable then save it. Classic Enterprises has nearly enough panels to build an entire tub except for cowl and firewall. At least save for someone to use as template for a glass body cutouts (can I even suggest that without getting banned?).

    Your hood looks like Swiss Alpenfage.
     
  2. Aug 17, 2016
    schneedrache

    schneedrache New Member

    Gansevoort, NY
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Messages:
    28
    We're going to see a '76 tub tomorrow, found it for $350. Sounds like the person just wants it gone. Pictures to follow shortly!
     
  3. Aug 17, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Mmm. Realize that a lot changes for the '72 model year, then EVERYTHING changes for the 1976 CJ. 1976 was the year AMC completely redesigned the CJ-5, discontinued the CJ-6 domestically and introduced the CJ-7. About all that's left is the outward appearance of the CJ-5, and most of the design concept, ie live axles on leaf springs. The parallel C-channel frame is gone, the floors and dash and windshield change, mounting points for the body change, seating changes ... depending on what you want to end up with, a '76 body will not help you much.

    Ideally you want a 55-71 tub. You can use a M38A1 tub with some changes, or a '72-75 tub. For the front clip, you want '71 or earlier.
     
  4. Aug 17, 2016
    schneedrache

    schneedrache New Member

    Gansevoort, NY
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Messages:
    28
    Ideally ya, but as I'm doing a frame off restoration I'm not afraid to relocate the tub mounts. So as long as I don't have to do any major surgery I'm fine. Would love to hear from someone who has attempted.

    I'm still not positive on the year though, because it's got a tool hatch under the passenger seat. And i'm pretty positive that was gone by 76....
     
  5. Aug 17, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Yes, if there is a tool box, it's 1975 or earlier. That will work and sit on your frame. There will be minor differences that you can address with a little cutting and patching.

    Realize that the shape of the floors changes in 1976, not just the body mounts. I have not attempted it, but I would expect it falls within most people's definition of major surgery.
     
  6. Aug 17, 2016
    schneedrache

    schneedrache New Member

    Gansevoort, NY
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Messages:
    28
    I think it's 72-75 based on these photos of it. No rear gas tank fill hole.

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  7. Aug 17, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
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    Mmm. Looks '74-ish. Not perfect, but it'll work with some adjustments.
     
  8. Oct 23, 2016
    schneedrache

    schneedrache New Member

    Gansevoort, NY
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Messages:
    28
    Well, it's been quite a while since I've updated. Turns out that tub we went to looks at was pretty toasty, so I passed. Things we've done that I'll post up:

    Frame is completely stripped
    F134 is gone
    Purchased a full drivetrain
    Tore down the new motor
    Pulled apart the new D18
    Purchased a Tub
    Replaced the front frame horns
    Powdercoated the Jerry Can

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    Not much life left there lol.

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    trans and tcase oil....

    The drivetrain I got from a user on here, started as just a trans and he happened to have the motor I wanted and the 4" hole D18 I needed. One stop shop.

    Buick 225
    SM420
    Correct bellhousing
    Novak Adapter for SM420 to D18
    4" D18
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    Tore the Buick down, two cylinders were seized and 2 valves stuck. Those were rediculous to get out. Looks like the cylinders that were seized will require the entire block to be bored over, we'll see when the machine shop gets a hold of it. Cam is also showing significant wear.

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    New Tub! On it's way from Minnesota!
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    Replaced the Front frame horns. Now the frame is complete! until it gets boxed in the spring.
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  9. Oct 24, 2016
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
    Messages:
    217
    Things are definately looking up for your Jeep! Nice work!
     
  10. May 8, 2017
    schneedrache

    schneedrache New Member

    Gansevoort, NY
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Messages:
    28
    Well it has been quite a while since I posted. Buick got sent to the machine shop, given a clean bill of health.
    • Cleaned
    • Pressure tested
    • Bored .30 over (New Pistons)
    • Planed the block and heads
    • New valves
    • 3 angle valve job
    • Fresh surface on the flywheel
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    I started to rebuild the big hole D18 i got with the drivetrain package, only to find a nice crack through it.... :(

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    Ended up just rebuilding my small hole from the original T90. Ground down all the rough casting marks, gave it a nice coat of paint after sandblasting everything.

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    Powdercoated the bellhousing just for fun.
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  11. May 8, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    Looking nice.

    I broke one of those D18 cases in half once just rolling down the highway. Still don't know what caused it.
     
  12. May 8, 2017
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
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    Messages:
    1,998
    Great work bringing this one back. I don't know how I missed this thread before now. Keep up the good work!
     
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