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Intermediate 1972 Body On A 1975 Frame Swap

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by R3dR1d3r, Oct 1, 2022.

  1. Oct 1, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Oct 1, 2022
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    Hey everyone. Ive looked around and haven't found an answer....maybe this will help others that are new to the game. There are no silly questions right?
    I'm a new intermediate 1975 jeep cj5 owner that im restoring and unfortunately i discovered the PO did a cover-up and it has a bondo body and I've been hunting for something to replace it for some time.... I've recently come across a 1972 tub and fenders that are in much better shape then my current tub and fenders. I know 72-75 are the intermediate years but i have to ask:
    Anything I should know between the two tubs? (other then the wiring harness which appears to be round and not square... no big deal ill cut it in) will there be any surprises or is this a pretty straight forward swap as far as mounting, parts ect. Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.
     
  2. Oct 1, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,593
    Hello... welcome. Tub swap between the 72-75 'intermediates' should be fairly straightforward. No significant difference that I know of, but other may know more about those years than I do.
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  3. Oct 1, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Hi, thanks! From what one poster said in jeep forum is there may be some differences in the clutch linkage. But I assume thats fairly straight forward. Any additional info would be appreciated.
     
  4. Oct 1, 2022
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Nov 24, 2019
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    X2, as far as I know they should be the same. Other than clutch linkage, and wire harness, The 72 and 73 V8's had a v8 emblem on the sides that the 74 and 75 did not. Also the outside mirrors on 72 and 73 were rectangle shape where as the 74 and 75 used a square mirror, not sure if the mount bolt pattern on the windshield frame hinge is the same for either type of mirror or not but it probably is.
     
  5. Oct 1, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Great. I think ill buy this tub. Im relying on pictures of the tub so its a little risky but it looks good. What is it about the clutch linkage that would have to be altered? I'm pretty sure this one had a V6 emblem.. which i also like as i have a 232. I'll check the mirror bolt pattern.

    Appreciate the info.
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2022
  6. Oct 1, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    be careful....you may want to verify the v6 badging. If it is a V6 era jeep, it was only available in the the early tub (55-71 cjs), and there would be some differences between the early and intermediate tubs.
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2022
  7. Oct 1, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    This is a shot of the side. Looks like v6 to me.

    Whats your thoughts? Screenshot_20221001-222252_Drive.jpg
     
  8. Oct 1, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    That's an early 55-71 tub...it's not identical to your intermediate. It'll be a bit more work making the swap
     
    dnb71R2 and Twin2 like this.
  9. Oct 2, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Darn. I was about to pull the trigger. Really appreciate it this saved me lots of money and time.

    Thanks guys! I've learned something new!
     
  10. Oct 2, 2022
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    yep looks early . fenders / hood /grill shell . shorter . so would be no use to you
    as james pointed out . tub will swap . but there are differences firewall and floor
     
  11. Oct 2, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Its likely the white tub is actually a ‘71 titled as a ‘72. If that V6 emblem is original to that tub (and it is, due to the embossed font of the “JEEP” logo), it’s an “early” tub that has many differences from your “intermediate”. I have swapped an early onto an intermediate, but it required a lot more work than I had anticipated. It physically fits, but there are a lot of differences.
    -Donny
     
  12. Oct 2, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Thanks for the info guys. Very happy I came here prior to buying as I'm definitely not looking for *more* work and throwing money in the air, plus I'm looking to keep it intermediate.... some lucky feller with a 71 will love this tub.

    I'm not so sure about the replica tubs either... been holding out for a diamond in the rough but I'm getting antsy. I'll keep my eye out for the 72 to 75 tubs a little longer but I have come to realize they are practically extinct.
    For a first time jeep owner I sure threw myself into the fire with this project! Learning a lot though!
     
    Ol Fogie and Fireball like this.
  13. Oct 2, 2022
    Dale Park

    Dale Park Member

    Utah
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    Feb 15, 2021
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    112
    This tub is kind of rough, would need body work etc. Parts Breakers

    When I was looking for Tub, Fenders etc, I also could only find ones that either required some panel replacement or heavy bodywork. So I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the Tub, Fenders, Tailgate, Windshield Frame from Willys Overland.

    Lots of negative feedback out there on the MD Juan tubs etc, but Willys adds/updates the hat channels etc. They also sell just the tub that is not updated with hat channel etc if you want to go that way. All of this is very expensive but it is a JEEPocket.

    My tub fit just fine on my frame, body mounts were right on. I do believe I got newer year fenders and windshield frame as I did have to modify mounting a little. Overall real happy with outcome.
     
    R3dR1d3r and Stakebed like this.
  14. Oct 3, 2022
    R3dR1d3r

    R3dR1d3r New Member

    Canada
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    Good to hear it worked out Dale. I may go that route yet.

    Just got off the phone with the seller. He said the tub is a "71 and a half" and was a part of the later 71 transitions into a 72. Hes got a couple other things to check for me as well like the heater and cowel grill.
     
  15. Oct 3, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    A quick way to tell an intermediate tub is the embossed name on the side of the cowl. Intermediates have a capital “J” with lower case “eep”. The J has a bar on top. The ‘72 has the embossing higher up like the earlies, and the ‘73 and ‘74 have the embosssing lower down toward the rocker. Did the ‘75 go to the later “Jeep” without the bar J?
    -Donny
     
  16. Oct 4, 2022
    H Tate

    H Tate Member

    Central Texas
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    I think the 72-74 had the Jeep higher up then in 75 it was lowered.
     
    R3dR1d3r likes this.
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