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New Member: Looking For A Buyers Guide?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Chris Owens, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. Jun 22, 2021
    Chris Owens

    Chris Owens New Member

    Texas
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Hello! I've been looking for a an early CJ-5 or flat fender for a while, and I've found a '75 CJ-5 that looks pretty good that I'm going to go look at this weekend. Is there any kind of guide for things I should keep an eye out for? Frame problems would be my main concern. The seller tells me it runs fine; he's been using it as a farm truck.

    Thanks! And hopefully I'll be a regular member soon!

    --Chris O
     
    Chris Owens, Jun 22, 2021
    #1
  2. Jun 23, 2021
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    Dec 2, 2014
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    1,735
    Welcome from Michigan, I would look under it real good, that is where you will see how good it is. Bodies can be rusty as long as the frame and drive train are good fixing the body is not that bad. Good Luck.
     
    Rick Whitson, Jun 23, 2021
    #2
  3. Jun 23, 2021
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,197
    The nice thing with early Jeeps is their simplicity. The body/frame is all easily inspectable, and a test drive should reveal any issues with the drivetrain.

    If it were me looking I'd be trying to determine what the previous owners had done/modified, and if their work looks quality or sketchy.
     
    Boyink, Jun 23, 2021
    #3
  4. Jun 23, 2021
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Welcome. enjoy.
     
    Walt Couch, Jun 23, 2021
    #4
  5. Jun 23, 2021
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,197
    One of the biggest problem areas is rust on the body. Check the floors for patches or evidence of problemss, and if the hat channels underneath supporting the floor are intact. Check all the body seams, especially around the tail light panels and sides of the front fenders. Another problem area are the cowl sides adjacent to the embossed "jeep" where there is an inner support immediately ahead of the door opening. The outer body may show bubbling in the paint around this area.
    The frames of the intermediates ('72-'75) are pretty rugged and solid provided there is not obvious rust or evidence of a snow plow.
    What engine? Straight 6 or 304 V8? Most likely, it has a 3 speed, type dependant on engine.
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Jun 23, 2021
    #5
  6. Jun 23, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,703
    FWIW - as mentioned above, a 74 would be considered an intermediate era....that means it has some nice OEM upgrades compared to an early cj5, like a D30 front axle, saginaw steering, bigger brakes, one-piece D44 rear axle, rear 15 gal fuel tank etc. There are a few unique aspects of intermediates as they have the AMC era engines but much of the rest is similar to early vintage.

    Beyond typical rust on the body, I think this is key piece of evaluation (and one I've screwed up). The intermediates still have open channel frames I believe the same 1.75" wide leave springs as the early cj5s. I would take a look at the frame in the area of the spring hangers where the shackle is as that could be a common area for frame damage and repair.
     
    FinoCJ, Jun 23, 2021
    #6
  7. Jun 24, 2021
    Chris Owens

    Chris Owens New Member

    Texas
    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Thanks for your help, and for cluing me in that this would be an "intermediate" CJ-5! I feel pretty well organized to have a look this weekend!

    --Chris O
     
    Chris Owens, Jun 24, 2021
    #7
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