Grill Question...

Hey guys -

Trying to piece together a new body for my '56 CJ5. I have a beeline on a rust free grill from an M38A1 for dirt cheap. From what I can see on the web, the bodies are nearly interchangeable. I'd love to get a good deal but it's worthless if I can't use it.


Cheers,

 

the a1 gril is somewhat different than the 5 grill. the main thing that comes to mind is the turn signals... the a1 hs a countersunk unit like the 2a's, whereas the 5's i've wored in just mount to the front. then the grill could be a hinged grill from an a1, and i believe ther's an issue wih the light buckets but i could be wrong on that one.

 

I've heard that the headlights on the M38A1 would swivel inwards to illuminate the engine compartment, so there's probably some differences. Did you try getting ahold of Jeepanels Plus?

 

Ron -

Yep, I called Jeepanelsplus. I think between them and Rigid Steel, I'll be able to put a solid body together. At this point (and I'm sure many points in the future), it's coming down to money. This grill was really cheap and easily salvageable. The bolt ons (fenders, hoods, tailgate, and windshield frame) are pretty easy to swallow. My tub has so many bandaids on it, it may be easier to just replace it. I'm trying to get parts together before my '56 goes into hibernation for the winter.
The tub is about $2900 with shipping. I guess my other option is to start going to this psychic in Cherry Creek. Maybe she can tell me where the garage is with the pristine, rust-free original tubs are hiding.

 

Someone once said, "anything will work with enough fabrication", or something like that... There are differences between the CJ5 V6, F4 and the M38A1 grille. If you are willing to put some work into it, you can definitely make it work. I guess it depends on how involved you want to get with it.

I have a V6 grille and an A1 grill sitting across the room for me. Let me know if you'd like me to post pics.

I was going to do it anyway but I just got a phone call and I have to run....

 

Do the replacement tubs have the false battery cover in front of the cowl? Most I seen don't. To me that the trademark for an ECJ5. I'll be welding mine into the new tub when that time arrives. :hurrican:

 

Jeff -

Good pickup...I was just thinking about the "Jeep" stamp, the side fuel cutout, and the rear fender indent. I totally forgot about that battery cutout. I wanna keep that too.

 

Just how bad is your tub? Sure it can't be saved? Got any photos?

 

False battery cover...is that what this thing is? I've always wondered what it was.

 

That'd be the MB
The M38A1 will work fine can use late model park/turn signals as well as any number of aftermarket lamps as well. Another option available is the later model grille shell up to 86. I've used both and either will work for you.

 

Ron -

I don't know if I'm quite ready to pull up the plywood and the Pep Boys floor mats to see how bad it really is. I know that the passenger side is already Flintstone style and it may just go downhill from there. I've seen replacement panels but I don't know at what point it's cheaper to just buy a new tub. I'm pretty mechanically proficient but haven't done much welding. I assume the body welds are just mig welds. Granted, I'd rather buy a $500 welder and $1500 worth of panels than a $2500 tub but I also don't want to get in over my head.

 

There's always glue. Cut back the rust, make panels, glue in place. Really.

 

Warloch -

I assume the entire process is easier with the tub off the Jeep. I think that I'm going to have access to an entire two car garage for the Winter. I'll price that list you provided. It would give me a bit more pleasure to be able to fix it myself.