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Finally Working On It

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by georgecj6, Apr 7, 2019.

  1. Apr 7, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    012.JPG
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    In 2007, I picked up a 1974 cj6 FREE with a title. Straight 6 and 3 spd.

    Rebuilt the carb because of rust in the fuel and made sure the engine ran, bagged the carb, degreased the engine. Removed all the bondo that was on the body (none on the front fenders and hood). Then I tore the jeep completely apart, cutting out the bad metal. The floor behind the seats is completely gone. It sat in the garage all these years. I made a box and put the frame in it using electrolysis to eat the rust off the frame. Picked up a nice mig/ tig/ arc welder.

    Over the years, life happened.

    Finally work slowed down. This past week I started on the frame. Straightened it out and repaired the cracks and replaced bad metal. The steering box bracket has two threaded bolts broken off inside. Then the frame will be sandblasted, epoxy primered, then painted black.

    My 12 year old grand daughter is going to help put the jeep together. It will be hers if she helps. The plan is to give it a 2.5" lift and keep it a flat color.
     

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  2. Apr 7, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    002 (640x360).jpg The frame as it sits now.............

    005 resize.jpg This is how the frame and body has been sitting in the garage all this time.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2019
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  3. Apr 7, 2019
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    Hang in there. You'll get it done. I have been asked several questions about my cj6, about the length. Most people dont know they existed. And to do it with your granddaughter, would make it even better.
     
  4. Apr 7, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Looking forward to the progress photos!
     
  5. Apr 7, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    Nov 3, 2008
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    Maybe I am over thinking this. ... I need to replace the upper shock mount bolts. I can get 5/8 x 4.5" shoulder bolts. They have a 1/2-13 thread instead of 7/16" thread. Will that be a problem? Any suggestions?
     
  6. Apr 7, 2019
    62CheepJeep

    62CheepJeep Member

    Spartanburg SC
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    Sep 10, 2018
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    X2

    Looks like it will be a great project.
     
  7. Apr 7, 2019
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
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    Oct 12, 2014
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    I think you can buy the whole bracket. Midwest willys. I friend of mine had one.
     
  8. Apr 7, 2019
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    I am pretty sure that Walck's is a good place for those shock mounts. I think they are fairly priced :shrug: BTW , Great job on the attack of the restore ! I think it's great that you have your Granddaughter helping you & that she is interested in mechanics. You should be proud, Sir ! -------Lockman
     
  9. Apr 9, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    Nov 3, 2008
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    Thank you for all the suggestions. I already cut and punched out the shoulder bolts for the upper shocks. So I think I will just buy the bolts and weld them in the shock bracket.

    My next problem is the steering box bracket. I have to fabricate a new one and I don't know the bolts sizes.

    After the bracket is finished, I have to look at buying springs. I have been thinking about a 2.5" lift
     
  10. Apr 10, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    I think that heavy duty after market steering box brackets are available for the long fender models.
     
  11. Apr 10, 2019
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
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    Oct 12, 2003
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    847
    That looks good. I especially like the picture of the frame with the bicycle helmet on the corner of the table.
    You will enjoy her helping you even if it takes longer. Expect it to take longer to get it back together, it always does. Family time always trumps working on my Jeeps but when my son can help, it makes it more fun.
    One guy on the Christian Radio was being interviewed and told the story of his dad buying an old military Jeep and he was to hold the flashlight for his dad under the Jeep in the driveway. Those were some of his fondest memories, even though he said, most of the time his dad had to tell him to not shine the flashlight in his eyes, but on the bolts. He told how it took longer to complete the Jeep because of his help, but it was great bonding time.

    My son's help was spuratic, sometimes all in, sometimes not interested, and did something else.
    He still talks about us working on the Jeeps though.

    ENJOY IT! This will be a family heirloom.
    Got to get some of mine finished so he can inherit them.

    Great post.

    Dave
     
  12. Apr 10, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    Last summer she asked me about the age required to ride her own motorcycle.
    They are available for over $300. I think the bolts are 3/8 dia. I don't know if they are fine thread. Mine are broken in the bracket.
     
  13. Apr 10, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    My granddaughter is asking when she can ride her own motorcycle. I have to start taking her on trips.
     
  14. Apr 12, 2019
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    This has been one of the best tool purchases I've ever gotten, comes in handy all the time. Sounds like you may be able to use one.

    https://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Thread-...ead+che&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A7O51HGOUZ91S

    I'm glad to see that even after a lot of time went by, you're getting back into it. I'm in the same boat right now as you were; funds and life got in the way, but I'm holding out to get started again down the road. I have a lot of great parts!
     
  15. Apr 14, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    That looks nice. I found the steering box and ran a tap in the threads. Found out the thread size is 7/16-14. I bought some 3/8" plate to make the bracket and started welding.
     
  16. Apr 20, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    030 (640x360).jpg 031 (640x360).jpg 032 (360x640).jpg The frame is ready for the sandblaster. I fixed the upper shock mounts and made a steering box bracket.
     
  17. Apr 21, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    I'm thinking it would be a good idea if I bought the leaf springs and temporarily mounted them so I can line up the spring mounts on the frame BEFORE I get it sandblasted and painted.
     
  18. Apr 23, 2019
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    I would...... I , myself , was and still am, a ' cut & fit ' type of builder / repairman. + , Your gonna need 'em anyway. This way it's a good double check.
    ------Lockman
     
  19. May 13, 2019
    georgecj6

    georgecj6 Member

    Chicago area
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    Well I now have the BDS 2.5" lift kit for my 74 cj6. There are no Cj's around for me to look at. This jeep has been in pieces over 10 years.

    I need to buy shackles to hang the suspension. I see with grease fittings, without grease fittings, prothane and stock. I'm leaning towards stock, but maybe a heavier duty one. This will be a daily driver and occasional off road use. Are the front and rear shackles the same part #?

    What is recommended?
     
  20. May 13, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    I have been running the omix greasable ones for a while and would recommend them. The boys 70 has ureathane and stock shackles and have worn to need replacement about every two years.
     
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