Focker's '71 CJ5 Drivable Build

I've done the introduction...Now's the time for a "build" thread! I've had the CJ for about 3 weeks and wasted no time getting started. The first thing I did was remove and disassemble the carburetor. I didn't replace any parts, just simply cleaned every chamber. It runs well...I installed new plugs, points and adjusted the timing. I went through the lighting connection by connection and got everything working as it should. There's other things like new radiator hoses, fuel filter, differential gaskets & gear oil but let's get to the pix...Reading is boring!

The pic from the craigslist ad.


Home in the shade cleaning after removing the tire carrier, tow bar, jerry cans etc.








I'm going for the minimalist look...I used sheet metal and JB Weld on the backside to plug unused switch holes.


Getting ready for the frowned upon bed liner spray.




No more glass fuses crammed up under the dash.


Touching up the exterior paint with a new shade of green. I really like this stuff - Rust-Oleum Green Self Etching Primer.


The new and improved "Basic" dash layout. To cover up the stereo hole, I had some ABS plastic laying around. I installed a power socket and an on/off switch for a future accessory.


Next task is to tackle the flat fender look.

 

Dri-Cities

 

Fender mod stage 1. My plan is to reinforce the fenders with some welded tubing.

 

Put the cage back in.

 

Time to make some changes to the steering...This is sloppy. I have another topic where I asked for some steering advice and I ended up with the wrecking yard idea.


Just got back from the wrecking yard. Here's my haul...$90 bucks out the door. I only bought the steering column for the splines.

 

Right.
It's just a lot cheaper than Borgeson.

 

Removed this horrible sloppy turd.




The think tank.


I welded a new end on the CJ's steering shaft, now I'll be able to remove bad U-Joints vs. having to cut them out like I did today. I wedged a piece of steel inside of the new end and welded it in place for added strength.

 

Finished last night...Just returned from a test run. It's night and day compared to what was there. I don't have to steer, left to right, right to left in order to hold a straight line.

 

I ground some of the shaft down, ie - I took the OD 7/8" shaft and removed just enough material and squared it (like a D) to match the end piece. I removed about 1.5" from the tip in order for the end piece to slip over vs welding end to end. It was welded inside and out...I'll be watching it closely for signs of weakness.

 

Spare tire mount opinions.

Do you guys like this angle or should I match the roll bars?

 

I have this Jerry Can mount as well...Mount here?


Or I can do this? Something similar was already on the CJ when I bought it (excluding the rack over the tire).

 

Ha!
My kids voted and they like the spare inside. They like seeing the "JEEP" logo.

 

Haven't done anything with the spare tire mount yet but today I decided to tinker in the garage.

I don't have a tube bender and a local guy who does said he'd help...Well...It's been hard for us to connect. A google search led me to a guy who cut pipe at 22.5 degrees in order to achieve the flat fender look. I copied his idea and here's what I've come up with so far.

Cut and laid out for mock up. I started with PVC (not pictured) to make sure my skills could pull it off.


I used a hole saw to cut through the inner fender.


Welded and ready for the mounting phase...As soon as I figure out how I want to do it.