1977 CJ5 - Project Betsy

Altimeter · 01-31-2012, 02:56 PM

I've been wanting one for a while, and since I no longer had my '06 TJ, this was a no brainer. My dad had one when I was a wee lad that he bought brand new. I loved riding in it, as I love driving this one.

Anyways, it has the 304, 3 speed, Warn hubs, and a lot of cancer. I will be repainting Ole Betsy as soon as my full-time student, non-job having self gets some moneys!

***Edit: As of 21MAR12, this is now my sole means of transportation.***

Altimeter · 02-03-2012, 06:41 AM

This is what Im shooting for as far as paint is concerned, and with black Renegade decals and black interior:

**Bobs85Reny** · 02-03-2012, 07:12 AM

Nice jeep. I like the original color you don't see to many like that

Altimeter · 02-12-2012, 05:10 PM

I did some grinding and stripped the roll bar today. I also cut the stock bumper into a stubby for now. Slapped some primer down to take my first battle against rust. I will post pics tomorrow.

CoAce · 02-13-2012, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobs85Reny

Nice jeep. I like the original color you don't see to many like that

x2

**Ken4444** · 02-13-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altimeter

I did some grinding and stripped the roll bar today. I also cut the stock bumper into a stubby for now. Slapped some primer down to take my first battle against rust. I will post pics tomorrow.

I'm not sure that primer will be your best guard against rust. For other areas that you might fix in the future, you might consider POR-15 or something similar that chemically converts the rust into some other substance. POR-15 and Rustoleum contain tannic acid which converts iron oxide (rust) into iron tannate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_converter

http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=155

Keep in mind that POR-15 is not UV resistant, so it typically requires a top coat of paint to provide UV protection.

85LaredoCJ7 · 02-13-2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobs85Reny

Nice jeep. I like the original color you don't see to many like that

I agree 100%. If you are going to re-paint it....keep the original color, decals, and Levi decals. I think the brown is classic...

Altimeter · 02-13-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken4444

I'm not sure that primer will be your best guard against rust. For other areas that you might fix in the future, you might consider POR-15 or something similar that chemically converts the rust into some other substance. POR-15 and Rustoleum contain tannic acid which converts iron oxide (rust) into iron tannate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_converter

http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=155

Keep in mind that POR-15 is not UV resistant, so it typically requires a top coat of paint to provide UV protection.

Good info. The primer is a temporary stop gap. I wire wheeled 99% of the rust and primered it to ease my mind. Plus, it s time well spent with my CJ.

Altimeter · 03-01-2012, 02:55 PM

Sinjce the fenders were shot, I took a cutting wheel to them to make flat fenders. My little girl decided to pose for a pic beside my CJ too.

Altimeter · 03-01-2012, 03:00 PM

I know its not perfect. Ive decided on painting it black, and painting the rims an original AMC Gold color, with gold accents. Im not making a show Jeep, just a decent looking one to cruise around in and the occasional minor trail run. I am looking at putting AT tires on it, so should I go with 35's, or should I go up to 33's? the CJ currently has 32's on it now.

logans76cj5 · 03-01-2012, 08:20 PM

dang i hate to see these original renegades get cut up

they're just so hard to find. if your gonna cut a jeep up, id do it to a different one just because the original renegades are so hard to find. and as far as paint, i agree 100% with the other guys, paint it back to the original brown and put the renegade and levi's decals back on!

tchimmerroks · 03-01-2012, 08:56 PM

Please put normal front fenders back on.

**CJ_Rick** · 03-01-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altimeter

I know its not perfect. Ive decided on painting it black, and painting the rims an original AMC Gold color, with gold accents. Im not making a show Jeep, just a decent looking one to cruise around in and the occasional minor trail run. I am looking at putting AT tires on it, so should I go with 35's, or should I go up to 33's? the CJ currently has 32's on it now.

I've got 35s on mine with wide track axles and it's pretty nice on the trails, but I wish I could get the center of gravity down a bit lower.

Altimeter · 03-02-2012, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchimmerroks

Please put normal front fenders back on.

I will as soon as my budget allows it. Will YJ or TJ fenders work without having to hack them up too bad?

I do like the original color, but I love the look of black with gold. Thanks for all of your input.

tchimmerroks · 03-03-2012, 06:10 AM

I'm with logans76CJ5, I'd hate to see a Renegade CJ5 become some sort of "FrankenJeep". I don't know if YJ or TJ fenders will bolt up to your tub, but my advice is to keep it 100% original if possible. My second Jeep was a 1978 Levis Golden Eagle CJ5 which was nearly identicle to yours, so yours makes me nostalgic. If you go about it right, fiberglass can look awesome and fairly affordable if you're willing to roll up your sleeves.
Good luck