Restoring a 57 CJ5 to stock build thread

Luckyduck · 05-02-2008, 06:46 PM

Last March or February my dad and I picked up a 57 CJ out of a snow bank in some guys back yard. We had no idea if it ran or what. It did not have matching wheels or tires and had 2 tops a bikini that fits and a soft top that did not. We paid $800 for it. Put it on a trailer and towed it home. Our plan was to simply get it stock again. We had looked at a lot of jeeps and liked this one.

So far we have replaced: the gas tank, new rims and brand new tires, completely rewired, all new brake lines and complete new brake set ups, rebuilt the entire front axle, put in many new switches, and got the drivers seat redone, complete new exhaust system as well. All it needs to be put on the road is a license plate light, shocks and the brakes to be bled. It will be there soon. I have yet to take any pictures from after we started but I will get some very soon. Plans for the future include new tub and getting rid of the roll bar.

jayhawkclint · 05-02-2008, 07:17 PM

Sweet. You're gonna want to bookmark this site: www.earlycj5.com/forums

bpeterson · 06-14-2008, 09:49 AM

nice pics. looks like a good project. but the roll bar isnt stock?

dsade · 09-13-2008, 08:58 AM

wow, secretly have always wanted to do that, hopefully i can gather up the $ one day to do that. looks like its comin along though

Luckyduck · 09-13-2008, 09:01 AM

Right now it has plates on it and is SO close to being driven. There is only one hold back... I stole my battery for my TJ

HackFabrication · 09-13-2008, 09:35 AM

If you can still locate it, get a lead additive. Your valves will appreciate it. Otherwise when it's 'time' to do the engine or the head, put in hardened valves/seats. Prior to 1 January 1996, certain vehicles could run leaded gasoline. (My 76 CJ was one of them.) IIRC, GVWR was the determining factor. Here's the 'decree': http://www.epa.gov/EPA-AIR/1996/February/Day-02/pr-1326.html But since then the refineries have been producing unleaded fuels for retail consumption. IIRC, my marina used to sell unleaded with the additive pre-mixed. Probably still does, but I've long since rid myself of that money pit. And acquired the new money pit---My CJ.

Edit: Nice CJ. Keep it original.

Luckyduck · 09-13-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HackFabrication

If you can still locate it, get a lead additive. Your valves will appreciate it. Otherwise when it's 'time' to do the engine or the head, put in hardened valves/seats.

It actually makes a difference? running non-leaded through a leaded engine? They sell additive at Auto-zone, I will have to get some.

I should have more pics of it up tonight!

HackFabrication · 09-13-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckyduck

It actually makes a difference? running non-leaded through a leaded engine? They sell additive at Auto-zone, I will have to get some.

Yes. Lead acts as a lubricant/shock absorber on the (unhardened) valve seats. How long before it really wears them out, I have no idea. When I rebuilt my 1967 C20's 292 I6 Chevy I had the machine shop put in hardened seats along with the new valves.

Lifesgoodhere · 09-13-2008, 02:59 PM

Here are some link to parts if you need some. (probably will)

http://www.willystech.com/parts/board.shtml
this is a parts board (buy/sell/trade/WTB)

http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/1658/
This is a great place to get parts and advise

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/
general replacement parts, crown and rigid ridge parts

http://www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com/
Add an optional factory Warn Overdrive, for a good price.

Also I have a friend who can get ANY part you will need, at the cheapest prices. He also has remade parts, and NOS parts. If you want a parts Jeep for this project, or extra ORIGINAL parts. Contact me if you want to buy some stuff through my friend (he doesn't own a computer.)

Are you going to restore it as you drive it? thats the cheapest route, because the expense is drown out longer. (you will still end up spending about the same amount if you do a frame up/off)

GOOD LUCK!!

jeepdaddy2000 · 09-14-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckyduck

It actually makes a difference? running non-leaded through a leaded engine?

Personally, I don't think so. While everything hack said is true, I have yet to see a problem due to unleaded gas. IMHO, maybe more of an expense than a deterrent.

vikingxj · 12-04-2008, 02:52 AM

How is this coming along? I really would love to do something like this. Maybe with the military version from the 40's.

Luckyduck · 12-08-2008, 08:42 AM

Jeep is coming good it is done being driven for the winter because of the lack of a top and doors. It is waiting to go into the shop (that I work at) for a new clutch and a bunch of seals. I will get some new pics when the jeep leaves it's home in the shed again