"65 CJ-5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV

[bobracing]

I was told a few people might find this interesting.

After about 3 years of not having a Jeep and 5+ of getting into the mountains, I decided it was time to get back into Jeepin', tried circle track racing and that is just to much money and full of whinners. SOOOOOOOO...
Found this CJ-5A on Craigslist and made a little trip to Oregon. Got to love the chrome bumpers. The brakes didn't work so a test drive was kind of shot but there is ZERO rust (some surface in the scratches but NO cancer) did drive up on the trailer nice and back into the shop.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_1.jpg[/img]

Of course it has the Chevy V-8 but a bonus of a 4sp (not sure which on yet), twin sticked Spicer 18 (came with a single), an Overdrive, and power steering.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_5.jpg[/img]

And my favorite, the bench seat. Like the bench but not sure if I would like it after a day of off camber driving.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_003-small.jpg[/img]

Oops, really didn't like the front and the frame had cracked in a few places plus the waggy springs I had laying around didn't fit with the stock frame.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_001-small.jpg[/img]

Now comes the hard part, putting it back together. Did get some extended frame rails tonight mocked in place, but hopefully this weeked more will get done.

[bobracing]

Who ever built this Jeep originally did a very good job. There are a few thing I don't like but over all the conversion was clean. One reason the front came off, there was no front crossmember. They tried a big plate welded across the front frame but NO support for the radiator except the small straps welded to the grill, just don't think the grill will take a day of bouncing thru trails.

Immediate plans call for:
extending the front frame
outboarded waggy spring front and back EDIT: THIS HAS CHANGED TO REAR CJ-7 SPRING FR & RR
Dana 44s from a waggy front and rear, '70 vintage have an offset rear axle for the quadratrac.
front axle moved foward about 3-4"
rear axle moved back about 2-3"
high steer with the 4 bolt "76" steering box, haven't decided on a tilt column or stock, like the retro-rod look.
remove the stock heater box for swing pedals, install aftermarket heater too
37" MTRs

[bobracing]

Got most of the frame rails welded up tonight.
1/8 strap across the top and bottom plus a <> plate, think it should hold.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_011.jpg[/img]

Also did a little spring changing, JC Whitney, CJ-7 rear, 7 pack, HD springs. They are 2" shorter than the waggys but they both seem to flex the same using a scientific method of jumping up and down on them.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_012.jpg[/img]

[bobracing]

Little more work tonight:

Got the springs mounts made and Josh was nice enough to weld them on.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_014.jpg[/img]

Of course you have to have the shop dog:
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_015.jpg[/img]

And an axle will help too:
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_013.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_016.jpg[/img]

After looking at the frontend together, doing more measuring and trying decide how to fix the problem of the shackle angle, I came to the conclusion that I #$%^ up badly and need to try again.

The mounting pads will work fine and I'm going to leave the front hangers alone, they are fine. The rear hangers are a different story and with a little Parker plasma cutter (the more I use this machine the more I like it), rear hangers came right off. The rear will be moved back about 2". This movement should put the shackles at a better angle and allow the steering box to fit better too.

[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_017.jpg[/img]

[bobracing]

Got a little bit done over the weekend.

the frontend back in with a much better shackle angle.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_019.jpg[/img]

Then went to work on the steering box.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_022.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_023.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_024.jpg[/img]

[bobracing]

I was thinking it's about time to tie the front together and a bumper would do just fine, or at least the start of a bumper, things always seem to change.

So a piece of 2x4x3/16 x 41 long that has been well weathered
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_025.jpg[/img]

A cut here and a cut there and a bumper starts to appear. Was going for something a little different. Not quiet done, still need to cap and clean the rust but it's close.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_027.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_028.jpg[/img]

There is still a piece of 2x2 angle holding the front together but getting closer
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/cj-5a_026.jpg[/img]

[bobracing]

EDIT: LOOKS LIKE THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK AND WILL HAVE TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT. FOR SOME REASON THE FR & RR ARE VERY CLOSE IN HEIGHT, MORE MEASURING.

OK after a couple of trips to Montana, some hot weather, taking care of GF needs, and picking up a Waggy for part (any one need waggy parts) and some just plain laziness, it's time to get back to the Jeep.

After redoing the front and just running the frame rail out straight, the back needed to be taken care of. I didn't want the a$$ high sink bug look, so after some looking around, Nuzzy (off NWW site, build) had something about what I needed. The spring mounts will be moved up onto the frame side to compensate for not dropping the front.

Not on the Jeep yet but should get an idea of how it will go.

[bobracing]

Rear bumper time.
Started with this idea for a rear bumper, it will also serve as the rear shackle mounts too. There will be a tow hook on each side of the hitch but I'm not really good with loffs and faces, so no hook shown. The hitch will also be inserted into the angle brackets of the stock early CJ frames, yes the ones that are cut for fuel tanks.

[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bump-1.jpg[/img]

2 x 4 x 3/16w x 59"long box tube, a bunch of cut off wheels, a broken plasma cutter and a little welding.

[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear_bump_006.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear_bump_003.jpg[/img]
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear_bump_002.jpg[/img]

[bobracing]

Got a chance to do a little more work tonight:
hard to see but there is about an 1" dip in the center were the hook are. The hooks are bolted down with captive nuts (read welded) on the backside.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_002.jpg[/img]

Actually picked something of Extreme 4x4, they used a tig rod but a stick and a zap from a mig works just as good.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_003.jpg[/img]

And the new shackle hangers, still missing some parts but starting to take shape.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_005.jpg[/img]

[Grumpy]

Lookin' good <!-- s:thu2: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbup.gif" alt=":thu2:" title="Thumbs Up" /><!-- s:thu2: -->

[Roman]

Wow! Looks Great!!!!!

Can't wait to see it on the trail!
Too bad you couldn't work that chrome front bummper into the mix. <!-- s8) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt="8)" title="Cool" /><!-- s8) -->

[bobracing]

Wow! Looks Great!!!!!

Can't wait to see it on the trail!
Too bad you couldn't work that chrome front bummper into the mix.

They aren't completely out. Been thinking about something similar to a removable hitch setup to use the bumper during street activities, then pull the pins and remove them for trails.

[Roman]

Sweet, I'm all about the multi purpouse parts!

[Grumpy]

Jose's kind of an all purpose sorta guy <!-- s:mrgreen: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mr. Green" /><!-- s:mrgreen: -->

[bobracing]

Bumper mocked up in place:
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_010.jpg[/img]

spring hanger from the back:
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_012.jpg[/img]

Spring hanger from the front, no the shackles shown for not going to be used.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bumper_009.jpg[/img]

[Grumpy]

One of these days you're gonna have to cough up some directions so we can come over and have a look see <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->

[bobracing]

Since the rear spring mounts that welded to the frame side aren't going to work, didn't drop the spring far enough, new rear spring mounts were made.

to bad the mounts is blurry but it's a great shot of the brake clean and grinder.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear-hangers_001.jpg[/img]

Mounted to the frame.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear-hangers_006.jpg[/img]

overall picture of the Jeep, and if you look closely the rear springs are hanging under it.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/rear-hangers_004.jpg[/img]

[Roman]

I love the original body sitting on the streched frame, with the tin top and all . . .

by the way, what tires are you going to run?

[bobracing]

I love the original body sitting on the streched frame, with the tin top and all . . .

by the way, what tires are you going to run?

got a brand new set of 37" MTRs

[79chevy39.5's]

nice jeep just hope i can score one and build it

[bobracing]

Been a while since anything has happened. GF has a kid that won't do his home work, so I've been spending LOT O TIME trying to get him caught up and this has been very bad on shop time.

Some of the last shots show the bumper and rear mounts welded up. Well ran into a little problem, the center line I used was about a 1/2" off and all the mounts had to be cut back off and redone. Remember measure 3 or 4 time before welding. Oh well it's done and welded again and sitting on four wheels and tires, they don't match but it does roll now.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/jeep_002.jpg[/img]

Now the fun part is putting swing pedals in. Found some off a Toyota but not sure I want to go that route, if it's what I can get, Toy will work. But the heater box had to removed leaving some nice holes to cover.
[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/res6wdko/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/jeep_001.jpg[/img]

[79chevy39.5's]

good to see you still workin on it......hope to get my jeep in about 3 weeks

[bobracing]

OK, it's been a while since I updated the progress, mainly because it's not getting done by itself.
BUT this has been corrected in the last couple of days. If I'm lucky I'll actually get some money out of the suburban and spend most of the weekend finishing the cage.

I'm a big believer in the Bend-tech program now. If you are going to bend tube this is almost a must have. At least for us that can't figure out how make the bender bend in the correct location.

The bars are just clamped in for now.
I'm also trying to figure out how exactly to make the overhead bar, atari bars, straight forward or center to corner. It will have a metal "bikini" top.






Yea yea yea, needs more trianglation.

[Roman]

Yea yea yea, needs more trianglation.

Just don't go crazy on it, alot of guys think a little trianglation is good, Hell, alot must be better . . . has a nice clean flow to it, good job!

[bobracing]

Red: under door bars and some rear gussets are going to be put in

These I'm trying to come up with one or a combination:

cyan: This was my orginal idea, gives side to side support

Purple: Gives side to side but I don't think as much as the cyan, also gives a place for a frame mount and harnesses
EDIT: these would drop down right behind the seats, not at the tailgate.

Green: crossbar with a place for harnesses.

At this point I'm leaning toward the purple... but do think the cyan would add the most strength.