My Willys 3A and 3B Community
Your Projects => Your CJ-3B Project => Topic started by: Doug_3B on August 27, 2020, 05:51:27 PM
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I am going to re-do my build thread onto this site. It is the third build thread for this jeep, but the other sites are now unused and the links to photobucket are dead since I pulled all of my photos from there. I've had my CJ3B since 2005. My life has gone through many changes since then: at least 5 moves, a divorce, remarriage, bought and sold a '69 Bronco, bought and sold a '69 CJ5, bought and sold numerous other vehicles, bought and absolutely love a '91 YJ, neglected the old 3B, thought of selling the 3B, and most recently, re-found my love for the old girl. She has remained by my side and one of the only constants in my life for the past 15 years.
Since she sat, mostly unused, for much of 2+ years, I now have a list of things to do on her as long as my arm. I'd like to ensure that everything is documented, from the beginning, in one location.
I'll post more later!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2019/04/21/20140914_140852.jpg)
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Good!
Looking Forward to it!
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I just looked on the old 3B Board, and there are a lot of build threads on there. I hope some others take the time to move their threads over before they're lost. There are a lot of awesome transformations documented there! I am going to copy/paste from the previous build thread, and edit just what I feel needs to be edited.
I was first introduced to CJ3Bs when I was a kid. My Dad had one - I believe a 1958. From what he told me, the 3B body sat on a CJ5 frame and had the V6 Dauntless. I vaguely remember riding in it when I was 4 or 5. I remember running his trap line with him in the 3B during the winter. By the time I was 6 or 7, Dad's 3B sat unused and slowly rusted away over the years.
My 3B went from a hacked up trail rig to a fairly stock machine. I tend to get a little long winded some time, so if it gets too boring, let me know or just ignore the writing and enjoy the pics. Hopefully someone can learn something from some of the bonehead stuff I did and I hope everyone else enjoys the pics. I bought my 3B, my first jeep, in October 2005 on eBay. Looking back on it, it was a pretty bad deal. I will think long and hard before buying another vehicle without seeing it in person. What can I say - I had been reading A LOT on The CJ3B Page and I had the fever!!
Being the brilliant person I am, I waited until I had sold my truck to decide to buy a jeep that would require a truck and trailer to tow it home. Luckily my good friend was all up for a road trip - all 1600 miles worth Mountain Home, ID to Denver, CO. We drove straight there, losing a serpentine belt on the truck in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming!!
Upon seeing the jeep in person, my heart SANK. I was very disappointed to say the least, as it looked MUCH worse than the pictures. But, I had committed to the buy and we had driven all that way, so I became the owner of this bad boy. These are actual pictures from eBay:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/original-jeep1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/original-jeep.jpg)
After completing the paperwork for title transfer and sale, we loaded up the jeep (it actually ran and drove onto the trailer). This was about 7pm, we had been on the road since about 6am. We decided to head straight back home and all went well until we hit Cheyenne, WY. While stopped for fuel, we discovered that we had a flat on the trailer. Try finding a place to have a tire changed at about 10pm on a Friday night. We did, though. That was the last problem we encountered until we tried to unload the jeep.
The jeep would not start when we tried to take it off the trailer. There was no ignition switch, just 2 toggle switches and a push button to start. We ended up pushing it off the trailer and into the garage - a single stall garage that, per the landlord, no major automotive work was to be performed in.
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Here are a few more pictures after I got it home. Sorry for the poor quality, these were taken with a 35mm, sent to the store to get developed, and several years later, scanned into the computer LOL
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/front-view.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/firewall.jpg)
Grille moved forward to make room for a 283 SBC:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/grill.jpg)
The amount of holes in the dash, to this day, boggles my mind and the wiring behind the dash was nothing short of atrocious.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/interior.jpg)
If you run out of room for the battery under the hood, I guess the next best place is to just sit it on the passenger floor - near the fuel can between the seats.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/passenger-interior.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/seatsrear.jpg)
Here is a shot of the drivers floor. You can see that it was cut up pretty bad to fit in the Muncie M20 4 speed transmission. The original floor was cut out under that raised piece of aluminum to allow more brake pedal travel.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/drivers-floor.jpg)
Those are just a few photos showing a few select areas of the Jeep. Believe me, everywhere you looked, more problems showed up!
I found that the coil went bad for whatever reason and that is why it wouldn't start when we got it home. I replaced that and got it running. After a short, but hair raising trip down the block and back, I was VERY uncomfortable driving the jeep. It was loud, the steering wheel felt like it was going to come off in my hand, and between the modified drive train and the spring over lift, felt very unstable. I pulled back into the driveway just as my wife came out of the house at the exact moment to see the headlight ring fall off. She thought it was humorous and ended up naming the jeep "The Bondo King."
After that outing, I knew that I had to do something with it since I wasn't comfortable driving it. Without a real plan, I decided to to tear into it and find out exactly what was going on under the surface.
I removed the roll cage and cringed to find what it had been resting on on the rear fenders.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/fenderrot.jpg)
Good thing I didn't roll it when I drove it down the street
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Wow! I didn't remember all this. Good idea transferring from the old site! I wished I'd taken pictures of mine right after purchase.....
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Wow! I didn't remember all this. Good idea transferring from the old site! I wished I'd taken pictures of mine right after purchase.....
I hope some more people decide to do this Rus. There were some amazing builds documented. Seems like we lost a lot of people in the last forum move :(
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One thing that I learned pretty quickly is that with a vehicle like this, the deeper you dig, the more problems you find. I started to dig. I think that I was still trying to wrap my head around this project I got myself into. I had never tackled anything like this before.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/rear-fender.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/bentleafspring.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/leafspring.jpg)
I removed the tub. It was really, really trashed. You saw pictures of the rear fenders. The rear floor was totally gone and had been replaced with diamond plate. The passenger side toolbox was missing and the front floors were pretty rough shape. The dash looked like Swiss cheese. I guess, like many other old jeeps, the only good part of the tub was the cowl. I'd never do it again, but it was my only option at the time: I took the tub off in pieces. No matter how rough the tub is, somebody can fix it.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/teardown.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/drivers-interior.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/30/3B-Cowl1.jpg)
The tub being off exposed more problems, and my heart sank. This monstrosity I had sitting in my garage looked almost nothing like what I was seeing on The CJ3B Page.
This homemade spare tire and jerry can holder, let me tell you, it was solid! Must have been 3/8" steel they welded onto the rear crossmember.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/chassisrear.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/engineright.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/Frame.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/Frame1.jpg)
This bracket setup - maybe for a plow setup?
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/Frontend.jpg)
Piece of steel cable between the motor mount and axle ???
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/cable.jpg)
I was still trucking along on this project with no real plan other than to get it on the road as quickly as possible.
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I started to bog down on this project. Many of you can probably relate. I just kept finding more problems, saw never-ending work, and mountains of money that would have to be spent, but didn't see an end in sight. I bought this Jeep to drive in the mountains, and I could plainly see that I would not be driving it anywhere in the near future! I had to get a lot of inspiration from The CJ3B Page, and a lot of help and advice from the CJ3B Bulletin Board! A guy at work told me this Jeep would never see the road again. That REALLY lit a fire under my butt because now I had to prove him wrong.
I got to work and cut the homemade rear tire carrier off the cross member. Took me forever with a cutting torch.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/oldrearcrossmem.jpg)
The cross member and V brace were in rough shape.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/rust1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/rust.jpg)
I found a donor frame at a local junk yard. I still don't know what Jeep that frame was from, but I took the rear cross member for my use and ended up scrapping the rest a couple years later.
Here is the new cross member welded on:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/rearcrossmem.jpg)
Here it is with a little bit of POR-15 on it (not the best picture):
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/newrearcrossmem1.jpg)
And finally, a comparison shot - the old with the new:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/newrearcrossmem.jpg)
In some of these pictures, you can see that the Muncie M20 transmission is now gone. I still planned to keep the 283, but was going to adapt a T-90 to fit it. The Muncie caused too many issues that I did not want to deal with. I was also keeping the local stores in business buying wire wheels for my drill to bust rust on the entire frame. I was also able to locate the serial number on the frame which is good since the serial number plate on the firewall was long gone. Busting rust on a Jeep frame is a dirty, nasty job. Someone should invite Mike Rowe over to work with them for a day when they've set to that task.
Here's a shot of a much younger me doing my most hated of tasks (trying to catch the engine on fire ;) ):
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/08/28/grinding.jpg)
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After the rust was mostly gone, I painted the frame with POR-15. It sure looked nice.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/CHASSIS.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/frame-rear.jpg)
I threw the grille on it because I just HAD to!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/27/Frontview1.jpg)
About this time, I made the decision to take the Jeep back to stock. I went out and found a stock steering column and an F-head, both from the CJ3B Bulletin Board. I recouped my money on the F-head by selling the SBC. Here are the engines side by side:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/27/two-engines.jpg)
I finally had a solid plan. First up though, I had to repair the front of the frame. The battery box and original motor mount brackets were gone as was most of the crossmember and the front frame horns on both sides. I got in contact with a guy on the Bulletin Board who had a rotted out frame, but the parts I needed were all good. He agreed to cut off the parts and ship them to me. I wish I remembered his name, super nice guy. If you look close, you will also see that the springs once again sit below the axles. Anyway, here is what I started with on the front of the frame:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/frame-work.jpg)
It was a little sketchy getting things lined up with that cross member. You can see that I didn't follow the measure twice and cut once thing; it's a good thing I was working with metal and not wood. I ended up measuring once and welding twice!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/frame-work2.jpg)
I didn't get a ton of pictures through that whole project, but here is the final result:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/06/frame-done-Mar-07.jpg)
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I love reading these stories! Keep it coming. My 3A is in 500 pieces and my Blazer has not driven in years...
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I love reading these stories! Keep it coming. My 3A is in 500 pieces and my Blazer has not driven in years...
I've been there! Keep after it, even if it's just something small each week or two. You will reach a point where it starts to come together and you know: I'm going to finish this thing!
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Somewhere around this point in the project (Sept, 2006), I ended up with an extended stay in Iraq, courtesy of the Air Force. I was a civilian advisor embedded with an active duty mobile radar unit. During some downtime in those 4 months, I continued to amass parts for this project. Seemed like it was nearly every day, my wife at the time would come home and have to wrangle more boxes of parts into the garage. There were grilles and transmissions and pretty much any other part you can imagine. Here's a picture of the stash of loot part way through:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/09/27/stashsmall.jpg)
Once I returned home, it wasn't long before I was back out in the garage wrenching on the Jeep. Ahhhh, look at that. I was so young. And not gray....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/Bolting-up-the-transmission.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/Bolting-up-the-transmission3.jpg)
Here's a shot of the Hurricane going back into this Jeep for the first time in who knows how long
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/engine-installation-1-3-24-07.jpg)
Here, most of the drive train is installed. I was slamming parts together without rebuilding them. Please don't do this if you find yourself in a similar situation!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/engine-installed-1-3-24-07.jpg)
She was starting to look like something again!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/engine-installed-3-24-07.jpg)
I was really getting excited to see things start to come together; however, I knew that I had a problem. This thing wouldn't be back on the road without a tub. I wasn't ready to spend $2k+ on a prepro tub. My search for a tub began. In the meantime, I wanted to fire it up! At the time, money was a bit tight, so I could only spend about $100 per paycheck on the Jeep. I don't know how many of those $100ish orders I placed with Walcks for parts. Each time I told my wife: "this will be the last order before I can fire it up." I wasn't lying; I truly believed that each time.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/final-touches-on-engine-july-2007.jpg)
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Somewhere around February, 2007, I located a guy in Cody, WY that had a nearly complete CJ3B for sale. He was asking $500. We made a deal where I sent him half and he held it for me until the roads through Yellowstone opened. Travelling through Yellowstone saved several hundred miles on that trip. What I ended up with, was a complete CJ3B, minus a gas tank, for about a third of the price of my original Jeep. The important thing was the tub was in pretty decent shape. My plan was to take what I needed, and part out the rest.
Here we are pretty close to the east gate of Yellowstone. I think this was around May 2007.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0440.jpg)
And at some point inside Yellowstone
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0446.jpg)
The Jeep actually got us out of a speeding ticket in the park.
We got the second Jeep home and in the garage
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0463.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0462.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/two-jeeps.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/front-clip-installed.jpg)
Several days later, after having a chance for closer inspection, I found this whole Jeep to be in so much better shape than my original. Thought about getting rid of what I had been working on and starting over on that one. But, I had done too much work on the original at this point. I finally decided that I would take the tub and what other parts I might need and part out the rest.
The tub was in good condition, but not without its problems. Floor pans were a bit rusty
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0490.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0489.jpg)
And they had caved in the rear fenders, I guess to make extra room for seats?
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0491.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/13/IMG_0492.jpg)
With the second Jeep in a 1 car garage, I didn't have any room to work. I disassembled the second Jeep and stored most of the parts outside until I could get around to working on them.
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Yes...... A decades long rebuild.... I know it well.
Keep it up!!
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Now it was time for me to find out exactly how much I dislike body work. And I know: Jeeps are simple compared to most vehicles.
I patched the "new" tub, it was from a '53, with whatever good sheet metal I could pull off the old tub. I was a complete novice; never welded or done any kind of body work in my life. Screwing things up with the MIG and fixing them with an angle grinder.
I didn't have a lot of room to work. Due to the noise of the grinder, I stayed in the garage so as not to annoy the neighbors.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-work-july-aug-07.jpg)
If I need to spin the tub for any reason (and there was on multiple occasions), I carried it out the back door myself, spun it outside, and took it back in. The garage was not wide enough to spin it inside.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-work-nearly-complete-july-aug-07.jpg)
Passenger floor patches are in. Ugh.... the welds are hideous I know
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/passenger-side-patches-on-tub-july-aug-07.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/beginning-work-on-tub-july-aug-07.jpg)
I have the drivers side patching done and you can see that the old tub was able to donate the front of both rear fenders to replace what had been caved in:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/POR-15-tub-aug-07-3.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-work-nearly-complete-july-aug-07-1.jpg)
There was an insane amount of grinding involved in all of these welds. I ended up taking an entire week off of work just to get this over with
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-work-nearly-complete-july-aug-07-2.jpg)
Here is a closer shot of the fender repair. That must have taken me 3 hours to grind those welds flat LOL!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-work-passenger-fender-july-aug-07.jpg)
Here is what I was working with as far as the old dash went. I was originally going to patch the old dash, you can see I started. The plan was to swap out the entire dash. I wanted to keep the '63 authentic with the large speedo cluster, and at the time, I planned to use the speedo from my Dad's 3B. It was one of the few things I pulled from it before it was sent off to the junk yard.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/3B-Cowl1.jpg)
The dash on the '53 tub was just about as perfect as can be:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/dash-work-original-july-aug-07.jpg)
Perfect as can be, at least until I started messing around with it....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/dash-work-in-progress-july-aug-07.jpg)
Here it is mostly pieced together except for, you guess it, more grinding....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/dash-work-nearly-complete-july-aug-07.jpg)
And finally, when I was finished patching and modifying the tub, I set to painting the underside with POR-15
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/POR-15-tub-aug-07.jpg)
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Yes...... A decades long rebuild.... I know it well.
Keep it up!!
Thanks Rus! 15 years and I'm still spending money on her hand over fist! ;D
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Remember, JEEP stands for ... J ust E mpty E very P ocket... no matter how long it takes. lol Mine is on 10 years already, stagnant the last 4 years. Life keeps getting in the way of progress... or "lack of funds"... lol.
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A lot of work, but will be nice when it's done.
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Remember, JEEP stands for ... J ust E mpty E very P ocket... no matter how long it takes. lol Mine is on 10 years already, stagnant the last 4 years. Life keeps getting in the way of progress... or "lack of funds"... lol.
I know what you mean! I've had mine on the road since about 2008, but the past 2-3 years, I hardly even touched it. I try to start it up once ever couple week and drive it around the block, but sometimes by the time I do, she gives me an awful time starting and when I drive it around, it has flat spots on the tires from sitting! We finally got it out for a trip in the mountains this year for the first time in a couple years and I had some issues.
That's why I'm transferring my build thread over here from the old forum because I have a feeling a lot of things will be redone.
A lot of work, but will be nice when it's done.
Thank you! It is a lot of work and just when you think you're done, more work! ;D
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I think the pictures are starting to get slightly ahead of the story. The body work I did in the previous post was done in August, 2007. I had known for 4-5 months already that I was heading back to Iraq in September for another 4 months. My goal was to drive the Jeep down the block and back before I left. The race was on!
I painted the underside of the tub with POR-15 as shown above because the plan was once the tub was on the frame, it was not coming back off for a long time. The day finally arrived. My buddy came over and we set the tub onto the frame.
What a day that was! It was starting to look like those other CJ3Bs that I had spent so many hours looking at on the CJ3B Page! It did start and run, but did not yet drive.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-installed-11-aug-07-2.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-installed-11-aug-07-1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-installed-11-aug-07-3.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-installed-11-aug-07-4.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/14/tub-installed-11-aug-07.jpg)
I ended up swapping out the original axles for the axles from the donor Jeep. The original axles that came with my Jeep had 11" brakes installed, but probably not correctly. between the backing plate and the drum were these spacers:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_4518.jpg)
This caused the lug nuts to not thread on far enough, and it didn't seem safe to me. Rather than fool around with it, I decided to swap out the axles and go with original equipment for now. The 11" brake hardware was set aside and saved. Here is a picture of a Frankenstein that I had sitting behind the house with all the spare parts. Not a great pic, but if you look close, you can see the lug nuts do not thread all the way on.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_2727.jpg)
I knew the Jeep would sit all winter, and even in the dry climate of South West Idaho, I figured the bare metal on the tub might rust. I rattle canned some primer over the whole Jeep to help protect it. I also had the seat frames in it, because I still wanted to drive it before I left.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-in-driveway.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-in-driveway1.jpg)
I ran a good race, but alas, I was out of time. When I tried to move the Jeep out of the garage under its own power, I found that the clutch was not disengaging. I had made a terrible error when I failed to ensure everything worked properly before I put the tub on. It would have to wait; I only had days before I left. The Jeep sat in the garage holding tools and parts, awaiting my return.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/tub-filled-with-junk.jpg)
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I finished my second tour in Iraq and returned in January 2008. I didn't waste much time getting back to work. First up: figure out the clutch issue.
I dropped the transmission/transfer case and pulled the bell housing
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/clutch-replacement1.jpg)
I bought a new clutch and pressure plate and made sure the pressure plate was properly adjusted. What a bone headed move not doing that in the first place! I also took the opportunity to have the flywheel resurfaced.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/clutch-replacement.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/clutch-replacement2.jpg)
Upon reassembly, it worked like a champ!!
Here's a video of the first time I drove my Jeep after I rebuilt it. This was March 2008.
https://youtu.be/WENtBTw2S6M (https://youtu.be/WENtBTw2S6M)
I had two sets of tires, and neither was road worthy. I did some comparisons on how they both fit and looked.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-in-garage5.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-in-garage2.jpg)
And then I went and bought a new set of shoes for the old girl
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-new-tires1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/jeep-new-tires.jpg)
They're still on the Jeep 12 years later. They've worked well, but I'm going to swap to a radial one of these days, and hopefully go with 16" rims.
That summer, with the Jeep registered, insured, and road worthy, I drove the wheels off of it! Had so much fun. My Ex even took a ride in the Jeep; I think the only time she ever got in it LOL
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_1260.jpg)
And what's there to do in Mountain Home, ID? Drive out to the desert and go shooting! So we did!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_1244.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_1232.jpg)
This is my buddy Rick, whos truck and trailer we used to pick up the original Jeep near Denver and the donor Jeep in Cody WY.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_1220.jpg)
The summer; however, was coming to an end. And I started to think about paint before winter set in....
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One little story before we move on to paint prep. My friend Rick and I were rocketing (as far as CJ3Bs go) up a little two track 5 or 6 miles north of Mountain Home, ID called "Immigrant Road." Out here in this dry climate we get a phenomenon called "washboard roads." It is my most hated of all phenomena. I'm sure some of you can relate if you've driven much on washboard roads. Suddenly, the Jeep sputters and died. I coasted to a stop along the side. We opened the hood and there is the side post battery terminal welded to the metal radiator shroud. I guess I didn't think the battery hold down, that I had sitting in the garage for months, was important. We sat the battery back down on the battery box and the positive post came right out and stayed attached to the radiator shroud.
About this time, a beat up old truck comes along and stops. This old boy chats with us for a couple minutes about Willys Jeeps and how good they are, meanwhile, we're sitting there along the road with the hood up. "Well, you boy have a good day," and he was off. Well, I guess if we couldn't get it running, we were walking back into town. I rummaged through the stuff I had along in the tool box and found duct tape. We knocked the battery terminal and cable loose from the radiator shroud, stuffed it back into the hole in the battery and duct taped the hell out of it.
I'm sure my mouth was agape when the Jeep actually fired up; I flipped it around and carefully headed back for town. The following day, I bought a new battery and installed it along with the battery hold down clamp.
Well, on to paint prep. As much as I hated to, I began to tear the Jeep back apart. Of the body, only the tub would stay on the frame.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-2.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-3.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-4.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-5.jpg)
If you look closely on the radiator shroud, you can see the remnants of the battery terminal welding itself to the shroud from the story at the beginning of this post.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-6.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-7.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-8.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-9.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-10.jpg)
My makeshift paint booth. Little light, less ventilation, what could possibly go wrong?
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-11.jpg)
Here we are, just about ready for etching primer
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-12.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/prepping-for-paint-13.jpg)
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OK! First up: Etch Primer:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/etching-primer-on.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/etching-primer-on-1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/etching-primer.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/etching-primer1.jpg)
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Then on to Fill Primer. From what I understood, fill primer was supposed to fill in some imperfections. Evidently, my definition of an imperfection is VASTLY different than that of a professional. That stuff didn't hide anything :D
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer8.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer2.jpg)
Each step, after I'd spray the tub, I'd let it dry and then move it out of the garage and spray the rest of the parts.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer3.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer4.jpg)
And even though it still wasn't it's final color, it was nice to see it all one color
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer5.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer6.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/primer7.jpg)
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Step by step, we were getting there!
Here is a much younger me, looking all gangsta, but really not doing anything productive; just posing.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/Doug-painting.jpg)
It was finally time to spray color. I went with blue because there was one on the CJ3B Page Owners section that I really liked. The blue that I ended up with is several shades lighter than I really wanted. It's now been 12 years since I sprayed this Jeep and I've been considering doing it again, either some sort of dark forest green or a desert tan, not sure yet. According to the original paint/trim code tag, which miraculously was still on the firewall, paint code was "228" which appears to be "Parade Blue." That color is MUCH darker than what I sprayed. Also had a trim code of "200"
I still remember how I marveled when that blue paint came out of the sprayer and started laying on that light gray primer. Finally!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/tub-painted1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/tub-painted.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/tub-painted-3.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/tub-painted-2.jpg)
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I could barely contain my excitement while I let all the parts dry. It was finally time to put it all back together and see what it looked like!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/grille-painted11eb3e1e71d6256d.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_21716334b256baa4b8e4.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_21728ad05537e6ff55f7.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_21737bacba86b028f53c.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_21769d10cd32ef9ab9bc.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_2174eed8fcd07fb84743.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/15/IMG_2177f1b90aa18325d59e.jpg)
Well, it was done!
LOL, no it wasn't. Although it ran and drove, and now looked good on the outside, I hadn't been inside the engine, transmission or transfer case. I hadn't looked at the axles past the brakes. And it still needed a million little odds and ends, like seat back cushions!
So, stay tuned, there's plenty more!
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That's looking good!
I see you went with the small backup light.....
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That's looking good!
I see you went with the small backup light.....
Thanks Rus! I was sure excited to get it to this point.
Yeah, picked that light up at the local feed store. I'm sure its for a tractor, but I figured: close enough!! The thought was I could turn it on if I ever had to back up at night, I'd be able to see. It does work in the handful of times I've used it in 12 years, but I'm thinking of swapping most all lights over to LED, so I'm going to be looking for something a little different for backup lights!
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that's the day we all hope for, painted and drives :)
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I came very close to using a tractor light. Lawrence Wade used a similar light on his for years as a back up and I was leaning that direction (incl. LED versions).
(https://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Wade/CurtisPhotos/WadeBackup.JPG)
But I found this on the auction site and the price was too good to pass (see attached below).
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but I'm thinking of swapping most all lights over to LED,
I've been thinking about doing that, too, but not sure if I have to change the turn signal flasher??
Looks like 1157 bulbs front and rear??
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I came very close to using a tractor light. Lawrence Wade used a similar light on his for years as a back up and I was leaning that direction (incl. LED versions).
(https://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Wade/CurtisPhotos/WadeBackup.JPG)
But I found this on the auction site and the price was too good to pass (see attached below).
I like that light, Rus! And it's a great idea to mount the light on the draw bar. I'll remember that for the future!
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but I'm thinking of swapping most all lights over to LED,
I've been thinking about doing that, too, but not sure if I have to change the turn signal flasher??
Looks like 1157 bulbs front and rear??
I haven't really looked into this yet Chuck.
I did swap turn signals from incandescent to LED on my 91 YJ earlier this year. I bought the bulbs and also a resistor that they said might be required so the bulbs wouldn't flash really fast. I swapped the bulbs only and had no issue. Didn't need to swap the flasher or install the resistor. That's not to say the 3B will be the same....
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Hey Doug!
Remember Rocky Canyon?
Was it really 8 years ago?
Randy
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Hey Doug!
Remember Rocky Canyon?
Was it really 8 years ago?
Randy
Hey Randy!!! That was a fun trip!
How the heck are ya!? We have to get together some time! Todd and I were on a trip up through Clear Creek and back around Boise Ridge Road in August. It's the first time I saw him in 4-5 years.
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I'm good...older but no wiser!
Still crawling around under the jeep looking for trouble to get into...:)
Enjoying your jeep thread......seems to me you had just rebuilt the engine when we were on one of our drives....
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Good to hear Randy!
I'm glad you are enjoying this thread. You're correct - engine rebuild is coming up soon!
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While I love the look of an old Flattie with no rollbar, I decided to trade looks for at least the illusion of safety and installed a roll bar.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2319.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2320.jpg)
Soon after this, we moved into Boise. This move provided quicker and easier access into the Boise National Forest for me. I ventured out farther and farther, and each time I was out, there was always something that I'd decide needed to be changed on the Jeep. Little projects soon started to happen.
I bought and installed a drawbar. No real need for it, but decided no Willys was complete without one LOL
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2445.jpg)
I also installed the side spare tire mount
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2466.jpg)
I sprang for a good marine wiper motor for it
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2635.jpg)
And went through a series of different disconnects for it so I could lay down the windshield. From not great:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2490.jpg)
To slightly better:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2634.jpg)
To the final design
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_4531.jpg)
That doesn't need to be disconnected at all. You can also see that I installed the shakiest mirror of all time.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_4532.jpg)
And, for the final pic on this post, I got a nice bikini top from New Life Canvas to keep the scorching Idaho sun from baking me alive
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_2577.jpg)
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Somewhere around the spring of 2011, I saw Goose's sweet 3B had a spare tire mount on the tailgate, and I thought it looked so much better than the side mount. So, I started calculatin' and came up with a crazy plan that I should have known wasn't going to work.
I welded a piece of angle iron onto the spare tire mount. That rests on the top of the tailgate and I thought may take some of the weight off of the bolts going through the tailgate.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3974.jpg)
It was kind of difficult for me to drill holes in this after all of the body work I had done, but I got through it.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3970.jpg)
Removed the chains and bolted the tailgate shut
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3967.jpg)
I needed to add spacers, I just used wood, hoping it would not tear up the tailgate too bad.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3976.jpg)
I cut a piece of oak for the inside, to hopefully help spread out the stress/weight
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3977.jpg)
The finished mount
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3978.jpg)
And a couple shots of it all done
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3980.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3979.jpg)
Now, this was going to work real good - IF the Jeep was going to sit still.
Unfortunately for me, the Jeep didn't sit still. The first run I went on, I heard a terrible rattling coming from the back. We pulled over and my friend Matt who was following me asked what was up with my spare tire, it was moving around entirely too much LOL. Upon investigation, that tube at the top of the tailgate cracked and the whole thing was starting to fail. I figured I'd add this gem of a failure in here in case anyone was thinking of doing the same thing - might not want to!
Before continuing on the Jeep trip that day:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4292.jpg)
Later, see my next brainstorm for a tailgate spare tire mount. I wasn't giving up yet!
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I think I'm starting to get some things slightly out of order of how they actually were done, but for the most part, the order doesn't matter.
Since we started with the tailgate spare tire mount above, I'll continue with my next hair brained spare tire mount idea here.
I still had the beat up original tailgate. It was pretty rough. Here was my first look at it as I started working on it.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4450.jpg)
I cut the bad section out of the bottom
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4454.jpg)
I hammered out a replacement out of 18 gauge steel I had laying around. It looks like complete garbage, but is solid. I tacked it on.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4455.jpg)
A test fit revealed it was not perfect, but would work since it would be bolted shut.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4456.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4457.jpg)
Here I have the rest of the holes closed up
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4470.jpg)
I welded some angle on the inside. I wasn't screwing around with a small piece of oak this time....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4472.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4473.jpg)
Here's another shot of it and I have the holes drilled for the tire mount and anti-vibration dampener
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4476.jpg)
Etching primer on
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4478.jpg)
And a test fit
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4479.jpg)
I decided to rattle can it flat black rather than try get out the paint gun and try to mix up more paint to match. I thought the black was a nice contrast and most of it would be covered up with a spare tire and eventually a Jerry can.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4575.jpg)
And, the tire mounted
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/18/IMG_4576.jpg)
I finished this sometime in 2011, I believe. As of today, November 19, 2020, this tailgate is holding up well and is still in use.
I have thoughts of one day fabricating a swing away spare tire carrier that bolts to the draw bar in some manner AND still allows use of the tailgate. It's been a long time since I've been able to drop the tailgate up in the mountains and sit on it to eat lunch.
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So, I did get slightly out of order here. The tailgate project was 2011. The T-90/D-18 rebuild was during the winter of 2009, I believe. I finally got tired of popping out of second when I was motoring down Rocky Canyon Rd back into Boise. I used some winter downtime to remove and rebuild both the transmission and transfer case. I had very detailed photo threads made, as a compliment to Rick Stiver's guides. I also had his T-90 rebuild video on VHS. I lent that to a guy and never saw it again. I literally have over 220 photos from the rebuild, but I'm not going to go into great detail. I heard there are rebuild videos out there on youtube now. If you're interested, my D-18 writeup was published on the CJ3A Page tech tips section https://www.cj3apage.com/index/Tech_Tips/DougHD-18TransfertCase.htm (https://www.cj3apage.com/index/Tech_Tips/DougHD-18TransfertCase.htm)
Anyway, on to some photos!
Here are both pulled from the Jeep
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2802.jpg)
You can see I had the old style transfer case
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2804.jpg)
Here they are, separated and on the bench
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2812.jpg)
The T-90 spilled it's guts
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2836.jpg)
Case cleaned and painted
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2841.jpg)
T-90 reassembled
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2908.jpg)
D-18 getting ready for the same treatment
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2843.jpg)
D-18 disassembled, cleaned, painted, and awaiting reassembly
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_2970.jpg)
Here is a stupid little dolly I made to wheel this stuff around. I'd be able to wheel it under the Jeep and still get a jack underneath.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3057.jpg)
T-90/D-18 mated back up. You can also see I swapped the old style parking brake to the one that is supposed to be on a 3B
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3059.jpg)
Install shifter temporarily to make sure everything works as it's supposed to
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3077.jpg)
Here we are heading outside to install
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/19/IMG_3079.jpg)
Both worked like a champ. No issues besides some leaking.
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I rebuilt a spare carb that I had laying around using a Carter zip kit.
I've got millions of pictures of this project as well, but will just provide a few below.
Original:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/20/IMG_3530.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/20/IMG_3674.jpg)
Just before I started to tear it down
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/20/IMG_3535.jpg)
Here are some of the little parts you end up working with
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/20/IMG_3547.jpg)
And all cleaned up and put back together.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/20/IMG_3757.jpg)
I didn't really notice any big changes in performance or how well the engine ran, so the old one probably wasn't too bad. One day I think I'll send the spare off to be professionally rebuilt - get the bushings checked/replaced.
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In 2011, I got the idea into my head that I needed an overdrive. I sold off a bunch of spare parts and stuff from around the house to help fund this "need."
Finally, a box arrived from Herm.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4369.jpg)
Oh man, that sure doesn't look like a thousand dollars worth of parts...
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4370.jpg)
Time has not been kind to me. I don't remember the name of half of this stuff anymore and am too lazy to look it up. If I remember correctly, that thing on the right got replaced by the bigger thing on the left LOL
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4378.jpg)
Seems that I always did Jeep projects when it was scorching hot or bitter cold. Here we are in December, 2011, in my unheated garage. My good friend Marc was helping me with this project.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4379.jpg)
When I was pulling the output shaft gear (or whatever it's called), I dropped the cotter pin down inside the transfer case. I fished for it for 20 minutes and couldn't find it. Had a magnet stuck in there and everything. So, off came the pan.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4380.jpg)
Oh the things you find while removing the pan. I never noticed this when I rebuilt the transfer case
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4383-1.jpg)
Here is the planetary gear installed.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4381.jpg)
Other than losing the cotter pin and having to remove the pan, this black clip seen in the center of the photo was the most frustrating piece of the OD installation. Basically, if you install it correctly and it stays in place, you are good to go. If you screw it up and it comes loose, you grenade $1,000 investment. Once I thought I had it in there correctly, I spent a full 20 minutes monkeying with it to see if I could make it fall out.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_43865a9f3e3837841ab4.jpg)
Finally satisfied that the clip was in there and not coming out, we bolted on the rest
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_43898d5f1c7db16e4dc4.jpg)
I had some issues with the linkage hitting the underside of the tub. I ended up fixing it by lowering the transmission/transfer case crossmember slightly. Here I have the shifter installed complete with the aluminum shifter knob I salvaged from my Dad's CJ3B. I ended up removing that shift knob because depending on what gear the transmission was in, the OD shifter knob would hit it.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_439101a581389c467e71.jpg)
I let the sealant cure for 24 hours before adding oil. I then tested the OD while the Jeep was up on jack stands. Everything worked fine. A road test also went great. I have a video of the jack stand test at least, I may insert that in here one day.
9 years later, the OD is still performing well. I have to say, it was worth every penny!
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By this point in the rebuild, I'm into late winter, 2012. The major things I hadn't touched yet: engine and axles.
We would tackle the axles first. I wanted to get into them at least as far as the wheel bearings and make sure everything was OK.
Just getting started. Locking hub removed:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4490.jpg)
I went and bought the spindle nut socket so I could do this right. However, I soon found that someone had been in here before, and they had not bought a spindle nut socket.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4491.jpg)
That thing looked like some sort of wicked circular saw blade
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4492.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4495.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4493-1.jpg)
I was expecting to see a U-joint in here, not a bunch of ball bearings! This was when I learned about Bendix vs Spicer front axles. There's even another kind called Rzeppa.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4496.jpg)
Got the top king pin bearing cap removed
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4497.jpg)
Had some cleaning to do before I could remove the bottom bearing cap!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4498.jpg)
Have the knuckle removed here
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4499.jpg)
This was the worst king pin bearing I found. Lower drivers side bearing:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4500.jpg)
Here I have things pretty well cleaned up and after a parts order, ready to reassemble
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4501.jpg)
Here are the two different types of front axles side by side. Bendix on the left, Spicer on the right. My big question was: "How the heck do I know if the Bendix joint is any good?" I found out from the CJ3B forum at the time the answer was simple: You hold the axle by the shorter portion (outer when installed in the Jeep) and let the longer portion hang. If the longer portion hangs, the axle joint is still serviceable. If the longer portion crashes to the ground, the joint is unserviceable.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/21/IMG_4520.jpg)
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Great job documenting!
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Keep it rolling Doug! I like reliving these rebuilds with their 20-20 hind sight!
So, how were your Bendix axles? Both my jeeps have the Bendix. I've been threatening to swap them out for Spicers but lots of $$$$ and something about a different bushing....
I did replace the big ball bearings in mine, helped tighten them up a little......:)
Here is a little action video....Doug with his rebuilt F-134 is in the lead, way ahead, you will see him eventually as he crawls under the jeep for a look see......and also there is some of Doug's favorite washboard road for those who have not experienced it....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKKqFI40kdI
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Great video Randy! 2012s kind of a long time ago, LOL, but IIRC, I had some sort of oil leak/pressure problem and I think it was due to the oil pressure gauge I had stuffed under the hood from the fresh rebuild - I think it came loose from those washboards. Pretty sure that was the first time out on the new rebuilt engine.
I could feel my teeth rattling loose from that road while watching your video!
The Bendix axles were still both serviceable, but at a certain point, it seemed to bind up a little bit. I just didn't like how they felt, so - and I had to go back to one of the old build threads and check - I apparently put the Spicer axles in the Jeep.
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Great video Randy! 2012s kind of a long time ago, LOL, but IIRC, I had some sort of oil leak/pressure problem and I think it was due to the oil pressure gauge I had stuffed under the hood from the fresh rebuild - I think it came loose from those washboards. Pretty sure that was the first time out on the new rebuilt engine.
I could feel my teeth rattling loose from that road while watching your video!
The Bendix axles were still both serviceable, but when turning one of them, at a certain point it seemed to bind up a little bit. I just didn't like how they felt, so - and I had to go back to one of the old build threads and check - I apparently put the Spicer axles in the Jeep.
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Here we go with reassembly:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4524.jpg)
Doesn't it look so pretty all cleaned up?
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4525.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4526.jpg)
Here is the axle shaft mostly installed. Pretty sure I went with the Spicers.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4527.jpg)
Surprised that I didn't take that outside and clean it up a little bit
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4528.jpg)
Brake lines connected back up to the wheel cylinder
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4529.jpg)
I cleaned and sprayed the hub
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4560-1.jpg)
With a new spindle nut, I got to use my spindle nut socket to tighten things down.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4561.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4562.jpg)
And Cutlass locking hubs cleaned and installed. I ran these hubs for years, but I really didn't like having to dig for a tool before getting out to lock them in or out.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4565.jpg)
This picture shows the front tires after I completed the drivers side and before doing the passenger side. With the way that passenger tire sits all wonky, I expected to find bearings that were REALLY shot in there. That was NOT the case. All bearings in the passenger side were still serviceable; although, I replace ALL bearings during this project. I filled the knuckles with Land Rover swivel housing grease.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4566.jpg)
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Here is some rear axle work. I pulled them apart to check the bearings and seals.
A buddy of mine had a hub puller that he let me borrow
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5007.jpg)
Hub removed
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5009.jpg)
Now: time to remove the axle shaft. I ran around to several parts places to rent an axle removal tool. I found one that was totally useless, maybe an 8-oz slide hammer, it did nothing.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5014.jpg)
Frustrated, I formulated my own plan. The thing I love about having a welder is the ability to fabricate when necessary. The nuts were the tricky part, I ended up taking an axle nut to a specialty place for comparison and bought two. Welded them to a section of all thread, used a sledge hammer head, and created my own slide hammer. I thing by the second blow the axle came loose. Haven't used this tool in years, but it's still around!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5015.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5017-1.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5019.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5020.jpg)
Here it is going back together
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5028.jpg)
And, another project in the books
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_5036.jpg)
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The engine rebuild is coming up real soon, but I came across these pictures of the original axles that came on my 3B, and figured I'd post them. They had 11" brakes installed, but had weird spacers installed and the lug nuts didn't thread on all the way. I called them the "axles of evil." I figured maybe they had the wrong drums and the spacer took care of their problem, but I don't understand why they wouldn't have installed longer lugs.
Here is the front axle of evil
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4514.jpg)
This is all the further the lug nuts would thread on:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4515.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4516.jpg)
Removed the drum and there's the spacer
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4517.jpg)
I guess I can appreciate the time and work and acetylene put forth in blowing these spacers out of 3/16" steel, but when it comes to my steering and brakes, I prefer to do everything the right way.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4518.jpg)
I hope I don't need them things when I install the 11" brakes on the Jeep because I chucked them far away.
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I knew it was time to do something about my engine when we were on a Jeep trip in the Boise National Forest and my friend Todd pulls up behind me during a break and gets out of his 3B laughing. He was following me and said the road was just covered with blue smoke.
I had the spare F-head that came with the parts Jeep. In order for there to be as little down time on the Jeep as possible, I would tear down the spare, get it machined and rebuild it. Then the Jeep should only be down a day or two to do the swap.
Here is the spare before I started tear down.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4545.jpg)
Oil pan didn't look great
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4615.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4552.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4549.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4548.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4550.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4625.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4624.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4557.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4611.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4627.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4629.jpg)
I had the block and head hot tanked and magna fluxed.
About the only break I caught during the whole rebuild is that there were no cracks in the block.
The engine had been rebuilt before, so they had to go .060 over on the cylinders and .020 under on the crank.
I used Joe's Motor Machine in Boise, for anyone in the area who might be interested. He was in his 60s when I had this work done and he inherited the business from his Dad. He said he mostly works on older stuff. He recognized the engine as soon as he saw it and his shop just had this look that, yep, this is the right place!
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"and his shop just had this look that, yep, this is the right place!"
I felt the same way....just wanted to hang around in there and look at the stuff!
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"and his shop just had this look that, yep, this is the right place!"
I felt the same way....just wanted to hang around in there and look at the stuff!
Yeah!! That's how I remember it looking!
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Here is the block fresh from the machine shop
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4737.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4736.jpg)
And, reassembly begins
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4765.jpg)
Cam is in
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4766.jpg)
Fitting the crank
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4770.jpg)
Getting a chance to play with some new toys to check end play
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4782.jpg)
Installing the pistons
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4803.jpg)
And... they're all installed
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4809.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4824.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4827.jpg)
Distributor installed
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4825.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4826.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4837.jpg)
Starting to look like an engine again!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4838.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4839.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4864.jpg)
Ready for paint
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4870.jpg)
Painted
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4874.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/IMG_4898.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/img_4899_8361811652_o.jpg)
And finally, the old with the new:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/22/8212781564_ba7c59bbf6_o.jpg)
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When you pulled the engine did you pull the fenders and grill off?
And did you use any special lift brackets or just straps etc.?
I need to replace my clutch and don't really want to pull the transmission/transfer case. The engine maybe is no easier to pull but I can do that on my feet instead of on my back on the cold concrete!
Randy
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It took about 6 months to rebuild the engine. Probably was at the machine shop 4-6 weeks alone. Then, as I was building it up, I had a lot of questions, problems, and parts to buy. Finally, it was time to swap it out.
Starting to remove the front clip
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212777614_8013c9075d_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212778468_7f8c02a28c_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212779172_4a8a1b9546_o.jpg)
Used a come along to pull the engine
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212780014_5bea343902_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212779486_080e58de4f_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212780494_6aa1a6d265_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212781072_8f7cf2c862_o.jpg)
With the old engine out of the way, I took the opportunity to clean up the firewall, something that always bugged me.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211694667_238ddb9598_o.jpg)
I also took this opportunity to install a heater under the dash
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211700387_8328b56bbe_o.jpg)
OK, enough stalling! Time to install the new engine
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212783422_b081520ece_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8212783028_94271f708a_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211698621_b419946d0c_o.jpg)
Also put a alternator on at this time
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211699335_cc98b31610_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211701255_1d5e0b06f0_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/24/8211700887_bd3f0f3106_o.jpg)
It was finally in and ready to test! This was somewhere around the week of Thanksgiving, 2012.
I had some issues upon start up. I cranked her some with the coil wire removed to get some oil pumping. After I connected the coil wire back up and tried to start it, it just cranked and cranked and cranked. Even to the point that the battery go a bit low. I blame that on the choke, the choke cable is hard to move sometimes and I think that I didn't have the choke pulled all the way out. Anyway, I boosted the battery with my truck, jumped back in the Jeep, pulled on the choke, and the cable came out further than it had the previous time. Hit the key and it almost started. Hit it again and it was running.
However, there was a terrible rattle. The only reason I didn't shut down the engine immediately was that I could tell it wasn't something major, and I was busy looking for the source. Turns out that I had forgot to tighten the 4 fan bolts into the water pump. That was an easy fix.
After some timing and idle adjustments, I was pretty much in awe at how quiet and smooth the engine ran. The old engine was starting to sound like a diesel.
Here is video of the first time the engine started after the rebuild:
https://youtu.be/Vrslwag8_A0 (https://youtu.be/Vrslwag8_A0)
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When you pulled the engine did you pull the fenders and grill off?
And did you use any special lift brackets or just straps etc.?
I need to replace my clutch and don't really want to pull the transmission/transfer case. The engine maybe is no easier to pull but I can do that on my feet instead of on my back on the cold concrete!
Randy
Hey Randy,
Yeah I did, I was going to post the latest reply yesterday, but was farting around with the video. Pulling the front clip is so easy and gives you complete access to the engine.
I've pulled the transmission/transfer case several times, actually got pretty good at it. I always went for that rather than pulling the engine because I don't want to screw around with draining the antifreeze LOL. I always end up with a mess!
You're right, the engine probably is no more difficult to pull than the transmission/transfer case and you can stand while doing it.
I bought the engine hoist chain from the parts store, you can see it in some of the pics. it worked just fine. You can borrow it if you want to; I just saw it the other day. You may want to use a cherry picker to pull the engine; I used a come along hanging from a giant eye bolt from Boise Rigging. It works, but you have to push the Jeep around rather than the cherry picker/engine.
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Something else that I had in the works at around the same time as the engine rebuild was a Koenig hard top. You can see it in some of the pictures. It was an on going project of several years. I got the top for a steal locally, finally something that didn't cost an arm and a leg AND that I didn't have to drive for hours to pick up. The catch was that it was for a low hood Jeep; I'm not sure if for a 2A or 3A. I kind of figured a 3A because for some reason I believe that the tub dimensions of a 2A were slightly different.
It wasn't much to look at to begin with:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4815.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4813.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4814.jpg)
The passenger side was rusted through in sections. I had to cut out and replace the bad parts.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4840.jpg)
Here I have a piece of square stock clamped on to try to keep everything from warping. I was not entirely successful in that endeavor.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4841.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4843.jpg)
Here we got the new panels welded in and ground down. And put on the Jeep for a quick test fit and to see how it looked
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4844.jpg)
View from the back
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4845.jpg)
And, painted. I used Rustoleum Hammered Black. This paint didn't hide nearly as many imperfections as the can led me to believe
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4846.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4847.jpg)
The driver's side was similar, but not quite as bad. Here are both sides sitting in place
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4876.jpg)
The top needed no work other than paint. However, I had to adjust my windshield to get the right measurement so the top would fit correctly. I couldn't get the right measurement, no matter how I adjusted it. Advice from the CJ3B Bulletin Board told me that I would have to bend the windshield frame arms slightly. I kind of wish that I had documented that for posterity. I removed the windshield frame and placed it on the ground. With glass still in it, I parked a tire of the Jeep on it to hold it in place. Then I used a 4' section of pipe, slid one end over the end of the windshield arm and tweaked. I had no idea what I was doing, but I did know I was going to crack the windshield.
Whatever I did, I did it right the first time and when I reinstalled the windshield, with original glass still in 1 piece I might add, I was easily able to get the correct measurement from the top of the windshield frame to the back of the tub.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4879.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4878.jpg)
If you're ever going to do a project like this, do yourself a favor at this point, and enlarge the windows. SOOOOOO many blind spots. You can't see anything beside behind the doors and very little behind you. If I was in traffic and had to change lanes, I'd flip on the turn signal for 30 seconds or so and then start to ease over and listen for a horn. I HATED driving with the top on.
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Thanks for the pictures! I'll go the same route, and I'll use an engine hoist, Tate's has one I've used several times.
I'm with you on those blind spots!
I fabricated a mirror mount for the right side, using the two bolts in the windshield frame that hold the upper door hinge bracket in place, don't know if the 3b has those bolt holes.
It is not great but is better than nothing. I do walk into it pretty regularly though:)
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The next thing I started working on was the lift gate. It needed a new hinge.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8294958955_641e0609c6_o.jpg)
And time for a test fit. Fit perfectly!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8296003024_7abecbe5da_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8296003590_a5c378c2a7_o.jpg)
I had to notch a small portion so the spare tire carrier would fit
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8294953909_44b96cc249_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8296004656_56244f6f76_o.jpg)
The lift gate had no latch; the tailgate held it closed. It did lock in the open position.
On to the doors. I've seen the question asked many times: will a top for a low hood Jeep fit on a CJ3B? Here's where you can really run into issues.
Here is a shot of the passenger door for a CJ3A (I think) on a CJ3B. This is what you're up against. Look along the edge of the windshield frame. At the top everything is good, at the bottom, not so much. In actuality, I probably could have run it like that and just had some water and air leak in. I wanted to make it look right; however.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8328082620_143cb248ab_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8328083494_016abf9fb7_o.jpg)
And, I had a welder, a wild imagination, and spare sheet metal sitting around. I cut a pattern from a piece of cardboard, then used that to cut out a piece of sheet metal. Ya got to be careful with sheet metal, especially when it comes to a point - it just kind of starts to disappear on you. Anyway, I got the piece welded in. Not perfect, but functional.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8327025781_b384fda060_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8327024793_55b1fb9618_o.jpg)
I was just kind of winging it here, basing my design off of some pictures I found on the CJ3B Page
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8327217025_15e2b213f5_o.jpg)
I ended up with very little gap in there
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8327217773_0e2ba17c0b_o.jpg)
And checking to make sure the door fits
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8328278362_031afaa4a6_o.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/8328280356_7d6f66c980_o.jpg)
The same process was repeated on the drivers side.
Then, I ran it for two winters with no glass in it LOL. The top always came off in early April and went back on as late in November as I could stand it. Sometimes I was a little late putting the top on
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2019/11/23/20141114_131342.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2019/11/23/20141114_131334.jpg)
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After a couple years of running the top with no glass, I finally broke down and set to that project. The sides originally had sliding windows, but I decided to just make them stationary.
Being the cheap man that I am, I had the glass place cut the laminated glass (which was NOT cheap, I assure you), but I was going to install. I also bought the seal from them.
It took many hours of cussing, sweating, and struggling to install the locking strip in the seals, I finally got them in.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141123_164107.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141123_164119.jpg)
Holy smokes, so I wasn't about to struggle through that again! I went and found the correct tool to install those seals and bought it. I took the lift gate to the glass shop and had them cut glass for it as well. They installed the seal for me for free without me asking....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141128_110936.jpg)
But, I wasn't about to complain!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141129_120958.jpg)
You can also see in these pictures, I painted all of the rims black. While the white looks good, I like the black better.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141129_131716.jpg)
Now, with glass installed in the sides and lift gate, when I put the doors on, even with no windows, the cab started to get nice and toasty....
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Did they put the seam of the gasket on the top? It all looks good together. BTW, do you think a bedliner coating rolled on would hide your "flaws" you mentioned while giving it a protective coating and a vinyl top look too? Just a thought out loud.
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For the hard top, all that was left were the doors. While I had the exterior painted with hammered black, the insides looked like this:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141212_124001.jpg)
I used a 3M product that was supposed to protect the metal and help provide some sound insulation
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141207_125344.jpg)
The plan was to spray the entire interior of the top with this stuff. I only ever got around to doing the insides of the doors.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141207_125335.jpg)
I removed the crank mechanism, blasted it with my cheap sand blaster and cleaned it up pretty good. After greasing the moving parts, it actually moved really nicely.
The next thing was to get the felt window channel. I had no idea what I was doing here, so did a lot of research and finally ordered the channel. It came in one big long strip.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141226_133441.jpg)
I had to measure, cut, and shape it to fit the door.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141226_135818.jpg)
when it came to glass, I had two that I salvaged off of an old CJ5 Koenig top. They were plate glass and were about 1/8" too wide. I had a glass shop trim them down and both shattered. They warned me that would likely happen. So, I ended up with two brand new laminated glass windows.
Figuring out how to get them installed was a little tricky. There was some trial and error. Put it in, take it back out and try again.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141227_145512.jpg)
Finally, I had a fully enclosed cab!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141227_155532.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141227_155516.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_5268.jpg)
I used some thin paneling and finished the inside of the doors
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_5267.jpg)
As soon as I started driving it with an enclosed cab, I found that the windows fogged up on me. I had planned on fabricating up a defroster duct out of sheetmetal, but needed something in the interim. Here is what I ended up doing:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141221_160917.jpg)
Yes, it was clunky. It was simply held in place by 4 sheetmetal screws, and it worked great.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/20141221_161439.jpg)
I finished the top in December of 2014 and ran it every winter until this year (2020). I sold the top this past summer. It was functional and solid, but it takes up a lot of space when storing it, even in pieces, and the blind spots were so bad that I was afraid to drive it. I thought about modifying it and making the windows much larger, but that still left me the problem of storing it. After much thought, I decided to sell it and go with a vinyl or canvas top. While the hard top is gone, I still haven't decided on a new top. So, the Jeep is spending the winter in the garage and if I drive it, I'll bundle up.
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Did they put the seam of the gasket on the top? It all looks good together. BTW, do you think a bedliner coating rolled on would hide your "flaws" you mentioned while giving it a protective coating and a vinyl top look too? Just a thought out loud.
Steve,
I'm not sure what they used originally, but I used 3/4" wide weather strips from the hardware store between the hardtop and the tub, and also between the sides and roof.
I never even considered using a bed liner. I bet it would have worked great. Paint it on inside and out, it probably would have done a great job at hiding the flaws and may have even provided some sound insulation.
-
One day in June of 2014, I guess I was a little bored, so set about modifying my roll bar.
Here is how it originally mounted in the Jeep. I used eyebolts, that way I could secure gear down if I was going camping or whatever.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140628_124721.jpg)
I didn't like how that plate covered the whole fender. So, I set about fixing it. I removed the roll bar and had to get a shot of the Jeep without it:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140628_160529.jpg)
Then I divided the plate into 4 equal sections and cut out the middle two sections:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140628_131612.jpg)
There was quite a bit of drilling involved to get through both plates on all 4 corners.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140628_152600.jpg)
I decided that while I'm at it, I might as well weld on nuts to the bottom plate and then paint it with POR-15
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140629_203542.jpg)
I used strips of an old mud flap for between the roll bar and tub.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/319.jpg)
And finally getting it secured in place:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/320.jpg)
And from the bottom. It should be easy enough to add a piece of bar from the bottom plate to the frame should I ever decide to do that.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/321.jpg)
I don't know if this was beneficial in any way or not, but it kept me out of trouble for a couple days
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20141221_200539.jpg)
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I often wished I had locking storage in the Jeep. I planned to use an ammo can. I took some rough measurements between the seats and then went looking for the right size can.
A 40mm grenade ammo can had just about the perfect dimensions. When it arrived, I did a test fit.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140701_192545.jpg)
Perfect!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140701_192550.jpg)
The only thing that wasn't perfect is that the lid didn't hinge. I was used to normal people ammo cans that latched on one end and hinged on the other. Apparently wild men, who shoot things like the Mk-19 belt-fed grenade launchers, do not like hinged lids on their ammo cans.
This wasn't a big problem because I had a welder and left-over piano hinge!
I started out by making raised legs to keep it of the floor of the tub and also have it at the right height to double as an arm rest. I used pipe with washers welded to both ends. Due to differences in the floor height, one leg had to be longer.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140711_173917.jpg)
Here is another test fit
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140711_173749.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140711_173812.jpg)
Here is a shot of the bracket that is on both ends of the ammo can.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_115447.jpg)
With little work, I removed the bracket from one end.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_110727.jpg)
Flip the bracket around, and it was the perfect fit to reutilize
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_110739.jpg)
I welded the bracket in place and put a strap around the can to put a slight pressure on the lid. I wasn't sure if it would seal properly if I didn't do that.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_114158.jpg)
And finally, the hinge welded on. One side to the lid, the other to the repurposed bracket
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_115321.jpg)
Testing it out
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_115343.jpg)
Here it is installed in the Jeep
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_143934.jpg)
For the locking part, I welded on the loop from a hasp lock
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_121447.jpg)
Lined up with the existing holes in the front latch
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_121433.jpg)
And the front latch clears the shifters just fine.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/20140712_143920.jpg)
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I used the same can and added a "cam lock" through the front, and shaved off the handles on top for a smooth top. It also fits a small insulated vinyl cooler bag to contain cold drinks if desired.
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For 6 years, from 2008 when I first put my 3B on the road, until 2014, I drove around with seatbacks that looked like this:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/25/IMG_4844.jpg)
Finally, I had enough! My back had enough!!
Again, I had no real idea what I was doing, but I cut out some fabric
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_112645.jpg)
Pinned it in place:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_115453.jpg)
Sewed it, pinned the other end on
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_134332.jpg)
Semi-finished product
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_135037.jpg)
Added some snaps
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_110749.jpg)
And some thin foam
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_111423.jpg)
And installed
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_161219.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_111145.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20140810_161441.jpg)
And while I was at it, I made this as well
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/446.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/447.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/27/448.jpg)
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I used the same can and added a "cam lock" through the front, and shaved off the handles on top for a smooth top. It also fits a small insulated vinyl cooler bag to contain cold drinks if desired.
Steve, do you have a picture of your cam lock setup? My setup is pretty simple and effective, but I don't like how much the lock rattles around while I'm bouncing down some Forest Service road. Always looking for improvements!!
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I don't, but I'll go over to the shop today to try to get some for you. I used locks for 'filing cabinets" from Home Depot, all keyed alike for three storage compartments I made. Not a bank vault security, but keeps nosy ones out and does not rattle. I love the seat covers and matching center padding.
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We are REALLY close to being up to date on this rig.
Starting in 2013, I went through a rough couple of years as my life was upended in a divorce. Some good friends and the Ol' 3B helped see me through.
In late 2015, I met the beautiful lady that was to be my new wife and spent a couple years convincing her I was the right guy for her :)
In that time, I didn't get a lot of projects done on the Jeep. There were a few; however.
In the fall of 2015, I got tired of the stiff ride of the 3B, so purchased the Superlift 1" lift kit.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20151030_135217.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/20151030_135455.jpg)
I was really impressed with the difference in the ride. It was like a Cadillac (compared to what it was before!)
I was also trying to find an authentic horn. Authentic Jeep horns must be made of gold because you can't find them. If you do find them, the prices are outrageous!
I ended up finding this guy and am very pleased with it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H84UVK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H84UVK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_0310.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_0311.jpg)
I always wanted a tach in the Jeep. I finally broke down and bought one. It's nothing fancy, but it works.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_2060.jpg)
In the past year or so, I replaced the old steering wheel that had the small horn button with the correct large button steering wheel for a 63.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_2061.jpg)
In my never ending quest to see behind me better, I added this nasty mirror. I'm still looking for something better than this
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_2063.jpg)
And after years of contemplating, I finally broke down and bought a Pertronix ignition module. I noticed no difference; perhaps I'll order their coil to go along with it and see how that goes. I put one on a 69 Bronco years ago and the difference was amazing. On that one, I don't remember if I used their coil or not. But, for right now on the Jeep, I am underwhelmed.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2020/11/28/IMG_2062.jpg)
So, finally, that brings this thing up to date. I wanted to get this documented again because there are other projects I'd like to do and wanted to have the whole process in one place.
Some things I plan to do and not necessarily in this order:
Buy/install canvas top
Install a radio
install oil pressure/amp/temp gauges without cutting holes in the dash
real seat coverings
emergency flashers
passenger wiper
11" brakes
Reverse light mod
better fuse/circuit breaker panel
upgrade to 16" rims and radial tires
LED lights
swing away tire/jerry can carrier
dual reservoir master cylinder
side steps
Add cup holders somewhere, the current idea is to put them on front of the center console.
I'm sure there is more that I'm forgetting, but that list alone should keep me busy for a couple years.
I'll try to be good at keeping this thread updated
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I don't, but I'll go over to the shop today to try to get some for you. I used locks for 'filing cabinets" from Home Depot, all keyed alike for three storage compartments I made. Not a bank vault security, but keeps nosy ones out and does not rattle. I love the seat covers and matching center padding.
I sure appreciate it Steve, no big hurry. yeah, I'm just looking to keep the nosy ones out. If someone wants in to the one I have, they'll get in.
Ya know, this might be dangerous: all of us sharing Jeep pictures, giving everyone else ideas for never ending projects! ;D ;D ;D
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OK, I've tried 3 times to attach pics to my reply, but it just cycles back to a blank reply page.. New to me camera, and borrowed laptop, so I'm not sure what is different now, as I never had an issue before. I'll check pic size next. Sorry for the delay.
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Let me try the pic attachment again. 3/6 this time.
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Part 2 pics 4,5,6/6 attached.
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Very clever!
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I like that a lot Steve! Thanks for sharing!
I'll add that to my list of things to do!!
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Thanks Doug, and Rus for the comments. In the fifth pic where my hand is holding the flap to show the backside of the lock and also the slot for the lock arm to pass thru, if my memory serves me right, I JB Welded a huge thick fender washer on the inside for more strength to resist the lock from being pulled out. I didn't look when making pics, so I'll have to check that out and verify for you. The sides of the can are kinda thin, so I couldn't "weld" a piece in there..
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I finally 'remembered' to look inside to see if my 'memory' was correct. It was not. No washer, just the existing metal box, but I tugged on it locked, and with the spring loaded latch and lock, it does not budge under realistic pressure, not trying to "break in". Also, the insulated cooler bag that fits inside, is a Walmart product, an "eight can soft side cooler" with a 'zippered top storage area' too, by Ozark Trails, in case anyone was interested. It fits like it was made for it.
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OK, so this is posted over in another thread, but I figured I'd add it here as well.
OK, so I cleaned up a spot to work in the garage, and dug out the welder today. The seat is installed, seat-back problem fixed, and new pegs from Mike installed and working beautifully. Basically, I cut off the old pegs on the rear legs. I took some pipe that I had laying around and added it in. I'll go through the process below. Yes, I could have used some smaller diameter pipe, but I didn't have any laying around and I didn't want to go looking for some. It's functional, sturdy, and hidden by the tailgate.
My original problem was that the seat back leaned too far back and stuck out past the rear edge of the Jeep by probably 3-1/2". Additionally, the locking pegs that came on this seat didn't lock in properly.
Here, I'm just trying to figure out how much I needed to add into the rear legs. Came out to around 2-5/8"
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2156.jpg)
Here is the pipe I had laying around.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2157.jpg)
I started by cutting off just one side.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2158.jpg)
Here are the two pegs side by side. The one from Mike on the left.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2163.jpg)
No fabrication project is complete for me unless I get bit by the angle grinder. I love the mesh backed mechanics gloves, but here's what happens
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2160.jpg)
I decided to weld the new peg onto the extension first.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2159.jpg)
I haven't welded in awhile....
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2161.jpg)
Then I placed the peg into the clip, and then the seat leg into the extension. This way I was sure to have the alignment correct. Tacked it in place and then removed and finished welding.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2162.jpg)
Then you do the same to the other side. I measured to make sure the seat sat level to the bed.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2164.jpg)
Little bit of paint and she don't look bad from far away
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2165.jpg)
Clears the tailgate and will clear a hard top or soft top
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2168.jpg)
Now, one day I'll put some cushions on it
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/02/IMG_2167.jpg)
The pegs from Mike work great; highly recommended! The seat used to pop out of the clips practically by themselves, but not anymore! To get the seat out, you have to really want it!
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This past weekend, I spent a few hours out in the garage with the Jeep. Didn't get a lot accomplished, but this was a project I needed to do for years.
The bikini top straps from New Life weathered the Idaho elements rather well, but finally began to break down
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2219.jpg)
Enough finally broke off so I couldn't reach the footman loop any more, so to get a few more years out of it, I added the eye bolts to each side. This year, one side finally gave up for good.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2219.jpg)
I bought and used this speedy stitcher awl in hopes that it would do the job.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2218.jpg)
It actually worked great. I did have to buy the smaller needle than the ones that came with it. The smaller needle came in a two pack and a good thing too - on the last strap, the first needle broke. I only poked my fingers a couple times and none of them were bad. I was probably out there a total of 3 or 4 hours.
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2216.jpg)
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2215.jpg)
I made the new straps a bit longer than the originals. I want to find a way raise the bikini top a couple inches to get a little more head room. It rests against the top of my head and if it's loose at all and starts bounce up and down - that gets annoying real fast!
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/01/22/IMG_2222.jpg)
I will be very thankful I did this come the summer.
Right now, we're working on a carb problem that causes it to run VERY rich.
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I believe that if you drive real fast, the pressure differential will pull the top upwards to clear your head. When you feel the top on your cranium, you'll know you've slowed down.
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I believe that if you drive real fast, the pressure differential will pull the top upwards to clear your head. When you feel the top on your cranium, you'll know you've slowed down.
;D ;D ;D
Too bad it only has 72 HP and is less aerodynamic than a cow! That top is bopping me on the head constantly!
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I've been working on this project for awhile - and it's not done yet, but I thought I'd post up some pics.
My wife REALLY likes driving the ole 3B, so I want to make it as safe as I can. One of these days, it will be upgraded brakes, but for now, lights.
Original lights:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2046.jpg)
I bought these LED lights to replace the original:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2037.jpg)
Awhile back, I bought some rough headlight buckets because I didn't want to modify my originals. These LED lights were a REAL close fit. I probably didn't have to cut for them to fit, but I didn't like the way it kind of trapped the wire and if those fins are to dissipate heat, then I figured they should be a little more exposed. Here is the rough outline of what I was going to cut:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2039.jpg)
Here you can see that the LED light fits without cutting anything:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2038.jpg)
And here's what I ended up cutting out:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2040.jpg)
Here is after I smoothed out the edges:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2041.jpg)
Next up was the headlight connector. Luckily, the contacts were really easy to extract to clean up and solder new wires on:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2033.jpg)
Here we have it painted up nicely and the new harness in place:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2253.jpg)
And a quick test of the daytime running lights:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2254.jpg)
Other side installed:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2302.jpg)
Daytime running lights test:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2303.jpg)
Low beam test:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2304.jpg)
High beam test:
(https://www.beamingpix.com/images/2021/03/02/IMG_2305.jpg)
I still have to wire it all together. I'm trying to clean up my wiring harness as I go as well. Had a small problem on the trail last year and don't want a repeat. I'll be using waterproof relays to power the lights. I'll post more when I get more done.
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Hi Doug, I hope you don't mind an old friend dropping in to say hello. Glad to see you've still got the 3B. We're still in eastern Idaho, still have the '53 A1 and have added a few more to the fleet since we left Meridian 6 years ago. I rescued this 3B from a friends bone yard a couple years ago. Hood, grill and fenders are good, body is rough but can be fixed. I need seats and a windshield. Planning to put it on a very nice late '48 2A chassis with an F head I have. Let us know if you're ever coming over this way, would be great to see you again. Jack
(https://beamingpix.com/images/2021/04/02/Screen-Shot-2021-04-02-at-4.49.59-AM.png)(https://beamingpix.com/images/2021/04/10/Screen-Shot-2021-04-10-at-6.45.30-AM.png)
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Hey Jack! It's awesome to hear from you! The day before yesterday, your number came up when I was searching for a contact in my phone. I hope you're doing well and I'm glad to see you are adding to the fleet. I don't know if you remember Hayden, a young guy who went with us on just a couple jeep trips. He was working diligently on a white CJ5 for quite awhile. I saw his CJ5 up on Craigslist back in 2016 and tried my best to ignore it, but he kept lowering the price until I couldn't pass it up. I had it for about 3 years. Did a bunch of body work on it and got it barely running and driving. Then it sat for a couple years, in the way, and I finally sold it just before Covid hit. The guy that bought it stopped by about 4-6 weeks later and it was all fixed up, painted, and on the road. He didn't waste any time. Now, I daily drive my 91 YJ and work on the 3B sometimes.
I will indeed let you know if I plan to be in your neck of the woods. It would be great to catch up.
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Doug, We finished Lori's Tux Park after we got over here, it's white too, black and red upholstery, came out nice, it's our "around town" Jeep, she doesn't want to get it dirty! We go for ice cream or burgers during the summer or take the grandkids for a ride. Speaking of grandkids, we now have 11. Pretty cool! And I went "modern" last year too, decided I wanted something with a real roof, doors and a heater, found a very clean '98 Cherokee XJ two blocks from our house, all stock, original family owner. Picked up a '70 CJ5 with V-6 this spring, also all stock, local Jeep. Plus slowly turning a '48 CJ2A into a rock crawler, 4.3 V-6, TH350 trans, etc. I'm not a fab guy, so I'm depending on others for a lot of the work. That one's taking way longer than planned, but we'll get there. Take care and stay in touch!
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Nice story.
I wanted to tell you that after 5-6 yrs running the Pertonix, I finally put their 40000 Volt coil in. Not sure why, I bought them at the same time. Anyhow - it does make a difference. Really need to spread the coil mounting bracket to its limit though. I run 7mm copper wires.
Also, on your carb. I posted this elsewhere, but WillysAmerica has new ones on their website for $200 from warehouse in Turkey from the 70's. Exact fit for 3B. I love mine - way better than any rebuild I did on mine or the Solex I used for years. I even bought some extra ones for future projects.
Happy Jeepin.
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Thanks Scott! I appreciate the information!