My Willys 3A and 3B Community

Your Projects => Your CJ-3B Project => Topic started by: Kelley on January 17, 2021, 05:28:44 PM

Title: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on January 17, 2021, 05:28:44 PM

Hi Everyone,

A few years ago I bought this 1953 3B.  This is my first build and I'll document it here.  I'm learning as I go so I look forward to your help! 

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Rus Curtis on January 17, 2021, 08:24:00 PM

Looks good! 

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: 64CJ5 on January 18, 2021, 10:04:58 AM

Looks like a good place to start.  Could have an after market body as there are CJ2a top bow pockets above the rear wheel.  I think you will have fun with this Jeep.  We all like pictures.

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on July 09, 2021, 02:53:02 PM

There may be a bit of time that passes between posts, but I promise I'll keep at it.  Here are a few pictures of how I bought the '3B in order to prove to myself I know how to use the photo hosting site ....

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_0518.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_0527.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_0525.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_0542.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_0523.jpg)

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: PercyUK on July 10, 2021, 03:22:04 AM

Good luck, it looks like a great project

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: SteveKfl on July 10, 2021, 07:48:21 AM

Looks solid.  Thanks for the pics.  Good Luck!

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on July 10, 2021, 02:59:45 PM

For a while we stored the jeep in a rented garage.  It gave me a chance to begin a little bit of disassembly so I could learn more about what was ahead of me.  Here are some shots of the tub after removal.  It looks like quite a few repairs had already been done in places with sheet metal skinned over top of a pretty rusty tub.  I am intimidated about this part of the work - but it will be a while before I get to it.

Before getting started, I did drive it around the block a few times.  It ran when I bought it and I have documentation of a motor rebuild.  This was a selling point for me.. 

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/10/IMG_0957.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/10/IMG_0959.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/10/IMG_1214.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_1207.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_1206.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_1204.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_1202.jpg)

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on July 10, 2021, 03:28:59 PM

Eventually we made it into the garage at our house.  My car now relegated to the driveway, but for a good cause. 

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_3589.jpg)


(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/09/IMG_3591.jpg)

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on August 02, 2021, 08:27:13 PM

After removing some accessories - next major step was to remove the drivetrain


(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_3979.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_3985.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_3998.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4002.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4007.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4011.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4014.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4021.jpg)


First look inside ---

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/07/30/IMG_4024.jpg)

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on August 10, 2021, 04:01:34 PM

Here are some photos from disassembling the T90.  I was eager to know what condition the gears were going to be in - creamy looking oil when I began draining the case was not a good sign:

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4096.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4097.jpg)


My first real victory over parts that were rusted together was with the pivot pin for the transfer case shift levers.  It took really the better part of a week of soaking in PB Blaster and tapping on it each night before it started to budge.  What a feeling of accomplishment to remove the part without breaking anything.  Patience really is key at this stage.  With the shift levers off, I separated the T90 from the D18:

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4170.jpg)

I followed Rick Stiver's guide to proceed with disassembly.  After a run through the parts washer, I bagged, labeled, and organized everything for inspection.

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4190.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4208.jpg)

Here are some shots of the case.  One thing I'm interested in knowing from everyone is your opinion of the surfaces where the thrust washers sit. I understand they should not be gouged from a rotating thrust washer.  I see some scratches on this one where the cluster gear rides but I wonder if they don't rise to the level of needing any real repair (I hope the case doesn't need to be replaced):

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4199.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4198.jpg)

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4200.jpg)

Next up, the transfer case:

(https://www.mywillyspics.com/images/2021/08/10/IMG_4209.jpg)

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on October 09, 2021, 09:56:40 AM

Hey does anyone know a good sandblaster in eastern Massachusetts ?

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Mike House on January 27, 2022, 06:57:54 PM

I love the 3bs. Great project. looks like you are making great progress so far!
Mike

Title: Re: 1953 3B Build Thread, 453GB2 27642
Post by: Kelley on February 26, 2022, 02:26:33 PM

Mike - thanks. 

progress has slowed considerably with the arrival of our son (2nd under 3 now) last summer.  Looking forward to getting back to it as soon as I can. 

-Kelley