Messages

1

Chassis, brakes and suspension. / Re: Front Crossmember Repair/Replacement

« on: February 14, 2024, 04:23:45 PM »

Yeah, I checked with Harry and Jo. They do not have the part. I'll have to figure this out. Thanks again.

2

Chassis, brakes and suspension. / Re: Front Crossmember Repair/Replacement

« on: February 14, 2024, 08:23:12 AM »

Thank you all for your input. Ron, I had looked at the information you provided prior to posting my question, but figured I would ask anyway. Chuck, The bellcrank location would be my biggest worry if I completely replace the crossmember. I would have to remove everything the new one comes with, and weld a new bellcrank mounting brack to it. Grafting may be the way to go, but you're correct with your measuring comment. Rus, you aren't kidding about the pricing on a new part from KW! At that price the thing should weld itself in place while handing me a frosty beverage! As far as rusting other component in that area is concerned, the crossmember and the battery support took the brunt of the damage. A wooden structue was attached by a PO to serve as a battery support, and I beleive that acid wicked into the wood, causing the damage to the crossmember. But thank you for your advice. I will look VERY closely to the entire area. The last thing I would want is to have a frame rail buckle on me.

~Charlie

3

Chassis, brakes and suspension. / Front Crossmember Repair/Replacement

« on: February 12, 2024, 04:28:24 PM »

Hey all,

So just a quick question for those more knowledgeable than I. My 1953 3B needs repair or replacement of the front crossmember. Rust has had it way on the passenger side where the crossmember sits under the battery tray. I've seen those online websites selling crossmembers for the MB's and early CJ2's, but nothing for the 3B's. My question is this:

With minor modifications, could this replacement crossmember work for my 3B, or is it possible that the tube would be the same diameter so a graft of the old and new crossmembers be a good solution?

Unless someone has a spare 3B front crossmember sitting around, I'm not sure what the best option would be. Any input is welcomed. Thanks.

4

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 30, 2023, 06:41:24 PM »

Update from today’s work in the engine bay:

We located the serial number stamped on the boss behind the water pump. R4T46651; so this flathead is a rebuilt motor from a 4x4 truck? Since there no “J” stamp there I’m assuming this may be correct if what I’ve been reading online is true. I was not able to locate the cast numbers as the poor thing is still on the old wheels and tires, and I’m not ready to pull the motor just yet. I still have to trailer the Jeep home.

So my next question would be if there is any way to confirm if the frame and body are “original”? Or so to say can I match the s/n of the body to something on the frame?

Lastly, can anyone date the engine simply based on the stamped S/N?

5

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 27, 2023, 07:43:30 PM »

3

6

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 27, 2023, 07:40:38 PM »

2

7

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 27, 2023, 07:39:38 PM »

Pic 1

8

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 27, 2023, 07:35:09 PM »

Rus,

The engine has been inside this Jeep for as long as I can remember. My father was given the Jeep from his younger brother, who got it a trade for doing some mechanic work for a gentleman back around the mid ‘80s. We used the Jeep for years after that. The last time I can recall it running was back in the early 2000s, and that would’ve been around the time it was parked. My son begged his grandpa to have the Jeep to fix up and get running again. So that’s the plan.

The body is all but rusted away, but may have a few good parts still there. There’s HEAVY layers of body filler on the driver side between the drivers seat and the wheel well. The wheels still roll, but the steering wheel has rusted away. The brake and clutch pedals appear to be stuck. The transmission, transfer, hi/low range shifter still move like I remember(solid but stiff). I have yet to try and turn the engine over as my work schedule keeps me pretty busy but that will happen this weekend. Fingers crossed!!

I’m actually thrilled to have that old flathead motor. I just didn’t know if it could have been possible to have come from the factory that way. I highly doubted that it did, but thanks for your input! Cheers!

9

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Engine in a '53 CJ3B

« on: December 27, 2023, 03:21:28 PM »

Hey Guys,

I'm wondering about the engine that's in my rig. From everything I've seen and read online, the CJ3B's had the F134 Hurricane engine, but mine has the L134 Go-Devil. I'm not assuming that this would be original to the jeep, but could it be? I haven't cleaned the engine for the serial number yet, but the number I pulled off the plate on the firewall is 453-GB2 27659. From the production numbers I found on CJ3B.info, this body would have been made roughly half-way through the production run in 1953; if I read it correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Charlie Sibley

10

Once You've Joined / Re: Welcome CSibley

« on: December 27, 2023, 02:28:38 PM »

Greetings all!

Much thanks for allowing me to join this group.

My 14 y/o son and I just acquired a '53 CJ3B. We're excited to begin the process of restoring the "Old Man". This jeep has actually been in my family for many years, and was used as a hunting rig. It was parked about 15-20 years ago and nearly forgotten. My son begged his grandfather for the jeep and finally got him to say yes. The Old Man isn't much to look at right now, and aside from the years of neglect and years of hunting trips, I am seeing signs of modifications that would have been done prior to my family getting the rig back in the late 1980's. Pictures to come soon hopefully. Thanks again for allowing me to be here.