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Author Topic: 53 CJ  (Read 3342 times)

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Offline oldtanker

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53 CJ
« on: July 15, 2015, 02:58:37 PM »
My son's and I just bought one. Very ruff shape. Gonna needs lots of parts and advice. I know we need an engine, trans mission and transfer case. Looking at buying a new body tub and will need steering parts. Any guidance is appreciated!

Rick

Offline oldtime

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2015, 08:10:28 PM »
Seams like you need a whole other jeep unless you get some really good deals on all those parts.
Hope you at least got a good title and frame for starters.

Just how bad is the body ?
Can you post pics of the body ?


Offline Austin

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2015, 08:12:35 PM »
I went through the same thing you are going through.  After buying my first 3a in September, now I have 4 of these old jeeps. Nothing restored, just reliable, overhauled jeeps. Everyone has  different opinions, but one word of advice from me, don't get in over your head with a life long restoration, just enjoy your jeep and drive the hell out of it. Drive it through the mud, the creek, plow over black berry patches, and whatever else comes in front of you. It's a jeep. If it breaks, you will always be able to fix it. Every essential part is readily available, and best thing of all is there is no inspection on antique vehicles (in Virginia). One other word of advice, don't buy Chinese parts. Have your original parts rebuilt. Everyone in this forum is extremely helpful as I have found. Good luck with your Jeep!

Offline athawk11

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2015, 09:52:21 PM »
Rick,
We have a member here that is a Willys hoarder of all hoarders.  A whole barn full of parts.  He lives in Minnesota.  He's a good friend.  He has helped me out with tons of parts.

His name is Lee.  He may be able to help you with some of your needs.  Look him up in the members list. Send him a PM.

Tim
2-1949 CJ3As
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Offline oldtanker

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2015, 12:15:39 PM »
Quote
Seams like you need a whole other jeep unless you get some really good deals on all those parts.
Hope you at least got a good title and frame for starters.

Just how bad is the body ?
Can you post pics of the body ?



The body is a series of patches over patches.

Rick

Offline oldtanker

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2015, 12:17:04 PM »
Austin. I've worked as an auto mechanic so the work on it isn't an issue to me.

athawkII Thanks.

Rick

Offline PeterL

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2015, 04:04:26 PM »
Oldtanker-

If you buy a tub or body kit make sure it was RECENTLY manufactured.  There have been quite a few changes and if you get one that has been lying around it is a PITA.

TRUST ME!

Offline athawk11

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #7 on: July 17, 2015, 11:36:34 AM »
"Patches over patches."

Ooooh, been there.  If you and your son decide to take on the tub, it can be challenging, but also very rewarding to rebuild what many consider a complete loss.  There are a number of examples in the Project section showing impressive transformations. 

Here is one good example.  It was appropriately named, [size=14]"Too Rusty To Save?"[/size]


http://www.cj3apage.com/cgi-bin/3Ayabb26/YaBB.pl?num=1360037699





I always get a kick out of this photo.  I'm pealing back a patch on one of my recent projects...




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Offline oldtanker

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Re: 53 CJ
« Reply #8 on: July 17, 2015, 12:14:29 PM »
LOL, I know things can be saved sometimes but this is a case of needing a lot. Plus I was a mechanic not a "fender bender" body man. Plus I'd really have to look at getting a wire feed welder too.

Rick