It's finally here

[OlDaz]

My CJ3B finally arrived this evening. It's an Australian built RHD. I was told 1957, but need to confirm. No data plates and re-powered with an Australian 186 cid Holden straight 6. It was repaired/overhauled many years ago and has done some 3000 miles since, although this mileage was achieved early and it's sat in storage for an unknown but lengthy period.
I plan to work through whatever needs doing to put it back on the road as soon as possible. The wheels on it will go and original type wheels will go back on, then it's a matter of making it all work again. It came with 2 original wheels with good 6.00 NDT's and 2 that appear to be GPW combat rims with bad 7.00 NDT's, so that's a good start.

[Rus Curtis]

The fun begins!!

[OlDaz]

 Spent a few hours yesterday figuring out the wiring. It was professionally done many years ago, so no wiring diagram and many switches that don't seem to do anything. The wiring is in good condition, but every switch seems to be non-operational. New marine quality switches ordered and I dug through the parts bin for a column mounted indicator switch to replace the faulty one on the dash. In the process of restoring the vintage Hella switch I had in the parts bin. Now looking for a suitable headlight switch to replace the faulty toggle switch on the dash. Amazing how good the electric system is, but more amazing how bad all the bits connected to it are. The wiper worked for about 2 minutes, then stopped rotating, but kept running, so it looks like new wipers needed as well. The fun had indeed begun  .
Also listed some parts for sale/swap.

[OlDaz]

The fun continues, electrical system has taken longer than anticipated to get sorted. It doesn't help when there's extra switches fitted that don't do anything. I've been using a "known good" switch to test wiring from suspect switches and have now found coiled up wires that haven't been used for anything, frustrating. Finally sorted what needs to be done to fix the flashers correctly and will get that done tomorrow. New window catches ordered, new wiper motors located and will be ordered provided I can get the right arms for them, new park/flasher lights for the front ordered and the list goes on. Spent some time looking in all the usual (and plenty unusual) places for chassis number - no data plates either - made enquiry for new data plates, looks like it might be 46138S - more scrubbing with dremel might help. And these are only a few of the things done or in progress. Hi beam indicator, tyres, clutch linkage and rear wheel cylinders next, then canvas roof and chain covers, etc.

[Rus Curtis]

....and have now found coiled up wires that haven't been used for anything....

Looks like your jeep came with some spare wire!

...looks like it might be 46138S - more scrubbing with dremel might help...

I tried rust removal to find mine but never saw it until after sand blasting.

[OlDaz]

Used a small grinding wheel in the dremel and that helped a bit. Problem is the master cylinder is right beside the area where the stamping is and brake fluid spillage over the years has taken the paint off and allowed heavy surface pitting. This is an Australian RHD, so master cylinder and steering box are either side of the stamp area. There's no data plates to cross check what I can see of the number, but if I'm right and it's 46138 it aligns with a '58 CJ3B delivered into South Australia where this one came from.

[Rus Curtis]

I had to go look at photos to refresh my memory.  Your setup is like these two images?





No wonder you're having a challenge.  I assume you've scanned this article on the stampings and know there may be another spot near the rear on the same right side frame rail.

https://cj3b.info/SerialNos/SerialNosFrame.html

I don't believe the rear stamp (if present) would be readable without lifting the tub.

[OlDaz]

Yes, been reading everything I can on this and other sites to get as much info about the "B" as possible. Really don't want to lift the body at this time, especially as I doubt the number would be in 2 places. The new switches have arrived and been fitted including indicators, most of the extra?? wiring not used has been removed, still have a horn type button up under the dash on the firewall that goes to earth when pushed - whatever that is about - maybe some sort of kill button, will test when I next have it running. New lights up front for park and flasher, extra tail lights removed and number plate light fitted. Waiting on windscreen catches, plus the arms that hold the windsceen open/closed, wiper motor/s and the button I will adapt to be the horn button in steering wheel. Steering wheel repairs in progress, should be ready to sand down tomorrow. New grade 5 bolts in the drawbar done and dash lights done, so making progress. Probably start on brakes next.

[OlDaz]

Always waiting for parts, bummer. At least it gives me time to tackle other things. Checking up for tyres, still need to find a couple of wheels - got 2 MB type and 2 CJ3B type, plus a set of 8' wide steel sunraiser type, but would like another 2 MB type - got the right rear wheel cylinder off and apart, will hone it and see if it's any good, certainly needs new seals, maybe a couple of new wheel cylinders might be in order. Finished the steering wheel repair, came out good. First horn button too small for what I want, bigger one on the way to recreate the original in middle of steering wheel - making progress!!!

[Doug_3B]

Ugh...  waiting for parts is the worst!  I always had to plan 2 weekends ahead.  I'd usually place an order for parts on Sunday afternoon.  They would arrive 8 or 9 days later, then I'd have to wait for the weekend to install them.

I also chose to rebuild the wheel cylinders.  I don't think it saved much money, but at least I got to dig around in there and see what made them work.

[OlDaz]

I've been out of action for a couple weeks, away on "holiday" in hospital for some repair work. Managed to snap up a set of 4 after-market wheels with good mud tyres between visits. Rear wheel cylinders sleeved with stainless while I was away, now new seals fitted and in progress of re-assembling rear brakes. All the windscreen securing/adjusting latches and catches arrived and now fitted, so another bit done. Brakes should be finished this week, then on to wipers and clutch operation. Still waiting for vin and dash tags. Unfortunately having it on the road by Christmas is now out the window, but shouldn't be long into the new year when I get it roadworthy.

[SteveKfl]

It looks like 2021 is a better year to "start out" with it any way.  Start the year off right!  May I ask who did the SS sleeves on your cylinders?  Thanks.

[OlDaz]

I got the cylinders stainless sleeved at "Clutch & Brake Specialists" in Geelong (Victoria, Australia). They also supplied the new seals, boots and a replacement bleed screw as one was suspect.
Now on to the handbrake. The cable fitted is either too long on the inner, or too short on the outer by around 2" (50mm). I notice a few comments from others with similar problems. I'm in the process of designing a simple sleeve extension for the outer that will attach at the crossmember mounting point, now just need to make it and fit it. Clutch operation next - very stiff with minimal pedal travel.

[OlDaz]

Handbrake outer adaptor made and fitted. Quite simple construction and if you make it, just make it long enough to eliminate the excess cable length. One picture shows adaptor on the cable, second one shows it bolted in place on crossmember.

[Rus Curtis]

It looks beefy enough.  Hope it holds up to brake application stress.