I've been lurking here for a little while now, trying to learn what I can before I make a purchase.� And now I have.
By day, I'm a college English professor.� I've spent the last several years building up a sagging and abused 88 Grand Wagoneer into a fun wheeler.� It's referred to as the Big Jeep.� The new one will be the Little Jeep.� (For an English prof, you'd think I could come up with better names.)
My new rig is an absolute basket case that was destined either for a mercy killing or a parting out on Craigslist.� But the previous owner had a sentimental attachment to it and couldn't handle the idea of parting it out.� He had driven it in high school while working for the original owner on that guy's farm up in Visalia and had hoped to restore it after the original owner passed away.� But he ran into a problem.� He's 6'6" and 275.� So he had to let it go, but he wanted it to go to a good owner that would put it back together and enjoy it, which I will indeed do with my wife and three kids.
I'm taking up the cause of resurrection, but it's too far gone to be a beauty queen.� It's a 1951 CJ3A, serial number 451-GB1 37063.� But I got a whole lot more than I need.
My parts haul:
* The frame is strong.� I've been under and around it looking for cracks and I'm quite happy so far.
* Stock axles are in good shape.
* 11" rotors front and rear.
* Saginaw steering, but I will have to double check the way it was mounted.
* Two tubs--the other is a CJ2A (i think based on the top mounting points on the outside of the tub) that is just a few hat channels from becoming Fred Flintsone's four wheeler.
* Two window frames, both from CJ2As.� One looks quite good.� The other has some extra metal pieces welded on it (accommodate theme among my parts cache).� I like the fold out window feature of the 2A, so this was a welcome surprise.
* Five fenders, one set matching the CJ2A tub, one pair from another rig entirely, and one that matches the CJ3A.
* Three hoods--from the same three rigs as the fenders.� One of them weighs an absolute ton because someone in its past gave it a second skin on its underside.
* Three gas tanks--two stock and one that fits above the rear axle.
* A honey comb radiator that I think may work with the engine that's in it.
* Speaking of which, it came with a Ford Windsor 260 V8 (I wish it was a 289).� The shade tree welder who "installed" the mounts made them beefy enough, but I'm not sure I like how boogered up they are.
* Massive leaf springs front (9 leaves) and rear (13 leaves--military?).� They look like the ones I've seen on a M38A1 I was considering.� I'm concerned they will make it ride like the rear axle is bolted to the frame directly.
* Warn Overdrive that shifts cleanly.
* T90 that I'll open and and look at, paying close attention to second gear syncros (right?).
* Front and rear seats.� Don't think the rear is stock, but it fits.� The CJ3A tub is hacked in a few areas.� First, the tool box under the passenger is gone, with new metal stitched in.� Second, parts of the rear fender wells were cut out to accommodate, of all things, a bench seat in the front.� The original owner had some creative ideas when it came to welding.� Out back, an eighteen inch diamond plate step/hitch monstrosity that I will be introducing to a cutoff wheel, a sawzall, and maybe even a plasma cutter.
* Beat up tailgate.� The 2A tub had a thick sheet of steel welded across its back.� I want the tailgate.
All in all, it's going to give me ample opportunity to learn the fundamentals of metal working.
My plan is to make it a wheeler.� It'll ride on 32s. It may get a 2.5-3" lift, etc.� I know some aren't fans of doing such things to these rigs, but that's why I found a rough one (well, a rough pair) that would never qualify for a restoration.� It would cost less just to buy all new parts than to fix this thing and make it look good.
In the end, the front half will be a CJ2A, the tub and below a CJ3A, moved along by one of the wimpier Ford V8s out there.
It'll never be done, but it will always be fun.
I look forward to learning from you all and chatting with some fellow enthusiasts.
Tucker
