Part 1 Restoration of a 1974 Jeep CJ5 - Intro

 Part 1 Restoration of a 1974 Jeep CJ5 - Intro

After retirement, and after all the work was completed to the house that needed to be completed, and all other hobby chores had been satisficed, I decided to take on a project. 

I found a 1974 jeep that needed a whole lot of love. And it was what I was looking for. My main concern was the frame. I did not want something that needed frame repair. My welding skills are not quite at that level. Fortunately I found this jeep with a very good frame.

1974 jeep  CJ5

Original color trans-am red 515

New color - Summit Racing Performance Red

258 4.2 liter

T-14 3speed

Dana 44 rear differential 

5x5.5-inch (or 5x139.7mm)wheel bolt pattern

Rear end, transmission and transfer case takes 75-90 gear oil

Here are the pictures as I found it, after bringing it home. At this point I wasn't sure of a time frame, and it did not really matter.

The plan for this is a frame off, do the body work and fix or replace whatever needs to be replaced. I wanted a decent looking serviceable vehicle. I wasn't going for pure original or stock, and I wasn't going for crazy aftermarket, it was a plan as I go.

My biggest goal was that I do most if not all of the work myself. I was prepared to accept whatever quality I could muster over farming out the work.

I have to admit, after it sitting for a couple of days in the yard I started to realize my enthusiasm may have shielded my sense slightly. But here it was and I was ready to begin.