Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Slow going, too many distractions and 95+ degree temps with heat index in the 110-114 range doesn't make me want to do more than a bit in the evenings. Very glad to see the body mounts are in very good shape compared to the floor.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

That's rust repair right there. One of my least favorite things to do so I really have to push myself to get it done. Problem with it is it's messy and takes a lot of tools so you need to be able to commit to at least a few hours of shop time before it's even worth making the mess. Looking forward to progress when you feel like it!

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Rust repair and more rust repair. I've been away from this project over the summer because it's just been to darn hot to get excited about this stuff. Have started welding patches in, but finding more spots here and there that need fixing.
In preparation for the new floor pans the floor supports got sand blasted, primed and painted before they disappear once again. Started tacking the first floor pan patch in last night. Slow work.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Floor pan and rust repair continues on the tub but I did make a major change in wheels and tires. Moving from a street jeep look to the black/tan off road theme I am shooting for. Got a pull off set of Nitto Terra Grappler tires for free so I went ahead and bought the black wheels.

Didn't take long to find someone that wanted the 15x10 aluminum wheels for his Ford project.

Looking at this now, I am thinking about taking the 1990's looking side steps off and going with something else.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Looking good progress wise.
Still thinking a LS of some sort would be great. LOL.
Keep us up to date on your progress.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Nice job on the rust repair progress. It's never really done until the final push. A tire change can help with motivation for sure.

Not sure what your plans are for paint but make sure you don't smooth out any of the factory spot weld indentations over the rear tires. When they are gone you know the Jeep has been messed with.

I think it would look better without the side steps.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

@LS short box - that would be nice but if I put an LS in something it will be my 67!

@Willowrun - thanks for the heads up on the weld indentions. I have noticed the side panels on a jeep are anything but straight and smooth from the factory.

Yeah, the more I stood back and looked at those steps the less I liked them. Thinking a single step might look better.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Bill. I never visit these forums and frankly I have most of the forum list minimised anyway. I forget they are there.
I didn't know you were a Jeep guy. Isn't it something how a guy picks up a rig with the intention of fixin a couple of things and let the rest ride, then that thing kicks in and a couple other things look like they need attention too and on and on until you've got yourself a full blown restoration on your hands and can't stop now? :lol: You know what's happening next? While tub's off, engine comes out, frame stripped, powder coated and start reassembly!

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Jim,
I had a 79 CJ7 for a few years right out of college and said I'd like to restore another CJ some day. Boy, I didn't know what I was in for with this one. Wife and daughter fell in love with it and the price was right so it got hauled home.

My goal in the next month or so is to get all the rust spots cut out and at least the floor repairs mostly tacked in. The body can then come off and I can finish working from both the top and bottom. Then it is on to the frame/brakes/suspension etc. Don't plan on powder coating the frame but it will get a good paint job. Not sure what I will get into in the differentials but I know the U joints in the front axles need replacing.

End goal is a solid, decent looking jeep the wife and I can buzz around town and throw the fishing rods in the back and head off road to a fishing hole.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

I always liked Jeeps but not enough to actually own one. I liked the cj5 in the seventies or early eighties with the V8 and hood decals. I forgot what were they called. You've got a good plan.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

Not a lot of progress recently but this project is about to be put on a short term hold. If all stays on track the wife and I have made an offer that was accepted on a small piece of property 2.5 hours north of our current location. Once we close on that we will put our current place on the market and don't expect it to take long. Last ttwo houses near us lasted less than 3 weeks before selling.
So, this weekend I am going to start a shop purge and organization to pack everything up and move it in the next few months. Plan is to rent in the area while we build the new place.
Buddy of mine a few minutes away is giving the jeep a spot in his side shed to rest until I have a new place.

Re: 1981 Jeep CJ5
 

The timing of that relocation sounds like it'll work out just fine as we're heading into what I call "welding season". It's too hot to burn welds in July and August anyhow! :o

I sometimes think about other classics, but still love my Jeep. Jeeps have as much or more aftermarket support than any vehicle ever made. You can literally get any part for any Jeep from WWII until now! :flag: