Positive Events!

Transfer Case
I mentioned earlier that I thought the jeep was stuck in 4WD since I couldn't shift the transfer case engagement gear. It shifts in/out of H and L.

In an unrelated effort I jacked up the front right tire to rotate it a little. It's a little low on pressure and I didn't want it to sit too long in one position (being somewhat flat) and ruin the sidewall. My compressor is at the lake house and I’ll get it back next week.

Once I got it in the air and tried to move it I noticed it wouldn't move much at all. Then I remembered that it was 'stuck' in 4WD. I tried the shift again and "viola!", I could move it into neutral. I confirmed that by giving the front tire a free spin.

The guy I bought it from said that the gears are fine and the 4WD would 'climb a tree if it could hold on', so I'm hopeful that the transmission/transfer case requires clean up and not rebuild.

F134 under the CJ3a hoodline
After posting a question on http://www.jeepforum.com/ and doing some more research (http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3B/Tech/LowHoodFHead.html) I learned that the carburetor from an early '60s Falcon will fit the F134 and be low enough to clear the hood. The air horn needs a little modification, but otherwise resolves the issue.

Now, the hood has a significant hole - why the prior owner felt he needed that big a hole is another question - that needs repairing. I'd rather repair than replace. Although I don't have the coin to get it back to stock, I do want to keep as many parts as possible, especially the body.

I have a master cylinder, fuel pump and muffler on order. Once I get those I should be able to get it running and test to see if any of the gears are slipping.

Maybe get some work done during the holidays.

More Pictures....

Here are a few more pictures now that it's dry and in the garage. Although it doesn't show it here, the large metal 'scoop' is now gone.

I've gotten the master cylinder loose, just need to disconnect the brake lines. The nuts holding those on are rusted and I'm waiting on the rust penetrant to do its thing.

I think the best thing to do after I get the engine running is to remove the body to gain easy access to the brakes, drive train, suspension, etc.

Master Cylinder

Managed to get the master cylinder off tonight. The hole in the top indicates it might need replacing. The two bolts holding it in place didn't give up without a fight, but after 3 days of PB B'Laster penetrant, they came loose.

This stuf is great and I believe I'll be needing a few cans before this project is over. Used it to loosen up a couple of stuck pistons in a '54 Evinrude 7.5HP outboard.

So the short term plan is to replace the master cylinder, get a fuel pump and a muffler and see about getting the engine stable. Then test out the brakes, transmission, etc...

I think the transfer case needs work. I can shift between High and Low 4 wheel drive, but the lever to engage/disengage doesn't move. It may be stuck in 4WD.

Will order some parts for delivery week after Thanksgiving as nothing major will get done until then.

First Task

After doing some initial thinking, I believe I'll focus on getting the engine operating. One thing to consider is converting the electrical system from 6v to 12v.

The ignition coil is labeled as 6v, but the prior owner said it was 12v, and in fact, started the engine with what I assume was a 12v battery. I explored the idea of using a 12v battery and introducing a reducer between the battery and the ignition coil. However, the reducer is about the same price as a new 12v ignition coil, so I think I'll go with the new coil.

This will allow me to upgrade the components and add more items such as a winch. I do need to research what this means to the gauges.

This will not be a 'show' jeep. This is purely a toy for myself.

Back to the engine running...I want to get that going so I can test the clutch, transmission, transfer case and eventually the brakes. I’m debating whether or not to take the body off while working on the underbody component: clutch, transfer case, transmission, brakes, etc. On one hand, it’ll make access so much simpler. On the other, I might be able to get enough working to drive around the neighborhood which would be lots of fun!

I might be able to get something done prior to Thanksgiving.


We’ll see.

And so it begins....

November 1, 2009. My new project. Much to my better half's shagrin, I've bartered a Willys 1951 CJ3a jeep. Traded a 10' jon boat and motor + some cash. So I'm starting out with less than $400 into it.

The details:
Serial number 451-GB1-29540.
Built 1951 #19540 out of 44,158 (Serial numbers started at 10001)


The Good (also know as the short-list)
Working engine - F-134 Hurricane 4 cyl. For those in the know, you'll recognize that this is the CJ3B engine which is taller that the L 134 engine. I'll deal with that later, but for now, you know why there is a hole in the hood.

Four good tires - 7.00-15LT are in really good shape.
Steering in good shape

The prior owner was very intent in my understanding that the 4WD worked great, but we couldn't drive it due to no brakes. We'll see how that goes.

Upper body in OK shape, with the amount of rust one would expect.

The Bad Just about everything else...
Floorboards are rusted out and prior owner replaced with sheet metal.
No fuel system - tank to fuel pump - zip, nada, nothing.
No brakes - prior owner said that it needed a new master cylinder, but I suspect it needs a lot more then that.
Interior needs complete overhall, although it does have all the gauges including original speedometer/odometer
Rust....rust...rust....
Muffler missing..
Wiring...
On and on....