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This jeep has been in storage since 1984. It was brought out in July 2003 and needs a lot of TLC. As well as the expected rust, it was involved in a collision which has damaged the left hand front mudguard/fender and body. It appears that over the years certain parts have been substituted in order to keep it going. The exhaust is routed out the back, the engine has been converted to 12 volt, indicators have been retrofitted (probably to make it road legal), the petrol tank is not standard and there are minor body differences. Most of these will either be reverted back to original or replaced as and when replacements become available.
I have been quietly stripping it down part by part - have the body tub off and removed the rear axle. The rear axle/diff has been slowly stripped and cleaned and have successfully removed the right rear spring for cleaning. The left rear spring is a different story - the nuts/bolts/shackles appear to have solidified into one mass. Once I have removed all the parts (engine and gearbox, steering and brakes, from axle and springs) I will get the frame, springs, axles and wheels (and other rough parts) sandblasted and then start putting it all back together! I have just discovered the body is original - buried under a layer of bog and a home made gas tank holder is an embossed "Ford" script. This confirms the originality (for me) and means I don't have to find a gas tank holder! Update: I have removed the left rear spring, and have started to clean up the rear of the chassis. There was a towball and mounting plate welded under the pintle hook which I have ground off. I have also removed the pintle hook for the time being as it was also welded on. I will tidy up the rear bumber and fix up the hook before I bolt it back on as it is supposed to be. Another update: after a busy (and cold) weekend, the front axle is now off, springs and all, and the steering is also off the chassis now. Hope to remove the brake lines this week (I'm thinking I'll go and get some new lines) and then it's just a case of removing the motor and gearbox and the chassis will be naked and ready for blasting. Was every part painted OD or were some parts black? Yet another update: the engine and gearbox have been removed and are now sitting on the bench. The chassis has been cleaned up as much as I can do, although I think the rear pintle cross brace will need to be replaced as it is currently held together by extra metal inserts and weld. Once the chassis is cleaned up I think I'll paint it with POR-15. Anyone have any opinions on this stuff (for or against)?
Update 20 March 2009 - it's been a while since the last update and that's because nothing has really happened with the jeep. It was being stored in my grandmothers garage but with her moving into a home it needed to be moved. I was still flatting so my brother stepped up to the plate and after building a scaffolding in the ceiling space in his garage the chassis, body and misc parts have been tucked up out of the way. The engine is still sitting on the floor and the wheels and a few random parts have found their way to my house now that I have bought a place. I now have a new job and will be married in May so it will be some time before this jeep starts getting some attention unfortunately. At this rate I'm hoping to have it fully restored in time for it's 100th birthday. That only gives me about 33 years and that may not be long enough...
