quick probably dumb questions on 63 cj5........

[highlander]

I have a 63 willys cj5 I am getting ready to start work on. It runs great and everything is in above average shape and I'd like to do an original restoration. It has no roll cage, I havent seen pics of any with this, and also no top. I have found a half top in good shape but its from a 77 though it looks like the top may actually be older. Its all steel with removeable steel doors and crank up windows. Is the body style the same or similar enough for this to work on mine? Also, do roll cages from early 80s back fit? When was the first significant body style change?

Thanks for any help you can give me,
Doug

[Big Buro]

I don't believe that a 77 top will fit your 63 but I'll look into it and get back to you on that one. A roll bar from an early 80's won't fit without modifications. The 80's roll bar runs down behind the seat and you don't have the room in a 63. You can modify it to fit but it's not a perfect swap. The reason that you don't see many pics is that roll bars weren't standard equipment in those days. Kaizer didn't offer a roll bar to be delivered with the Jeep but did allow you to order one and have it installed after the Jeep was purchased. Safety was the reason behind that one. The roll bar that was available didn't provide structural support in case of a roll over so it was considered unsafe and, therefore, an "after market" purchase. The dealer would install it but you couldn't get one off the lot with a roll bar. Let me talk to a few people about the top and I'll let you know.

Not to plug my own stuff but, if it doesn't fit, I have an original 1966 Meyers hard top that I'm looking to sell for a good price. let me know if you'd be interested and I can give you the details.

[5.0L 44GPW]

I looked in the 4WDH book and they show windshields from 55-68 and from 69 and up and I believe its because of the wipers going from the top (early) to the bottom (later) that makes them a little shorter in height.
You will have to go with Big Buro on the roll bar stuff hes the CJ guru

[Timmaay]

In 1968 the windshield wipers were moved to the bottom of the windshield frame from the top of the frame where they had been since 1955 models.

BTW - Big Buro, you might want to post that Meyers top over at the early cj5 board.

EDIT: Sorry for the dupe on the wipers. I had to attend to some business.

[lynn]

Highlander, the first significant "body style " change for the CJ5 was in 1976. The tubs are essentially the same from 1955 through 1975, as far as dimensions and mounting provisions. There are, of course, dozens of cosmetic and attachment location changes over those years.

Timmaay, cool avatar!! That was my brand, too :cry: