help on starting my project

[lrall]

Well, the deal is that i have(its actually my brothers and I but I'm more gung-ho because he's in college) a 1950 Jeep Willys. My great grampa owned it and then gave it to his son who gave it to his son(my dad). Well my dad had it almost running(it was puttin up a fight) and then he died. Its been sitting for about 14 years. I dont know exactly whats wrong with it because im not the most knowledgeable car guy, i have a little experience but not near enough. The electrical system is a mix of 12 and 6 volt. i dont know how it is but it is. The fuel lines are also messed up. My question for all you knowledgeable guys is where do i start? Also, i will probably go with a new electrical system should i go 6v or 12v. My mom wants to make it 'modern' to a point. Money shouldnt be an issue, although i dont want to spend every penny. 12v is more modern and is easier to work with right? but i have heard its not good to 'double' the power, is there a way to replace things to make it work? Any help is appreciated and i will probably be back with more questions :beer:
LRALL

[CJ+TJ=DJ]

Irall,

I started first by getting a couple of the original books. You can get them from 4wd or other resources. At that point you can identify what motor, tranny, and transfer case you have. I am assuming you have a T90 transmission with a double stick T18 transfer case. You probably had the original 6 volt system and somebody started converting to 12V. 12V parts are easier to get but you can make it a 6V and parts are still available. You will have manual brakes with manual steering is still original. It is well worth the rebuild if you have the time. The most important two cents would be to read about before dismantling, take a lot of pictures (when you cant remember how to put it together) and don't throw it away until you are sure the replacement part will fit. For some encouragement I have attached a picture of my 63CJ before and after. My 14year old son helped with the complete rebuild and could name every part on that jeep. FYI, it took 1 1/2 years so far and not completely done.


Dana

[lrall]

i've looked around, where can i buy these books on this site? is there a list or something that im missing? Would ebay have them? What do I need? an owners manual i assume and what other type of things? On the electrical system, would it be worth it to install or swap out the 6v and put in a 12v?
LRALL

[lynn]

Info on Jeeps like yours:

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Search that forum for "service manual" to find where to buy.

To make it modern, you need to upgrade the brakes and steering... 11" drums or disc/drum, and Saginaw manual steering. And add an overdrive so you can make speeds that don't hold up traffic. ;)

Completing the 12V conversion is easy. And you can keep the 6v starter in place.

A modern suspension package, new springs/shocks with new tires, will improve the ride quality greatly.
All this and more can be found at the link above.

[Mudslinger73]

defininetly up grade the brakes and go with 12 volts and with a GM alternator, cheaper cost per amps.
as far as books get a 'shop manual' the Haynes Manuals from AutoZone are pretty good and I also recommend THE JEEP BIBLE by Grandville King.It's entertaining reading along with alot of good info.
So you need to decide how 'stock' you're going to keep it and go from there.If you wanna keep the stock look and up date the drivability of it you 're not so limited on yer choices , nice seats top.Probably want to look into electric windshield wipers too.that overdrive from Advance Adapters is a good idea too for highway drivin AND it's usuable in 4wd too. THe stuff at 4wd Hardware is good stuff and they know their stuff AND have a catalog for the 'older CJ's ' too just order it's free ,and real handy in lookin at how things come apart. keep in touch and ask alot of questions..,Have fun !!!and KEEP ON JEEPIN'