Web Development on a Stick
Project Supersize Dutch Intro
Did you know Dutch is a big faker? You look at the pictures on this site and get an image of a showroom-ready Jeep. Truth is, he’s hiding a soft underbelly under that shiny red paint - his tub is slowly falling apart, the bondo work that dad did 20 years ago just isn’t holding anymore. The sheetmetal around all the body mounts is cracking, and there is damage from the rollover in ‘97 that I never got around to fixing.
Then there’s the softtop with it’s multiple patches that leak. And the wiring that’s been hacked into numerous times over the years, and mostly painted red. And the windshield frame is still tweaked.
And now I think the throwout bearing is shot, and quite possibly the input bearing on the transmission.
At any rate, when I add up all the things this old Jeep really needs, we’re looking at a complete tear-down to the frame, new body, new top, and new wiring job. Trouble is when I project a finish date for that work, then project my kids growth rate, by the time I finish the Jeep we’ll no longer be able to fit the whole family in.
The solution? In the immortal words of fast-food buyers, “Supersize it!”.
The plan: Find a CJ6 similar age to to Dutch, swap over the good parts from Dutch (springs, axles, etc), sell of what doesn’t work due to the 20” longer wheelbase (rollcage, frame, etc) and wind up with a Jeep big enough for the family to fit in.
I’m also hoping to build a Jeep that’s more streetable. Yes, you heard that right..
While most Jeepers will choke on that word, truth is I’m tired of owning 3 cars, having to keep one in the driveway while the Jeep stays in the garage. I think with the right approach we’ll end up with a Jeep that’s more comfortable and easier to drive on the road, while staying capable on the trail. If I succeed, SupersizedDutch can function as our second car, and I can finally be a 2-car, 2-driver household.
The specs I’m shooting for:
‘55-71 CJ6
‘88-’90 Chevy 4.3 V6 with factory fuel injection
TH350 or 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Power Steering/Power Brakes
Dana 18 Transfer Case
Current D44 / PowrLok rear
Current D27 / PowrLok front
Current 1” Rancho springs, with Holbrook Long Leaves in consideration
Current wheels and tires
Basically we’ll be building a very original looking CJ, with a mild lift and a modern repower under the covers. The interior will retain original lowback seats, etc. I want it to look at home both on the trail and in a row of restored flat fenders.
The biggest thing I had to work through was the sentimental value of the current Dutch - I’ve been around this Jeep since I was 9, and have owned it since I was 18. But I can’t make nice fuzzy warm family memories of Jeep trips if I can’t fit us all in the Jeep!
So keep an eye on my list of eBay auctions as I start to sell off some of the Buick V6 and CJ5 stuff I’ve accumulated over the years.
Also keep on eye on this space - I’ve created a new blog specifically to track progress through this project. My goal is to have the most well-documented Jeep buildup on the web. With our trusty digital camera, and a weblog optimized for daily updates categorized into different areas of the Jeep, the end result should be a pretty good resource for others looking to build an old Jeep.
May 04, 2004
Now that you have your cj6 why not turn the 5 into a trail only jeep? I don’t see how your gonna be able to part with it with all those memorys. Free 2 ents worth what you have to pay for it.
May 04, 2004
Hi David -
The short answer is, no space, money or time for two Jeeps...
Seriously though—We don’t go wheeling enough to justify a trail only Jeep, and when we do I want the whole family to be able to go - hence the project to build the 6 that we all can fit into.
The sheetmetal will be different, but I get to keep the memories (and hundreds of pics and hours of video...
…
May 21, 2004
Is a CJ6 the same thing as a Commando? Seems like a commando would fit the family (??). from what I’ve seen, they are a bit pricey. But then again, so is gas, Milk, etc
May 22, 2004
Jerry - a CJ6 is not the same vehicle as a Commando (C101), but they have the same wheelbase.
A CJ6 is simply a stretched CJ5, while the Commando has different sheetmetal, interior parts, suspension, some driveline components, etc.
A Commando also would have fit the bill for something large enough for the family, but I would not have been able to swap over as many parts from our CJ5 as I can with the CJ6, so would be more expensive to build up.
June 07, 2004
Mike: First off let me say THANK YOU! This is a great site. You already know what a wonderful journey you are starting and that is great. I am in the proverbial rowboat right next to you. I am in the early stages of a frame up build of a 1975 CJ6 for the same reason as you - need room for the wife, kiddies and all the stuff that goes with them. I have been documenting the progress here :
http://community.webshots.com/user/lavman101
(Since I am not tech savvy enough to start and maintain my own website)
I will surely keep an eye on your progress.
I quick synopsis of my battle plan for the 6:
1. Strip to rolling chassis, save re-usables, including wiring harness (done)
2. Prep and POR 15 the frame & paint the engine, tranny, t-case, axles, driveshafts, etc. (soon, all is ready)
3. Replace brake system, re-use drums only (have all parts on hand)
4. New exhaust system (saving up for parts)
5. Install fiberglass tub & fenders (tub ordered, fenders on hand)
6. Re-install wiring harness, dash, drivers seat (all re-usable parts are patched up and re-painted, ready for re-installation)
7. Paint body, completely re-assemble vehicle
8. Install shackle lift, new tires (33” BFG MTs on OEM wheels) (saving up for)
9. Install new soft top (saving up for)
10. Enjoy! (greatly anticipating!)
This is a grossly simplified list of what really will be done, but anyone who has done a build (such as yourself) understands that.
The CJ6 only has 25k original miles, the 258ci engine runs like a top, the clutch, tranny, t-case are all in fine condition so I want to put it all together so it is driveable then fix things as needed. If I had better funding I would rebuild every part and piece now (ie: tranny, t-case, axles, new clutch, rebuild engine, etc) but that is not the case so we’ll deal with things as needed.
(Oh yeah: D44 rear axle, D30 front, model 20 t-case, T-14 tranny, 258ci engine)
I wish you all the best and look forward to sharing progress stories and pictures! Thank you again for the diligence in documenting your progress and all of your research to date - this is very exciting! (BTW, Flip over at the Early CJ5 site put me into you. I helped Flip re-build his ‘66 CJ5, so I blame my Jeep “illness” on him and his Father;-)
June 07, 2004
Thanks for the note, Carl - it’s good to know this stuff is getting read...
I’ve added a link to your webshots album to my “CJ6 Resources on the Web” post.
Who has the CJ6 tubs in fiberglass? AJ’s?
Our Jeep progress is slowed temporaily while I finish up a motorhome that we started last summer - a couple more days on that and it’ll be up for sale, and I can get back to the 6.
Oh wait...I gotta wrap up the Rambler heater re-install too...I’m really good at starting projects. It’s that finishing thing I need practice at...
June 07, 2004
Hello Mike:
Believe it or not I got the fiberglass tub through JC Whitney. They had the best price and I also got 15% off their price through a catalog promo, so shipped the tub cost me $1163.00. I have been told that since the 6 is so rare I would be better off using steel tub and fenders as original to improve the resale value.
Well, of course I have no intention of ever selling it, and the fiberglass fits my budget.
June 07, 2004
Hmmm...curious. JCW doesn’t make anything - they’re just a middleman. I wonder whose body it is…
Actually, knowing JCW I hope when it shows up that it’s actually a 6....
June 07, 2004
Hmmmm, now I’m nervous........Time will tell. It is supposed to ship out of the factory 6-18-04. I believe the factory is in Illinois, as is JCW.
June 16, 2004
The body on my ‘73 CJ6 is from the guy who makes the JCW tubs.
It is serviceable, but pretty wavy, and you don’t get all the character lines that you would on a real ‘6 tub.
Still not a bad tub for the money.
June 16, 2004
Oh, almost forgot…
The inner wheelhouses on my JCW ‘glass tub are much longer than the original CJ6 ones.
If you are tall, you won’t get much, if any more room to move your seat back than in a CJ5
June 16, 2004
Well, another chapter in the tub fiasco:
The tub was repaired and re-shipped on 6-2-04. I got a call from Central Freight once the tub arrived in VT. The shipper advised me that the tub had shifted in transit and was damaged again. I asked him to measure the length then return it - AGAIN! He confirmed that the tub is 102” long so I am getting the correct length tub. The tub is back at the manufacturer (TJ Vanderbosch, McHenry, Il.) My wife was so upset that she called JCW and raised cane with them and they offered to discount the tub another 15%. I am fine with that, just hope the repairs look good and the tub is in good, serviceable condition. After the total of 30% off I will end up paying $840.00 for a tub that has been shipped 3 times and repaired twice (let’s hope it ships OK this time and I can install it!)
Recently I painted the frame and engine. Pics are up at : http://community.webshots.com/user/lavman101
June 16, 2004
Man Carl!
You have more patience than I do...
This keeps up and you’ll have it free.
Somehow doesn’t seem right to order a new tub and get a repaired one though.
Good job on the POR work. Funny...when I used it on the Bantam I wore a full body suit! I’m thinking about using an Eastwood product on the 6..but we’ll see.
August 10, 2004
Mike:
I look forward to your building a CJ6 and documenting it on your site.
I own a 65 CJ6A waiting for restoration, its pretty original with the F head engine.
Let me know if you need anything from the Dallas area.
August 10, 2004
Well Folks,
I finally got the tub about 4 weeks ago. It is in serviceable condition. Needs some work on the corners that were damaged during shipping the 3rd time and has a gouge in the drivers side that can be fixed as well.
I am ready to land the tub at this point, then make the repairs. Fairly recent pics are up on my webshots page linked above
August 10, 2004
Hi Ron - if you’ve got pics of your 6 I’ll gladly post a few here. I don’t know if you read all the posts, but my project took a pretty major turn with the purchase of a complete/running ‘64 CJ6 from Midland TX. It’s currently on a truck somewhere between there and here...
Carl - sorry to hear you still came out on the short end of the tub. Any compensation from the shipping co. for the damage?
August 10, 2004
Mike:
I got JCW to prepay the freight, the tub manufacturer is sending me a patch kit and a new fiberglass hood for my trouble AND when I drove to the shipping hub to get the tub they had a Cobra hood for a Ford F-150 (’97 to ‘02) that was dented (minor dent) and was going to be tossed so I took that home for a friend of mine who has a ‘00 F-150. In the end I paid $1,019.00 out of pocket for the tub plus my time and gas to drive 1.5 hrs each way to the shipping hub to get the tub. (Once I knew the tub was in VT I opted to go after it since I could not bear the thought of it being tossed onto another truck and being bounced around on our many bumpy dirt roads until it arrived at my house.
The fabricator did a lousy job prepping the tub for shipping. They used thin corrugated cardboard and a stapler to cover the top and bottom of the tub - that is it! I would think they would at least have the sense to put it on a pallet, band it down and bubble wrap it, after all it is selling for over a grand! I would think that $100 to palletize it in the first place to ensure safe and TIMELY delivery would be well worth it rather than gamble with potential returns and multiple shipping costs and a dissapointed buyer.
All in all I am content with the outcome.
August 10, 2004
Cardboard? Wow. I would have expected it in a wooden frame somehow..no wonder you had all the issues.
Hope the free hood is packaged better...
August 10, 2004
“Hope the free hood is packaged better...
”
HA HA HA! Ditto
January 14, 2005
We are thinking of purchasing a glass tub and front end for our ‘53 CJ3A from JCW, what is your suggestions? Run from them? I have also talked with a company in CA about a good looing kit, but of course you pay twice the amount for it. What do you think? Probably be better off with the good one? Thanks for the input. Tommy Moore
January 17, 2005
If you are looking for bargain basement prices then JCW is OK, be ready for mediocre customer service though.
Otherwise, there are other companies that make fiberglass tubs that are better quality, but also cost more. AJ’s is one that I have heard a lot of good things about.
May 02, 2005
Bought an Aj’s cj7 body Deluxe and 1 pc front end....Excellent quality! went to Jersey shore, PA and trucked it home my self! great workmanship! nice to deal with! Great people.....Not sure if still in business though, tried to call and email, but no response...?????????? I too am looking into finding a good cj6 body for my recently purchased 1970....any help is appreciated...Thanks
May 02, 2005
Hey Ron - here’s a body for sale in CA:
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635978
May 28, 2005
Hey, that’s supposed to be my Summer Vacation Tub....
May 30, 2005
THanks for the reply Mike, I have called the person ( TJ Vanderbosch) directly and looking into a custom made glass body..will keep all informed on progress. Thanks for the heads up on the one in CA but just 2 far away....UGH!
May 31, 2005
Hey all, I have some CJ6 free stuff for anyone interested.
Follow this link:
http://vtjeep.org/html/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=90
Thanks for looking!
June 15, 2005
JCW has thier fiberglass bodies on sale till the 15th of Aug 2005, the CJ6 tub is $934.95 and the 1 pc Nose is $245.95 Plus they told me they would honor the 15% off coupon from thier regular catalog!!! Shipping for both pcs to PA would be $228.99 for all pcs. Think I just might take a chance on one! any input? THanks , Ron
June 23, 2005
I’d say go for it Ron. Just steel yourself for the crappy customer service from JCW. Vanderbosch is a pretty fair guy, when you can talk to him. Good luck.
BTW, took my ‘6 for a trail ride last weekend. The pics are up here:
http://vtjeep.org/html/index.php?module=photoshare&func=showimages&fid=14
Mike, if you want to add any of my pics either at the link here or my webshots page, to your site, please feel free.
Enjoy!
September 10, 2005
Got the new body and nose and windshield frame, ! frame shipped 3 times b 4 we got a good one, the tub and 1 pc nose were fine, had to wait an extra month to recieve but now have them,Quality is not AJ’s but seam ok, saved $495 buying now plus who knows what the shipping would cost now withe prices as they are! Now the work begins, hope to have the ride in summer of 2006!
September 10, 2005
Good luck on the build Ron. I had the one pc nose for awhile on the 5. Make sure to put some connectors right at the firewall in your headlight and turn signal wiring. That way with the ECJ hood hings you can pull the whole nose off quickly.
Oh - I found using the original hood latches on the front clip squeaked like crazy. I ended up with some 6” rubber semi-style ones instead.
Actually now that I think about it - I got sent two sets way back when and still have one set. Yours for the shipping if you want. Lemme know.
September 13, 2005
Hi Mike! THanks for the reply and the offer, Please ship, I’ll remitt the cost THanks, feel free to email your email address and I will give address, Thanks again. Ron, Email address is
September 17, 2005
mike,i need your address to send check, thanks, Ron.
September 23, 2005
Hi Mike, thanks I recieved the straps, remittance on the way! Hope to start the reassembly of my 84 cj7( complete frame up ) then the cj6 is slated for completion! also a complete frame up and drive train change, got the 4.3 v6 chevy engine, now looking for a 700R4 and adapter and a Dana 300 so here I go again....hunting! Take care, Ron
September 24, 2005
My pleasure...you could tell from the thickness of the dust layer on those that they’ve been hanging on the workbench for years…
Be sure to keep up updated when the 6 starts. I had originally wanted a 700R4, but SSDutch came with a T18 that I just can’t argue. Still would like an auto someday.
September 26, 2005
Mike , My 84 cj7 came with an auto ( 999 ), great! it was a Lareado PKG, with tach, clock, A/C, PS,PB, lockout hubs all Factory, so Far I found a 1987 700R4 rebuilt but a $500 price tag, the adapter Approx 550$ and the transfer case ( D300) approx 300$ plus drive shafts-Custom approx $450 so still not sure what I am to do, but love the EFI on the 4.3 so..................
September 26, 2005
I’ll be putting the TBI on my 4.3 here in the next couple of weeks.
The only bummer is it looks like I’ll need to pull the motor to get enough clearance for the distributor...it’s tucked back under the cowl.
November 24, 2005
Hello! Happy Turkey Day! Well I got an 86 chevy 4.3 complete w/120 k miles, runs great, uses no oil( Plus it maintained it for most it’s life-it was my moms! ) Found a 87 chevy 700R4, rebuilt! and just got an 85 Dana 300 from a jeep in excellent condition, so this should all go well into the 70 CJ6! need to find the adapter from the trans to the xfer case...know of any? got a set of wide track axles from an 84 jeep, 373 gears, ? not sure if these will be ok, any suggestions on what gear ratio to use with this set up,( will never have bigger than 32” tires ) unit will be a daily driver...got the new body from JC Whitney, was in very great condition! Guess carl’s was just a problem ship job, ugh! Sorry Carl.............Would also like to add power steering and a shackle reversal kit...any input would be great help...Thanks, Ron
December 04, 2005
Well i ahvent any Comments Becoz when i saw ur Jeeps modle now i ahvent ant comments LoLz Well Anyway..i would just say that i really Like these type jeeps..Im from pakistan Karachi..im going to Buy jeep CJ 7..i know how to do long my jeep Chechis.,But im not able to think now that which Engine i should putt in mmy Jeep Please help me in....
December 05, 2005
hello i just aquired a cj 6 that needs a little tlc. anybody got advice on what to take on first when almost everything is wrong.
December 05, 2005
Hi Rob - and Anum.
Thanks for looking at my site, and for the comments.
Realistically, you’re going to get more knowledgeable and immediate help by more community oriented Jeep sites like http://www.earlycj5.com (covers early CJ6’s too, regardless of the name).
I just don’t get near the same traffic here as those sites do.
December 05, 2005
thanks i’ll look at that sight.
December 10, 2005
Hey Mike, Got the 4.3 TBI motor, got the 700R4,and got the Dana 300 Transfer case, so good so far! Just need the adapter from Trans to tansfercase...Got one? know of any used around? The motor is an 86, the trans is an 87 and the transfercase is an 84. I contacted advance adapters $541,Novack $480 Rube-adapter.com-$359..................any suggestions beside bite the bullit and purchase new? Thanks,Ron
December 11, 2005
Nope....I was gonna run the D18 and was planning on buying the adapter too.
Personally I’d recommend Novak...they’re good folks.