The "dauntless" Finally Gets Some Love

That's "Dauntless" with a capital "D".

This is the 1970 CJ5 Dauntless we brought home from a local farm auction a year ago. From what I can tell it has spent it’s entire life in our county and has two previous owners. It’s got a few dents and some surface rust but is otherwise solid, remarkably complete and original. 4.88 gears and a rear power lock.

We finally pulled it out a couple months ago and started giving it some of the attention it needs.

Buck’s Repair in Ashton gave it a new clutch assembly, flywheel surfaced, ring gear, new starter, ignition tuneup, and changed all the engine and gear case fluids. I had the radiator rebuilt, put on some new 7:00 x 15 Super Traxion tires and a bikini top.

The plastic seat is temporary, it’ll soon be replaced by a pair of Smittybuilt low back seats.

As with all old Jeeps, it needs some steering and brake work. And I think the carb could use a rebuild, so that’s on the list. Or maybe a Sniper EFI ? We do most of our riding between 5,000 - 7,000 feet. Probably don't really need the EFI, but it might be nice.

The p.o. put some Rough Country 2 1/2” lift springs and shocks on. It rode like a buckboard. Jarred my fillings out! I’ve loosened up the shackle bolts, drove it around some, then retorqued them to 25 pounds. That, plus airing down the tires to 20 pounds has helped. But our ’53 M38A1 has BDS 2 1/2” springs and shocks on and I really like the way they ride.

I think the original color and patina look great, so no plans for any cosmetic work. Plus they tell me that the striping, probably dealer added, is good for a few more horsepower.

My wife is short and my old legs seem to be shrinking with age, so it's getting a set of side steps.

I’m used to F-heads, this is the first Dauntless I’ve owned or driven. So far I Iike it!.

We do pasture fence work up in the timber for a family member from May until October. I’m thinking this will be our fencing rig this year.

 

That is the same basic layout as my 67. 4.88's and the 225 belong together but I suspect you will want to install an OD. It's hard to go back to driving either 134 after you get seat time with a 225.

 

Love it!! Another yellow Jeep!
Same set up as my ‘66
225 oddfire v6 with 4.88’s and rear power-lok
Lots of pep for sure!

 

Thanks, I think an OD is a good recommendation, it's on the list, just not in the budget right now.

 

Thanks, I've got a painter friend who says he can buff that old paint out and bring back a little shine without damaging those decals. Then maybe clean up and paint the bumpers and hitch and that'll probably be it for cosmetics.

 

Yellow has always been one of the best looking colors on these period Jeeps ... period.
In my opinion of course.

 

Thanks!

 

I remember when that showed up in the Marketplace listings and you bought it. I was a litle jealous. It's nice to see that time capsule get some love. Keep it up!

 

Thanks! Will do!

 

That's a really nice Jeep.

 

Gorgeous jeep, I'm jealous!

 

Thank you!

 

Thank you!