1956 cj6

I've finally gotten started on this summer's project. I'm helping out on our son-in-law's farm, so I'm fitting my Jeep work in between the farm work.

I pulled it into my "work spot" next to the shop and steam cleaned it yesterday.

My main concern for this one is steering. It feels like at least one of the king pin bearings is in pieces. I'm hoping to have it safe to drive in time for our Old Jeep Rendezvous on July 6.

The gas tank was the first issue. I found 4 holes. So I ordered the Hirsch kit. I plugged the holes with their putty. After letting it cure, I added the liquid cleaner. It all drained out. So I cleaned the bottom more carefully and found a total of 24 holes, pin size to pencil lead size! It was clear this tank was shot, but I decided to give the putty another try. I thoroughly cleaned the bottom, then plugged the holes with the putty. It worked, but more holes showed up! A new tank from Walcks is in the mail and the Hirsch kit is on the shelf. I'm sure I'll find something to use it on eventually.

Hirsch has been good to work with. I emailed him after the first bottle of cleaner leaked out. He sent me another bottle, no charge.

This Jeep started out as a Forest Service Jeep over in Wyoming. As you can see, it's had a "colorful" life since then. Am I going to paint it? Heck no! There's alot of history in the 6 different colors of paint on it and I'm not going to cover it up.

 

That's a sweet little Jeep. Nice.

 

I like it!

 

I like it. Nice hard top. And I would not paint it either. Just get it running good and drive it.

 

Wonderful! Even has an Easy Rider Rifle Rack I see.

 

Nice jeep, i hope to find one someday

 

I like it!! and the first year Cj6's ,,,

Curious as to what the last 5 dgt's of your VIN.

My 56 Cj6 is 10269.

 

Yeah, I was kind of curious about that too. Looks just like mine did the day I brought it home.

 

10921.

 

I wanted to drive it around a bit while I was waiting for the new gas tank to arrive. So, I went down to the local small engine shop and picked up this tank. Works great.

 

I like that too. It's definitely staying right where it is.

 

That does have a real cool look to it, congratulations.

 

What, you don't like my gas tank? It'll never rust and it only costs a few bucks to fill up!

Besides, it was a whole lot cheaper ($10 including fuel line and clamps) than the new one that just arrived in the mail yesterday.

 

I like how the pressure washer is spraying in the 1st pic...

 

The new gas tank from Walcks is in and working nicely. I like it, but I miss those 1 gallon fillups!



I drained all the gear cases, refilled with diesel, drove it a bit, drained out the diesel and refilled with fresh GL-4.

We've got the spray tank in the back and I'm supposed to be killing weeds, but it's too windy to spray. So, SIESTA TIME!.

 

I like it. Especially the half cab. I'd love to see it in Forest Service colors.

 

If we keep it long enough we'll eventually paint it. I would put it back to Forest Service color. I've saved some pictures of early F.S. Jeeps for reference.

But there's a young guy (14) here who likes it. I'd like to see him have it as a project, but I don't think he's ready yet. I told him that if he's still interested in it next summer, we'll talk.

 

I used it for two days this week spraying weeds in one of the pastures. It's a three mile drive on the field roads from the shop to the pasture. A lot of starting and stopping as I moved through the pasture from weed patch to weed patch. Gave me a good chance to see what works and what needs help.

The good: starts every time, gears are all good, no popping out of gear, high and low range work fine, no bad noises from engine, trans or transfer, engine runs at normal temp (temp gun said 160 at front of head & 170 at rear), coolant level unchanged, brakes still working, no fluid leaks.

What it needs right now: complete steering rebuild, hitting bumps on field roads over 15 m.p.h produces death wobble, rebuild carb, engine runs rich with uneven idle.

Overall, this old Jeep continues to surprise me. From it's looks it should be completely worn out. I'll be doing more spraying next week, so we'll see if any other issues pop up.

I start spraying at about 6:00 a.m. and watch the sun rise on the Tetons. I never get tired of seeing them.

 

I'd clear coat with a satin finich, just the way it is.