1968 Cj-6 Brutus

Limited on time today. Two trips into the big city today put a wet towel on it. But managed to get all the plates cut and removed a rear bumper from a 71 frame. Not nearly as long as the 68's bumper. But if I can't find another, it will have to do. I swear someone either here or the 2a page was making a repop but much heavier guage steel. Can't seem to find the info.

 

My guess is the one from Classic Enterprises: Jeep Crossmember - Rear Frame 1951-1975 CJ5 M38A1

I've not bought anything from them yet, but people here seem to like their stuff.

 

I just received an order from them today. Good people and nice products. For some reason I thought someone here was making a heavier guage one. Thanks though. I'll probably end up ordering one from them.

 

Had a little time today to get after the Jeep. Finished cutting out the front boxing plates and fitting them. The rears were going to get welded in today, but instead I drilled out the spot welds on the rear tub supports on the tub. I'm still waiting on one long support coming in from Classic. They missed a few, but a quick call to them on Tuesday and spoke to Mark. He is including them in my next order of a new rear bumper and support. Also replaced the left front support stiffener on the firewall. The old one was cut out for over the frame headers and I have ordered a compete exhaust from Waldons and was waiting to hear that its being shipped before I replaced it. the replacement came off a 71 CJ5 tub, that going to be a farm jeep, so no harm there. Welded that in today as well. So exhaust should be shipped next week, the rear support hopefully comes Monday with my new bumper. Might have to paint the bottom in the mean time and weld that in later. I can always touch up that spot later, as the outside probably won't see paint for a while, unless it gets warmer for a few days.

 

Oh and hats off to Warloch for his superior crate building technology. I received a special surprise today that came much faster than I had thought possible. I'll let you see.

 

That crate was awesome. A few bucks and scratches on the outside, but inside was unmolested. I can't decide on keeping the crate as is, or building my barn cat a two story play house.

 

I still can't get over the lack of rust on your Jeeps and parts. I think I'm moving out that way.

 

Rear support and bumper came in last night along with the tail light panel tub support. Also received email from Waldons that my exhaust system should arrive on Monday. It's like Christmas early around here. Went to NY yesterday to pick up a very nice used Warn XD9000i yesterday. And my brand new Detroit locker came in Monday for the rear 44.

So I'm torn a bit right now with making a choice of NT 30 or 44 up front. I'm building the flanged NT 44 for the rear and trying to chose between the two choice for the front. What are you guys thinking? I'm only running 33/1050-15 KM3's. 427-456 gears with T-18 and Dana 20 with Terra Low .

 

I plan to wheel it, but not abuse it. Well I never abuse any of my Jeeps. I like slow as you go.

 

Dana 30. I have a 44, but with the tire size, it's really not necessary. Nice thing about the 30, bolt in, done!

 

Not much going on in the barn lately. Hunting season is here........well and you know how that goes. Did finish up boxing the front and rear frame rails, but its been kind of cold to get the frame painted with Eastwoods extreme frame black. Maybe this weekend, suppose to get close to fifty. Then I have to build a Dana 30 and it will be time to get this put back together. Looking for a front locker and thats been a hold up. Not sure if I want an ARB and compressor. I have the compressor, but was thinking OX or a zip locker. Never had an OX or Zip locker before and I don't want a LSD up front in this one and want it completely open at points. Any thoughts or experience with either. I've own a few ARB air lockers, I like them but I'm always open to new parts.

 

Has anyone had experience with Yukon zip lockers?

 

Finally had some time due to rain, to get a little done. A few months ago I purchased a Warn M8000 winch for easy money. It had a broken end support and I had already installed that, but I also ordered the Warn upgade kit for it and went with a little better weather resistant control and it looked cool. (does that count ?) Put that on today and a new synthetic winch rope. ( bargain brand HF ). And its now done. After I bought this, I also found a nice Warn XD9000i winch, but sticking with this one I think on the this project.

 

Temps got up into the low 50's today so it was time to get busy putting the frame into epoxy. Once this side dries, which it was by the time I finished in the barn, I will flip it and paint the bottom. I figure I'm going to have to hang some plastic in the barn to create a spray booth I can get heat into. Its the only way I can keep making progress with this to get it completed by spring. It was a hay barn so it has 3 foot eves. Where the frame is on the horses, is the only spot that the ceiling blocks off the eves. So its becoming a twmp spray booth. Hunting season is winding down, (2 week black powder is all thats left and by then we'll probably be in the teens. So got to do some work bubba style.

 

No real updates. The temps have been too cold sense the end of hunting season to get any paint work done inside the barn. And my dad passed away last Saturday and his funeral was ash wednesday. Now I am taking care of my mom with my older sister. That was dad's job and his death was sudden and very unexpected. This project may be on hold for a while.

 

Sorry for your loss.

 

Im sorry to hear about your Dad. God bless.

 

sorry for your loss
condolences to the family