45 Years and Counting |
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jgodfrey
Member Joined: 07 Oct. 2020 Location: Shakopee MN Status: Offline Points: 663 |
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Posted: 20 Apr. 2021 at 10:19pm |
I have posted on this forum countless times over the last few months, and have learned so much, from so many people. I am humbled by the altruistic help that has enabled me to get where I am with my Jeep.
My dad bought this 1946 CJ2A 45 years ago. He built custom homes and used it to drive between job sites in the Minnesota Summers. It later moved to their cabin in northern Minnesota. This is where I, as a stupid 17 year old, took over and proceeded to drive it down every logging trail, and through every mud hole I could find. It definitely lived a hard live in the years it should have been relaxing - having paid it's dues over and over. Eventually it ended up in my dad's back yard, under a tarp for 25 years. Two years ago he was diagnosed with a degenerative lung condition that will absolutely shorten his life. He is 78 now and has been told he may not see 80. So I decided to restore this Jeep, with my dad, as out last ride. The biggest challenge for me was the transmission and transfer case - which I ended up rebuilding on my own (with help from this group and Rick Stivers). Other than an occasional drop of oil - all seems well. I had the engine professionally rebuilt by a very reputable shop that does at leas one of these L134's a week. And I must say - it fired up and purred like a kitten for the first time in 25 years without a hitch. That familiar flathead pitter-patter sent me back to my childhood immediately. The days my dad and I spent in that Jeep, in the middle of the woods with a packed lunch from my mom, came rushing back through my brain. Here are a few pictures of my journey so far. Sadly, the body was not savable (with my skills at least), so I am waiting for a new tub from Peter Debella from SGI. I will drive fit it, tweak it, and have it painted the color I grew up with - Normandy Blue. I am definiately not done asking this group for help. I have a body to fit, and a wiring harness to install. Again, thank you to everyone here who has helped me, and will help me in the future. Edited by jgodfrey - 20 Apr. 2021 at 10:54pm |
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mbullism
Member Sponsor Member x 4 Joined: 29 May 2015 Location: MA Status: Offline Points: 4783 |
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Looking good ... I've said it numerous times before, you have something with that jeep that I simply can't buy for mine-
...a family history. (But I'm working on it )
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Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it... Welcome to 1930's Germany
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SE Kansas 46 CJ-2A
Member Sponsor Member x 3 Joined: 22 Jan. 2016 Location: S.E. Kansas Status: Offline Points: 3190 |
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Nice work on the rolling chassis and engine compartment! Looks factory new.
Great story, and I hope your dad can get a ride in it soon. You are doing a great job restoring a family heirloom. |
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46 CJ-2A #64462 "Ol' Red" (bought April 1969)(second owner)(12 V, 11" brakes, M-38 frame, MD Juan tub)
U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer(ret.) U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and damned proud of it. |
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bight
Member Sponsor Member x 2 Joined: 20 Aug. 2020 Location: mid coast maine Status: Offline Points: 1680 |
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very admirable work, sir. you should further expect a great deal of interest in your feedback on the SGI body. please keep us informed and provide photo footage. i get the feeling there are many that are interested but may be hesitant to dive in until some informed and experienced critiques are available.
all the best.
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CJ-2A 72586 tan (stock)
CJ-2A 197624 green (resto-mod) the wife abides (def: to bear patiently; TOLERATE) |
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nofender
Member Sponsor Member x 3 Joined: 10 May 2016 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 2035 |
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Like MB said - what you have is priceless - that family tie to a special Jeep.
Nice work so far and best of luck on future progress!
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46 CJ2a rockcrawler
46 CJ2a - 26819 46 Bantam T3c "4366" 47 Bantam T3C - 11800 68-ish CJ5 |
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Barry S
Member Joined: 01 Mar. 2020 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 661 |
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You are doing phenomenal job on restoring the jeep. I especially love the before and after body off frame pics. The family history truly makes it "priceless"! Hoping to see some pics of you and your Dad in it. Thanks for sharing!
-Barry
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1947 CJ2A 93664 "Grasshopper"
1947 CJ2A 90729 194? CJ2A 04893/194304 1946 CJ2A 46745 1946 CJ2A 36723 1945 MB 413665 1971 CJ5 8305017 375392 Drive train parts donor Bantam Trailer T3-C 25487 |
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Tom in RI
Member Joined: 07 May 2009 Location: RI Status: Offline Points: 1126 |
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Looking good. Very interested on your SGI body kit feedback.
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drm101
Member Joined: 12 Dec. 2012 Location: Clarkston, MI Status: Offline Points: 1470 |
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Thanks for posting! Hope your Dad has a chance to enjoy it and some joy knowing your family has this heirloom.
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Dean
'47 CJ2A "Ron" '66 CJ5 "Buckie" The less the Power the More the Force |
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Dogsbody
Member Joined: 14 May 2019 Location: Portland Status: Offline Points: 35 |
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That is a nice story, Thanks for posting. I hope your dad be is doing ok.
I shared with my 9 year old son your father & son project. Garage time is special no matter your age. Dave
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