45 Years and Counting

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.

Nice work so far and best of luck on future progress! 

I shared with my 9 year old son your father & son project. Garage time is special no matter your age.

Dave