I’m with the Kosair Shriners in Louisville, KY and I inherited our parade vehicle, a 1962 CJ-5, in April of this year. The previous driver/maintainer’s health has been declining over the last year and he has not been able to keep up with the needs of the Jeep. Sadly he passed last week and I have moved the Jeep to my shop. After going over the vehicle I’ve discovered quite a bit of restoration and repair is in order.
My first priority is to make sure it is safe to drive. (It wouldn’t be good if the Shriners were to run over someone during a parade). Once this has been accomplished, I want to start “dressing it up” a little more.
Hi Jon,
Your fourth picture shows a battery box cover for a 24 volt system and a snorkel cover plate on the passenger side of the hood. Your headlights are recessed with no headlight bezels. These two items I observed would indicate that this is not a CJ5, but rather an M38A1 Military Jeep. The only reason I know is that I am in the process of a restoring an M38A1 and I am now acutely aware of the differences. The M38A1 is a superior vehicle to the CJ series, stronger springs, tie rods, suspension. I am converting mine to 12 volt also, the 24 volt system is extremely expensive, but it makes the Jeep waterproof. It can even drive under water with a snorkel system attached. I am not going to use mine that hard so the 12 volt is just fine. Have fun with it!
Mike