This 1955 CJ-5 Jeep was my first car when I got my license in 2011. I have slowly restored it while it has been serving as my daily driver until 2014, when I completed a frame-off restoration. I patched the original tub, rebuilt the drivetrain, and converted it to 12 volts. The only component I haven’t rebuilt is the engine itself, just the auxiliaries. Now I drive my Jeep as much as I can. I recently drove up Mount Washington in NH and installed an overdrive. A PTO winch is also in the works. This CJ-5 is believed to originally be a fire rescue vehicle in Maine, due to the a Maine license plate from ’74, the original red color, low miles, and the underside being covered in melted asphalt. Serial Number 57548 15799.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Jacques Lussier
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We could tell a similar story about our 1964 CJ5. It was a working Jeep on a South Dakota Ranch. I really like these old Jeeps and there toughness. Up grades and rebuilds will keep them rolling for years for loving owners.
Yes you can have OD and pto with an adapter. you take the cover off of the overdrive and put the PTO on behind it. I did it on my ‘2A and it worked fine.
They are a labor of love. I ended up with a 1958 CJ5. I also lucked out and have a buddy that helped me go through the motor. We cleaned up the cylinders and replaced the rings. Rebuilt the transmission because second gear didn’t work. I can tell you now, I wish I had done more but I was anxious to get it running. I’ll take my time on the next one. Yes, there will be a next one. Good job, enjoy.
Dam, it’s nice to see some of the younger generation take an interest in the hobby. Best of luck and don’t stop after the cj-2a
What is the color you used to repaint it?
Isn’t Mt. Washington, NH the place where they regularly set record low temps and/or record high winds? Nice CJ. Enjoy it!
Jacques.
Nice job, the power take off winch is by far the best, power unlimited. I used mine for hours one time with no hesitation. As far as the 6volt ignition goes if you keep it in good repair it will work just as well as the 12 volt.
Dave Jones
If you have installed an overdrive it will be impossible to add a PTO winch. The overdrive unit utilizes the gear behind the cover plate on the rear of T90 transmission where the PTO unit would mount. Can’t have both! Better be thinking electric winch especially since you converted to 12 volts. There are really nice electric winch options!
Hey Jacques, great color combo. A Jeep needs to be driven. Now that the CJ-5 is almost finished, you can start looking for a CJ-2A. The more you rebuild, refurbish, restore, the easier it gets. Good hunting!
Bon Vie!
Lost in Neeses
Glenn