I'm slowly aquiring parts for a future project. I have CJ3B body that I'm going stretch/modify into what I'm calling a CJ6B. At the CJ6 101" wheelbase, it will be the new trail rig for the family once my boys get too big for the back of the MB. Yes, I will be in way over my head; nothing new there. The 3B came with a windshield, hood, fenders, and grill, all in similar poor condition. There will be no remorse when this thing gets cut up. I'm also considering widening it to fit two full size suspension seats in the back. Just thinking ahead to those teenage years. I'm planning to add the entire 21" between the door opening and the rear wheel well. It will look like these CJ3BLs, which according to The CJ3B Page (scroll down) was an Australian factory made vehicle.
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| Rusty and dented | No dash; the tailgate is wasted | Weird plate in the bed |
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April 10, 2010 Here's a CJ6 frame I picked up for the stretch. Probably 1963-1971 vintage because it has what looks like original V6 motor mounts. 101" wheelbase as it sits. It needs a little TLC, but I think it will work good. I don't expect many of the body mounts to line up. I'm planning on using the entire running gear from the MB when the time comes. |
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| CJ6 frame | Simple huh? |
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This will be a long, slow project, just fitting it in between other stuff. I'm going to set a tentative goal for desert season 2012. My oldest son will be almost seven and probably will have outgrown the space available in the back of the Willys MB by then. Summer 2012 would be when I would start swapping parts over. No sense in rushing it. I've still got a ton of things to do on the Wagon.
True to form I can't finish one project before starting another. I figured I'd go ahead and wire wheel the rust off the frame and strip off parts I already know I won't be using. The two front frame horns have cracks and boogered welds at the shackle hanger. Those will be coming off. There's also a creased or crushed portion of frame rail at the transfer case mount area that I'll try to repair. Notice the "boxed" front cross membr? I'll need to do some clean up there as well.
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I'm still on the fence regarding boxing the frame. Seems logical to do it at this point.