1968 CJ3B - upgrade project

gbanavar · 15th February 2009, 09:15

Hi All,
I have started a pretty exhaustive upgrade project on a 1968 CJ3B Petrol, which I bought about a month ago. What started as getting the leaks and starting issues fixed turned out to be a full tear down and build job. I knew that I would go deep eventually, and had plans of changes I wanted to make before I bought him. Body of the Jeep is in good condition overall and I have attached some "Before" pictures.

I have made a long list of things I am getting done (in Excel) that I can share with anyone interested. It includes at a macro level, the following;
1. Engine rehaul
2. Paint job
3. Safety
4. Mechanical upgrades
5. Electrical upgrades
6. Aesthetics upgrade

A lot of work has been done, especially with the engine refurb. All seals, bearings, etc have been procured and machine shop work completed. The engine is being assembled and will be done in a couple of days.

The chassis is painted and we are working on painting the body. This is taking a lot of time, but I want to do this the right way. It will take another two weeks to be done. The tub, fenders, chassis has all been taken apart, which will make it a little easier and better for the paint job.

Mechanically, the suspension and radiator has been redone. The steering, axles, brakes are ok. Electricals seemed to be ok, but now since I have taken everything apart, will have to redo some of the wiring. The main things electrically are the starter, fuel pump and eventually CDI ignition. I am getting a bonnet lock, new seats with seat belt and probably a roll bar. A lot of aesthetic as well as functional upgrades are on the list including chroming. In fact a majority of the chroming is done including the Grille! Meters have been upgraded. A lot more to go.

I have been seeking advice from Mr. UBS, H.B. Vivek, Pavan Kadam and others and it is flowing. So, I would like to thank them for their suggestions and knowledge. Any suggestions from members here will also be appreciated.

I will be adding more pictures.. I am working on an agressive time line and hope to have it put together in a couple of weeks.. we shall see.

- Ganesh Banavar

sumanth_mk · 15th February 2009, 10:11

All the best for your upgrade mate

TheARUN · 15th February 2009, 10:30

Good to see someone else also bitten by the CJ3B bug.

I've also been bitten. There is a WILLYS CJ3B near my place, the owner is quoting 50,000 for it, the only problem is, it does not have any documents

I'm facing a dilema. I know it is invaluable, an original WILLYS, with the HURRICANE petrol engine, in running condition

Went to the scarp guys in Shivaji Nagar, found the scrap value to be less than 15,000. Thinking of offering 25,000 for the vehicle.

What I propose to do if I get around purchasing the vehicle is

Go to Kolar, apply for a B-report and get the registration details of the vehicle. Follow up with the registered owner and get the vehicle transferred
Keep the vehicle running, without attempting any great restoration, and slowly get it back into shape without pulling it apart and re-building it

Apologise for hijacking the thread. Could not hold myself back from the excitement when I saw your vehicle. Have written to UBS Sir and Behram Sir for advice. Raghavendra has advised me against the vehicle

Totally confused, will follow your thread closely

Hope you know about the 'CJ3B Page' and 'WillysOverland.com'. Was researching those sites and found a lot of information.

PAVAN KADAM · 15th February 2009, 10:40

Aahh, Finally Ganesh's thread is out.

Willing to help anytime , anywhere when in need.

This jeep is already looking good, will be worth to watch the restoration process.

Best of luck Ganesh.

@ TheArun: Buddy i've PM'ed you , may god bless you with a jeep soon.

gbanavar · 15th February 2009, 15:44

I am going to start with the engine.. Here is a list of the things I had to change/upgrade.

1. Engine Seals
2. Sleeves
3. Main Bearings
4. Main Bearing Seal (Used Rope Type from P4 Simson engine as suggested by Mr. UBS)
5. Piston Pins
6. Crank Bearings
7. Cam Bush
8. Valve Guides (8)
9. Packing Kit
10. Gasket Kit
11. Rings
12. 9 Spring Pressure Plate/Clutch Plate from the B275 international engine as suggested by Mr. UBS
13. Other misc. seals and such

The crankshaft had to be machined due to uneven wear and the bearings fitted to match. The flywheel had to be drilled to accommodate the 9 Spring pressure plate assembly. Luckily the bell housing I had on my engine was large enough to accommodate the pressure plate. I purchased a housing that will fit, but don't have a need for it. The gear box is in good condition and only required cleaning and greasing. The engine is being re-assembled and will be completed soon.

- Ganesh Banavar

DirtyDan · 15th February 2009, 19:30

Gbanavar, looks like things are progressing nicely. What engine is that and what are its specs? Are you rebuilding the carb?

gbanavar · 15th February 2009, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

Gbanavar, looks like things are progressing nicely. What engine is that and what are its specs? Are you rebuilding the carb?

It is the Hurricane F4-134 2200cc engine that puts out 72 lbs. ft. @ 4,000 rpm. You can find the detailed spec. here Hurricane Engine Specs on The Jeep CJ3B Page

It looks like the carb is in good shape. It will be tuned after the engine is assembled. I am however thinking of getting a K&N filter since I have a free flow exhaust. This may require re-jetting the carb. I also plan on installing an electric fuel pump. It looks like Santosh had some issues with the electric fuel pumps he tried and I need to see what happens with mine.

I will play around with the carb once I have the vehicle running.

- Ganesh Banavar

gbanavar · 15th February 2009, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheARUN

Apologise for hijacking the thread. Could not hold myself back from the excitement when I saw your vehicle. Have written to UBS Sir and Behram Sir for advice. Raghavendra has advised me against the vehicle

Totally confused, will follow your thread closely

Arun,
Hope things work out like you are hoping. I don't have any idea about straightening out the paper work.

I have done some research on the CJ3B site, talking to knowledgeable people and reading forums. It is amazing how helpful this community is

. I suggested to Mr. UBS to publish a Technical Manual that will help amateurs and professionals alike. It will make it easy for everyone to consolidate this information. Even though there is a lot of information, some of it is conflicting and other times it is an individual's preference on how far to take things.

Anyway, let me know if you need any assistance with what I have picked up in a short span of time.

- Ganesh Banavar

desertfox · 15th February 2009, 23:20

Good luck with the project.

I too bought a CJ3B from a Doctor in Allahabad, UP for Rs. 65,000 and started restoring it. I had bought it in July 2007. It was complete by March 2008 and I drove it off road. It was superb.
Now I have it with me in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR.

Total cost of the project was Rs. 150,000 but I get a lot of excitement out of it, money well spent I would say it is one of my favourite toys these days.

Will post pics of it as soon as I learn how to.

Red Liner · 16th February 2009, 01:05

Fantastic. Reading stuff like this kicks my a++ out of my office and want to go get my 3b baby out of hibernation. Its picking up speed alright. Way to go mate, hope to see you around in action soon!

desertfox · 16th February 2009, 01:18

More pics
During the restoration.
When it was bought from the Doctor
On its first outdoor trip - the canvas top was yet to be made then.

gbanavar · 16th February 2009, 09:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertfox

I had bought it in July 2007. It was complete by March 2008 and I drove it off road. It was superb.

Desertfox,
Your Jeep looks great! I sure don't have the patience to wait for 8 months! My Jeep as I bought it, was in better condition than most.. and I could have had it on the road even if I had rebuilt the engine and taken care of mechanical and electrical issues. Painting by far, takes the longest amount of time and it is not something you want to get done hurriedly.

Please let us know what work you got done on it.. general and performance wise.

starter · 16th February 2009, 09:52

Hey Ganesh,
It is nice to see your jeep coming up. All the best with that.
Do you mind sharing some information about the garage where you are getting this done?
Cheers,
Deepak

KSM-Vtec · 16th February 2009, 10:20

Wow thats a great project...lots of detailed work involved.

sreerajunnithan · 16th February 2009, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertfox

More pics
During the restoration.
When it was bought from the Doctor
On its first outdoor trip - the canvas top was yet to be made then.

Good looking Jeep!!!

Thanks
--Sree--

15th February 2009, 09:15	#1
gbanavar BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 162 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	1968 CJ3B - upgrade project Hi All, I have started a pretty exhaustive upgrade project on a 1968 CJ3B Petrol, which I bought about a month ago. What started as getting the leaks and starting issues fixed turned out to be a full tear down and build job. I knew that I would go deep eventually, and had plans of changes I wanted to make before I bought him. Body of the Jeep is in good condition overall and I have attached some "Before" pictures. I have made a long list of things I am getting done (in Excel) that I can share with anyone interested. It includes at a macro level, the following; 1. Engine rehaul 2. Paint job 3. Safety 4. Mechanical upgrades 5. Electrical upgrades 6. Aesthetics upgrade A lot of work has been done, especially with the engine refurb. All seals, bearings, etc have been procured and machine shop work completed. The engine is being assembled and will be done in a couple of days. The chassis is painted and we are working on painting the body. This is taking a lot of time, but I want to do this the right way. It will take another two weeks to be done. The tub, fenders, chassis has all been taken apart, which will make it a little easier and better for the paint job. Mechanically, the suspension and radiator has been redone. The steering, axles, brakes are ok. Electricals seemed to be ok, but now since I have taken everything apart, will have to redo some of the wiring. The main things electrically are the starter, fuel pump and eventually CDI ignition. I am getting a bonnet lock, new seats with seat belt and probably a roll bar. A lot of aesthetic as well as functional upgrades are on the list including chroming. In fact a majority of the chroming is done including the Grille! Meters have been upgraded. A lot more to go. I have been seeking advice from Mr. UBS, H.B. Vivek, Pavan Kadam and others and it is flowing. So, I would like to thank them for their suggestions and knowledge. Any suggestions from members here will also be appreciated. I will be adding more pictures.. I am working on an agressive time line and hope to have it put together in a couple of weeks.. we shall see. - Ganesh Banavar Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 10:11	#2
sumanth_mk BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: ಕರ& Posts: 45 Thanked: 3 Times	All the best for your upgrade mate
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 10:30	#3
TheARUN Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,373 Thanked: 958 Times View My Garage	All the best Good to see someone else also bitten by the CJ3B bug. I've also been bitten. There is a WILLYS CJ3B near my place, the owner is quoting 50,000 for it, the only problem is, it does not have any documents I'm facing a dilema. I know it is invaluable, an original WILLYS, with the HURRICANE petrol engine, in running condition Went to the scarp guys in Shivaji Nagar, found the scrap value to be less than 15,000. Thinking of offering 25,000 for the vehicle. What I propose to do if I get around purchasing the vehicle is Go to Kolar, apply for a B-report and get the registration details of the vehicle. Follow up with the registered owner and get the vehicle transferred Keep the vehicle running, without attempting any great restoration, and slowly get it back into shape without pulling it apart and re-building it Apologise for hijacking the thread. Could not hold myself back from the excitement when I saw your vehicle. Have written to UBS Sir and Behram Sir for advice. Raghavendra has advised me against the vehicle Totally confused, will follow your thread closely Hope you know about the 'CJ3B Page' and 'WillysOverland.com'. Was researching those sites and found a lot of information. Attached Images
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 10:40	#4
PAVAN KADAM BANNED Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NAMMA BENGALURU Posts: 5,602 Thanked: 2,549 Times	Aahh, Finally Ganesh's thread is out. Willing to help anytime , anywhere when in need. This jeep is already looking good, will be worth to watch the restoration process. Best of luck Ganesh. @ TheArun: Buddy i've PM'ed you , may god bless you with a jeep soon.
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 15:44	#5
gbanavar BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 162 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	Engine Rehaul I am going to start with the engine.. Here is a list of the things I had to change/upgrade. 1. Engine Seals 2. Sleeves 3. Main Bearings 4. Main Bearing Seal (Used Rope Type from P4 Simson engine as suggested by Mr. UBS) 5. Piston Pins 6. Crank Bearings 7. Cam Bush 8. Valve Guides (8) 9. Packing Kit 10. Gasket Kit 11. Rings 12. 9 Spring Pressure Plate/Clutch Plate from the B275 international engine as suggested by Mr. UBS 13. Other misc. seals and such The crankshaft had to be machined due to uneven wear and the bearings fitted to match. The flywheel had to be drilled to accommodate the 9 Spring pressure plate assembly. Luckily the bell housing I had on my engine was large enough to accommodate the pressure plate. I purchased a housing that will fit, but don't have a need for it. The gear box is in good condition and only required cleaning and greasing. The engine is being re-assembled and will be completed soon. - Ganesh Banavar Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 19:30	#6
DirtyDan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dharamsala, H.P Posts: 2,075 Thanked: 1,565 Times	Gbanavar, looks like things are progressing nicely. What engine is that and what are its specs? Are you rebuilding the carb?
	() Thanks

15th February 2009, 23:20	#9
desertfox Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR Posts: 1,270 Thanked: 648 Times	Good luck with the project. I too bought a CJ3B from a Doctor in Allahabad, UP for Rs. 65,000 and started restoring it. I had bought it in July 2007. It was complete by March 2008 and I drove it off road. It was superb. Now I have it with me in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR. Total cost of the project was Rs. 150,000 but I get a lot of excitement out of it, money well spent I would say it is one of my favourite toys these days. Will post pics of it as soon as I learn how to. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

16th February 2009, 01:05	#10
Red Liner Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,209 Thanked: 18,044 Times	Fantastic. Reading stuff like this kicks my a++ out of my office and want to go get my 3b baby out of hibernation. Its picking up speed alright. Way to go mate, hope to see you around in action soon!
	() Thanks

16th February 2009, 01:18	#11
desertfox Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR Posts: 1,270 Thanked: 648 Times	More pics During the restoration. When it was bought from the Doctor On its first outdoor trip - the canvas top was yet to be made then. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by khan_sultan : 16th February 2009 at 11:12.
	() Thanks

16th February 2009, 09:52	#13
starter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,127 Thanked: 903 Times	Hey Ganesh, It is nice to see your jeep coming up. All the best with that. Do you mind sharing some information about the garage where you are getting this done? Cheers, Deepak
	() Thanks

16th February 2009, 10:20	#14
KSM-Vtec Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MH-02-India-Bombay-Bandra Posts: 1,562 Thanked: 446 Times View My Garage	Wow thats a great project...lots of detailed work involved.
	() Thanks