Sakington

So 4 to 5 years ago, i was just starting to drive and I was really into the classic Jeeps. So my Dad wanting to get me a car, traded our Camper, Boat Motor and 300 dollars. For this 1965 Kaiser-Jeep Wagoneer with the original "Gladiator" Grill. Everything was original and it only has ~90,000 miles. But it needed tires and the brakes redone. But as fate happened I picked up a true Junker a Dodge Dynasty. So the Wagoneer still sits as its pretty much done for its life. I got rid of the Dynasty and picked up a Dakota last year. And well The Jeep is still at my Parents house, still sitting there after many attempts at selling it. So since I seem to be stuck with it and my girlfriend wants to work on cars. I decided to fix it up.

The Cab is badly rusted. The floorboards need to be replaced, its rusted around all the windows including the Windshield. But the front of the car is in great condition. With the engine looking amazingly clean and silver.

I Have never repaired a vehicle before, so I am unaware of where to start. So my first question, I came across a 1976 Jeep wagoneer for $800 dollars. Doesnt run, but the body is in decent condition. Would it be possible to tear the front end of my 65 and put it on a 76? The Gas pedal has rusted in half, so I am hopeing to bank on the lack of changes the wagoneer endured for an easy body swap.

I do realize this is a cherokee forum, but I cant seem to find any resources. Please if you know of any, Links, Books, etc. Please pass it on I would greatly appreciate it!

I guess this is a start I will be back with more

nick_n_ii

Well if you can post up some pics of it. A good place on most rebuilds is make sure it's mechanically sound. And here is a link to a place that will give you alot of answers for your rebuild also.. http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/

Sakington

Thank you for the link heres a few pics of what I am talking about.

nick_n_ii

Very clean looking by those pics.. Do you have a plan for it? Restore? Trail Rig? Hot Rod? what's your idea's?

ol"blue

That's an awesome looking machine!!!
And welcome to CF!!

whowey

I love it!!!!!

Those IFSJA guys know their stuff. They will have you fixing up that one, and buying the other one to do the same to...

Sakington

Thank you, but it needs some major TLC. I would like it to be a nice Trail Rig, but I dont want to take to much from its vintage looks. Just cruising around our land, it never got stuck even though the tires are as bald as Mr. Clean... My dad cant claim that with his 70 Jimmy :P

I took a couple more pics of what I was talking about. The floor has rusted straight threw. Oh and the gaps between the doors are big enough to see threw... So its not exactly water tight... And since I have no idea where to start to re-create the floor. I thought perhaps I could swap it with a 70's wagoneer...

Love the site thanks

No luck on the other site yet...

EvilBlackXJ

That rust is nothing. Shouldn't be a prob to clean up. And don't you dare swap out that front end!

pitbulld45

Looks like a cool project.

nick_n_ii

I'd say start with the rust. If it's all surface with no holes, you can wire wheel it than paint over it with POR-15. That stuff stops rust in it's tracks..

Sakington

Lol I appreciate the 2nt opinion the windshield it self is perfect I was just afraid the rust would be an issue. So I grind it down and such but what should I use to seal it up against a new windshield gasket?

What about the floor? There is a hole big enough for the gas pedal to fall threw...

As a short cut I was hopeing to take the front of this and put it on the other Wagon. I would indeed keep the front, and the aesthetics of the exterior. But you dont think its a good idea. Can I ask why?

EvilBlackXJ

That waggy is all pretty much in original condition. I wouldn't go swapping out the body parts, unless you really have to. Maybe just me, but if I had it, I would want to stay as near original as possible. You're not going to find another waggy that old in that kind of shape. If you can't do it yourself, have someone cut out the rust in the floor and weld or rivet plate in there and then paint it up.

nick_n_ii

It would be way costly to replace the body. Plus yours is in way better shape than most.

As for the floor start by pulling all seats and carpet. Wire wheel it all to see how bad it is. Can you weld? If not no prob, you can buy replacement floor pans you can rivet in place after you cut out most of the bad.

Sakington

Well I can't weld, but I did find floor pans on Bj's and well I found this site threw Stryker's https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f40/my-waggie-build-3065/ That looks do able.

Do you know of any other Jeep part sites. I have a feeling I will become a good customer :P

Thanks again for the ideas and the not buying the other jeep :P

Sakington

Well I can't weld, but I did find floor pans on Bj's and well I found this site threw Stryker's https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showthread.php?t=3065 That looks do able.
I do have a friend who knows I can ask him...

Do you know of any other Jeep part sites. I have a feeling I will become a good customer :P

Thanks again for the ideas and the not buying the other jeep :P