[BABABOT]

MY NEW JEEP
Dear Esteem Members and Gurus,
I have just bought a 1970 model (as per papers) Mahindra Jeep. I presume it is a CJ 3 B, but I have no Idea. The previous owner has done an engine swap with a MDI diesel engine mated with a 3 speed gear box with suspended pedals. It has a working 4x4. I plan to restore it and use it for my me time with mild off-roading. Actually I was always a jeep fan but realize the dream to own one now. My present plan is to get the mechanical fitness in order first and then go for cosmetic changes later. the jeep is in a working condition with no major repairs as per my mechanic . He has advised the following now.
1. A proper wash.
2. Open up all four wheels and check the brakes for fitness and carryout any changes required.
3. Changing of all oil and lubricants.
4. Checking and taping of all wirings.
5. Changing of Clutch cable ( he feels it is a bit tight)

After the above mentioned initial works ,he has advised me to drive it for 15 days to get used to the feel of the Jeep

Phase I Plan

1. Tinkering of rusted area and thereafter painting of the body.
2. Rubber coating painting of the chassis and tube from below.
3. Installation of two second hand Innova seats ( already procured from Mayapuri)
4. Changing of the canvas. the canvas looks new but it seems the material is not good and it leaks (without any holes)
5. Repairs of any mechanical issues identified after driving
6. Three tyres to be procured.

Advised from Experts needed for the following :-
1. Identification of the Jeep ( paper says 1970 model).
2. Design of the roll cage.
3. What material/brand of canvas to be used.
4. Any other valuable advise and suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Note : I am a total newbie for a jeep . what ever knowledge I have is by reading about it in BHP.
Thank You

The Photos of the jeep for reference and comments please


Other photos are as follows. Requested for advice of Gurus and experts

[BABABOT]

Additional Photos for information please

Last set of photos please. Thank you

[BABABOT]

Today the Jeep was given a wash , all the drums were opened and brake linings serviced. The brake linings and the cylinder were found to be ina good condition. All the electrical connections were checked and any repairs done. the clutch cables was also changed. All the oil and lubricants were checked and changes/topping up carried out. On Monday we will take it out for a final test drive and bring it home. I have been advised to drive this vehicle without any worries for 10000KM. The cosmetic changes like denting and paintings will be done post Diwali.
The following advice needed from experts.
1. The Jeep has no tools. I am buying a Jack and related tools to repair/change wheel. Request for list of minimum tools required
2. There are no side rear view mirrors. which mirrors would be the best for this jeep

I have also bought two Innova seats from Mayapuri. It is being brought here by transport. Should reach me by Monday. We will fix the seat later when we do the body work.

Some photographs of today

[BABABOT]

TYRES
Dear members
The jeep has a 6.00 x 16 NDMS tyres at the back and a rethreaded tyres in the front. there is just a spare rims and no tyre . I need to get three tyres. The mechanic suggested not to go for NDMS tyre that is there in the rear for the front as it can have issues while turning and go for tyres having similiar design as the rethreaded tyres in the front.
For valuable inputs please

[svsantosh]

CJ500, not CJ3B. Long wheel base. Engine GB seems original. Vacuum assist Brakes are mod, if working fine just leave it.

It is a project jeep, got lots to do, you can refer to my thread about a similar jeep. TBhp has many such Jeep threads too.

Welcome to the 'Why my wife may hate me' club.

[that_sedate_guy]

Originally Posted by BABABOT

TYRES
Dear members
The jeep has a 6.00 x 16 NDMS tyres at the back and a rethreaded tyres in the front. there is just a spare rims and no tyre . I need to get three tyres. The mechanic suggested not to go for NDMS tyre that is there in the rear for the front as it can have issues while turning and go for tyres having similiar design as the rethreaded tyres in the front.
For valuable inputs please

I used to have a MM540 which had many mechanicals similar to your Jeep.
On the tyres, the NDMS ones are fine and they work really well off road too. As long as your axles are setup right, there should be no turning issues nor will there be any tyre longevity issues. They're quite tough. Also, don't replace three driving tyres. Replace all four or replace the front two only/rear two only and use the odd one out as the spare.
One more thing. Take a look at the alternator and the rectifier. They're common failure points in the old jeeps.
Other than that they're tough basic machines you can have fun with.

[BABABOT]

Originally Posted by svsantosh

CJ500, not CJ3B. Long wheel base. Engine GB seems original. Vacuum assist Brakes are mod, if working fine just leave it.

It is a project jeep, got lots to do, you can refer to my thread about a similar jeep. TBhp has many such Jeep threads too.

Welcome to the 'Why my wife may hate me' club.

Thank You SVSANTOSH. I am totally new as far as the jeep in concerned. luckily for me ,,wife is on board . I will go through your thread deliberately and seek your advice and suggestions.

Originally Posted by svsantosh

CJ500, not CJ3B. Long wheel base. Engine GB seems original. Vacuum assist Brakes are mod, if working fine just leave it.

It is a project jeep, got lots to do, you can refer to my thread about a similar jeep. TBhp has many such Jeep threads too.

Welcome to the 'Why my wife may hate me' club.

Originally Posted by that_sedate_guy

I used to have a MM540 which had many mechanicals similar to your Jeep.
On the tyres, the NDMS ones are fine and they work really well off road too. As long as your axles are setup right, there should be no turning issues nor will there be any tyre longevity issues. They're quite tough. Also, don't replace three driving tyres. Replace all four or replace the front two only/rear two only and use the odd one out as the spare.
One more thing. Take a look at the alternator and the rectifier. They're common failure points in the old jeeps.
Other than that they're tough basic machines you can have fun with.

Thank you for the inputs. Yes I am initially changing the front two tyres which are rethreaded ones. The rear two tyres are almost brand new and I intend to keep it unchanged.

[DirtyDan]

Extremely important! Make sure your mech checks IN DETAIL every component of the suspension and steering systems. If a front wheel falls off, you can be in for a very long day. On an old vehicle like this, you really have to make sure the wheels will stay on and it will go pretty much where you point it. This is just as important as having functioning brakes. Make sure this puppy reliably rolls and steers. Spend time and money on this if necessary. It's crucial.

[BABABOT]

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

Extremely important! Make sure your mech checks IN DETAIL every component of the suspension and steering systems. If a front wheel falls off, you can be in for a very long day. On an old vehicle like this, you really have to make sure the wheels will stay on and it will go pretty much where you point it. This is just as important as having functioning brakes. Make sure this puppy reliably rolls and steers. Spend time and money on this if necessary. It's crucial.

Thank you so much Dirty Dan. The suspension has been checked, a short 3-4 km drive has also been done. everything seems ok so far. we are going for a long drive tomorrow to see what all actions needs attention for getting immediate mechanical fitness

[BABABOT]

Good Evening Everyone
After the test drive I have bought the Jeep home after driving around for approx 20 Km.
This was my first drive and I had the following observations
1. Brakes I found the brake very responsive, I guess the brake booster helps a lot.
2. Clutch. The clutch is a bit tight I feel. As per the mechanic it is perfect. May be I need to get used to it.
3. Gear. Actually the great shifts like butter( not exaggerating) . I was thinking it would be tighter but thankfully it is very smooth.
4. Sound. Driving a diesel vehicle for the first time and that too almost open, so guess I need to get used to it.
5. Steering Play. I found some play, but as per the mechanic it is the way it is in a jeep. It was not at all excessive and I dint not have trouble at all. I am contemplating a power steering in the future.
6. Body noise and Suspension. Thankfully there seems no body noise, even if there are some, it seemed to be offset by the engine sound. There seems to be no issues with the suspensions too.
7. Smell of Diesel. Though there seems to be no excessive smoke from the exhaust but there is this smell of diesel, especially when I was parking in my underground parking. is this smell normal ?
8. Side rear view Mirrors. There are no side rear view mirrors, so I have decided to put the Major Jeep Mirror. A small attachment needs to be fabricated and then welded. the mirrore will be fixed on this attachment.

I will keep on updating about the drive experience.

Advice Needed
Is it advisable to update a power steering. If yes then request experienced members to guide me on the aspect to include, which vehicle power streeing, tips for installation. Is is advisable to get it from Mayapuri.

[samwagon]

Originally Posted by BABABOT

After the test drive I have bought the Jeep home after driving around for approx 20 Km

Dear Sir,
Welcome onboard to an exciting, satisfying albeit slow and at times frustrating journey. Sometimes, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!!
One suggestion is to check the rear and front shock absorbers and steering damper for correct operation and replace with new ones, if faulty. Their correct operation contributes a lot to the drive-ability and ride quality.
IMHO, smell of diesel in not normal and should be investigated. Look for tell tale signs of wetness along the fuel delivery route from tank to fuel pump to engine.
For Power Steering please consult fellow BHPian Vikrant Shukla. I gave you his number. You can pick the requisite suggested parts from Mayapuri.

Originally Posted by BABABOT

I have just bought a 1970 model (as per papers) Mahindra Jeep. I presume it is a CJ 3 B, but I have no Idea.

Regarding the model, considering that it is a 1970 registered model, it could be a CJ4 (91" inch wheel base version of CJ3B) which originally came with a hurricane petrol engine.

[BABABOT]

Originally Posted by samwagon

Regarding the model, considering that it is a 1970 registered model, it could be a CJ4 (91" inch wheel base version of CJ3B) which originally came with a hurricane petrol engine.

Yes Samwagon ,I measured the wheel base. it is exactly 91.

[BABABOT]

Good Evening

Today two Innova seats picked up from Mayapuri have reached me through transport. The seats costed me 2.5 K and transport plus packing charges etc Rs 800. I will be installing the seats later. Will also be fabricating Armrest cum storage between the two seats.

[BABABOT]

Good Evening

Today added two bolero rear view mirror and a grab handle to assist in entering the Jeep. The mount of the rear view will be painted tomorrow

[BABABOT]

Innova Seats

here is the photograph of Innova seat procured from Mayapuri. I have got a pair.