Jeep Rescue- 1956 CJ5 rescue and tear down

Will it start after sitting in the woods for 25+ years? No, it won't. But when someone says, "If you get it out, you can have it," that's a challenge that's hard to pass up. And so begins my journey to turn this rusty heap of a 1956 Willys Jeep CJ-5 into an electric vehicle.
If you like what I'm doing here and find some value in it, consider supporting my work on Patreon: / jeremymakesthings
I promise I'll still mostly make stuff out of rusty junk and not just buy shiny things with your money.

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

At 16( back in 97) my grandfather helped me buy my first jeep an 81 cj7 that had spent 5 years in the woods with a handful of tools,starting fluid and a spare tire I drove it out and I don't which one of us had the bigger smile .thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory . Rip poppy

[@rodeleon2875]

back in the 60's my dad, brothers and i hiked miles back into the woods to find an old willys that was buried in a ravine. we worked for two days with shovels and a come-along to try to get that thing out. far as i know its still there.

[@kitmaira]

Thanks for helping me relive the excitement of finding my first Jeep. Mine is a 1969, and it has been taking up half of the space in my garage for the last two years. Every few months I open the hood and tinker a little. I’m sure I’ll have it running in another 20 years.

[@brianmaughan1853]

2

[@debhumphrey7480]

Thank you too. Not giving up my 95 jeep.

[@debhumphrey7480]

YES NEVER A NEW ANYTHING have to go back to school to figure the dash.NOPE!

[@lattitude01]

old girls arn't that complicated. just intimidating till you know your way around them. if you need any help diagnosing an issue hit me up!

[@debhumphrey7480]

1995. Just can't let them go, learned to drive a stick, a WILLYS

[@tooltimechris7217]

I already enjoying this right now! Looking forward to the rest of the restoration!

[@CraigsWorkshop]

This is brilliant already, and I know it's going to get brillianter. Awesome stuff Jeremy - looking forward to more.

[@N.Cognito]

This channel is super underrated. Your content is good, this project should be awesome to watch come to life.

[@ericdblade]

Great project! I'm tuned in to see how it goes.

[@jaynarr1]

So looking forward to this series!

[@garymucher4082]

Look at it this way, it is already a wreak, so whatever you do WILL be an improvement. Looks like a grand project to me. I'll be watching your progress...

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Can’t wait to see what cool tools and projects you make from Eileen 😎 🦆🦆

[@gaspuppygarage3782]

I really dig your editing and filming style. You speak clearly and your Dad jokes are tongue in cheek..

[@davidsnyder2000]

Your very ambitious 🙂 It’s going be awesome to see this project develop👍

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Going to be a interesting project, looking forward to it...

[@craigtate5930]

Great find...now ya got your own version of a project clanger..eager to see this progress

[@lumotroph]

Yay! So keen to watch the series!

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

The art of subtle humor. Thanks for sharing

[@ferrumignis]

I'm amazed there was anything left after 25 years in all that greenery, let alone having some actually not too bad frame rails.

[@lylehopson9573]

Awesome video, love everyone's effort to restore it.

[@gertraba9806]

They took the warn hubs

[@zachsmith98]

Cool! Looking forward to seeing whatever it ends up becoming!

[@restikandi3250]

Keren

[@bargainboondocker3420]

Reminds me of the Golden Nugget rescue on Matt's Off -Road Recovery. Nice project.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Jeep fanatic here! Love the name!

[@alanpaulick7815]

Thanks for sharing your content.

[@nickhenscheid369]

That hard top is super funky cool, you should definitely keep it. Would make an awesome ice cream truck haha

[@upallnightgolf]

Interested in watching your project. Electric sounds intriguing.

[@dt9094]

Great project. Thanks

[@freeliberalminds]

Im happy in following, watching this channel because im a avid fan of Jeep and so awesome to find this channel of restoring vintage Jeep. Thanks Jeremy. I will share this tomy social media accounts and network of friends. From Philippines, the Jeep country🥰

[@dennisbudd8102]

Subscribed. Looking forward to the project.

[@peterjford]

That has to be the cleanest hi-lift jack I have ever seen.

[@geraldmiller5260]

I have been looking forever for such a top.

[@fredclements6843]

You do have something for sure I haven’t seen many with the old top on them for sure 👍

[@jdmccorful]

Part that horn out, it works! You ought to see if Mustie1 is available for consultation, might help. Looks like a "whalin" project. Enjoyed watching, keep up the good work, oh also the humor. Thanks!!

[@gertraba9806]

Diesel creek got a. 65 barn find he's into check it out

[@BrasiliaepequenaUber]

Meu sonho encontrar uma relíquia dessas, estão de parabéns 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@bobvines00]

Jeremy, this Jeep reminds me of _my_ '46 CJ-2A (early model). A previous "owner" built his own hard top for it, but welded it to the windshield frame solidly across the top and stitch welded the angle iron frame to the top edge of the body. All I had was hacksaw blades, so it took "a while" to cut it off. Hopefully, before I die, I'll either repair the windshield frame or replace it. ;) The floor is completely gone in the body that I have (due to leaves accumulating in it since it had no "solid" doors. The main cross-member under the front end of the engine in my Jeep is a steel tube welded between the main frame members, but one side has cracked at the weld. I _really_ look forward to what you do to get this Jeep back on the road! Also, being afraid of going over 55 MPH (~88.5 KPH) in the Jeep may not be a problem because my Jeep never could run that fast due to its gearing. I think the only way mine would go faster than 55 MPH would be to drive over a cliff tall enough for gravity to reach/approach "_terminal_ velocity" over 55! ;)

[@TheWoodyworker]

Hope you are having fun in the canyon.

[@rstare1798]

I bought my 78 CJ5 last year after switching from motorcycles (leg amputation). I found a fairly decent body and great frame. Getting 258 / 6 and other parts from some off road murders. Hoping to get it on the road. This one is awesome. Looks to be great fodder for a rebuild. Please don't go EV. These old jeeps should chug along and barely hit 55.

[@russtuff]

This should be a fun project to watch.

[@sandrobahry2558]

Sure it's a challenge. Go ahead, don't give up!

[@joell439]

Can’t wait to see what happens next 👍😎👍

[@nighttrain1450]

You had me at I lean. Subscribed.

[@randyrocket461]

I HAVE NEVER HAD A OLD JEEP , I DO HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART FOR THEM , SOMEDAY I THINK I WILL !

[@older-wiser-better]

Looking forward to a lot of fun

[@RB-yq7qv]

I think it's a gem. Yes it will need some work. BUT it will be a thing of beauty when finished.

[@gertraba9806]

Swap a yj frame onto. It

[@Dave.Wilson]

If the horn works, you'r all good!! thanks Jeremy.

[@markduncan6690]

A Beautiful Gem in the Rough!

[@lynnjohnson5511]

I luv ol’ jeeps, I had a 66 cj5, 70 cj5 and a 71 cj5, my hr glass has ran out, wish I was a kid again working on my dinasaur jeep!

[@jondrew55]

Awesome. My first car was a 59 CJ-5. Was tons of fun till I wrecked it.

[@ironhead65]

Quite the epic adventure!

[@mikep9032]

Sure wish you had a Dauntless V6 in there. But hey good job. Always on point and that closing info about tooth count will definitely help someone. 😊

[@lonerider5982]

Just came across. I love this project

[@jeremylastname873]

Of course you’re going to leave the “living patina” on it. I love pulling in for state inspection with lichen growing all over my W-250. 🤠

[@osa-vt1rd]

My heart dropped when i saw them wipe those trees off the hood. that was perfect Bonsai forest. years in the making. on a slab, that could have been a few thousand dollars. OMG !!!!

[@rickpalechuk4411]

Awesome! Now you and Geoffrey Croker can race to see who will get their heep done first! 😅 Cheers

[@_Hanover_]

Was hoping someone would mention Geoffery Croker. His videos can show you some of the horrors hiding in a rusty frame, and also how to repair them.

[@desertadventures4221]

Really good video here

[@robchesley4591]

I love this stuff...

[@SaraOliveira-oz2bs]

Parabéns pôr recuperar essa jóia

[@genesmith7151]

My dad had a Jeep just like that one, it was also red, even had the same hard top, but it was a former Navy Jeep with 2 wheel drive! 😁

[@GypsyPriest]

YES... DO THE PROJECT. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE HORN TOUCH AT THE END.

[@pacheco8312]

Muito bom ver uma raridade ser resgatado e não ser destruído pelo tempo. Gosto muito desses vídeos. Parabéns! Muito sucesso, saúde, sorte e paz.

[@bobweiram6321]

The Assachusetts license plate is gold!

[@timfoley3189]

Keep the moss it's good camouflage and the greenies will love it.

[@valdineicampanha3298]

eu adoro esses vídeos sou fá destas relíquias aí tem muitas histórias

[@pacheco8312]

Também gosto muito 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@Rustinox]

Nice. All that's left to do now is fill up the windshield wiper fluid reservoir and you're good to go.

[@truckcaretv8649]

Good work 👍👍👍👍

[@FliesLikeABrick]

Exciting project -- I can't help but want you to tear into that engine.... and see where that goes. I'm getting vibes of Geoff Croker even if this ends up a totally different kind of project

[@levidbateman5174]

For a 25+ yr nap she looks amazing, that’s old metal for ya!!

[@warrenjones744]

So this is the second Jeremy makes things video for me. I like the way you think! I also saw we are neighbors so to speak. (I spied the NH license plate on your truck) I am over in the Lake Sunapee area. Anyway the concept of an electric drive jeep sounds fun, after all electric mining trucks have been around for ages and nothing has better instant torque than a well designed electric drive system. Plus it's probably never going to make a numbers matching restoration, so why not? 😁 I am going to enjoy to see what you learn as you go along. I dare say I will learn a thing or two as well.

[@JeremyMakesThings]

Hi Warren, I’ve actually been following you on Instagram for a while- I think your name came up regarding a craping class Richard King was trying to organize a while back. Anyway, I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel, I’m sure we’ll cross paths at some point.

[@warrenjones744]

@@JeremyMakesThings Jeremy, hopefully we will cross paths someplace. I am thinking of maybe organizing some kind of scraping get together in the future. Right now I have way too much other stuff to attend to.

[@mschiffel1]

Swap to a better frame. Rebuild the engine. Paint EVERYTHING with POR-15 to prevent any more rust. And drive it like you stole it. But you'll only go 40MPH at best with the factory 5.38 differential gears. I did the same thing to my 1956 CJ5 but I installed a brand new body tub from the Philippines. Mine's good for another 66 years.

[@FavazFavaz-dk4bm]

Super vedio bro 👍

[@Waynerking]

Just play this backwards to reassemble 😂 Very cool project, I look forward to the 86th video

[@HansWeberHimself]

This will be interesting!! And fun. Great!!

[@user-io4hp7oz5c]

Very nice, very cool ❤😎👍

[@l.glucid9077]

😂 the horn works LOL

[@harleypruett]

Jeremy Makes Things/Aging Wheels crossover event for the electric conversion! 😂

[@terrysaunders2026]

I have a 1953 ex military M-38A1 like that CJ-5. It has that same hardtop on it. My top has a small brass plate on the right side that says Koenig Iron Works on it. Koenig was big back in the day making tops, snowplows, winches, etc. When I get around to restoring the Jeep I’ll probably just go with a repro military canvas top. Edit: I made my original comment about the hardtop when I was only a few minutes into the video. Now I see that top does have the Koenig plate on it.

[@alankordzikowski7670]

Take a look at SGI, they’re in India and make reproduction jeep parts for these old willys. They literally just came out with an early cj5 reproduction tub. It’s been highly reviewed by jeep guys here in the states! You can also go that route for a frame, unless you find a good original frame. Which they do exist although you have to search for them. All in all there’s nothing like driving an old jeep. Open top, windshield down, no seatbelts. 55mph is like the max performance the F head engine will give you. Probably cruise more comfortably around 45. Good luck in your restoration of this beauty!

[@TheOldaz1]

When you said "rescue and tear down" you weren't kidding, sorta looks like you rescued more rust than Jeep. Good luck with it.

[@anamariadefatimacaicedo2519]

Es la primera vez que veo un jeep wilis caminado 😅😛ojalá lo saquen adelante como viene sin ser original precioso ,buena suerte

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

Sweet rescue. I was going to guess that was a J.C. Whitney after market top.

[@gertraba9806]

Prob. Dealer

[@gdgdgdhrhrhrh2954]

Very nice

[@edgarsanchez4066]

Excelente video seria bonito que lo Restauren ya que lo rescataron opino y la 2da parte?

[@ronwilken5219]

Jeremy, it looked hopeful when camouflaged with half the rainforest growing on, under, in and beside it. Now that it's "cleaned up" I'm beginning, as I'm reasonably sure you are, question your sanity/insanity at attempting this "project"? My suggestion would be to contact Paul at Fabrats and see if he's aware of a frame for it. After that it basically new springs etc. The motor I'm sure you could find something that works. Electrifying it?? Like you said it has the aero of a fridge. But having seen what you can do with other "piles of excrement" I'm sure you'll figure something out. We'll be watching and waiting. Good luck from Canada's banana belt. 🤔💩🤔💩🤩🦃🇺🇲🕊️🇺🇦🍌🇨🇦👍

[@The.Talent]

Awesome!

[@thomasschiller5197]

No wasps ? Come on lol .I got stung so many times I ve lost count saving junkers ,nice find

[@markduncan6690]

A Major Degreasing job will be called for!

[@TexasADV]

Did they PO say why the oil canister is moved to the opposite side of the motor? Also, that hard top is super cool! I've been hunting one down here in Texas for years now

[@variousvisfineart]

Wow! it was at one with the forest when the video began. At 12:28 it was, "Hey, I am not playing around" time.

[@lancecummings3363]

Great restore project 1:29

[@richardbradley961]

LOOKING FORWARD TO FOLOING ALLONG.

[@stevewilliams2498]

Sticking around here.

[@tedwpx123]

good luck

[@DolezalPetr]

electric conversion sounds super amazing!

[@scottthomas5999]

No guts, no glory. Go for it.

[@michaelsilva7085]

F@#$& YA! I’m totally in. This is going to be awesome.

[@mhommadsajidmhommadsajid3268]

Nice Job 🌹🇮🇳

[@josephhawkins-ur4iw]

The easiest way to free up the cylinders is to put vinegar in it and let it stay in it for about 3 days then it will free up. Then blow it out and spray w d forty in it

[@1975EATON1]

How close is Irene, to Lake Spofford! I recognize the bridges on route 9A

[@cheyennemauritz9911]

Love jeeps miss mine oh well some time soon

[@ashleyking3961]

🤔 Stuck cylinders. I've heard pouring hot oil down the cylinders and wait for an hour can loosen them.

[@markduncan6690]

This Jeep is worth the price of takin it away!

[@schulzcbs]

Would be really cool if you turn it into an electric car 🥳