High Hood Sport Model

Brett Chitwood bought this 1964 CJ-3B a couple of years ago, and found it to be in pretty good shape with the exception of some body rust and worn-out springs. His remodelling of the Jeep included all-new metal on both sides of the tub from front to rear. Scorpion bed liner the same color as the body was applied to the inside and underside of the tub including rear fenderwells. The rear seat came from a Chevy Suburban; Brett cut 14 inches from the center of the seat bottom and backrest. Wrangler Sport decals and American Racing wheels were added to give the classic high-hood profile a contemporary look.

Front includes auxiliary lighting.	Brett fabricated the trailer hitch.
Tub had extensive body rot.	Brett kept the existing roll bar.

See also a shot of the interior before restoration (50K JPEG).

Brett kept a timeline of his progress on the project:

• June 24, 2000: Removed hood, grille, fenders, radiator and all wiring and gauges. Next step was tub removal; removed body, replaced seals and gaskets, prepped frame for painting. Replaced springs, repaired steering box, and replaced some brake lines.
• Fall 2000: Primed and painted chassis.

After grille and fender removal.	After tub removal.
Holes from a hatchet job for homemade heater.	Frame in self-etching primer.

See also front of tub in primer, with firewall damage repaired (50K JPEG).

• Winter 2000: Lots of sheet metal fabrication including new floorboards and bed floor.
• Summer 2001: More sheet metal work, began body work.
• Fall 2001: Primed tub and other body parts with urethane primer.
• Winter 2001: Painted all body parts, repaired seats, fabricated rear seat.

Replacing front floor bracing.	Scorpion bed liner inside tub.
Dash includes electric wipers, CD player.	Wiring includes fuse panel.

See also right side of engine (100K JPEG) showing welding and reinforcement of hood center seam.

• Spring 2002: Began putting back together. Final wiring completed and detail work done.
• May 28, 2002: Installed front seats and muffler system.
• June 8, 2002: Installed wheels and 235.75-15 radials. Installed rear seat and added a console with cup holder.

Thanks to vendors: Turner 4WD, Walcks 4WD, Beachwood Canvas, The Carburetor Shop, J. C. Whitney, Jeep Panels Plus, Scorpion Bed Liner, NAPA Auto Parts (Bloomington, IN), Bells Exhaust (Bloomington, IN), Tieman Tires (Owensburg, IN). -- Brett Chitwood

And thanks to Brett for the photos. -- Derek Redmond

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