I'm restoring my dad's old hunting Jeep, a 1956 Willys CJ5. But I'm taking it back to showroom stock condition, and plan to just use it for cruising mild scenic trails. Ain't gonna do any rock crawling or extreme stuff with it. By the time it's done, I'll have so much money and sweat into it I won't dare risk damaging it. I just want to putt around in pretty places, maybe do some fishing. I'm not into fixing broken parts in remote places, or getting winched out of tight spots, etc. Just want to enjoy old-style Jeepin'.

It was in good shape when I got it, I shoulda just fixed it up as it was and enjoyed it. But noooo, I had to dismantle it and start a full-blown restoration......but it'll be sweet when it's done. I'm partial to it because it was my dad's, I used to drive it in high school, and it's a '56, just like me. The original date of sale on the title is four days after I was born in 1956. Dad got it sometime in the early 70's. Even though it looks perfect, I found that some previous owner actually had done some body work to it on the rear corners, and had the body off the frame for a total repainting.



It sat right here, just like this, for 30 years.



But once it's done, then yes, I'll also be a "wheeling co-ar15.com member"! I drive a 2006 Jeep Liberty right now, but it's a company vehicle and they'd fire me for using it for personal use. But, when replacement time comes I might get the chance to buy it for like, $2k.