1955 Willys CJ5: 51 Years Parked...First Drive

We pulled a 1955 Willys CJ-5 out of a Wyoming barn after 51 years parked. In this episode we button up the engine, swap to a 12-volt one-wire alternator, fix a stubborn oil-pressure prime, drop the front clip, chase a radiator leak, tweak the carb, and—if it’ll hold together—drive it to lunch.

Along the way we talk CJ-5 vs M38A1 differences, set toe-in, sort the brakes, and rack up our first real miles. It isn’t perfect yet (carb stumble, tiny trans seep), but this little Jeep runs, charges, and cruises.
We have a complete build series on this jeep, click on the playlist here,

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbdveHlgP0_Da-5JY7JebYr3T_Ge9-tsq&si=BsJ-SXJFy61Uykmv

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00:00 Cold open & shop banter
00:15 Project recap — ’55 Willys CJ-5 barn find
00:47 What’s left to finish today
01:24 Parts run & plan (water neck, alternator, misc.)
01:59 Seats, manifolds, distributor & plug-wire routing
02:59 Welding & fab comedy hour
03:45 Flywheel, clutch, and bellhousing setup
05:37 Aligning the clutch (yes, with wood)
06:50 Button-up and engine hoist time
08:46 Transmission mated — dropping the engine in
10:00 First crank attempts (no coolant, just a test)
11:06 Troubleshooting: slow 6-volt starter on 12v
12:27 Fuel up, loose connection found
13:22 First fire!
14:09 No oil pressure scare → priming the pump
15:02 Verified oil pressure — quick run test
16:03 Charging & oil pressure confirmed
16:32 End of Friday push; plan to finish Monday
17:21 Monday — crew back, pedals, wiring, front clip
18:04 Headlights to 12-volt, tidy-up & toe-in
19:44 Front clip set — it’s looking like a Jeep
21:46 Bulbs, detailing, and Pap’s patina magic
22:21 Cooling system filled; radiator gets attention
23:35 Registration from 1973 — history find
24:46 First full warm-up and fan clearance fix
26:13 Cooling leak & quick braze repair
27:42 First yard drive — transmission checks out
29:38 New exhaust & brake adjustment
30:25 Second drive — shifting and smiles
31:59 Fuel stop & shop shenanigans
33:12 Mud hole antics (because why not)
34:08 Road test — hills, lights, and gauges
35:15 10+ miles logged — lunch run success
36:11 Post-drive inspection at the lot
37:30 What’s next: carb rebuild, tiny trans leak, horn switch
38:15 CJ-5 vs M38A1 quick differences
39:22 Final tidy-ups & takeaways
40:03 Subscribe / merch note & series wrap
40:23 Bonus: family drive & closing laughs

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Thanks for watching

#Willys #CJ5 #BarnFind #WillItRun #Restoration #OldIron #Jeep

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