Lazarus - Back from the Dead

blazerbrad · 11-04-2009, 12:01 PM

So I have to ask.......what's the story behind this build pattern. The tube work, sliders, 1-ton axles with H1 rims, neon paint, all on a CJ... all seems to be about the same cookie cutter pattern as several others I see on this board. Not knocking it by any means, just curious. I assume the same guy(s) had a hand in all the builds?

94Dodge Truggy · 11-04-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazerbrad

So I have to ask.......what's the story behind this build pattern. The tube work, sliders, 1-ton axles with H1 rims, neon paint, all on a CJ... all seems to be about the same cookie cutter pattern as several others I see on this board. Not knocking it by any means, just curious. I assume the same guy(s) had a hand in all the builds?

They were family friends who built them all around the same time with the help of an out of state builder. Uncle Holly, Steve Waters and Jeff Smith owned them originally. Documentation now states that Jeff Smith still owns his and Steves was sold to Jim Smith. There are 3 of these rare pieces known still to exist and CW is altering history. Some say to leave them stock as it may be worth more original. Others say modify it and make it better. Lets tune in and see what the new color scheme will be!

carwash · 11-04-2009, 02:06 PM

I recall one time the club being called the Skittles, because of all the neon colors..

Jeff Smith and Steve waters had theirs built by JB's offroad in Indianapolis if i recall correctly. Jeff's was originally blue and yellow and stevers was green and red. Jeff still has his, it is now silver and blue, and yes, steve sold his to Jim Smith, and it's now painted black, green and orange if i recall correctly. (2 different color tube fenders, but you didn't hear that form me!)

This CJ was purchased by Shane originally, and its initial build was at Jeff Smith's shop at his house. They did all the tube work just like was done on his and Steve's. I guess either shane lost interest or ran out of money or something, as I don't think it ever saw the trail. Steve ended up buying it, after regretting the sale of his to Jim... but lost interest as well. He had intentions of putting Uncle Holley's motor in it, so it came with that as well.

The tube work is vintage in my opinion. Was very popular on a ton of rigs nationwide for a while, about 10 years ago-ish, during the time when lean and light was unheard of. It's not my favorite either anymore, but I'm not gonna redo it all... that's for sure. It protects teh tub a bit, and Dave likes it, so it all stays. So to keep Truggy happy and the value of the vintage rig intact, I will leave the tubes unmolested and just reinforce where necessary...

New color scheme will be much more mild... maybe even a black frame and cage... unheard of!

carwash · 11-04-2009, 02:14 PM

Frame sleeve cut and in place, awaiting some squirted metal. This will make a really nice surface to mount the crossmember to. I hate welding stuff to a jeep frame, just can't be trusted...

sarge · 11-04-2009, 07:36 PM

glad to see that someone else is dealing with rust ........ did I say rust ....... I have a mess on my hands and I just keep cutting and cutting only to find guess what ?????..... that's right , More RUST !!!!! I'll post some picks a soon as I remember to bring the camera inside .

I remember the " Skittles " comments ,Mike I think you and I were both in the catagory with your Pumkin and my Chevokee

itbrokeagain · 11-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarge

glad to see that someone else is dealing with rust ........ did I say rust ....... I have a mess on my hands and I just keep cutting and cutting only to find guess what ?????..... that's right , More RUST !!!!! I'll post some picks a soon as I remember to bring the camera inside .

I remember the " Skittles " comments ,Mike I think you and I were both in the catagory with your Pumkin and my Chevokee

Many many years ago my cage went in at Mikes house. He brought out some bright ass ugly orange paint and said I painted it orange so if you dont like it too bad.

redcj3a · 11-04-2009, 09:56 PM

Nice history lessons. I have been looking at this build and kept thinking it's foundation was one of the Jeeps I have seen at the past charity events in Trenton. So, I am not totally wrong, it is one of a set of triplets.

Sarge, I am waiting to hear of the build you have hinted about in a couple of your responses.

John

11-04-2009, 02:06 PM	#3
carwash pimpin' IS easy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Union, KY Posts: 3,344 Images: 605	I recall one time the club being called the Skittles, because of all the neon colors.. Jeff Smith and Steve waters had theirs built by JB's offroad in Indianapolis if i recall correctly. Jeff's was originally blue and yellow and stevers was green and red. Jeff still has his, it is now silver and blue, and yes, steve sold his to Jim Smith, and it's now painted black, green and orange if i recall correctly. (2 different color tube fenders, but you didn't hear that form me!) This CJ was purchased by Shane originally, and its initial build was at Jeff Smith's shop at his house. They did all the tube work just like was done on his and Steve's. I guess either shane lost interest or ran out of money or something, as I don't think it ever saw the trail. Steve ended up buying it, after regretting the sale of his to Jim... but lost interest as well. He had intentions of putting Uncle Holley's motor in it, so it came with that as well. The tube work is vintage in my opinion. Was very popular on a ton of rigs nationwide for a while, about 10 years ago-ish, during the time when lean and light was unheard of. It's not my favorite either anymore, but I'm not gonna redo it all... that's for sure. It protects teh tub a bit, and Dave likes it, so it all stays. So to keep Truggy happy and the value of the vintage rig intact, I will leave the tubes unmolested and just reinforce where necessary... New color scheme will be much more mild... maybe even a black frame and cage... unheard of! __________________

11-04-2009, 02:14 PM	#4
carwash pimpin' IS easy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Union, KY Posts: 3,344 Images: 605	Frame sleeve cut and in place, awaiting some squirted metal. This will make a really nice surface to mount the crossmember to. I hate welding stuff to a jeep frame, just can't be trusted... __________________

11-04-2009, 09:56 PM	#7
redcj3a Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Middletown Posts: 118	Nice history lessons. I have been looking at this build and kept thinking it's foundation was one of the Jeeps I have seen at the past charity events in Trenton. So, I am not totally wrong, it is one of a set of triplets. Sarge, I am waiting to hear of the build you have hinted about in a couple of your responses. John __________________ 1950 CJ3A. Oddfire 225 V6, T-86 transmission, Dana 18 transfer case, 4 wheel disc brakes, locked front and rear. Manual saginaw steering. Warn winch, 9,000#.

11-04-2009, 12:01 PM	#1
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	So I have to ask.......what's the story behind this build pattern. The tube work, sliders, 1-ton axles with H1 rims, neon paint, all on a CJ... all seems to be about the same cookie cutter pattern as several others I see on this board. Not knocking it by any means, just curious. I assume the same guy(s) had a hand in all the builds?

11-04-2009, 07:36 PM	#5
sarge Pure Bacon Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trenton, Oh Posts: 1,098	glad to see that someone else is dealing with rust ........ did I say rust ....... I have a mess on my hands and I just keep cutting and cutting only to find guess what ?????..... that's right , More RUST !!!!! I'll post some picks a soon as I remember to bring the camera inside . I remember the " Skittles " comments ,Mike I think you and I were both in the catagory with your Pumkin and my Chevokee