Adam Pratt's 1978 Jeep CJ-5 is a family heirloom that's been in the family 27 years and was Adam's first motor vehicle. The years and 179,000 miles as a daily driver had not been kind to the old Jeep, so a few years back, Adam embarked on a modernizing and upgrading project... while still using it as a daily driver. Working at 4Wheel Drive Hardware In Columbiana, Ohio, is likely what helped make that possible.
From high school days until a few years back, the Jeep was his 'wheeling machine as well as transportation. Now that Adam has a built TJ for 'wheeling, his old bud is getting the hotrod treatment. Currently, the original T-150 3-speed and Dana 20 back up the 304 but a T-176 4-speed and Dana 300 swap is in the offing. Axles are also the stock Dana 30 front and AMC-20 rear with 3.55 cogs... nice, street-friendly gears.
The old CJ has also spent some time on the local show circuit and has a few awards under its belt. It's bound to collect a few more as time goes on and Adam makes more improvements. While it's daily labor is over, Adam still finds himself driving it more than occasionally. "It's even been in the rain a few times," he says with a grin. After all, you don't leave an old friend to sit alone in the garage.
