I'm open to any round head-light Jeep, but the CJ and the I-6 are so common I figured I'd start there. (Sold my JK)
I've watched a lot of car how-to TV shows, have worked in a hot rod shop and 4x4/Gun store on the gun side, and have access to these shops for expert advice and tools.
1. When did Jeeps first have shoulder belts?
2. Can I easily convert an I-6 to an automatic transmission?
3. Are there any years, engines, etc. to avoid?
4. I saw a project for sale and they modified the door hinges on a 70something to fit doors from the 80s, why?

Thank you.

 

Old stuff is pretty easy to convert depending on what transmission you are looking at. Not having the electronics is a big plus but you are limited on what is out there. There are lots of adapters out there for engines and transmissions. The 4.0 6 would be the motor to look for, lots of them out there, great power and torque for the day. I have a fuel injected 4.2 I6 in my Willys wagon with a 3 sped auto and it runs good. I would like a 5 speed in it though. If I did not live in the mountains the 3 speed is fine.The government mandated seat belts in 1968 but I don't know if jeep had them stock before that. I would doubt it. You can add seat belts to anything. Doors were the same for many years but the hinges changed so to get newer doors you had to modify the hinges to get them to fit.

 

It seems the early 80s is when the shoulder belts became standard. I would also like to stroke the I6 to 4.5L.

 

Might as well just throw an LS in it with the 6 speed transmission.

 

If I wanted that I would've kept the JK, and the Vettes. LOL

 

An LS is easy on an old vehicle and for what you are going to spend on a stroked 4.6 you could buy a low mileage LS with more power and better fuel economy.