This is one of those rigs I instantly like because, for one thing, it’s incredibly rare, and for another, there was actually some thought behind it. Various eras of the Jeep have been absolute catnip for guys handy with fiberglass and a body filler, so it’s of little surprise to see such an unusual design on a vintage CJ5. This is the so-called “Parmley” body, which was conceived when Tom Parmley damaged the original body in a roll-over accident. Find this oddball Jeep listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Terry for the find.
Thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Terry for the find. The Parmley body was intended to not only solve the problem of the original accident but also make some key improvements in the process. Parmley wanted to make it easier for Jeep enthusiasts to stick 10-inch wide wheels underneath along with adding a bigger engine. Interior dimensions also improved, so he clearly had an ear and an eye for what Jeep owners complained about when dissecting the factory’ design. It was a bolt-on conversion, and the hardtop was a rare, and desirable, extra that this Jeep has.
It looks like a completely different truck, which I suppose was part of the idea. It’s pretty neat, as it looks every bit like a burly off-roader while looking nothing like a Jeep (while having all the reliable, easy-to-modify Jeep goodness underneath.) While someone’s home brew conversions usually look quite, well, homemade, this one looks fairly complete in terms of execution. It almost looks Japanese in some respects, reminding me of more of a Daihatsu Rocky than a Jeep. The seller doesn’t offer many details on what’s happening underneath, so we don’t know if it has a larger engine under the hood.
I can remember coming across some other Jeep variants over the years with custom bodies such as this. The modifications were typically for high-performance builds or simply to stand out from the crowd; I can even recall reading about one Jeep body built for owners who used their trucks for tractor pulls! An old Parmley invoice reveals they would sell you a fully assembled kit if desired, along with one stuffed with fiberglass insulation. Windows and roll bars were counted as optional accessories, and this one also has full doors. Have you ever seen a Parmley-bodied Jeep?
Looks kind of clownish in my humble opinion
Who am I to thwart someones initiative? As one of the sites most prominent Jeep followers, I can say, never saw’r one. That’s not unusual as I remember there were several aftermarket applications in Popular Science. None too “popular”, as this just wasn’t what a typical Jeep buyer wanted. Someone had access to a giant “Vac-U-Form” for fiberglass, and I think it’s pretty cool. Side pipes and headers may indicate a V8, but probably a V6. Certainly different, and yes, does add an Asian look.
Craigslist ad has an engine image, looks to be an oddball, odd fire 225 V6. Loved my V6s in a CJ5 and Jeepster.
Vac U Form…Now we’re bringing back childhood memories!
I can understand why it’s rare.
What in the lump is that?
That body is uglier than a bag of butts. The original was far better.
Different. Unfortunately, not better.
Close, but no banana.
The hood and where the grill would go and other areas look like part of the commando I use to own.
The front end looks like a first gen Scout. This is like putting a Chevy grille on a Rolls Royce. When I first saw the picture without reading the headline or caption I thought of something from some post-USSR republic.
It does evoke echoes of the Russian Lada Niva.
I had a 78′ CJ-5, and back in 1980, the only hardtops were available were from one vendor in CA. The only pics for it were from a two-color ad in Off-Road Magazine. So, I plunked down my $800+ and almost $400 in shipping to RI. This was in December and the hardtop was welcomed in the New England winter. It wasn’t until May, that I realized how much I sweated my tail off with those sliding windows. They only moved about 8 inches ! A friend of mine was hanging her head out the window because it was so damn hot !
I may be wrong, but I think Sears sold fiberglass hardtops too back in the day.
Actually, for a CJ-5, fiberglass the hard top was made by Acme which more closely resembled the hardtop from the CJ-7 factory hardtop of that era. Sears did sell a knock-down flat version made out of steel that you assembled yourself, but it looked more like something you’d find at a gas station snow plow.
How did your “friend” stick her head out of an 8 inch gap. By any chance did she wear a collar with a license tag attached? I’m not judging.
Now that’s funny. I don’t care who you are.
I’ve made several fiberglass boats (& never a vacuum process) one a 65 ft motor sailer. Funny, not a “…the sites most prominent Jeep followers,…” but B I G CJ-8 or scrambler fan. I often follow one model in a whole line (like entry or ‘1st up’ as in toronado and riviera, none after 1st gen, many more vehicles this way).
I wish this had solid doors too, rather a fold down windshield, an operable tailgate. I like the over all lines though. Can imagine it stripped (of top’n doors) due to the black paint’s aid in this. I can just see it in the yard nxt to my 1st gen bronk (more a wrk vehicle) this a sports/more on-rd vehicle. Glad U’n Terry got together on this one Jeff. I benefit. Thnx !
Also a bit rare because American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser Jeep (formerly Willys-Jeep) in 1970 for roughly $75 million. Rather than a merger of equals, AMC bought the company outright, turning Kaiser Jeep into a wholly owned subsidiary named the Jeep Corporation. So… the last year that you will see “Kaiser”, on a VIN tag.
A little more aerodynamic than a standard CJ model. And probably helped the top end on a 4 cylinder. But it doesn’t improve my biggest gripe with a CJ5. Which is driver’s seat too close to the steering wheel which is planted in your chest. I’m only 5’10” with a tall body. But I’m sure that I could still reach the pedals if they were to move the seat back an additional few inches! I don’t have the problem in a CJ7. This looks very Renault in style. The front end looks like the white one with 3 auxiliary lights from the other day.
Can’t say that I’ve seen one myself and I’m drawn to the unusual.
Sorry but from the side shot, it looks like a giant clown shoe. Maybe Barnum & Bailey can use it in one of their clown acts.
I would guess that the original body was mostly destroyed in a crash, otherwise, why would anyone do this to a Jeep?
Parmley rhymes with Homely. So you never forget the name!
Damn spell check changed the spelling. Parmley!
As the owner of a 1970 CJ5 and a 19+70 Commando, all I can say is YUCK
What is the jeep part that is so hard to find, which controls all the gauge lights (and some equipment) on the dash (eg) emergency brake, cruise control on the steering wheel, sway system (on dash) ?
I believe it’s a control “ something “ and everyone, and the jeep dealer where I live, cont get one and have been able to you a long time. HELP !!!!!!!
What is the jeep part that is so hard to find, which controls all the gauge lights (and some equipment) on the dash (eg) emergency brake, cruise control on the steering wheel, sway system (on dash) ?
I believe it’s a control “ something “ and everyone, and the jeep dealer where I live, cont get one and have been able to you a long time. HELP !!!!!!!
Nah…yeah, nah.
Nah.
Yeah.
Nah, yeah nah.
Just nah.
You know you want it.