Should I buy a jeep?

Fowldarr

Fowldarr

Adventurist
Founding Member
So I'm a Toyota guy. Not ashamed to admit it. But I'm also a project guy without a project right now. So I'm surfing craigslist and I find this early cj5 for $500. The body looks ok, it is missing the seats and dash, owner says it will start with starting fluid but won't stay running, no top, windshield is smashed up, all kinds of reasons I should run, but I can't help that this would be an awesome father son project for my kid who will be able to drive in another 18 months or so. I know that jeep parts are readily available for the most part, so what say you wise sages of the internet.
 
Fowldarr said:
So I'm a Toyota guy. Not ashamed to admit it. But I'm also a project guy without a project right now. So I'm surfing craigslist and I find this early cj5 for $500. The body looks ok, it is missing the seats and dash, owner says it will start with starting fluid but won't stay running, no top, windshield is smashed up, all kinds of reasons I should run, but I can't help that this would be an awesome father son project for my kid who will be able to drive in another 18 months or so. I know that jeep parts are readily available for the most part, so what say you wise sages of the internet.
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offer 400, even if it is not worth fixing, you can probably part it and get your money back
 
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I think the little tag on the back says willys
 
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Looks like it used to be green, and somebody primered it. Which means I will need to take a trusty magnet to make sure the body is not broached out.
 
Things to look for...cracked frame near the front horns and the front and rear leaf spring frame mounts. Rusted out floorboards, etc. EVERYTHING is available for that Jeep. You can actually get every single part needed to build a brand new one and put your VIN on it. Just depends on the cubic $$$ you want to spend on it. I think you;d be better served to spend another $1000 on a better starter for your project.

IMO, I'd let that one pass and look for a YJ (square headlights) '91 or newer. '91 and up gets you the 4.0HO engine with fuel injection. YJ's can be had cheap, they are as stupid simple as a CJ, but they have a boxed frame and a galvanized tub, the old 258 gave boat anchors a bad name (especially at their smogged end), the fuel injected 4.0L is almost the same engine but with fuel injection.
 
It looks like a Kaiser Willys. Very nice jeep. AMC lengthened the front end in the early 70's so it's still shorter CJ.

Those are AWESOME with a little Buick V6 in them. It should have Dana 44 rear (10 spline) and Dana 25 (10 spline ) front.
 
looks like mid to late 50's or possibly early 60's. doesnt look like too bad of a start, my '57 was much worse when I started it. It was also a father/son project and twenty years later I still fondly remember working on the Jeep with dad. I'd say its a good starting point for a project, go for it!


Like others said you can buy replacement parts for every part of these Jeeps. Even a brand new frame! There is a great knowledge base over at earlycj5.net too.
 
Called the guy and he was just kind of flaky. Too flaky to justify the 3 hour drive to go look at it


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