Am I Getting In Over My Head???

[outlawmobile]

Unfortunately[for me] Dad knows quite a bit about vehicles and their worth in parts.He knows he could part it out and make at least that plus get paid at the scrap dealer for whats left so Im thinking Im stuck at $500...not that I didnt try to get him lower
I dont think thats too much to pay for what will be the platform for my new project Hopefully not...but then again it wouldnt be the first time I let my desire for something cloud my financial judgment
Oh and the love...yeah its still there...matter of fact I feel like its become full on obsession at this point.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Does it run? Have you tried turning it over by hand with all the plugs removed. When trying to figure out if it's worth saving you have to look at each system. Already you know the frame is bad and the body is shot. If the motor is bad then all you really have is a Transmission , t/c and axles. If any of those or need to be replaced your really not saving any thing. The body doesn't look horrible from picture are you sure you can't just patch the parts that need it? They sell full sides and floors. As far as fabrication goes welding in body panels is quite easy if you take your time and read up on how to do it. Before I started doing work on my jeeps body I went to the scrap yard and picked up some old cheap heavy hoods from lincolns and caddy's and practiced cut in and welding on them. Once I felt good about patching I did some bondo, sanding, priming and painting. Took maybe 3 months to be comfortable enough to get to work on my project and I learned a lot in the process. I use a Lincoln 140hd flux core welder but for sheet metal work you can use a $100 harbor freight unit. Learn what you can now do when you get your next jeep it will be cheaper and easier to build/repair.

 

[outlawmobile]

I havent messed with the motor.It was running good and the whole 4x4 system was working as of 3 years ago when he put the fan thru the radiator.I have had vehicles that have sat longer than that that needed nothing more than a new battery,and a few cranks with no spark going to the plugs.I suppose I should go make sure tho that it turns freely at the very least.As mentioned I sometimes let my desire cloud me a bit...mentally and financially.I should be safe to assume that the Transmission and tcase and rears should still be ok rite? Those arent likely to seize in that short of a time are they?

As far as the body I would have to say its gone.There are almost no floors,the fenders are rusted thru on the tops and inside the engine bay,the rear corners are toast as well as the tailgate and the small section under the tailgate.The sides are also full of a lot of bondo.Im feeling like to order all the panels and fenders and so on Im going to be into nearly as much as a new tub kit that comes with everything.Kinda think Id wind up replacing the tub...only one piece at a time.