Buy or Pass?

[Petescj]

Ive bean searching around for an 80s automatic Cj for quite awhile now. I almosted missed this one cause it was listed as a CJ5 . Its pretty nice and looks all fiberglass to me. I havent asked about the front end yet but the tub definately is. The seller says he bought it for his wife and it sits more than she drives it.

What Im a little worried about is it'll bring my Jeep money down to $0 after the purchase. Im headed to Kentucky in June and pretty much need to be on 33s for that. Im just a bit worried I wont be able to swing the lift and tires beforehand. Look at the ad and the additonal pics and give me your opinion of what you would do.

1983 Jeep CJ5

 

[Petescj]

 

[Old Dog]

Sure hope the daughter doesn't pick that weekend after all the work your going through.

 

[poppatello]

Nice jeep. Not bad for the money but not enough info. Oh and it's not a full tub fiberglass body. It won't have the rear tailgate. Better check that and double check the vin with the title. Still a nice rig if the numbers match. But I wouldn't do automatics but hey it's your tea...

 

[poppatello]

Hmm, after checking that engine compartment photo it looks like glass. I can't zoom in though. I was told you can't have fiberglass tubs with tailgates because the body isn't strong enough for the big gab in the rear. If it is a glass tub check for stress cracks under the body or inside under the carpet. I've heard a lot of bad stories about fiberglass tubs modified to take a tail gate. I would pass but that's me. Maybe someone else more experience can chime in...

 

[Old Dog]

Hmm, after checking that engine compartment photo it looks like glass. I can't zoom in though. I was told you can't have fiberglass tubs with tailgates because the body isn't strong enough for the big gab in the rear. If it is a glass tub check for stress cracks under the body or inside under the carpet. I've heard a lot of bad stories about fiberglass tubs modified to take a tail gate. I would pass but that's me. Maybe someone else more experience can chime in...

poppatello has a point about the tailgate, when I bought my body I asked about a tailgate and was told they would not do it because of the strenght issue. There are some that do do tailgates though so becareful.

 

[tinhorn]

I haven't worked with fiberglass Jeep tubs but I've built and/or worked on 'glass tanks, boats, structures, and kit car bodies. Generally speaking, if a tub wasn't designed for a tailgate, cutting a tailgate will likely destroy structural integrity in that portion of the tub UNLESS you add that integrity with proper reinforcement. Petescj's target not only has a 'gate, but a spare tire carrier, which is adding a lot of weight and stress. If it isn't cracking (especially around the carrier mounting points), my guess is that the tub has been properly engineered for a tailgate.

It's a sweet-looking little ride, but $4500 for a rig with 131,000 miles? And with an automatic, yet. Personally, I'd balk a bit at the price.

 

[Petescj]

Sure hope the daughter doesn't pick that weekend after all the work your going through.

Ha thats ok. Im buying a Cj either way.

 

[Petescj]

Ive seen fiberglass tubs with and without the opening for the tailgate. I think this one was made that way but I wont know until I see it up close. I looked at the tire carrier and thought the same thing. That is the first thing Id remove. I have a bumper / tire carrier in the garage I can use.

I know how most people feel about the automatics. If it were solely for me Id be looking for a manual. Thats part of why my search is so Limited . I wonder if that tailgate is glass? The fenders looked to be glass as well. Im going to have to ask a few more questions.

 

[tinhorn]

Wasn't bashing the automatic as much as the mileage on it. There are days when my shoulders get painful and I wish my 5-speed was an auto.

It's sure a nice-looking rig.

 

[hole]

Well, the pics sure look pretty nice, but fiberglass isn't my thing. If it where me, I'd pass Pete.

 

[Kane]

My scrambler glass body has a cut out for the tail gate. The manufacturer put metal support under the glass for strength and the bottom by the hinges can be tapped for the bolts. I think those front fenders are glass because I can't see the extra layer that is behind the flair.

 

[Old Dog]

Well, the pics sure look pretty nice, but fiberglass isn't my thing..

That's because you don't live in the rust belt

 

[Petescj]

My head hurts. It looks like a pretty well done stock conversion. The owner doesnt come off as a real Jeep guy to me atleast from the responses Ive gotten. I may just wait this one out a little. Finding a decent one with an automatic is becoming a real p.i.t.a.

 

[Petescj]

I went back through my phone log and looked up the Pittsburgh Cj I liked so much. Originally Jerry told me that the Transmission wasnt shifting as well as he'd like and felt it was a linkage issue. That wasnt the case so he grabbed another Transmission . Its not installed yet but Im thinking about grabbing this one and putting the Transmission in myself. Hes giving me the new Transmission with it and discounting me for installing it. Ive loved this one from the first time I saw it.

 

[Old Dog]

All it needs is a set of yellow wheels

 

[Petescj]

Not really.

 

[mtnwhlr]

All it needs is a set of yellow wheels

I think all it needs is a new home PETE.

 

[poppatello]

That one looks awesome! Congrats...

 

[Petescj]

Its also alot cheaper. The seats are shot but thats ok. Now I know where the Bestop Trailmax seats from the Limited are going. Should have enough for some new tires and maybe those Low Max 4 to 1 gears. :drool: