Misc. Edjucate me on CJ's please!

[Baddarryl]

Hi all. This is my first post. I am dead set on getting a CJ. I went and looked at a 77 CJ7 today that left me with the feeling that I need to use it as a base line and look at a few more. If this is the appropriate place I will tell you about it and post pics. It had a lot of good points going for it, but a few issues too. I guess I just need advice on what to look for as walk away issues in these old beauties. I understand that unless you are paying for primo specimens it is a matter of pick your poison. Some good some bad. I am mechanically inclined and am not afraid to take on a project if it is worth it. Thanks.

 

[Belizean]

Sure post some pictures up of what you are seeing and we will give you our opinions and what to look for. Unless you really want some crazy work, I would say the less rust the better. Even sometimes something that looks premium, might have some real problems. Good luck on your hunt !

 

[Jeep Soup]

I would take a Set of Coveralls and get Under ANYTHING you look at !! Frame Rot Out is a Big Problem with the CJ 's after the 3B models. And check the Pumpkin Covers for Rot Out on the Bottom, those are an easy fix with a New Cover, but it is a Tell Tail that the Rear Axle could be full of Water.

 

[Baddarryl]

OK. It is a 77 Renegade , AMC 304 3 speed. I will add pics in another post.
The good: Brand new engine, hydraulic clutch, alternator, starter, rear end, battery, Transfer Case , electric fuel pump, interior very good, side pipes, 3 inch lift, 35's, winch, KC lights, and a few nice add ons. Upgraded distributor. Cranked right up cold, auto choke worked. I was able to test it in a gravel lot. 4X4 works in hi and low, and disengages like it should with no noises. Shifted smoothly, but all I was able to test was 1st, 2nd and reverse due to lack of room. All steel body with only one questionable spot that my magnet didn't attract to. All the wiring under the hood looked good as well as all the brake lines. The engine fired right up and had lots of power. Sounded killer!

The not so good: Underneath tub fair amount of surface rust that you would expect in a 48 year old vehicle. By all measures not bad really. One spot of rust on tail gate. Not so sure of electronics. Couldn't get the lights to come on or the winch to work. It could have been me. The owner wasn't there and I have yet to speak with him until I posted here. Really not much in the not so good category other than that rust on the bottom of the tub and tid bits like emergency brake cables, stuff like that. It seems to be an unrestored surviver maybe.

The Bad: Will need a set of tires for serious off roading. Steering very loose. Has drum brakes that are mediocre at best. It drove like a jalopy, but I haven't driven a Jeep in a long time. The brakes and steering are scary and would have to be updated. I would address all 3 of those issues as well as a disc brake conversion. Thats really it.

He is now down to $10,000 and I think he would take less.

 

[Baddarryl]

OK. It is a 77 Renegade, 304 3 speed. I will add pics in another post.
The good: Brand new engine, hydraulic clutch, alternator, starter, rear end, battery, transfer case, electric fuel pump, interior very good, side pipes, 3 inch lift, 35's, winch, KC lights, and a few nice add ons. Upgraded distributor. Cranked right up cold, auto choke worked. I was able to test it in a gravel lot. 4X4 works in hi and low, and disengages like it should with no noises. Shifted smoothly, but all I was able to test was 1st, 2nd and reverse due to lack of room. All steel body with only one questionable spot that my magnet didn't attract to. All the wiring under the hood looked good as well as all the brake lines. The engine fired right up and had lots of power. Sounded killer!

The not so good: Underneath tub fair amount of surface rust that you would expect in a 48 year old vehicle. By all measures not bad really. One spot of rust on tail gate. Not so sure of electronics. Couldn't get the lights to come on or the winch to work. It could have been me. The owner wasn't there and I have yet to speak with him until I posted here. Really not much in the not so good category other than that rust on the bottom of the tub and tid bits like emergency brake cables, stuff like that. It seems to be an unrestored surviver maybe.

The Bad: Will need a set of tires for serious off roading. Steering very loose. Has drum brakes that are mediocre at best. It drove like a jalopy, but I haven't driven a Jeep in a long time. The brakes and steering are scary and would have to be updated. I would address all 3 of those issues as well as a disc brake conversion. Thats really it.

He is now down to $10,000 and I think he would take less.

 

[Jeep Soup]

I'm sure you are Building your own "Fix, Modify, Repairs" list to Add to your Total Budget Costs.
Looking like a good starting point.
Things I See quickly.
Spring Bushings
Axle "Shims" to correct Drive Shaft Angle. ( Looks Hard on U Joints) These might cure your steering issues.
And as you mentioned, some rust bubble outs that will need attention. And Gloss Black is a Hard Color to Hide Body Repairs.
But if you want it to Off Road.....
It would not Matter Much.
And that water puddle is letting you know that the Hard Top or Windshield Frame is not sealing up.

 

[Baddarryl]

I'm sure you are Building your own "Fix, Modify, Repairs" list to Add to your Total Budget Costs.
Looking like a good starting point.
Things I See quickly.
Spring Bushings
Axle "Shims" to correct Drive Shaft Angle. ( Looks Hard on U Joints) These might cure your steering issues.
And as you mentioned, some rust bubble outs that will need attention. And Gloss Black is a Hard Color to Hide Body Repairs.
But if you want it to Off Road.....
It would not Matter Much.
And that water puddle is letting you know that the Hard Top or Windshield Frame is not sealing up.

Thank you.

 

[Baddarryl]

The other thing is the diamond plate. I had to wonder what it's covering up.

 

[TSB8C]

"Jeep Soup" caught a lot of the "cons". Lots of rust underneath also, some surface, some a bit more severe. I also noticed manual brakes. That's an easy upgrade to power. Various stray wiring hanging under the dash. You mentioned no lights or winch working, so be prepared with your multi-meter or a replacement harness. Looks like a Dana 44 rear in the "pros" category. Add to that the Edelbrock "air gap" intake and carb. Upgraded steering shaft as well. Couldn't tell if there's a spare tire on the carrier in the back. In terms of steering, spring bushings yes. But probably plan on tie rod ends and ball joints. Not bad or overly expensive, but most likely needed. Since you say it starts and runs well and has power, seems a great rig to build on. A decent Renegade under $10K with a number of add-ons already in place seems a deal. Some of that depends on what you'll do with it - mainly offroad or more street/hwy driving.

 

[Baddarryl]

"Jeep Soup" caught a lot of the "cons". Lots of rust underneath also, some surface, some a bit more severe. I also noticed manual brakes. That's an easy upgrade to power. Various stray wiring hanging under the dash. You mentioned no lights or winch working, so be prepared with your multi-meter or a replacement harness. Looks like a Dana44 rear in the "pros" category. Add to that the Edelbrock "air gap" intake and carb. Upgraded steering shaft as well. Couldn't tell if there's a spare tire on the carrier in the back. In terms of steering, spring bushings yes. But probably plan on tie rod ends and ball joints. Not bad or overly expensive, but most likely needed. Since you say it starts and runs well and has power, seems a great rig to build on. A decent Renegade under $10K with a number of add-ons already in place seems a deal. Some of that depends on what you'll do with it - mainly offroad or more street/hwy driving.

It will mostly be a trail rig, but I will street in on occasion as well. Thanks for the tips.

 

[CJ27]

Hi Baddarryl,
I just saw your pictures and wondered if you bought it yet. From the pictures it looked like there had been some floorboard welding and body work on the passenger side. pretty common patch area for CJs. I'm a really big fan of strong drive line components. Especially since you mentioned trail use. For me, the rear axle being one of the better ones is a big plus.
With a little care and maintenance, A CJ7 can be near a half century old and still be one of the most fun and capable trail vehicles available.

Side Note: I noticed you're a cape fear person. I bought my CJ there, and many years ago, I use to frequent many old trails and sand pits along the cape fear river.

 

[Turbogus]

I got lucky with 'Black Betty' years ago, it came from NE Oregon a very dry climate and we don't use salt on our roads~volcanic cinder. So she was pretty rust free~until I brought her to western Oregon, that God for POR-15

 

[Turbogus]

I meant Thank God for POR 15

 

[Belizean]

My brother is in Eugene. Like here, a garage is almost a must with that type of moisture and Jeep metal.