evaluating a stock '83 cj7

[Cleaver]

New to the forum as of today. Thanks in advance for the help and advice I hope to find here. I'm purchasing a little house with a big garage. In the corner is a '83 CJ7 with 62k miles, It looks bone stock. It goes with the house! I know almost nothing about CJ's. It has sat for most of 15 years, occasionally started and driven a couple miles. All the rubber under the hood and the battery are new last year. Battery is dead so it wouldn't start. I'll fix that. Are there weak links I should look at immediately? Good things/ Bad things? Don't know if I should build it or wax it and put it in a museum.

A big question with lots of answers, I'm sure.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Put a new battery in it(700cca)and see what happens.
Can you post pictures of your find??
LG

 

[Torxhead]

I would recommend changing the fluids also, especially the oil, along with filling up the gas tank as the existing gas could use some help. Sometimes condensation can get into a gas tank. I would be interested if there are any more houses in your area that come with big garages and a Jeep.

 

[PaRenegade]

I would be interested if there are any more houses in your area that come with big garages and a Jeep.

Yes, me too!! But I am sorry to say it may have it's downside. You may have just died and gone to heaven. (not that that's bad)

 

[Dolf]

Here's a great to-do list thanks to BajaEdition:

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/what-do-after-getting-cj-home-3563/

congrats on the great score.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I would be checking to dash wiring etc, for damage from mice eat'n the insulation from the wires.
This is a common problem in rural areas.
LG

 

[jdcaples]

Two money pits for the price of... wait, no.

Congratulations! Unless you were the one that "drove it occasionally," treat all testimony as suspect; you can trust, but you should verify.

That having been said... Stopping - I find - is always under-rated. I say forget "running," until you know it stops.

Not so critical for older vehicles, but brake fluid attracts moisture and moisture promotes corrosion. I'd flush the brake system before setting it in motion.

Consider putting the CJ on jack stands and rotating all the wheels while you check for sounds of grinding, dragging or anything else that does't sound right.

Then make sure the brakes on all four wheels both grab and release.

-Jon

 

[007]

Welcome! I don't like you already...

You're buying a house with a big garage and a free Jeep and it's (based on your profile) in Colorado...:

Here's you - ...and here's many of the rest of us!

No really - ...I sincerely congratulate you on both! Well done sir.

All the advice you've received so far is spot on, the fluids, the wires, both being money pits, the brakes, the link...it's all good / accurate info...

Take the advice, ask questions and enjoy your new home and vehicle!

Take a look at Trail Reports, Trip Planning and you can see we're doing a trail ride in Ouray Colorado the last week of July if you're interested...

 

[Cleaver2]

Thanks Guys! Having problems with the site. Had to register again. Says my email, pw, and sign in are incorrect. Can't get hold of an admin, all the links seem disabled. Will keep trying.