Help me buy my 1st CJ

[dasfzero]

Well I have decided to buy a CJ to love and work on over the next several years. (initial budget approx $2500) I really do not know much about them and would like some help figuring out what to pay attention to while I am shopping. This is going to be the one that I learn and practice on before I eventually (many years down the line) buy a CJ8 (my all time favorite jeep) to restore to its original glory.
I am looking for a CJ that is as unmolested as possible. If its been lifted ill pass on it. I also know that rust will be my biggest problem so I am going to do my best finding one with the least amount of rust as possible. Besides this what should I be paying attention to?
I have found two right now to go look at. One of them I may work out a deal to trade my 81 Ford F150 for his 79 CJ7 . It needs a new radiator and it sounds like it may have a bit of a rust problem but is only asking $1200 (or the trade I mentioned). There is no title for it. What should that tell me? The only picture he has given me so far are taken at night
The other is a CJ5 (asking $2300) and sounds like it is in a bit better shape but its 3 1/2 hrs north of here. I still may go check it out as well this weekend. I have not gotten any more pics yet but I should have them tomorrow

Thanks for all the help!

 

[rr41mag]

No title? I'd stay away from that one. Take your time. I was just about ready to drop the cash on one about 100 miles when I found mine about 15 miles away. Take your time looking.

 

[0822]

:ww:from Missouri. It is always best to take your time and look around. When I got my 1960 CJ5 it was only 15 minutes from my house so they are around. Any older Jeep will almost always have some rust. Keep looking you will find one you really want.

 

[BusaDave9]

A jeep should never have such long shackles. Especially in front. That's dangerous.

Check out this link for buying a CJ: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f102/cj-buyers-guide-13328/

 

[dasfzero]

thanks busadave, that guide was exactly what i was looking for.
i was really curious about why those looked so long on the front.

 

[dasfzero]

are there any good video that go over the CJ? that would also be really helpful

 

[dasfzero]

What are some other good websites to find CJ for sale on?

 

[Old Dog]

What are some other good websites to find CJ for sale on?

You might try some of the other jeep forums, most have a for sale section. You might even try googleing cj's for sale and see what comes up.
I assume you have already looked at craigslist and auto trader.

 

[dasfzero]

yep Ive already checked out those options and I am signed up on the CJ8 board as well as jeepforum.com.I didnt know if there were any other popular places that I was over looking.