I need a little help on a purchase.

[auxiliary]

Hey guys.

I'm out on vacation and drive by a beautiful 1974 jeep that was for sale. I have been looking for a used jeep for a while but never really thought of an older one as an option. So I'm pretty clueless on what to look for and what a "good" deal would be.

The guy said its a 1974 original tub and "little to no rust". I have linked to pictures below.

I'm going to drive it today after lunch. Any clues on what to look for? I read the buyers guide here on the site but a little more info wouldn't hurt.

The price is 6k obo. V8 3 speed.

 

[hole]

The best advice I can give you is to crawl under, over and through it thoroughly. Look for rust, excessive oil seepage, rat nest wiring under dash or engine compartment. Be very careful accelerating on your test drive, i see what looks like 6" or longer front shackles on the front which should cause that CJ some handling or steering issues at higher speed. Ask who thought the 6"+ front (and likely rear too) shackles were a good idea to accomplish the lift needed to fit the tires that are on it. In my mind, that person will cut any corner to cheaply accomplish a goal with no regard for much else. My.02

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Hey guys.

I'm out on vacation and drive by a beautiful 1974 jeep that was for sale. I have been looking for a used jeep for a while but never really thought of an older one as an option. So I'm pretty clueless on what to look for and what a "good" deal would be.

The guy said its a 1974 original tub and "little to no rust". I have linked to pictures below.

I'm going to drive it today after lunch. Any clues on what to look for? I read the buyers guide here on the site but a little more info wouldn't hurt.

The price is 6k obo. V8 3 speed.

Looks good in the pic but that doesn't mean anything, pics usually look good.

Crawl underneath check all the nooks and crannies for rust, it's there somewhere trust me. I bought a 86 from Alabama with zero rust, I've been all over the jeep and a few months ago I find a nice rot hole under the roll bar.

Ask if he did any custom modifications or if all the accessories were bolt on. P.o. modifications can cause a huge headache especially when they involve wiring.

Other than if you like it and the price is right for you go for it.

 

[auxiliary]

The best advice I can give you is to crawl under, over and through it thoroughly. Look for rust, excessive oil seepage, rat nest wiring under dash or engine compartment. Be very careful accelerating on your test drive, i see what looks like 6" or longer front shackles on the front which should cause that CJ some handling or steering issues at higher speed. Ask who thought the 6"+ front (and likely rear too) shackles were a good idea to accomplish the lift needed to fit the tires that are on it. In my mind, that person will cut any corner to cheaply accomplish a goal with no regard for much else. My.02

Thanks for the info! He did say it would need new suspension but didn't go into much detail after that.

I'm about to go look at it in a second. I'll ask him about it more.

 

[hole]

Needing new suspension is a $1k +/- endeavor. If all else checks out, use it as buying leverage. Good luck

 

[hdgapeach]

I'd be checking the parking / emergency brake to see if it's even there, or if it is there, does it function correctly. Don't like seeing large stones near the tires when parked. Makes me think it's used as a wheel chock (been there, done that)!


Once a day, please.....

 

[jdcaples]

P.o. modifications can cause a huge headache especially when they involve wiring.

+1

It's nice to get back to sane wiring, but getting there wasn't any fun.

Once into it.... never managed figured out how my headlamp switch ever lit the lamps.

-Jon