Looking at buying first CJ7
-
Hello Guest, we are proud to now have our Wiki online that is completely compiled and written by our members. Feel free to browse our Jeep-CJ Wiki or click on any orange keyword when looking at posts in the forum.
Looking at buying first CJ7
- Thread starter jaxlb
- Start date Start date:
- Last post Last post:
HackFabrication
Old Time Jeeper
- Posts
- 1,438
- Thanks
- 5
- Location
- Canton, MI
- Vehicle(s)
- 1976 CJ5,
2020 Grand Cherokee Summit,
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Regular Cab Shortbed
:ww: To The Forum!!!
Is the patching a deal breaker? Could be. All depends on how it was done, and where it was done. The rearmost portions of the frame are susceptible to rust out. And damage.
This bigger question is this: In 1982, there were no AMC 304 V8s or 3 speed manual transmissions in the CJ line. Last year for the AMC 304 V8 was 1981. Last year of the 3 speed was 1979.
You may be looking at a re-bodied vehicle, a 'FrankenJeep', or a whole box of mysteries.
Pictures?
Is the patching a deal breaker? Could be. All depends on how it was done, and where it was done. The rearmost portions of the frame are susceptible to rust out. And damage.
This bigger question is this: In 1982, there were no AMC 304 V8s or 3 speed manual transmissions in the CJ line. Last year for the AMC 304 V8 was 1981. Last year of the 3 speed was 1979.
You may be looking at a re-bodied vehicle, a 'FrankenJeep', or a whole box of mysteries.
Pictures?
Posi
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
- Posts
- 8,034
- Media
- 172
- Thanks
- 78
- Location
- New England
- Vehicle(s)
- 54 Willys 3B, FI 401, T-18, ARB Locked, Hinkey Sidewinder Winch
Welcome,
"If" the body is original to the frame, and the frame had rot, is the body far behind?
Count on the body looking better in pictures then in person.
If your not good at spotting plastic (bondo) bring a magnet.
If possible ask the seller not to start the engine until you arrive.
A lot of info can be gained from a cold start.
Without having much info on this Jeep $5500 seems a lot of cash for a patched frame, and mixed parts.
However, reading Limited info on a forum isn't the same a seeing it in person.
"If" the body is original to the frame, and the frame had rot, is the body far behind?
Count on the body looking better in pictures then in person.
If your not good at spotting plastic (bondo) bring a magnet.
If possible ask the seller not to start the engine until you arrive.
A lot of info can be gained from a cold start.
Without having much info on this Jeep $5500 seems a lot of cash for a patched frame, and mixed parts.
However, reading Limited info on a forum isn't the same a seeing it in person.
jaxlb
Jeeper
Torxhead
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
Thanks for sending in those pics, I have to agree with what Posi and Hack said.
jaxlb
Jeeper
I was aware of the 81/82 304ci issue, but hadn't really caught onto the 3spd facts. Thanks for that. My lifetime mechanic friend has already warned me off of this one. I can turn a wrench, but I'm no pro. Don't want to get in over my head.
- Posts
- 14,790
- Thanks
- 55
- Location
- Springfield, Missouri-U.S.A. Earth
- Vehicle(s)
- '85 CJ-7, 258/4.2L 6cyl. Bought new in 1985. Full cage, Warn 8274 winch, Ford 9" rear, front/rear Detroit Lockers w/4:88 R&P. T-5 tranny and 4:1 t'case. 33X12.50-15 BFG/AT, MSD ign, on board air---
There's more 'fish' in the sea. 
LG
LG
Hedgehog
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
- Posts
- 9,370
- Thanks
- 4
- Location
- Tucson/Marana Arizona
- Vehicle(s)
- -1975 Jeep CJ5, 360 V8, Headers, Duel Exhaust,T15 transmission, D-20 Transfer case, Twin Stick Conversion, Warn 8274 Winch
-1951 Willys Wagon, 4 cylinder, "F" head, little rust, very close to stock
We don't like it.....
You mechanic friend doesn't like it .....
RUN, RUN away ASAP .....
That is unless the guy practically gives it away, then maybe yes....
You mechanic friend doesn't like it .....
RUN, RUN away ASAP .....
That is unless the guy practically gives it away, then maybe yes....
FLYNHYCJ7
Jeeper
- Posts
- 92
- Thanks
- 0
- Location
- Los Lunas, NM
- Vehicle(s)
- 1980 cj7 304 automatic D300 twin stick
D30 AMC20
It doesn't hurt to look, take your mechanic friend and go check it out. At worse you waste your time, but if you can talk the owner down on the price, it be worth the look.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Posi
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
- Posts
- 8,034
- Media
- 172
- Thanks
- 78
- Location
- New England
- Vehicle(s)
- 54 Willys 3B, FI 401, T-18, ARB Locked, Hinkey Sidewinder Winch
The first pic there looks to be a hole in the frame, at the end of the frame rail, at the top.
The gasket seal, or fuel line at the top of the fuel tank may be leaking as well.
Your new to CJ's, if you have spare time, and the Jeep is close by take a look at it. There is something to gain if you do.
The gasket seal, or fuel line at the top of the fuel tank may be leaking as well.
Your new to CJ's, if you have spare time, and the Jeep is close by take a look at it. There is something to gain if you do.