Newbie Looking for Advice on Starting a Project

[truk820]

Newbie here; I’m graduating from school in May and hoping to start my project in July – hoping to get some advice in the meantime!

This is going to be my first build and I’m trying to get myself ready for it – reading the Jeep CJ Rebuilder’s Manual and scouring the forum to see what I’m getting myself into. I’m planning on going about finding a Renegade / Golden Eagle on Craigslist but not so sure about what I need to be on the lookout for. Any words of wisdom and/or warnings? I’d like to spend $2-3k and the final product will ideally be a clean cruiser I can do some lighter mudding in, but I’m more concerned with it being dependable and getting me from the house to the cabin in the summertime. Overall I’m looking at a $5-7k investment and will devote myself to this full time for 3 months - what do you think I can get done in that time?

By the way, by ‘newbie’ I don’t just mean to this forum – this is my first foray into any restoration. I’ve always been a fan of Jeeps and am eager to learn the ways. I enjoy getting in over my head and figure this is a good way to do it – thanks!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Welcome from Texas!

I think your price points and time frame both are within reason. Spend both your time and money on reliability. Look at "clean" frames. Plan on rebuilding engine/drivetrain. Replace all brake components if there is a doubt in your mind it will ever fail. I traded about $1,500 worth of ATV for my CJ even. Will have about $3,500 into complete rebuild when I get it inspected and insured again. Total investment of $5k. A lot cheaper than most other capable vehicles and you get the bonus of no computer to deal with!

Good luck with it all and take your time picking a vehicle. Look it over like you will after you have it back at your house. If the owner won't let you really inspect it beforehand, walk away or make your offer reflective of what you DON'T know.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[truk820]

Much appreciated, and glad to hear I'm in the ballpark price and time-wise. I'll post as soon as I make a purchase!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Much appreciated, and glad to hear I'm in the ballpark price and time-wise. I'll post as soon as I make a purchase!

I'll be looking forward to it!:lpopcorn:

 

[0822]

:ww:from Missouri

 

[tjmons]

You can find a cj in decent shape for that price point. I found mine after many others I turned down. Take your time and you will find a deal.