Survivor: Keeping it Orig or Making it Mine?

[Flundertaker]

I was fortunate to happen into a 1 family CJ, meaning same family since new. Its been used but certinly not abused. It still has all the original parts: top, doors, carpet, drivetrain, wheels, etc. It has a few surface rust spots but I bought it because the body and frame was solid and it hadnt been anyones "project". My internal conflict is do I keep it stock, or make it mine? There certainly are a million project CJs out there I could have bought for a whole lot less. What I want to do is pull off all the emissions , install a weber carb, better exhaust, remove the factory AC (doesnt work do to R11 refirgerant), swap the T-5 for a SM420, install a mild lift, regear it for 33", Line X the tub, fix the few dings and rust spots and repaint it a different color, Change the interior color, flush mount tail lights, install new bumpers, rear disks. I dont have plans to cut the tub up, swap motors or really take away the CJ look and flavor. However I sort of feel guilty because this would be an awesome starting platform for someone who wanted to do a full restoration because "its all there". Once I do what I have planned, its now someones "project" and no longer a survivor. Thoughts?

 

[Belizean]

Make it yours. I bought mine right off the truck at the Jeep dealership. Taken off many items and added a lot more, and still am not done. Go for it and enjoy it to the fullest !

 

[Spduffee]

I think it's one of the great things about Jeeps. You can easily customize them and have fun. I think it really comes down to your mission, so to speak. But really, you can do both by restoring it and adding a few of your favorites that are reversible....

 

[hole]

It sounds like all/most of what you want to do is bolt on stuff. If you are conflicted, put all the stock parts in a box to hand to the next guy, if he/she wants to restore.

 

[shum8]

It sounds like all/most of what you want to do is bolt on stuff. If you are conflicted, put all the stock parts in a box to hand to the next guy, if he/she wants to restore.

THIS ^^^^


Sent from work......... yay.

 

[WHATROAD]

I tried the saving in a box until I couldn't find a box big enough anymore. Old parts that I was never going to put back on. I am convinced that the only one to own this jeep will be me. After that, the next owner can complain and call me the PO.

I guess my question would be, have you been owned by the jeep yet? Once it takes possession of you, you will have your answer.

 

[Belizean]

I tried the saving in a box until I couldn't find a box big enough anymore. Old parts that I was never going to put back on. I am convinced that the only one to own this jeep will be me. After that, the next owner can complain and call me the PO.

I guess my question would be, have you been owned by the jeep yet? Once it takes possession of you, you will have your answer.

LOL. I had to laugh at this, so true. I have given away a few parts, then I have kept a couple like the carburetor and air cleaner in a box in the attic for about 30 years. I have no intention of putting those back on, but still keep them for some reason. The one part that is in the attic that is mint condition is the side steps.

 

[Project86]

Keep it the way it is and buy a real project jeep.

 

[jzak]

Keep it original, or buy a project that's already been messed up. Doing an LS swap, 6-inch lift, with 40 inch Mud Swampers on an Untouched CJ, is a crime against humanity.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I'm run'n my T-5 w/33's
Went to 4:88 R&P.
Gary