Jeep

[roadking77]

Anyone here familiar with what I call a jeep style Jeep. I guess they are cj's?  I have a chance to get a 2001 model for CHEAP, but it has a rotted frame. Dont know if this is something that can be boxed in, if a repro is available or if its just worth scrap metal?

[b_hill_86]

TJ possibly? CJs were the descendants of the military jeeps with the last versions being the CJ7 and CJ8s until  86 or 87. Those were followed by the first Wranglers, the ones with square headlights, YJs, till 1995 then TJs, 97 (yes they skipped a model year) through 06. I believe those frames can be fixed but don’t quote me on that.

[Jack]

Can definitely be replaced but not cheap, you thinking to do it yourself?

[jonathonar89]

Yes, those late 90’s to 2000’s Jeep Wranglers are called TJ platform.  I used to drive one in college.

The most desirable of that body style is called an LJ.  It’s a longer wheel base of that 97-06 body style that was only done the last 2-3 years of production.

Super easy to work on.  They do have that frame issue though.  Parts are plentiful so if you want to put your time/energy into one, I don’t think you’ll have issue.  They’re fun.  You will quickly find it’s like owning a Harley or red corvette....everyone waves to each other. 

[72projectbird]

I own an 04 TJ. They're super fun vehicles, and quite addicting once you start modifying them.

The frames are very commonly rotted. They like to rot right before the rear wheels where the lower control arms mount, and rot where the center skid plate bolts to the frame.

There's a company that makes entire patches called Safe-T-Caps. You can almost build an entire frame out of the parts they offer.

If the Jeep is cheap, I say take a shot at it. If it's a 4.0, has full hard doors, and a hard top, you could make some great cash parting it out if you decide it's not something you want to tackle.


Heres the frame repair parts:

https://www.autorust.com/product/jeep-safetcap-kit-locations/

[79GoldnTan]

Yes, TJ model, fun and very addicting when the mods start. Just remember, Jeep, Just Empty Every Pocket. Lol

[b_hill_86]

Yes, TJ model, fun and very addicting when the mods start. Just remember, Jeep, Just Empty Every Pocket. Lol

That’s a bit of a stretch lol. I’ve owned  two TJs, a JK and an XJ (Cherokee). The Cherokee was a 92, I6 with the AX15 5 speed and I ran that thing up to 325,000 miles. It was a tank. I should’ve kept it but I sold it to buy my second TJ. 

[Casey]

I think a 4.0 5-speed TJ Wrangler could be fun, probably one of the few trucks/SUVs I'd ever consider.  Though I have a penchant for going topless, so your results might vary.

[737driver]

I can agree with all the above posts. We have a 92 wrangler yj with a 4 cylinder. Pretty much stock all the way. Jeep’s are pretty easy to work on ( except for anything behind the dash).  Even if the frame is rotted out, I am going to speculate a frame swap would be reasonable to do. Jeep’s are a lot of fun, I was impressed with them when I started working on them. I think it could be a fun project.
Jim

[roadking77]

Thanks for the comments. Its coming from an estate and since the frame is rotted I have a chance to get it for scrap value $200. I did a search and found a couple of companys that make parts as well as full frames for upwards of $4k. I figured there may be some guys on here with real world experience. The book value is something stupid like $8k so it sounds like it may be worth taking a chance with. It does have a hard top and doors pretty sure its the inline 6. I had an inline 6 in my 93 grand cherokee and that thing was bullet proof. It has been sitting for a while and will need a full resto to make it right but what the hey. There is an old willys in the deal as well but if things go through i may have that one sold already. They also had a really nice 2018 jeep with around 23k miles, big tires, soft top 2 door that they sold to a guy for $10k. Its KBB was around $18k!! I knew people were crazy about jeeps but had no idea they held their value like that.

[b_hill_86]

For $200 I don’t think you can go wrong.

[72projectbird]

Thanks for the comments. Its coming from an estate and since the frame is rotted I have a chance to get it for scrap value $200. I did a search and found a couple of companys that make parts as well as full frames for upwards of $4k. I figured there may be some guys on here with real world experience. The book value is something stupid like $8k so it sounds like it may be worth taking a chance with. It does have a hard top and doors pretty sure its the inline 6. I had an inline 6 in my 93 grand cherokee and that thing was bullet proof. It has been sitting for a while and will need a full resto to make it right but what the hey. There is an old willys in the deal as well but if things go through i may have that one sold already. They also had a really nice 2018 jeep with around 23k miles, big tires, soft top 2 door that they sold to a guy for $10k. Its KBB was around $18k!! I knew people were crazy about jeeps but had no idea they held their value like that.

You might be certifiably insane if you don't scoop that up.

[stros]

I totally thought this thread was going to be about the Jeep Gladiator Bandit Edition

[roadking77]

Update: I was outbid on the jeep  ,  I ended up with the booby prize!

For that 'Bandit jeep', I kinda like it. Im not really a jeep guy but that thing would look good parked next to my car in the garage. I had a grand cherokee when they first came out and it was a great truck, wouldnt mind having another. I dont really have anything against the jeep-Jeeps but at least in my area they are the car of choice for the soccer mom. They replaced the minivan.

[76 - 455 - 4]

I totally thought this thread was going to be about the Jeep Gladiator Bandit Edition

Cool! Where do you get one of those?

[Jack]

That's too bad Kerry, but not like you needed another project.

[roadking77]

2021-05-20_01-11-12 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2021-05-20_01-11-01 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2nd place!   Just back from loading this up. Same estate as the other one was from, the lady liked her jeeps!  I most likely have this one sold just need to come to an agreement on price.
Now Im trying to build up the nerve to go back and get the next one. Its a chevelle convertible, its all there but makes this jeep look showroom new. The chevelle has some good stainless and a TITLE but other than that looks like scrap to me. Honestly dont even feel like going after it, but........

[5th T/A]

Kerry, it amazes me how you always have something going on. Don’t your ever sleep?

[Jack]

Didn't know you were going after another but congrats.

[roadking77]

2021-05-20_04-01-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Heres the Chevelle. Not my cup of tea but with a title it may be worth something to someone.

Jack, believe me these 2 were not on my 'to do list'. BUT, it was an estate my wifes boss has been working on for the last year. The occupant was a hoarder, the house was a mess and we cleaned it out a couple of times. The house will most likely be a tear down. I told the heir (an older guy that lives a couple of states away) that if there were no claims I would take these two rust buckets, still not sure why! Insanity Check  Things were going back and forth so I kinda just dismissed them. Then wed my wife tells me that they are going to settlement on friday (today) and that I need to get the cars off the property. I have been in communication with a fellow that wants the little jeep so it will hopefully be heading to NY soon. I guess I will CL the chevelle and see what kind of nuts fall out of the trees. It pretty much needs everything, BUT, if someone has deep pockets and LOTs of time I suppose it could be brought back to life. I have seen worse go to first.

[5th T/A]

Looks like a big project, somebody is probably willing to pay a lot more than you did for it. Convertibles are always worth more. The top mechanism might be worth something if it’s not rotten. Off the top of my head the convertible frames were a complete tube, making them stronger than the C-channel used on all other cars. If I was building a high power car it’s the frame I would want.

[FormTA]

Probably better than how my project started...

[roadking77]

Not sure Luke, you have 4 tires that hold air.  I think you guys may have to form a group and make a trip to my house for an intervention.  I spent the night looking over various car sites, hemmings and the such for the value of chevelle convertibles. They are much higher than I imagined! I ordered a couple of parts catalogues, we shall see. Full floor pan and a couple of quarter panels may be the hardest part and 'I aint scared!'.  LS swap, and this thing could be a beast!!

As my 79 has been closing in on the light at the end of the tunnel (Lord knows I hope its not a train), I have been thinking about something to fill the time in the shop. Crazy me has never given up the idea of Frankenstein-ing my tata that was burnt.  New quarters and a roof swap and its good as new. BUT, now Im thinking I will go another route altogether.............

[FormTA]

It would probably be easier to fix the Cheverly as the interior is easier to obtain than the 10th.

[roadking77]

I still have a lot of t/a spares, extra set of doors, etc. The brunt of the fire on the tata was to the roof and top of the quarters. I figured swapping the quarters, putting a hardtop on and a restomod. I got rid of the rear last summer so now I would have to source a few more parts. I know its an impossible dream but what the heck. With this new heap resting calmly beside the barn I may switch directions. It will ease the pain of sending the tata shell to the crusher, LOL. The chevy is pretty complete but does need a floor and quarters. Fenders dont look bad and what parts are can be patched. Same with doors, they look just ok. Hood and trunk lid look to be repairable. I need to get to the frame before I make a decision on what to do though. I watched my neighbor do a full floor on a 66 lemans convertible a few years ago, it wasnt too bad. I think I have enough knowledge and tools to be dangerous at this point.

Initially I thought the sheet metal for these cars was outrageously priced, but a few online searches last night told me otherwise. Nothing worse than a trans am. Full floor with braces is around 800. quarters in the 400 range.

[Jack]

The rear quarters look rough but I agree it all depends on the frame.