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Worth restoring?

Discussion in 'CJ' started by BigBuzzard, May 10, 2018.

  1. May 10, 2018 at 9:42 AM
    #1
    BigBuzzard

    #1
    BigBuzzard [OP] New Member

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    First Name:
    Brian
    Vehicle:
    1983 CJ7
    I just got an 83 CJ7. It's my first jeep. My question is this, it is eat up with cancer (rust). Not just the body but parts of the frame also. Is it worth restoring? It has a 4.2 litre, 4 speed and it does run and drive.

    20180505_145437.jpg
     
    BigBuzzard, May 10, 2018
    #1
    JKBob 25 and OFFGRID like this.
  2. May 10, 2018 at 10:12 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    #2
    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Welcome! It's not hard to find replacement frame and other parts. As for if it's worth it, that's a call you have to make. I personally think it is.
     
    chris4x4, May 10, 2018
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    JKBob 25 and BigBuzzard[OP] like this.
  3. May 10, 2018 at 10:22 AM
    #3
    BigBuzzard

    #3
    BigBuzzard [OP] New Member

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    Brian
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    1983 CJ7
    Thanks. My biggest problem right now is trying to located parts that aren't brand new with a brand new price. This is a project that I plan on working on for awhile .
     
    BigBuzzard, May 10, 2018
    #3
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  4. May 10, 2018 at 10:24 AM
    #4
    Prerunner1982

    #4
    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Brian, welcome to Jeeps.net.

    If it was the body OR the frame that was rusted I would be more inclined to say it's worth restoring.
    However if you have the time and the money replacement frames and bodies are available.
    You are probably looking at $5-$6K easy and that doesn't include all the fasteners you will need. If you don't have too much into it already $6k isn't a bad price for a CJ7 that looks good.

    That's one way to become intimate with your Jeep real fast.
     
    Prerunner1982, May 10, 2018
    #4
    JKBob 25 and BigBuzzard[OP] like this.
  5. May 10, 2018 at 10:42 AM
    #5
    aggrex

    #5
    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Welcome! Old CJs like yours are aways restorable especially if they are in running condition. No doubt its a big job swapping frames and/or rust remediation but if you're determined and have the time it can be done. Plenty of CJ owners here that can help guide you through the process. Post up some good pictures and all the rusty pictures in order for members to make recommendations.
     
    aggrex, May 10, 2018
    #5
    JKBob 25 and BigBuzzard[OP] like this.
  6. May 10, 2018 at 11:03 AM
    #6
    OFFGRID

    #6
    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Peter
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    It all depends on what you want to get out of it. If you are looking to learn how to weld and patch sheet metal, and how to weld and repair frames as well as all the ends and outs of jeeps bringing one back from the brink of death is the best way to learn. Financially is it worth it, ABSOLUTELY NOT. You can get one in mint shape under $9k and you will spend at least twice that restoring one. I enjoy the work. It is therapeutic and in the end cheaper than twice weekly psych therapy visits.
     
    OFFGRID, May 10, 2018
    #6
    JKBob 25, aggrex, BigBuzzard[OP] and 1 other person like this.
  7. May 11, 2018 at 7:03 AM
    #7
    OFFGRID

    #7
    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #317
    Messages:
    2,018
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Peter
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    What parts are you looking for? We may be able to point you in the right direction. I have found a lot of used parts on CL and ebay for good prices. For new parts here are some I use:

    https://www.quadratec.com/
    https://www.4wheelparts.com/
    https://www.morris4x4center.com/
    https://www.partsgeek.com/
    https://www.autopartswarehouse.com/
     
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    OFFGRID, May 11, 2018
    #7
    JKBob 25 and BigBuzzard[QUOTED][OP] like this.
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