I'm about to buy my coworker's 1986 Jeep CJ7 Laredo. It has only 24,000 original miles. This thing is bone stock. The hardtop hasn't even been taken off. It's also never been taken offroad

What do I need to look out for? Any other recommendations from current or former Jeep owners?

3/10/2012 2:09:14 AM

haha

seals

gaskets

that's a lot of sitting around...

do some homework

3/10/2012 12:32:24 PM

The price is going to be right and I have no problem working on it myself.

I realize there's going to be issues. Dudes also got all the original factory manuals that the jeep mechanics used. I'm sure I'm going to need them.

[Edited on March 10, 2012 at 4:59 PM. Reason : yo]

3/10/2012 4:56:15 PM

all the rubber prolly needs to be replaced.

rust, especially if its sat outside for any amount of time. If it has it will be a rust bucket if you arent careful.

the drivetrain in those is a little frail as well since its old and stock.

good little jeeps that are simple to fix, just takes time

3/10/2012 5:03:12 PM

RUST RUST RUST RUST RUST RUST RUST.

Seriously, Rust. I bought my 76 CJ-5 in the dark, and ended up getting more rust than I wanted.

3/10/2012 7:24:36 PM

yah, with that much sitting around and that few miles, it seems like he was a collector and kept it inside

that's why I didn't even mention rust

if it was kept at a beach cottage and used only on weekends or something, i'd avoid it altogether

3/10/2012 10:47:19 PM

^yeah...it was garage kept so rust isn't an issue.

3/11/2012 1:24:38 AM

yeah the problem with that much sitting is it gives time for the bare steel in the engine tranny and axles to shed all their oil and start corroding.

3/11/2012 1:12:03 PM

If its as good as you say it is, I would keep it in a garage and not fuck with it beyond replacing mechanical parts.

That is the last year of the CJ so it could be worth a lot to a collector.

Assuming it has the 4.2L I6, the biggest weakness is the overly-complicated-computer-controlled carburetor on it coupled with 50 feet of vacuum hoses. To keep it somewhat stock looking, you can get a replacement carb from a 1980 CJ7 258 and re-do the electrical and vacuum hoses in a much more simple setup.

3/13/2012 7:10:21 PM

I plan on keeping it stock with no upgrades. I might have to replace some rubber parts and maybe the carbuerator but that's it.

It will probably need to be repainted. The paint isn't that bad though. Mostly just faded. No rust or anything. I wouldn't think that would hurt the value to a collector.

3/15/2012 6:37:08 PM

Post some pics once you get it.

I don't think I have ever seen a fully stock CJ. They rust so easy.

I'm not sure what the reason why is either, I had an 87 jeep for 5 years, rarely put a cover on it, just let it rain inside and virtually no rust. The CJs just disintegrate.

3/15/2012 6:50:19 PM

the metal they used was prone to it, not to mention the drainage in the interior was horrible.

3/15/2012 7:26:20 PM

My 77 cj5 has 13k miles on it now. It's original down to the amc logo on the v belts. Has some surface rust on the body, and I replaced all the brake hard lines for the same reason. It had the original tires until 2008, when I got it back on the road. I still need to fix the heater core and fuel gauge an get a new top for it.

3/16/2012 9:28:30 AM

3/16/2012 11:40:21 AM

thats actually super clean.

really love these jeeps.

3/16/2012 4:37:54 PM

After all that time this Jeep is finally mine. Now all I have to do is get it from Raleigh to Knoxville (where I'm living now)

Only 27000 miles. Everything is original except the new carb, fuel lines and tank and new exhaust/muffler that i just replaced. Best of all everything works. Even the clock on the dash.

Rust is surprisingly not bad at all. The body is in great shape. The undercarriage has some rust but nothing to worry about.

Got it from a coworker for $5k. Put $1300 into it so far to get it running perfectly. All it needs now is to fix a few minor cosmetic issues.

4/7/2013 9:40:52 PM

Have fun with it. There's really nothing iconic about that thing but as long as you like it that's all that matters. Time for black wheels cut fenders and no lift

4/8/2013 8:42:04 AM

Quote :

"Time for black wheels cut fenders and no lift "

2nd'd.

Biggest (respectable) tire, with minimum lift = best performance characteristics. (probably 35's if you don't wheel hard)

4/8/2013 11:53:47 AM

AAHHH GREEED...


I went from 31s on no lift to 32s with cut fenders to 35s with 4" lift and cut fenders on my yj..

just make sure your bump stops are adjusted to not ruin body panels. (touch them of course so you know you got max flex... just not crash into them)

4/8/2013 12:01:26 PM

wow I'm jealous

4/8/2013 12:59:02 PM

I can't wait to get it back to Knoxville to shine it up nice A fresh coat of wax will get it looking real nice.

The drive out to Knoxville, however, will quite possibly the most uncomfortable 6 hrs ever. Thinking about renting something to tow it.

4/8/2013 3:02:00 PM

Wax? I guess that picture isn't that good. Looks like it needs a coat of clear.

4/8/2013 8:04:19 PM

looks good. my cj-8 has 110,000 80% off road at my family's farm... i too dont have much rust but am getting ready for its first major repainting. right now waiting on a few parts so that my newly mounted v8 can get the beast back on the road.

4/8/2013 9:40:31 PM