Looking for a project and need help...

[ngtippit]

1040092

I am interested in rebuilding a CJ7. The catch here is that I know nothing about it. A friend of mine is willing to help and teach me as I go along, but I'm looking for all the help I can get. First off... where is the best place to look for a good project jeep? I have a about 3000 to spend on the jeep itself. Also, what exactly should I look for? If the frame is in good condition is that enough? I'm planning to use this as a weekend driver and and occasional offroader. Anything to get me started would be greatly appreciated.

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[TerryMason]

1040095

I'd say the biggest downfall to a CJ is rust. The frame should be in good shape, and also the body. They didn't galvanize the tubs on those, so almost all that you find (at least on the east coast) are eaten out in the floorboards. It may be useful to use some of your money on a plane ticket to Arizonia or the like to pick one up there.

Another thing to watchout for on these guys would be related to the emissions laws of your state. Jeep put a Carter carberator on most of the later models, and this is just a piece of junk. The problem is that alot of people upgrade them to Webers or other aftermarket carbs, which will make you fail a visual inspection (if your state makes you do one).

Hope this helps,
Terry

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[ngtippit]

1040098

I have found a jeep within my price range that has a good frame but the tub has lots of rust. Would buying a jeep such as this one and replacing the tub be a good option? If so, what's the advantages/disadvantages of steel versus fiberglass? This particular jeep has a Weber carb, but I am unfamiliar with the emissions laws of Texas. Could you help me out on that as well?

Thanks,
Trey
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[TerryMason]

1040100

The easiest way to figure out the emissions laws is to think about your other cars. Does your state make you go to the mechanic every two years, where he puts a probe in your tailpipe (a horrible experiance

). If not then you don't have emissions inspections. Don't know if it's legal to change the carb, but there would be no inspection and thus no enforcement. I think Texas is pretty easy going about these things.

I am in the process of putting a new tub on my CJ, and it can be expensive. You can buy a new fiberglass tub for close to $1500 and steel is over $2200. I've heard that fiberglass gives you alot of electrical problems (there is nowhere to ground, and you have to run negative to everything), and if you hit something, the fiberglass just breaks where steel bends, and can be repaired.

Jeep bodys from Quadratec

I think the answer (what I'm doing) is to buy a wrangler tub from a junk yard. I've heard of prople getting them for $300. They mount up fine, except for 2 body mounts that must be moved.

Hope this helps,
Terry
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