WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

What do you think this Jeep is worth?

C-Ya

Int’l Maritime Captain
Joined
Oct 31, 2008
Messages
3,426
Reaction score
13,373
My latest wormhole……..

I have been looking at different vehicles that I can take to cars shows, cruise the beach, and tow my boat trailer and possibly my boat short distances.

As I spent the last few months looking at multiple types of cars, I kept coming back to the Jeep CJ-7 (1976 - 1986). I started down the YouTube wormhole. What I found is 90% of classic car videos don’t have prices. You have to call. The next problem, the old videos out number the new ones, so the majority of the YouTube vehicles are already sold.

You can go to “Bring A Trailer”, and see what different models have sold for over the last few years. But, for the CJ-7, those prices are $5000 to $60,000, with every price in between.

Below is a video of a Jeep that I truly love. The video is 2 years old and the Jeep has been sold. Nobody at the business can remember what it sold for. I just want to take an informal RDP poll of what you think it would sell for? Mainly because I am going to continue to look for a similar CJ-7 and I am curious as to what others think a Jeep like this would cost?

The end of video has startup and test drive.

Do you Jeep guys think I should be looking at YJ’s, TJ’s, or something else? There is no off-roading where I live. This will be a beach cruiser.

 

welldigger00

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
3,762
Reaction score
8,975
Welp, I’m sure you saw my post from this week. I’ve owned CJ5s and a CJ6. The thing about the earlier jeeps is they are more hot rodding than the newer jeeps. Carbureted, older granny low 3&4 four speeds, autos, rag tops, steel dash, etc. My thing is I like having hard top and doors, and air con, or heat and defrost. The CJ’s totally suck in that department. Also finding a numbers matching Jeep is not that important either, in my opinion. I’d rather find one that a dude dumped way too much money on, like decent axles, engine and trans, etc. Pound for pound, and dollar for dollar, I’d say the TJ is the ultimate. Especially if you can find an unlimited. The aftermarket support is huge, and they work incredibly well in all levels of upgrade for what they are. I’m not a fan of the JK, because I love the 4.0. I just know them very well.
 

havasujeeper

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2014
Messages
2,779
Reaction score
5,599
My opinion is that the Jeep TJ from 1999-2006 are the ultimate jeeps. I too have had CJ5's, CJ6's, and a few YJ's, but my best is the TJ's. All the rest are problematic.
 

spectras only

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
13,287
Reaction score
13,486
A CJ 7 is not meant to tow the size of your boat. I towed my 20 Spectra with one and that's that. I do like Jeeps though. ;)
 

DLC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2013
Messages
10,981
Reaction score
16,491
If you plant to tow your boat even short distances the LJ would be best - longer WB !
You might have to add an air bag to the rear depending on tongue weight - They like to squat and that lightens the frt steering! Maybe even a load distribution hitch would help w/ the towing

An LJ is anywhere between 12 to 25 k

12k - completely stock and a crap top of miles
25k - all do dadded up !

Mine has 35 in tires and that is the max tire size unless mega lift and new beefy axles etc - I wouldn’t go that direction for your application!

A nice 33 or 35 inch tire and a mild lift w/ bumpers and winch is what I would go for.

I would shoot for a full size doors - hard, w/ glass roll up windows and a soft top ! The ST can easily removed or folded back, and the Hard doors can be taken off - for a cool feel during great weather and when need be popped back on when AC / heat is needed

If you’re just local I would keep about 15-18 psi max 20 psi ! in the tires and you can go anywhere on road surface streets say below 45 mph and fairly soft sand. This is what I do in my LJ in Havasu - if I do run down the highway it is a short distance and I keep a distance between cars - JIC !
Doing this you can just drive where ya want & no airing up / airing down is needed ! BUT - there are risks Involved !

PSA - NOTE -
This would be for NON HIGHWAYS & Highway speeds and No evasion maneuvers ! Otherwise you could loose a tire bead ! And bad things happen after that !
 
Last edited:

DLC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2013
Messages
10,981
Reaction score
16,491
As For a CJ price

A buddy bought one from Collins Brothers - numbers matching CJ5 late 70’s & All Original ! For $35 or 39 can’t remember ….

He retired and that was his Deal & the CJ5 was his 1st Jeep ! He added EFI and That makes a BIG difference in performance!
 

2Driver

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Messages
17,604
Reaction score
33,386
Launched the 21 Spectra for years with the CJ5. Good ole days when your friends could ride in the trailered boat.

1986-04-3.jpg


1984-11-1.jpg
 
Last edited:

wzuber

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
8,056
Reaction score
11,754
He loves that Jeep. He took it for a ride to the Dana Point area just a couple days ago.
The hotrod jeep or the nice, purdy toad? I was referring to the hotrod jeep. I think I may have received mis-information?
 
Last edited:

t&y

t&y
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
15,970
Reaction score
28,776
My latest wormhole……..

I have been looking at different vehicles that I can take to cars shows, cruise the beach, and tow my boat trailer and possibly my boat short distances.

As I spent the last few months looking at multiple types of cars, I kept coming back to the Jeep CJ-7 (1976 - 1986). I started down the YouTube wormhole. What I found is 90% of classic car videos don’t have prices. You have to call. The next problem, the old videos out number the new ones, so the majority of the YouTube vehicles are already sold.

You can go to “Bring A Trailer”, and see what different models have sold for over the last few years. But, for the CJ-7, those prices are $5000 to $60,000, with every price in between.

Below is a video of a Jeep that I truly love. The video is 2 years old and the Jeep has been sold. Nobody at the business can remember what it sold for. I just want to take an informal RDP poll of what you think it would sell for? Mainly because I am going to continue to look for a similar CJ-7 and I am curious as to what others think a Jeep like this would cost?

The end of video has startup and test drive.

Do you Jeep guys think I should be looking at YJ’s, TJ’s, or something else? There is no off-roading where I live. This will be a beach cruiser.

Well... If you are looking for TurnKey restored style runner .... 50K can get you this right now from auto trader.
Used 86 CJ 7
50K jeep.jpg


I'm assuming you've driven CJ's before. They are pretty rough, not that easy to climb into, but the cool factor crusin an old classic with no top on makes up for it.
If you want comfort and endless opportunity to upgrade, get a TJ or newer jeep with the coils up front and fuel injection.

Oh and if you do get a old classic... please don't put the idiot douche bag big chrome wheels on it like the one in the video you posted. 17" is about as big as looks good on these body's.
 

73mandella

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 8, 2010
Messages
1,006
Reaction score
1,289
The hotrod jeep or the nice, purdy toad? I was referring to the hotrod jeep. I think I may have received mis-information?

The hot rod belongs to Ryan, our oldest, and he wants to sell it. Lou will not let the 'purdy' one go.
 

Sleek-Jet

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
13,283
Reaction score
16,706
We spring break outside of Jacksonville, I'm always amazed at the clean CJs that are out on the beach. If that is what you want to use it for primarily, you should pick it up for sure. 👍
 

PaPaG

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Messages
4,566
Reaction score
5,283
I have had CJ, TJ and YJ. My personal choice is the CJs, towed short distances and launched with ease a 21 foot Vector without issue with my 78' CJ7, 304. Almost done with my refresh, easy to work on and fun to drive. The 78 you are looking at looks very clean, I would change the rims to a more traditional rim, I am old school for sure. What are they asking for it? you can pick up some real clean CJs for under 25k.
 

C-Ya

Int’l Maritime Captain
Joined
Oct 31, 2008
Messages
3,426
Reaction score
13,373
I appreciate the feedback from everyone………

First, just a few clarifications on my needs.

I currently own a GMC Terrain as my beater car. I purchased it new in 2013 and I have put 55,000 miles on it in 11 years. However, that is actually overstating its use. I realized yesterday that I have only put 120 miles on it, in the last 4 months. It’s a 4 banger without a hitch. It doesn’t tow anything. All it does lately is take up an expensive parking spot. I may as well replace it with something that can do the following:

Tow my trailer
Take a 4 person beach cruise
Have enough “Classic Car” definition to go into local car shows and other such events
Bonus Feature - Be able to pull my boat in event of hurricane. Less than 3 miles distance. (A rare occurrence)
2nd Bonus Feature - Be able to join local Jeep Club and participate in Florida Jeep Jamborees

Stuff on my wish list and stuff I don’t need.

I have no place to store a hardtop. I don’t want it on the vehicle. It needs to be open air.
I want half doors - I have no plans to enclose Jeep. It’s not a daily driver.
I want a V8 - Mainly for the throaty sound. I need this sound for my car show arrival…… LOL
I don’t need a winch
I don’t need a bunch of suspension upgrades and axle mods. This is a Beach Cruiser/Mall Queen.
The CJ in my video did not have carpet. This could come in handy if I get caught in rain.

T&Y, I like the douche rims in my video. But I do hear what you are saying. But for beach cruising, those rims work for the unique look.

My biggest concern is that I will end up Hot Rodding the V8 and driving like a dick. Lots of horsepower brings out the demon in me. I am sure that there are those reading that statement that know exactly what I am talking about. Its a disease! LOL
 

wzuber

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
8,056
Reaction score
11,754
The hot rod belongs to Ryan, our oldest, and he wants to sell it. Lou will not let the 'purdy' one go.
Well, both seller & buyer are in Florida so that helps minimise/resolve the transportation issue. Post that bad boy up and see where it goes? It just may be a match made in rdp land. 😄😄😁
 

73mandella

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 8, 2010
Messages
1,006
Reaction score
1,289
Well, both seller & buyer are in Florida so that helps minimise/resolve the transportation issue. Post that bad boy up and see where it goes? It just may be a match made in rdp land. 😄😄😁
I didn't think about that. I'll get in touch with Ryan. THANKS!
 

lbhsbz

Putting on the brakes
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
13,122
Reaction score
33,859
That's the kinda "Jeep" you need boat shoes, at least 3 gold chains, a big watch and rose colored glasses to roll up in or you might be accused of having stolen it from someone who fits that description.

It's a smog era 304 V8....your 4 cylinder GMC Terrain will very likely smoke it in a drag race.

I know you wanna do car shows and stuff, but these aren't the modern appliance vehicles where you just jump in every 2 months or so when you decide to and they work like they did when you parked 'em. You'd better either have a shop close by that'll work on it and be prepared to spend a lot of nickle and dime money with 'em or be able to do all the tinkering on your own....or else you're gonna have a bad time.

Tell @bonesfab to build you something fuel injected with basically all modern running gear in an old body/frame....it'll be more what you're looking for I think.
 
Last edited:

Gelcoater

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
22,418
Reaction score
39,390
I appreciate the feedback from everyone………

First, just a few clarifications on my needs.

I currently own a GMC Terrain as my beater car. I purchased it new in 2013 and I have put 55,000 miles on it in 11 years. However, that is actually overstating its use. I realized yesterday that I have only put 120 miles on it, in the last 4 months. It’s a 4 banger without a hitch. It doesn’t tow anything. All it does lately is take up an expensive parking spot. I may as well replace it with something that can do the following:

Tow my trailer
Take a 4 person beach cruise
Have enough “Classic Car” definition to go into local car shows and other such events
Bonus Feature - Be able to pull my boat in event of hurricane. Less than 3 miles distance. (A rare occurrence)
2nd Bonus Feature - Be able to join local Jeep Club and participate in Florida Jeep Jamborees

Stuff on my wish list and stuff I don’t need.

I have no place to store a hardtop. I don’t want it on the vehicle. It needs to be open air.
I want half doors - I have no plans to enclose Jeep. It’s not a daily driver.
I want a V8 - Mainly for the throaty sound. I need this sound for my car show arrival…… LOL
I don’t need a winch
I don’t need a bunch of suspension upgrades and axle mods. This is a Beach Cruiser/Mall Queen.
The CJ in my video did not have carpet. This could come in handy if I get caught in rain.

T&Y, I like the douche rims in my video. But I do hear what you are saying. But for beach cruising, those rims work for the unique look.

My biggest concern is that I will end up Hot Rodding the V8 and driving like a dick. Lots of horsepower brings out the demon in me. I am sure that there are those reading that statement that know exactly what I am talking about. Its a disease! LOL
I’d be looking for a CJ7 close to stockish.
The 304 moves one around just fine but is no drag racer. It will give you the tone you’re after and probably qualify for the classic car runs you want.
T-150 three speed works well behind one as long as you don’t go hot ridding the engine. It is a 304 remember😂
Fuel injection is nice and all, until it isn’t.
A carburetor is easy and cheap to replace.

You could do these things in a CJ5 but will be crowded with 4 people and no room for beach bags, cooler etc.

The beauty of the CJ’s is their simplicity, and mostly metal. Not much plastic to degrade. The dash is all metal too.
No fancy electronics, air bags, suspension, etc and is a great deal lighter than the modern Jeeps.
Parts galore to personalize it and make it yours.

The no carpet deal is actually very handy if you actually off road in mud.
Pull the rubber floor mats out and hose the thing out.

Whatever you do?
Don’t do this!
9B1D9351-9F9D-4B4B-9434-7397CDA21960.png


It will expose every single weak link in the drive train. You will spend more time under it rather than in it.
And indeed, you will drive like An asshole😂
 

ChiliPepperGarage

Well Known RDP Cart Returner
Joined
Mar 8, 2008
Messages
4,498
Reaction score
10,429
Most of the YouTube videos are going to be from dealers that ask ridiculous prices. I'd stay away from them.

Anything newer than a CJ won't be too welcome at a car show. My YJ (successor to the CJ) is highly modified with a fuel injected 350, 700r4 trans, full width axles, etc. and I'd never even think about taking it to a car show.

A CJ is very simple and quite easy to maintain. If you know basic mechanics you can pretty much fix anything on it. I have a friend that has zero mechanical experience and he and his son are doing a frame off resto on one.

The down side of a CJ is short wheelbase so not so great for towing and limited room for passengers. They don't ride so nice and are primitive (which makes them simple). They are old so finding a good one that hasn't been beat to death is more difficult unless you want to spend a lot of $.

How about a square body Blazer? You can still find them cheap, comes with a V8, cheap to modify, easy to work on, pull the top and sell it, cut down the doors or take them off and run tube doors. The earlier ones have full removable tops and later had half tops. I know you want the open air thing but I think you'll find that with the hot Florida sun, you will want a Bimini top to provide some shade. A half top with tube doors will give you both.

Here is an example of tube doors:

aab8e9b86c64107c677d8bb69fe2ebe8.jpg


Here is a half top and a full top with Bimini's:

5f4fae9bfb6883d28274adb623f8addf.jpg
866657ebc5bc45f125a619df631e2b67.jpg


And one with no doors:

7fa0c7beaa3b53848fcf5f0773d969b4.jpg


I have a '79 that is waiting for me to get to it. At some point I'll sell my Jeep because it is way over built for what I need and rock the Blazer.

IMG_9390.JPG


IMG_7659.JPG
 

wzuber

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
8,056
Reaction score
11,754
Most of the YouTube videos are going to be from dealers that ask ridiculous prices. I'd stay away from them.

Anything newer than a CJ won't be too welcome at a car show. My YJ (successor to the CJ) is highly modified with a fuel injected 350, 700r4 trans, full width axles, etc. and I'd never even think about taking it to a car show.

A CJ is very simple and quite easy to maintain. If you know basic mechanics you can pretty much fix anything on it. I have a friend that has zero mechanical experience and he and his son are doing a frame off resto on one.

The down side of a CJ is short wheelbase so not so great for towing and limited room for passengers. They don't ride so nice and are primitive (which makes them simple). They are old so finding a good one that hasn't been beat to death is more difficult unless you want to spend a lot of $.

How about a square body Blazer? You can still find them cheap, comes with a V8, cheap to modify, easy to work on, pull the top and sell it, cut down the doors or take them off and run tube doors. The earlier ones have full removable tops and later had half tops. I know you want the open air thing but I think you'll find that with the hot Florida sun, you will want a Bimini top to provide some shade. A half top with tube doors will give you both.

Here is an example of tube doors:

View attachment 1453760

Here is a half top and a full top with Bimini's:

View attachment 1453761 View attachment 1453762

And one with no doors:

View attachment 1453763

I have a '79 that is waiting for me to get to it. At some point I'll sell my Jeep because it is way over built for what I need and rock the Blazer.

View attachment 1453764

View attachment 1453765
this is a solid suggestion, most especially for towing.
 

pwerwagn

Inmate #4800
Joined
Aug 28, 2010
Messages
2,597
Reaction score
3,071
Ive had every model of Jeep I believe, and I will second someones comment above that the TJ/LJ is the best "jeep". Most people couldnt tell the difference between a TJ and a CJ anyways.

I have an 86 CJ7 with a 350/nv4500/d300/ lift, etc. Its a fun jeep but the 97 TJ I have on 35's drives better and is just "nicer". I also have a 95 original owner YJ, and while it does drive nicer than a CJ its still, well, a YJ lol.

I also sort of second the blazer suggestion. Even tho I own a CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, ZJ, XJ etc...I also have a topless 79 ramcharger that gets more use than the jeeps do. It has way more room inside. 95% of them are V8, you dont have to worry about narrow track CJ axles, or 2 piece dana 20 rears, and you dont have to worry about where to stash all of your ducks when you come out from walmart.
 

C-Ya

Int’l Maritime Captain
Joined
Oct 31, 2008
Messages
3,426
Reaction score
13,373
Do you guys have any comments on the Jeep below? It’s a 2007 Unlimited with V6.

I know it’s not a CJ, but I like it. It doesn’t come with a top or standard doors. I think it would be a decent 5 passenger beach cruiser.

IMG_2341.jpeg
IMG_2342.jpeg
 

Willie B

aberrant member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
9,216
Reaction score
10,454
Most of the YouTube videos are going to be from dealers that ask ridiculous prices. I'd stay away from them.

Anything newer than a CJ won't be too welcome at a car show. My YJ (successor to the CJ) is highly modified with a fuel injected 350, 700r4 trans, full width axles, etc. and I'd never even think about taking it to a car show.

A CJ is very simple and quite easy to maintain. If you know basic mechanics you can pretty much fix anything on it. I have a friend that has zero mechanical experience and he and his son are doing a frame off resto on one.

The down side of a CJ is short wheelbase so not so great for towing and limited room for passengers. They don't ride so nice and are primitive (which makes them simple). They are old so finding a good one that hasn't been beat to death is more difficult unless you want to spend a lot of $.

How about a square body Blazer? You can still find them cheap, comes with a V8, cheap to modify, easy to work on, pull the top and sell it, cut down the doors or take them off and run tube doors. The earlier ones have full removable tops and later had half tops. I know you want the open air thing but I think you'll find that with the hot Florida sun, you will want a Bimini top to provide some shade. A half top with tube doors will give you both.

Here is an example of tube doors:

View attachment 1453760

Here is a half top and a full top with Bimini's:

View attachment 1453761 View attachment 1453762

And one with no doors:

View attachment 1453763

I have a '79 that is waiting for me to get to it. At some point I'll sell my Jeep because it is way over built for what I need and rock the Blazer.

View attachment 1453764

View attachment 1453765
… I would do the Blazer before a CJ… I may be speaking out of turn because I’ve never owned a CJ…I loved my 79 Blazer…
 

caribbean20

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2011
Messages
1,694
Reaction score
3,731
My latest wormhole……..

Too funny. My wife would certainly approve of the color. Don’t see too many in orange crush. Here’s her ride. I’ve got nothing else to add, carry on.
IMG_0046.jpeg
 

callbob

semi flaccid member
Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
3,030
Reaction score
2,983
Just my opinion but personally I would stay away from 07 to 2012 jeeps. There have been issues with the motor in those which was fixed in late 2012 I believe. Cj’ s are nice, I’ve had a bunch. One of them I put a solid lift cam 350 with a car 4 speed in it. Lost in a divorce and told the ex if she sold it don’t sell to some kid for a hot rod. She did and he wrapped around a telephone pole. TJ or especially an LJ for the win. The only jeeps I regrat selling. Had two 05’s. Thing about jeeps from 04 to 06 is the opd. If it sounds like a loose belt squealing it’s not. Look it up.
 

spectras only

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
13,287
Reaction score
13,486
View attachment 1454265 What you takin about Willis
Your question is about what?
My first experience with JEEPs was in about 1953 IIRC. It was a WC 4X4 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton Dodge Reconnaissance / Weapon Carrier model, my brother used while he was in the Hungarian Airforce. It was a leftover unit after WWII. The US left behind many military equipment in most of Europe, and still have this habit today.;) My older brother [ 17 yrs senior ] introduced me to motorcycles, cars, boats , you name it. I still have the bugs at 77, riding my M/C's , vintage racecar and other's fast cars at the track.
The CJ7 I found it too narrow, too short of wheelbase to be useful for towing my 20 Spectra. My 64 Lincoln was superior to tow it with. For a while , most Jeeps were rated for only 2000lbs, hence some boats like the 19 foot Spectra's Fotografix tandem trailer had no hydraulic brakes. My 20 Spectra came with hydraulic surge brakes.


Love to have one today, Dodge Reconnaissance / Weapon Carrier
1732685247319.png
 
Last edited:

DarkHorseRacing

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2014
Messages
6,600
Reaction score
13,087
2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ unlimited for sale down by Havasu Springs. I'm not the owner, not affiliated with the owner. Just posting in case anyone is looking.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3641.jpeg
    IMG_3641.jpeg
    3.1 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_3640.jpeg
    IMG_3640.jpeg
    3 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_3639.jpeg
    IMG_3639.jpeg
    2.9 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_3638.jpeg
    IMG_3638.jpeg
    1.4 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_3637.jpeg
    IMG_3637.jpeg
    2.5 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_3642.jpeg
    IMG_3642.jpeg
    2.8 MB · Views: 0
Top