This 1977 Jeep CJ5 is an interesting combination of options, featuring both the Golden Eagle package and the Levi’s edition interior. However, to muddy the waters a little further is the fact that the original interior is gone along with the numbers-matching drivetrain. The paint is said to still be original, along with the faded graphics that came as part of the Golden Eagle and Levi’s packages – except for the fact that the original owner requested it not come with the gigantic eagle on the hood! Keeping up so far? It presents as a mixed bag, of sorts, as you could pretty easily bring it back to original specifications, but with a rebuilt Chevy 350 V8 under the hood, would you? Find the Jeep here on eBay with two bids to $5K and no reserve.
I’ve seen references made to the fact that Levi’s Jeeps only came in tan and blue, so this is definitely an outlier as far as the factory colors go. The seller notes the VIN tag reveals a code denoting that the paint was indeed a special order color, but I have to wonder how you’d verify that the iconic eagle on the hood was deleted versus just faded away with time. Regardless, there’s a good story here for the next owner if they like the idea of owning a Jeep that is likely somewhat unrepeatable based on the options on display. The Levi’s models are supposed to have gotten copper-colored rivets and buttons for the top, but I can’t tell if they’re still with the Jeep. Wheels are aftermarket “Centerline”-style rollers, and the seller notes a rust spot behind the license plate.
One aspect of this Jeep that’s surprising to me is the recent upholstery job inside. The Levi’s editions were notable for one feature, and one feature only, and that’s the denim-style seating surfaces with little brass buttons dotting the seats throughout. The seller notes that the seats were recently re-done in a custom diamond stitch pattern that certainly looks sharp, but it’s not what a Levi’s edition would have come with. Now, I don’t know how hard it is to find upholstery kits that mimic the original Levi’s-inspired upholstery, so that may have been a limiting factor. I hope the next owner is at least able to source a set of replacement seats with the correct upholstery, but given these are the desirable “highback” seats from a later CJ, I certainly wouldn’t get rid of them.
The numbers-matching AMC V8 is long gone, replaced with a thoroughly refreshed Chevy 350. The rebuild gave it some extra juice in the form of an aftermarket cam, but it remains largely stock in tune. The seller notes the complete Chevy A/C system was installed at the same time, with an aftermarket under-dash A/C unit installed. The seller notes he has never used it, and it will likely need a shot of new freon. Other areas of concern include rust in the front of the floorboards, and some previous rust repair in the form of a patch panel in the driver’s side floor. Overall, this is an intriguing project as one you can just get in and use and likely have a blast doing so, or restore back to OEM specs given the unusual options. How would you tackle this driver-quality Levi’s Jeep?
Had a ‘79 painted the same color with the 304 and 4spd with a 4-1 reduction gearbox. LOVED that Jeep; a staunch veteran of 6 years on the Rubicon (Jeepers Jamboree). Sold it when my GF convinced me I didn’t need it or the ‘78 Targa or the ‘61 Midget or 3 of my 4 bikes and we could do just fine with the D-50..sometimes we guys are really weak under certain types of brainwashing.
This is a CJ 5. No one cares what USED to be under the hood or USED to have for upholstery. Air conditioning in a soft top Jeep? Really? Treat it like a Jeep-have fun with it in the desert, in the woods, as a daily commuter and on Saturday night downtown. That’s what they’re made for!
Looks like a nice conversion, but you want to look good at the workmanship and see if the 4×4 works. Frames rotted out badly on these. Sure presents well. Looker over good. Good luck.
Stay safe and wash your hands
Cheers
GPC
At first I was gonna say it looks legit. Fender tag has, special order code, special paint code, and the Levi’s seat code. The dash has tach. and clock like a golden eagle would have, but those decals on the hood did not come on a 1977 golden eagle, (i don’t think they even came on any CJ package, after market maybe?) nor did the Eagle on the side. Looks to me like it is more of a Levi’s CJ with a special ordered paint job and special ordered tach. and clock. Why order the Golden Eagle package that only gives you the tach., clock, decals, and then tell them to leave off the decals.. 1977 Golden Eagle’s had a lot of decals. Eagle on the hood, Golden Eagle on both sides of hood, a pin stripe all the way around the bottom and over the wheel wells, also a pin stripe all the way around the outside of the grill.. Now is it a rare jeep because it was a special order, Yes. But at the end of the day the only thing special about it is the tach and clock. Anything else is gone…
So much better that the Levi’s seats, original engine and Golden Eagle attributes are gone so you can just enjoy the heck out of this Jeep and not worry about losing the approval of some fringe Golden Eagle/AMC/Levi’s collectors. Check thoroughly for rust as Gaspumpchas recommends and drive it like Nevadahalfrack!
I have a 1977 jeep, Levi edition sitting on my trailer at this moment. It’s a green color and it’s been behind a house for over 20 years. The body is so rusted it is falling over the tires. It does have all of the original parts on it like the radio, chrome trim, seats, and drive train. ( 6 cyl. AMC). And it has a hard top. Two months ago a guy said he would give me 200.00 for it and I said o.k., He is almost out of time, scrap yard is only 7 miles away.
I had bought a new 76 CJ 5 for myself (graduation present) Levi’s edition. Blue, 305 V8. Was plenty of power to make these squirrelly. And to much for icy roads ! It was a fun machine, had a blast in it. Don’t know if I’d change anything with this one. Looks to be in great shape.
304 v 8
I had bought a new 76 CJ 5 for myself (graduation present) Levi’s edition. Blue, 305 V8. Was plenty of power to make these squirrelly. And to much for icy roads ! It was a fun machine, had a blast in it. Don’t know if I’d change anything with this one. Looks to be in great shape. Oh, I only paid $55n change for mine back then. There was no dickering on price.