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Rusty Golden Eagle: 1979 Jeep CJ7

When you first lay eyes on this dusty Jeep CJ7 “Golden Eagle” edition, it seems modestly hopeful. It’s just dust, you tell yourself, nothing more than what you’d expect for anything labeled as a barn find. Unfortunately, the damage is more than skin deep here, and this desirable Golden Eagle may be a parts Jeep at best. The seller notes rust in the floors and the frame, so plan on some welding if you wish to bring it back. Find the CJ7 here on eBay with bidding at $1,300. 

The current bid amount actually shocks me, as I thought the prevalence of not-insignificant rust would deter even the most devout Jeep enthusiast. This is one of those moments where I have to acknowledge I get excited about a lot of stuff nobody cares about, so the fact that bidders are hungry for what amounts to a cosmetic dress-up kit and bigger tires should come as no surprise.

The Jeep’s grill panel is inside the cabin, perhaps an indication that restoration has started and stopped throughout the years, or stopped permanently once the owner realized how pervasive the rust was. No matter what, the Golden Eagle branding is well-known among Jeep enthusiasts, and that notoriety could be driving the strong price so far. Or perhaps it’s because Catherine Bach drove a Golden Eagle in the Dukes of Hazzard?

The interior looks like it might yield some good parts, and the Jeep truthfully doesn’t look all that trashed despite the seemingly rough condition underneath. Perhaps the Levi’s soft-top is driving the bidding as well. Whatever it is, this auction should return a fair price for a rough CJ7 in need of rust repair, or perhaps an enterprising owner will just swap the frames. Which path would you take?

Comments

  1. Avatar Wrong Way

    This is a easy fix! Unfortunately I am too wrapped up in the 356 project I bought or I would definitely place a bid!

    Like 0
  2. Avatar David Brand

    The bidding has ended and it sold for $500.00. These are none to be rust buckets and the frames are usually trashed unless they are from the southwest. A 1979 is not the most desirable drivetrain either but to each his own. I have a 1979 with a good frame and a rusted body but no plans to rebuild. They were decent drivers though. The 1980 to 1986 had the better T-case.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar cidevco

    ended!!! on ebay

    Like 1
    • Avatar Wrong Way

      I knew that it wouldn’t last too long! Those were all common issues with the eagle edition! I have seen rusted tubs brought back! Hence my previous comment! Have a great evening!

      Like 0
  4. Avatar DavidL Member

    RELISTED. Seller says listing closed due to scam and then “No overseas shipping!” Wow. Engine turns? Engine photos would be appreciated I suppose. If I was serious about selling it I would do more than show photos of hay and dust. The rusted thru frame would seem to relegate this to parts only or a frame off/replacement project. What all would it take to restore this and would it be worth it? What would a restored pristine CJ7 be worth? A CJ7 driver be worth?

    Like 1

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