Thankfully, there are many niches in the car world that enrich my life in ways that wouldn’t have been possible even 20 years ago; for example, there are patient souls who digitize and upload car commercials from our motoring history. Some of my favorites are from the 1970s, because they all seem to follow similar motifs. There’s a hazy sunshine that is nothing like anything I’ve experienced (smog?), canned advertising music that doesn’t quite live up to the songs you’d hear on the radio, and more likely than not, a family going camping or doing some outdoor activity or other. Sure, that’s a broad brush, but this 1977 CJ-5 project (on eBay in Peyton, Colorado) reminds me of those ads I spend hours finding online. If you’re interested in reliving a time and place that never truly existed, it will cost you $4,900.
The first thing I always notice about an old CJ-5 is its diminutive size: 138.4 inches of length riding on an 83.5-inch wheelbase. Because there’s not much mass to overcome, any of AMC’s three available engines are more than up to the task; this one is the long-lived 258 (a $73 option), which was rated at 110 horsepower in 1977. Behind the 258 was a standard Warner T-14A three-speed or optional T-18 four-speed manual. The seller doesn’t mention which one this has, but in either case, only first gear is currently working. The engine runs well, the clutch clutches, and the brakes stop, but the transmission will need some fettling before you’re off jumping sand dunes with your banjo and a couple of friends (see linked commercial above for reference).
For anyone with a little mechanical ability and gasoline in your veins, a manual-transmission rebuild is a fun day or two on the garage bench (maybe that’s just me). (By the way, those dollar store roaster pans work well for cleaning parts without making a mess everywhere.) The real attraction of this CJ-5 is its solid body, the only rust being “below the door openings.” The original Firecracker Red (what a great name for the Bicentennial era) paint is still slathered everywhere, and the wear is such that I would personally just leave it. Unfortunately, the “Wellington Vinyl” on the seats (along with the foam) will need some rehabilitation.
I know that the Jeep CJ has always lent itself well to customization, but there’s something just right about a stock one. Maybe it’s just my personal preference, but I’d get the transmission working, fix the seats, and drive it as it sits. I’ve never owned a Jeep, but I’ve driven one or two, and $4,900 doesn’t seem to be a bad price for a fun time behind the wheel. Just ask those guys in the ads.
Down the road and around the corner from you, Howard? 👍🏻👍🏻
Yeah, these gearboxes are an easy fix if you have a parts source.. Wonder if the seller has any cassettes for the (Magnavox?) player!
Price is a little steep considering what it needs but it could be worth it to some. Here’s one with a top but needing another someone that can turn a wrench. https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/somerset-1974-jeep-cj5-speed-258-6cly/7841351070.html
Hi Nev, well, I’m already pe’ed off because the commenting Bs is back, I thought resolved. Peyton is east of Colorado Springs, and pretty far from me.
Personally. I think most of the negativity directed your way is from jealousy and/or ignorance. You have experienced events that some will never understand until they’ve put in the time on the blacktop.
My suggestion?
Every time someone throws a whine your way, answer them with this emoji- 🧀
Everyone knows no wine is appropriate without the cheese👍🏻
Got your six, amigo.
Man I’d love to ALH TDi swap one of these. I have a 2003 Jetta wagon TDI with a Stage IV tune, bigger injectors, intercooler, turbo and she straight up SCOOTS. Would be fun in this.
Worth a flyer at $4900 Toth.
Has a tow bar, if not done correctly when flat towing both trans and transfer case can suffer serious damage . Hopefully buyer is aware treads carefully.
My brother-in-law drove a 1946 one of these, until he sadly died at age 91; and now my nephews have a blast, knocking-around in it. I think its seats are old-old-OLD leather, but they serve the purpose. The thing hybernates all winter, but runs around during the summer. It’s all original, the paint is what remains of Army-green, and it is strictly the quintessence of utilitarian — just as an Army Jeep SHOULD be .
My brother had an 80 CJ-7 and it was a blast to drive. Stick of course! It isn’t a real Jeep if it has an automatic ( Like the new ones)! Sorry, Just my opinion. Looks like good project but not worth $4900 to me with the trans issue, the paint and the seats! I could see $3500 for me but no more and I do my own work. These are fun, real Jeeps!!!
“It isn’t a real Jeep if it has an automatic.”
Hear, hear!
Nevadahalfrack, no comment about your old CJ5 V8? Chasing me in a Mazda 2wd all over the desert? Or blazing a trail in the Sierras for my FJ40? Good times with those vehicles!