The Levi’s Edition of (insert vehicle here) is a curiosity of automotive styling trends past, a special edition that seemingly sprung from consumers’ desires to heave denim material and buttons resembling those that they might find on their favorite pair of casual pants, inside their automobile’s cabin. This type of dress-up isn’t seen much today, making this 1976 Jeep CJ5 a rarity – and it’s made rarer still for having the optional 304 V8 paired to a three-speed manual. It doesn’t run, and it’s listed here on eBay with no reserve and bids to $1,825.
The Jeep has been parked since 1990, with the likely culprit being a stripped hub. In that time, the engine has locked up, and the seller doesn’t detail whether any attempts have been made to free it up. The bodywork doesn’t look too shabby, but these Jeeps can rust from the inside out if they’ve seen prolonged use in the muck and mud, or if they’ve lived in the snow belt – fortunately, this example is located in Alabama, so one would assume it hasn’t seen too much in the way of winter conditions. The later wheels are aftermarket but match up nicely with the faded red body.
The interior is a bit rough, but these weren’t exactly luxurious environments to begin with. The floors don’t look too bad, but it’s hard to say for sure; there could be some cancer down by the pedal box, and the seller does reference the presence of rust in the floor pan. The dash is complete down to the tachometer and clock, but it may be missing a radio, and the seller notes that the transmission still goes through all the gears with ease. You could spec the Levi’s interior in either tan or blue material, and while it looks to still be hanging on to the passenger seat, you’re still looking at a upholstery job.
It’s a shame the engine is locked up, as this otherwise seemed like a straightforward project. The seller notes the front axle is in good order and the hubs lock and unlock with ease. If the seller hasn’t attempted to get the engine un-stuck (and that seems likely given it’s still parked on the trailer it likely came home on), then I’d say you can’t call this one an engine transplant subject until some Marvel Mystery Oil is squirted in and let to sit over few evenings to see what the morning will bring. The Levi’s package is certainly a cool throwback to the special editions of the 70s and 80s, and this Jeep looks solid enough to justify the effort of restoring.
Had a ‘79 CJ5 with the 304 & a 4spd. Tough “truck”- did the Rubicon Run out of Georgetown (Original Jeepers Jamboree) six times yet it survived my very steep learning curve without fail.
That said, IMHO this one desperately needs a well-heeled/hardcore CJ fan to bring it back to any level of decent driveability.
Install patch panels on the floors, make sure it’s mechanically sound, reupholster the seats, then buff the paint and drive it. Not everything needs to be restored. That’s how you restrain expenses to the point that you won’t worry about driving it.
Steve R
Point well taken, Steve R. a Jeep shouldn’t ever become a car show garage queen-it’d torture it’s very soul, like leaving a wild mustang in an urban “ranch” 25×40 corral as a showpiece..
Patch panels on the floor and mechanically sound? Guess you are fine with rusted body mounts, engine and trans mounts, frame rot, etc. Mechanically sound will be rebuilding everything front to back. Doesn’t need to be restored, but just making a dependable and safe driver will cost more than it’s worth.
I have a ’71 CJ5, and I can’t drive it anywhere without total strangers coming up and begging me to sell it to them. I’m curious as to why the values of these aren’t higher than they are, especially compared to early Broncos and FJ40s.
I have a ’73 with a 304. And same thing. These frames didn’t rust out.
Mostly depends on where you get the Jeep from. Look at the body and under this one. They definitely rust and they also break.
I bought my 72 from Denver. I drove it several years and wheeled it moderately. The spring perches punched through the frame rails eventually and I had to get that fixed. So…they do rust through, but they are durable to say the least.
I bought an 80 CJ7 several years ago for 2k. Put about 1 k in parts and probably 100 hours in labor. Sold it for a very small profit if my labor is worth a dollar an hour! Kid that bought it proceeded to roll it a week later. This CJ5 will become a 5k rig very quickly. I would spend some more$ up front and buy a driver.
I’m NOT going to Alabama for a Jeep, and no more V8’s. Prices, to be expected, are all over the place. This is about average for a beater, we have to remember, before Jeep became the status symbol it is now, these CJ’s were used in the worst of weather, it’s why they were created, not to cruise down the interstate at 70 with chilled cup holders. You won’t find many that aren’t rusty, I’m finding out. I’m at odds, if I should get a beater like this, and restore it, or like I’ve said so many times, just find a decent one, and be done with it. There is certainly no shortage of them out here. Now, if I can only find someone that has a hankerin’ for a squarebody GM, and would trade me, ( crickets),,,
My first Jeep was a 1972 CJ5 with the 304 and a three speed. It was a very capable off road machine right out of the box. If this has a title (a must) and a good frame then it is worth fixing up and driving. The AMC V8 is a solid engine and I bet with some piston saturation it can be unstuck. How long before it would need a rebuild is a different question. Rebuild the engine and throw an aftermarket FI system on it and you would have a nice toy you would not have to be too careful with on the trails.
Wondering if anyone had the problems with the 304 my brothers had with the one they had way back when. If I remember correctly any “jump ” would likely result in oil filter or ? hitting frame and dumping oil out . Both the steering and Brakes were way overboosted . But it sure did look good .
Just checked eBay then the price was at $3200 something. Judging from the condition of the vehicle I would say that that should be more than the top for that particular year and probably a bit over ….. Looks like someone left it out in the weather with the hood up… The motor pulleys are in terrible condition. Floor pans are going to have to be replaced…. just finished that on a 74 model. It’s necessary to remove the body and it takes about a week do-it-yourself. Materials will run about 300 to 400 bucks ….. Good luck buyer you are buying a full-fledged project
The 304’s have the oil filter sticking almost straight out to the side it was probably a broken motor mount.
I had a 76 CJ5, Levi edtion ! 304ci loved it. Drive lots of miles first year for my dad then sold it to a hot looking nurse ! Fun thing to drive and it’s the original Jeep thing ! I put 15 inch Terra tires on it for winter. Almost unstoppable. The Levi seats were much tuffer then the regular vinyl. Take it to the car wash roof off and spray away ! The stories my Jeep could tell ! Friends and women 🤣