Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives I want a project/money pit

I'm thinking about buying my first project vehicle. I don't need it as a daily driver so I have the time to work on it without needing it to get to work. I had a '64 Ford as a daily driver who I was a kid and was ok at wrenching on it, but my skills are nothing spectacular. I really like '67-72 chevy trucks but I don't need another truck.

I was thinking about a Jeep Wrangler. For the off-road, no top kind of fun that that sort of a ride provides. Other than personal preference, what years should I look for or against. I am not Northern Dave, and a Cummins or small-block swap is probably not in my future. A lift, regear, lockers, body work, etc may be. I realize this is kind of open ended but I appreciate any thoughts you guys may have.

I vote early bronco instead of the heap..

I really like them but aren't they quite a bit more expensive than a Jeep?

It sounds like you should be looking for a large wooden sailboat...

Ha. Too much of a money pit!

If you don't want a CJ, any Wrangler '97 or later.

I'd go Bronco over the Jeep too but something in that general area is what you're looking for.

I also vote 97 or later Wrangler. Tons of bolt-ons out there. Much of the work you can do in your own garage. There are tons of forums and youtube videos to assist in learning. And because it's a gnarly 4x4, bodywork and paint don't have to be perfect for it to still be cool.

Find a 4.0L manual transmission model with the optional Dana 44 rear, as it came with 3.73 gears instead of 3.08's. You get fuel injection, coil spring suspension, and air conditioning. Those gears will turn 33" tires pretty well if your aren't ready to re-gear right out of the gate. Plus the resale is usually pretty dang good if you don't get too wild on the mods.

Back in the 60's my brother decided he needed a project so he bought an old Porsche. He found out real quick that he didn't have the money for it and sold it at a loss.

I currently have an '87 Bronco II that belonged to him (he died a few years ago). I want to do some work and keep it running for just a runaround to save miles on my expensive pickup. It's losing water internally, probably a head gasket but maybe worse. They're famous for cracked heads. It has 250k on it and I will likely just replace the whole engine rather than do a half way job on it. It also needs a clutch. $2500 will get it in pretty good shape and should last a long time.

I've done the Jeep thing. My next one will be a late model Bronco

Like an OJ-era model Bronco?

I had a 92 and really liked it. My dad had a 96 he got new, one the last ones made, in dark green. With the 351 and 33x12.50's it certainly did suck down the fuel, but it was a going machine, on and off the road.

I had a 74 Bronco, that was a lot of fun. Someone had put a 4" lift under it. Had power steering and dual tanks , I believe 74 was the first year for those. With front and rear Detroit lockers and 35s it was a tank. One vehicle i sold that I regret. But for your question, the Wranglers are fun vehicles especially if not a daily driver. Had several and a 85 CJ. Anything under the sun can be done to those. Just your imagination and wallet are the limiting factors.

Yep. Long-term I'd love to build up a 408 stroker and put it on about 35s. It would make for a heck of a nice rig for getting in/out of some of the place I hunt.

If you do not want a truck, how about a late 80's Blazer. Most parts are same as the trucks and the best parts supported older pickups around.

Or if off-road is not a requirement, an '81-89 Monte Carlo, preferably an SS model, nice older car, roomy, modern enough to have ac and cruise. Much more comfortable than muscle cars, came with a V8 and would be quite easy to swap a crate 350 or 383, or even an LS engine with some electronic work.

Yeah, I have thought about it a little.

I thought about a blazer. A friend had an 85 CUCV blazer with the diesel. It was gutless but otherwise pretty cool. I grew up with my father owning an 82 C20, 84 C20, and 78 K30. I like them but I already own a 2500HD as a daily driver. I really like the 67-72 but they are getting up there these days. I also thought about a Bronco even though I'm not really a Ford guy.

This thread has it all – project trucks, old Broncos and Blazers, etc. I was looking for an old Bronco when I stumbled on this ‘71 Blazer that was in great shape when I bought it in ’92. Now it’s a rust project I can’t seem to find time to work on.



Five years ago, I decided not to restore it and found this ’72 that was mostly restored promising the wife I’d dump the Blazer.



Today I still have both and am having a hard time parting with the Blazer thinking I still might fix it up some day…

Good looking 72 , I was always partial to Ford trucks but those year Chevys were good looking trucks. Dad has a 72 Cheyenne 2wd longbed all original.

If you want a Blazer, they changed body styles in '73. For several years, they had a 1 piece full roof then went to a half roof. Avoid the 1 piece. I had one. They have some rubber blocks that fit between the doors and roof to seal them up. They're very fragile and VERY expensive, if you can get them at all. Even back in the 80's, they cost well over $100/side. They'd likely be $500 or more now if they still make them.

I always liked the old scouts. And rare enough people turn their heads to see them. Money pits for sure