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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5 |
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.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,268 Likes: 31
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,268 Likes: 31 |
I vote early bronco instead of the heap..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5 |
I really like them but aren't they quite a bit more expensive than a Jeep?
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 Likes: 1 |
It sounds like you should be looking for a large wooden sailboat...
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5 |
Ha. Too much of a money pit!
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,104 |
If you don't want a CJ, any Wrangler '97 or later.
Last edited by mudhen; 09/11/16.
Ben
Some days it takes most of the day for me to do practically nothing...
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,357 Likes: 48
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39,357 Likes: 48 |
I'd go Bronco over the Jeep too but something in that general area is what you're looking for.
Me
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,251 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,251 Likes: 1 |
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.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,507 Likes: 21
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,507 Likes: 21 |
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.
βIn a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.β β George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860 |
I've done the Jeep thing. My next one will be a late model Bronco
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,251 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,251 Likes: 1 |
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.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,162 Likes: 10
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,162 Likes: 10 |
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.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860 |
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. 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.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274 |
"...the designer of the .270 Ingwe cartridge!..."
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 21,935 Likes: 9
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 21,935 Likes: 9 |
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.
Parents who say they have good kids..Usually don't!
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,218 Likes: 5 |
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.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,408 Likes: 3
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,408 Likes: 3 |
This thread has it all β project trucks, old Broncos and Blazers, etc. I was looking for an old Bronco when I stumbled on this β71 Blazer that was in great shape when I bought it in β92. Now itβs a rust project I canβt seem to find time to work on. Five years ago, I decided not to restore it and found this β72 that was mostly restored promising the wife Iβd 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 dayβ¦
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,162 Likes: 10
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,162 Likes: 10 |
This thread has it all β project trucks, old Broncos and Blazers, etc. I was looking for an old Bronco when I stumbled on this β71 Blazer that was in great shape when I bought it in β92. Now itβs a rust project I canβt seem to find time to work on. Five years ago, I decided not to restore it and found this β72 that was mostly restored promising the wife Iβd 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 dayβ¦ 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.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,507 Likes: 21
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,507 Likes: 21 |
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.
βIn a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.β β George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,410 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,410 Likes: 2 |
I always liked the old scouts. And rare enough people turn their heads to see them. Money pits for sure
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