Cj3b To Buy Or Not To Buy Help!!!!!

Hey fellas I found a 53 CJ3B thats in better shape than average its just had the engine rebuilt , all new wireing harness new paint, powder coated wheels and cage, new upolstery ,stock brakes . Looks very good the only thing in my way of buying it is the fella that owns it put sythetic oil in a fresh engine and when you let off the throtle she blows just a bit of smoke . When under load and when idleing no smoke . I think it may be because the oil is getting buy the valve guieds . I was thinking if I was to change oil and put good ol 30 wt in it the smoke may stop after a couple hundred miles what do you guys think? Please reply with all your expertise. Thanks Dan

 

OMG.

You have to ask?

If the price is right, of course you buy it! R)

 

buy the way he is asking $7000.00

 

I think we are going to need some pics. But if it is as described I think putting some dino oil back in would be a good idea.

 

7K is a Lot... i wouldnt pay that, but i have a soft spot for beater jeeps R)

synthetic has no place in old jeeps IMO... good old fashioned 10w30 should be just fine. can you get pics?

 

7K does sound high.

 

Its a turn key just about perfect except the oil thing I talked to him again tonight and looks we are getting close to a deal now we are talking $6200

 

Check prices on ebay to get a feel for pricing. $7K is a good sum of money.
Did you physically get under the jeep to inspect the frame and tub? Bring a tarp, flashlight, wire brush and a small pocket knife for scraping.

 

:uwop:

 

CJ3B for 7000? come on people. Pics or not that is way too much money.

 

It is a lot of money, especially for something most people can't use as a daily driver. For most people, it would be a tow-along or occasional driver.

Yeah, the California market is very high. If this is something you really want, the price may be high but not outrageous depending on the condition of the vehicle.

I don't think the smoking is much of an issue. Do a compression check.

 

yes, my thought too.

 

...if you do the rebuild yourself you're probably gonna spend that much in my opinion. Something to think about unless you want to say "I built it myself". If you like it and have the money(notice I refrained from saying afford it)get it. Just remember we need to see pictures.....

 

Well For that kinda $$$ it better have a solid body (Check all the hat channel and floor board for rust) How is the rest of the power train (rebuild?) Also the brakes should be upgraded to 11 or 12 in. (yet for that kinda of cash i would have though it would have been done! My 3B i picked up for 2000.00 and i considered it in better than average shape! It also has stock brakes but i plan on a upgrade. What color is the smoke this might be a carb prob.
If the Willys is all stock including stock rims with little to no rust to body and frame and a top then by Ca. standards 6000. would not be out of the question! It just depends if you like it! If not there always is another Willys around the corner!! Also, don't forget cj3bs are not hot sellers. Most people don't like the hi hoods! As for myself i do have a soft spot for them!
You might take a look at the CJ3B web site to do some price comparison for them!

I will be going to San Luis Obispo this week. If ya need help I would be willing to stop and take a look!
P.S. WE NEED SOME PICS !!!

 

I got my cj3b for free.....
and then droped over 10K into it doing most of the work my self.
$6200 seams like a lot tell you add up all the parts, never mind the hours.
To each his own. In the past I've always started with a really cheap project and then put a ton of hours an $ into them. More and more I'm all for paying a little more and getting something solid, that one some one elts put a lot into. Then mod. it to my liking.

 

I agree. I put 3-4000 in the Jeepster and it's not pretty, that money just went toward a lot of rebuilding, doing everything myself. I've seen people spend 3 times that on an antique car to putt around in. I love the 3B's, I don't think it's a bad investment unless you're going to beat it to death. There are very few early Jeeps around here, rusted carcasses go for $1000 and up, and some people try to get their money back asking 10000 plus but never finding a buyer.

Paul