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what to look for?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mudbubbler, Nov 1, 2004.

  1. Nov 1, 2004
    mudbubbler

    mudbubbler New Member

    Oxford, Mi
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Messages:
    3
    I am thinking of buying a 65 cj-5 it has a hard top, snow plow, and pto winch. I want to know what i should look for as in major problem area's. I know the person who is selling it. He says it runs pretty good. I think I can get it for less than $1000. What do you guys think?
     
  2. Nov 1, 2004
    CT

    CT Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2004
    Messages:
    238
    That would be a good price. Might want to see if it has a rusted tub. Probally will being it was used to shovel snow. Who knows, maybe it is pristine jeep.

    The pto winch is a big plus on this jeep.

    Brakes, motor drive train and steering s the basic stuff you want to work. And most of any of those items can be repaired or replaced.

    If all the above work and it had no rust, buy it.
     
  3. Nov 1, 2004
    Hippo393

    Hippo393 Jeepless

    Charlotte, NC
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    1,130
    I agree! Many 1st time CJ-5 owners have overpaid; it's likely you wouldn't be one of them. :)

    Take it for a drive if you can. Notice starting and stopping problems, then steering. Take it thru all the gears, including Hi and Lo range...over smooth AND rough terrain. Look underneath for oil leaks...and frame cracks, particularly where the springs mate w/ the frame, and where the bumpers mate w/ the frame. Deduct estimated cost of repairs from the asking price....and as a trump card, negotiate free shipping/towing to your place. :D Good luck!!

    -Alan
    P.S. What state is this Jeep located? Feel free to take pictures and post 'em here for our review.
     
  4. Nov 2, 2004
    mudbubbler

    mudbubbler New Member

    Oxford, Mi
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Messages:
    3
    This jeep is in Michigan. I have seen once but never really took a good look at it. IT has the v-6. I know the person selling it. The body is not in the best of shape but i geuss I'll have to drive over and take a really good look at it.
     
  5. Nov 2, 2004
    oakesmi2

    oakesmi2 New Member

    Flagstaff, AZ
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2002
    Messages:
    48
    There are several board members from Michigan mostlikly one close by you or close by to the jeep you are looking at.
    You maybe able to convince one of us to look at it with you.
    Anyway welcome and keep us posted.
     
  6. Nov 2, 2004
    iamgeer

    iamgeer Member

    Calgary,...
    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Messages:
    226
    A thou eh? A PTO eh? Where did you say you found this Jeep?
     
  7. Nov 2, 2004
    James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2003
    Messages:
    747
    mudblbbler: Welcome from Havasu. By all means, take advantage of members near you. That's what we are hear for. :)
     
  8. Nov 2, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    Looks like you're in the same general part of the state as Jon Stevens (Michigan Pinstripes)...maybe he'll chime in.

    Personally...a $1K MI plow Jeep? Rather than look for issues, look for what's salvageable. It'll take less time...:)

    Seriously...you might find a gem..but based on what I've seen here in MI....
     
  9. Nov 2, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Mike may sound pessimistic, but I'd tend to agree. Plowing can be awfully hard on a CJ. If used regularly on the street, they typically become swayback (bent frame?) and falling apart with rust. The guys that contract to the city here to plow run 3/4 ton pickups, and those seem to wear out after a dozen seasons. You might find a keeper though - there's a CJ near me that was used to plow paths to the gravesites at a local cemetary, and it looks ok - heavy surface rust mostly, and neglect. It's for sale, though I think this guy would be very happy to get $1000.
     
  10. Nov 2, 2004
    mudbubbler

    mudbubbler New Member

    Oxford, Mi
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2004
    Messages:
    3
    Well I missed out on it but thanks a lot for all the responses. I guess I'll just have to keep looking.
     
  11. Nov 2, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    IMHO I'd be looking out of state. Not sure what your budget is, or if you have retrieval equipment handy, but buying something from the south or west can save time and headaches in the long run. I paid about $800 to have my 6 shipped up from Texas...last time I paid for bodywork that $$ wouldnt have gone far.
     
  12. Nov 3, 2004
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    What Boyink said. I travelled 25 hours each way to retrieve my flattie from Colorado, and trailer it back to Pennsylvania. It was well worth it IMHO, since it had next to no rust. Not bad for a Jeep that never had a top on it in 50 years, huh? 8)
     
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