Stay away or take a trip to take a look?

[DaveC]

This time I am having a guy from the Lemon Squad check it for me, so I don't waste my time. If he gives me the thumbs up, and after I speak with him directly, I will decide whether to put money down on this one or not. It was owned on Martha's Vineyard, which is a good sign of initial garaged, soft use. However, despite several owners, 4 years in Rochester and the rest of the time on Long Island, there is a chance this one is good. And the pictures look good. Please let me know your thoughts! I have to make a decision before the guy puts it up for auction this weekend.

View attachment 646639

View attachment 646640

View attachment 646641

View attachment 646642

View attachment 646643

View attachment 646644

• In the 2nd pic, looks like overspray on the linkage and area behind it (or maybe oil?), around the bolt to the left of the body mount, and a rotted out body mount that's the same color as everything else around it.
• 3rd pic shows another body mount that looks like it's the same color as all the steel around it as well as what may be rust where the pan and frame meet.
• Last pic shows another shot body mount, with what appears to be a new upper portion, which seems odd. There's also discoloration around where that upper portion meets the tub. Could that be overspray?

All of these would lead me to believe the frame/underside has been sprayed.

 

[wayleigh]

Look at the pictures where the skid bolts to the frame. Large amounts of rust flakes are bending the skid. That frame needs a bore scope used inside to check for more.

I did see that rust, which I hope was fairly surface, from water infiltrating in the gap between the frame and skid — but figured it might have been not too bad and hopefully mostly on the skid. I'm not sure how thorough this Lemon Squad will be, but they seem to be used to checking out classic cars, so maybe they will pay it some mind. I did pay for the phone call portion, so hopefully I can ask the inspector directly. I'd be stretching my budget already as he is asking $9K, and the truly pristine ones seem to command at least $15K that I have seen. At least that's what they are asking.

 

[wayleigh]

• In the 2nd pic, looks like overspray on the linkage and area behind it (or maybe oil?), around the bolt to the left of the body mount, and a rotted out body mount that's the same color as everything else around it.
• 3rd pic shows another body mount that looks like it's the same color as all the steel around it as well as what may be rust where the pan and frame meet.
• Last pic shows another shot body mount, with what appears to be a new upper portion, which seems odd. There's also discoloration around where that upper portion meets the tub. Could that be overspray?

All of these would lead me to believe the frame/underside has been sprayed.

Could it be anything like an underside coating that someone in Rochester or Long Island might have applied?

Sigh. I am getting the feeling the members of this forum might be very used to being disappointed, as HardTailPan was saying.

Well, let's see what the inspector says, but I suppose I hadn't paid much attention to the body mounts. Ah well, better than a 15-hour round trip out there and back.

 

[hardtailpan]

Could it be anything like an underside coating that someone in Rochester or Long Island might have applied?

Sigh. I am getting the feeling the members of this forum might be very used to being disappointed, as HardTailPan was saying.

Well, let's see what the inspector says, but I suppose I hadn't paid much attention to the body mounts. Ah well, better than a 15-hour round trip out there and back.

This one is hard. I don't know anything about LemonSquad, in fact this is the first time I have heard of them. The area between the skid and the frame certainly looks suspect, but this area is hard to tell as it rusts from both between the skid and frame and inside the frame. If the inside of the frame above these obviously rusty areas is smooth and completely free of flakes, it might be ok, but I always take a knife or a flat blade screwdriver and try to stick it between the skid and the frame. I looked at one that looked as good as this, but the skid area was like this one, and my screwdriver sunk right thru this area, so there was at least considerable rust. I didn't buy it.

There's obviously something going on with several of the body mounts, so work will be needed there.

I dunno @wayleigh I don't really trust others to check things like this out for me when considerable $$ are on the table, but I get the problem of the distance. I know you're on a bit of a schedule here, but rushing buying these things can lead to lots of pain later

Also, there's no pics of the dog legs. These are the other very rusty areas, tho looking at everything else, they are probably fine. Also, not mentioned much, is the area where the steering box bolts to the frame, I've seen several collect salt in this area and need repairs.

Let us know what you do.

 

[Rut Row]

Could it be anything like an underside coating that someone in Rochester or Long Island might have applied?

Sigh. I am getting the feeling the members of this forum might be very used to being disappointed, as HardTailPan was saying.

Well, let's see what the inspector says, but I suppose I hadn't paid much attention to the body mounts. Ah well, better than a 15-hour round trip out there and back.

Many members of these forums have unrealistic expectations regarding rust. You are doing the right thing having it checked. These old girls always need some TLC. From what I see, it looks pretty clean for an east coast TJ. Expect body rust. Period. End of conversation.

Looking forward to seeing the report.

 

[MikekiM]

I live on Long Island... as far as what you might find around here this one looks great. Outside.
Nothing there looks suspiciously like Fluid Film or POR15. I use both and am familiar.. There are some hardened drips I see.. Fluid Film won't harden. POR15 will.

The body mounts need attention.
The frame visible in the pictures looks really good but mine did too. Outside means nothing though. Inside is key, obviously. I don't know if the Lemon dude will know what to check on the frame so if I couldn't check it myself I would pics/vid of the inside of the rails. If the insides are in good order the spots above the skid plate can be dealt with. Key is whether the nutserts are in good order.
Check under the front matts for water/rust.

If you need a set of eyes on it I might be able to help depending on where it is on LI.

 

[sab]

All of these would lead me to believe the frame/underside has been sprayed.

Without a doubt, it's been sprayed with something, at some point in time:

The question is - was it done preventatively (to slow rust formation) or concealingly (to hide already-formed rust)?

 

[wayleigh]

OK guys, I am going to try to upload the Lemon Squad report here. I also had a call with their master tech. Interested to hear your thoughts. The guy is asking $9K. The report was a big file that had 72 pictures and an embedded movie of thew engine starting and running and I cut all that out to fit.

I sent the full report to the seller via email and we will talk later today.

I am thinking I offer $6000.

 

[Rickyd]

That diamond plate is going to be hiding rust,the fender rust and frame rust would be a big no for me

 

[John Cooper]

That diamond plate is going to be hiding rust,the fender rust and frame rust would be a big no for me

Yep!!!!

 

[wayleigh]

I have been looking for bone stock, and other than the radio, and this one may be the best I am able to get on my current budget and liquidity (the 2024 tax extension filing date being October 15), and that is if he comes down from his price. I really don't want a newer Jeep, as I think over the last months I have been convinced that the TJs are just the best. Damn you people!

 

[cliffish]

I think for $6K it is not a bad deal. The cobwebs alone tell me this is not used very often. My jeep had the same pile of rust between the skid and the frame. All my skid bolts came out clean and easy, the "rust pad" just fell out and the frame was very solid above and scoped out clean. Yeah the nor cal/mid west snobs may not like it, but it is about the best you can find out east.

 

[wayleigh]

I think for $6K it is not a bad deal. The cobwebs alone tell me this is not used very often. My jeep had the same pile of rust between the skid and the frame. All my skid bolts came out clean and easy, the "rust pad" just fell out and the frame was very solid above and scoped out clean. Yeah the nor cal/mid west snobs may not like it, but it is about the best you can find out east.

If only. After I emailed him the full report, he stopped texting me. I found it to be odd, so I just looked at my email to be sure, and, sure enough, he had responded to say:

——

Don’t really want to discuss the report.

First, who names their company Lemon Report??

The report has many errors and I don’t wish to discuss each and every one. The most glaring error is that he comments that the rugs show “Normal” wear. The carpets from front to back are Brand New. I installed them myself.

The report sounds like he is evaluating a 2 or 3 year old car instead of a twenty year old car. For a 20 year old car, the vehicle is in awesome condition.

If you determine that this car is not what you want, I thank you for looking and I wish you good luck with your search

———

I asked him and reply whether or not that meant he was firm on $9000 no matter what, and we will see what he says. My sense is that he was insulted, the real irony being that he was the one to put me on the service in the first place in connection with Hemmings.

 

[wayleigh]

Depends on how handy you are or how deep your pockets are, but rust is the killer of these things. Definitely have someone check it out to see whats going on, but if its low miles, that's a good start. The 06s had some issues, some people didn't like the 6 speeds, and the autos had some issues which i believe were primarily computer based. Wranglerfix can help you with the auto computer issue. Wonder what the hell is leaking? Doesn't look like something to be too worried about if the price is right.

I'm trying to avoid rust like the plague (it is), but I'd rather hurt a little more up-front than rebuy the vehicle in the next two years.

I am seeing another allegedly one owner 2006 with about 127K on the meter, and no obvious rust except between the skid plate and the longitudinal frame member. It's technically not the original owner, offering it for sale, but a general contractor who has a side hustle selling nice cars that he buys from his clients, seems to drive them around a little, and then put them up for sale.

A six speed transmission sounds like it would be a good idea, but simpler is always better than respect, which is why I had hoped to stick with the 32RH transmission. This guy wants $12,000, which I think it is probably a little rich. Might pass by to take a look at it tomorrow since it is on the way to an errand, I have to run with the Mrs.

Also might have a line on a 2001 with a lift and some upgrades at a bit over 100K, but importantly with a restored frame by a reputable shop not that long ago. We will see what the asking is on that.

 

[hardtailpan]

Also might have a line on a 2001 with a lift and some upgrades at a bit over 100K, but importantly with a restored frame by a reputable shop not that long ago. We will see what the asking is on that.

I won't touch anything with a "restored" frame. Usually this means it was rusted so bad that safety caps had to be put on. Once it rusts this bad, i won't go near it.

 

[tr21triton]

Also might have a line on a 2001 with a lift and some upgrades at a bit over 100K, but importantly with a restored frame by a reputable shop not that long ago. We will see what the asking is on that.

RUN FOREST RUN !

 

[wayleigh]

RUN FOREST RUN !

Fair enough. Actually , the direct quote is "The frame was completely updated and worked over about 1,400 miles ago by Safari Overland. No rust or rot."

 

[hardtailpan]

Fair enough. Actually , the direct quote is "The frame was completely updated and worked over about 1,400 miles ago by Safari Overland. No rust or rot."

You'd have to ask them what they mean by this, whether they just cleaned it up and sprayed it with something or they had to repair the rust that was there, and thus they say there is no rot now. I will bet you find out that they had to replace sections.

 

[John Cooper]

Fair enough. Actually , the direct quote is "The frame was completely updated and worked over about 1,400 miles ago by Safari Overland. No rust or rot."

You'd have to ask them what they mean by this, whether they just cleaned it up and sprayed it with something or they had to repair the rust that was there, and thus they say there is no rot now. I will bet you find out that they had to replace sections.

And updated could mean they replaced the frame. I would want as many pictures of the frame as I could get.

To me there is a big difference between Safety Caps and a full frame replacement.

Still would want pictures but a replacement frame would be worth more to me.

 

[TheBoogieman]

FWIW, I won't answer 50 questions (phone/email/text) when I'm selling a Jeep. I tell people to come look at it and if you want to pay my asking price, knock on my door to talk. If not, drive away. Gets rid of the tire kickers.