There's an LJ Rubicon Sahara soft top I'm looking at that looks amazing inside and out but the dealership seems to be ignoring my requests for undercarriage pictures. Is that limited edition Jeep particularly valuable? Would it be worth restoring a rotten frame? If so, how much should I pay for it from the dealer? (Other than the front bumper it appears to be completely stock. The bumper is a Warn winch bumper.)
Thoughts on a 2005 LJ Rubicon Sahara with rotted frame?
- Thread starter Captain Phoenix
- Start date
If the frame is bad then you'd almost have to buy it for a few grand and it will still be an uphill battle. The fact they won't send you those pics means it is rotted. With pictures we could help you a lot on the value.
No. Not unless you want a huge project. If so, you could on average expect to spend 7k or plus just dealing with the frame.
So unless you're getting it for the cost of parts (maybe $7000 or so), I would say this is a bad decision.
If you think finding a rust free frame for a TJ is hard, try to find one for an LJ! As a reference, Davey's Jeeps has a rolling LJ frame for $4K. You'd also have to pay to ship it, or pick it up yourself. Obviously, you could sell parts from the roller to recover costs though.
With a rotted frame, chances are there's more rust. Sometimes this can be hidden, especially around/above the gas tank and rocker areas. GIven the amount of work, even with it being a RubiHara, I wouldn't go as high as Chris. Having bought and done a couple frame swaps, I'd be more in the $5K to $6K range.
With a rotted frame, chances are there's more rust. Sometimes this can be hidden, especially around/above the gas tank and rocker areas. GIven the amount of work, even with it being a RubiHara, I wouldn't go as high as Chris. Having bought and done a couple frame swaps, I'd be more in the $5K to $6K range.
I’ve done a frame swap years ago on a old Toyota trekker.. luckily those frames are more readily available( same as truck frame).. so it’s only a decision you can make.. if you got the time and they give you a hellava deal, then of course do it.. but if your gunna have 20k in it they you’d mite be better off just looking for a non rusted one
Starrs
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Not personally, but given your area, I figured it was the same one someone else brought up in another forum early last month. Their pic is attached below
The quote that accompanied the image: "I was really bummed but had to walk. Drove wonderful engine and drivetrain all functioned flawless but had passenger side frame rot I missed on my first visit due to where it was parked. They offered to patch but still wanted full price. Once I said no way and was heading out they mentioned like $10k but that’s still too much for a Jeep I’m gonna have to buy a frame for in reality. (Inspection camera showing signs of trouble brewing on drivers side too "
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I could post 1 a day for the next 2 months straight on this forum. It’s not that hard. The price for some is the hard part.
Make an offer accordingly
https://throttledownkustoms.com/i-31626311-lj-wrangler-jeep-frame-2004-2006.html
https://throttledownkustoms.com/i-31626311-lj-wrangler-jeep-frame-2004-2006.html
It was a Rubihara, not just a LJ Rubicon, and those are harder to find. For the right price I would buy anything if I knew I could create value. So depending on the rest of the situation, it could be a good buy at $5k. Was the price of this one ever posted?
The dealership is asking $15,282. According to carfax, it failed a Virginia safety inspection last year. I wonder if the condition of the frame had anything to do with it.
Hahahaha
Hahahahaha
Hahahahahahahaha
$15k...do you have the link to the Jeep? I have to call about this one.
Starrs
TJ Guru
It’s still listed online. Close to $16k. For a rotten frame that is absurd. The frame has huge holes in it. A rubihara that is mint I could see bringing money. A rotten rubihara is just that.
Starrs
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