fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Thats basically a FREE project. But no doubt a project. If you have the space to park it, the time to work on it, the tools. and the patience- grab it! You can make double asking on parts alone.
My thoughts are if you are going to remove the body from the frame, do it the right way and replace the frame. Many people (including myself) wouldn't buy a TJ with a patched frame. It really hurts the value.What are everyone's thoughts on those weld-on "Frame Repair Sections"?
It will part out for twice as much if not more.If the frame is bad I would pass.
Yes, if he is interested in doing so. My response is in regards to keeping and building it.It will part out for twice as much if not more.
Still,he should buy it,tjs don’t get any cheaper,one of the many Jeep parters on f/b would love to get a hold of that one.Yes, if he is interested in doing so. My response is in regards to keeping and building it.
Thanks guys! I'll be sure to take some pictures when I go there Wednesday and will download the build sheet also when I get the VIN. I don't mind patching some minor rust spots on the tub or replacing floorpans. I don't mind repairing the frame a little bit either, but will probably higher a mobile welder to handle that. That's a structural thing and outside of my comfort zone.
If the frame is really crunchy and the tub is good enough I still might go for it. I did a quick google search and good used frames run from $800-$2k. A bit harder to find and not as plentiful as they used to be, but they are out there.
The body will be coming off the frame anyways, so if I have to swap frames it's no big deal. If I buy it for $1k, sell the plow for $500 and buy a good used frame for $1,500 I'll be $2k into it for a low mileage TJ. I can probably live with that. There are other $2k TJ's in New England but there they are beat, broken, super high mileage or completely rusted out.
What are everyone's thoughts on those weld-on "Frame Repair Sections"?
What you think it will cost and what it actually does is at least double the amount. No such thing as an inexpensive Jeep project.I'm going to check it out tomorrow. If its a total basket case....even though I can make my money back I'll probably pass.
I've been driving by this TJ for 15 years and it hasn't really moved. The couple that bought it (new) is elderly and I'm expecting really low miles. I was telling the wife that if the tub is nasty, I'll pass. If the floorboards have minor rust I can repair that.
If the frame is shot and the body is good enough I'll still go for it. Frames are getting harder to find but I can still find a frame from $750 to $1500.
If I sell the plow and get a frame....I'll be into this thing for less than or around $2k. I'll consider that a win for a low mileage TJ with plenty of potential. I'll let you guys know tomorrow!
I'll be bringing a inspection camera with a boroscope to peak inside the frame and will be bringing a 3ft breaker bar to try and spin the engine.
No budget. This will be a pay as you go type of build. Not going for an over the top build.....just good enough.
I'll be going through the engine and drive train anyway....so par for the course. If I end up with a solid base for $2k, even of replacing the frame...I'll consider that a win.
I'm sorry, but I don't have anything to feed you today. Please go back under the bridge until you can be useful.
That's the plan. Nothing will be left untouched. A restoration is not the term I'd use, more like a re-build. Any wearable item will be addressed and/or replaced.Also, if you're taking it down this far, all of the suspension should of course be re-done. You will need to do all the brake lines. The complete brake system should be rebuilt, etc.
Bingo. I usually spray Kroil in the cylinders at night and the following morning put a squirt of transmission fluid in each cylinder. Give it some hours, or a day even....then try and spin it.when you get it home remove the plugs and spray the cylinders with some kroil
It hurts the value outside of the salt belt, sure. But a professionally patched frame using Safe T Cap still catches good money on the East Coast. Generally speaking these frames rot in two places: the rear trailing arm section and the skid plate. Replacing the frame is an enormous ordeal, whereas patching the frame is a weekend.My thoughts are if you are going to remove the body from the frame, do it the right way and replace the frame. Many people (including myself) wouldn't buy a TJ with a patched frame. It really hurts the value.
You are right there anyway, just do it!
Negative ghost rider. If the underneath of this thing looks like it came out of the deep sea I'll pass. A frame swap is no big deal if I end up with a rust free jeep afterwards.Do you really want to be a full time rusty/old Jeep mechanic and junkyard/parts salesman?