Anyway, I think this one really is a perfect base for my project given that it is not perfect, but has ZERO frame rust (unheard of in my rust belt part of the country), and no concerning body rust. The previous owner had removed all carpet except what he was too lazy to get at by removing the passenger seat, so naturally that is where the only rust is. The passenger side floor will need to be replaced as a result but I'm really not worried about that, I'd much rather deal with that then rockers, quarters, or structural areas!
As for the build...I'm planing a diesel conversion, manual transmission, cali-style rag top, significant trimming and a minimum of 37" tires. I'll need to paint it at some point also, and undecided if I will keep the wood grain or not. My goals are to have a reliable, powerful overland type rig that can go anywhere, pull a decent trailer, carry my family of 5 comfortably, and be fun to drive frequently. I'm not really looking to thrash it in the rocks but I'd like it to be a step up in capability from the last XJ I built for wheeling hard which had 4.0/AX15, 33's running 4:10s and a 5" lift.
The original 360 isn't running great but my goal is to tune that up a little and get it on the road just as a run around vehicle while I start on some of the non-motor related projects on it. I'll save up for my diesel swap and other major projects on it as I go and will definitely be asking questions and posting progress!
I'll follow this up with some more photos but for now here's one of my 2 year old son helping me wash it shortly after getting it home.
