tgreese wrote:Mmm. You guys should hang out on the CJ sites. There the CJ-6 is far from unpopular.
A junky CJ-6 will sell easily if advertised to the right audience, for more than a CJ-5 in equivalent condition. This Jeep is too nice to make a trail Jeep from, and too slow for most buyers. JMO - I think $8k is not outrageous for this Jeep. Its main downside is the chrome wheels and other bits that don't fit with a strict restoration. It's right between the two markets - too nice to build and too many flaws for a restoration.
I would point out that CJs from this era are often heavily modified, most commonly with larger engines, Saginaw steering, better brakes, overdrives, and truck 4-speeds. This Jeep is slow, has tiny drum brakes, primitive steering, and weak axles. It's fine as what it is, but kind of expensive as a platform for modifications to more modern standards.
I have been to plenty of junkyards, including Jeep specialty yards, and I've never seen a CJ-6 hulk. The bones are valuable. Chuchua had a couple of stripped M170s in his yard in 1972, but that's the closest I've seen.
All that said, if you want something to putt around in, buy a flatty - that will get you really close to the trail and scenery.
Aside from the last line, I think you "get it"
I went and test drove it today. Fired up instantly, gauges work. Drove great. Stopped hard (expected) steered hard (expected) but everything was smooth and functional. I couldnt stop chuckling as I drove it.
The paint is awful. Like, its 99% there , but its just an awful paint job. I could do better in my driveway, and I'd probably try to if I get it. There are some wavy areas that i'm sure are bondo, and one or two bubbles, but nothing alarming, no lines in it like my wagoneer, and no major cracking bondo like my wagoneer. I got under it briefly, and it looked good, everything clean and was painted when it was "Restored". Somebody probably pulled the body and touched stuff up, but didnt do a true frame off. The roll cage looked good and well built. The diamond plate in the back cargo area must have something to do with the aux fuel tank under the floor, which works fine and appears to be an otherwise clean install.
I dont think its worth $8k, and I dont think my wagoneer is either, unless its totaled and an insurance agency looks at it. I brought another FSJ buddy along with me, and he agrees that its a pretty fair deal if it goes through. Both vehicles that are hard to apply value to, but are seemingly equal.
So, heres where we're at. I;m leaning towards it for a few reasons. Youve all seen my rantings about my wagoneer these last two years, but youve all also seen my camping trip pictures. The bottom line is that my wagoneer is never going to be a cream puff 1990 model worth 40k. I have done everything I can do it it, body and interior are left. I'd probably get the interior done, and i'll never have the body redone. Its a good solid old truck, but its not some amazing condition find. If i dropped an LS into it, it would be purely because I have decided I want to keep the truck forever, because even if it had an LS in it tomorrow, it wouldnt be worth 8k. Lets be realistic, its not not in that good of shape.
I cut my teeth on this vehicle, i learned everything i know about old vehicle son it. All the skills I possess come from working on it and doing projects sometimes 2 or 3 times. ITs been a huge learning aid, but n hind sight, i should have done things differently, and if I wanted a vehicle to keep forever I should have started with a cleaner FSJ.
I've been leaning towards getting out of it for some time now, but mostly half heartedly. I'm a person who fears change. I'd stick in a crappy job or crappy relationship because it was comfortable and it was KNOWN. I know this jeep inside and out top to bottom. If something happens, i can fix it, but stuff STILL happens, and its still a headache. Every one of those trips I take, i'm nervous. I; uncomfortable until I hit my destination. I avoid certain trips and certain routes because the wag wont be able to make it. Thats the bad, but honest truth.
The good is that I've made a million memories in it, I proposed to my with on a trip with it, we used it in our engagement photos. But its just a truck. I'm emotionally attached, but its just a truck. I've poured blood, sweat, and tears into it, i've spent something like $13,000 on it over these past 7 years. But I think I'm about ready to move on. I feel like its time for something new to dick around with, something less complicated and more simplistic. This CJ for example, I have no fears or doubts i could pull it apart and do a frame off in my garage, the FSJ, scares the crap out of me with that notion.
I also own a 2004 dodge dakota 4x4. To be honest, i does everything my wagoneer can do, and it does it better, and more efficiently, and more reliably. However, it is not vintage and it isnt cool. Thats what the wag has, and thats a huge thing to have. But at what cost? I can wheel and camp with my Dakota for the next few years until I can get myself into FJ Cruiser or JK (NO!!! LOL), or Tacoma or Grand Cherokee or whatever, that I can build into a slightly more capable, reliable, expoloration and camping vehicle. In the meantime, I can have a cool vintage jeep to putt around the hills with, take into town every now and then, participate in hot august nights with, etc.
Thats what I'm seeing. Thats been my goal for the past year or two, but I'm sure I'm going to chicken out and keep the wagoneer, then still get knots in my stomach every time I take it ff road or up a big hill. I didnt plan to get rid of it until after I got the FJ or whatever, but if I dont do anything, i'll never do anything. The time will never be right if you just wait for it.
I have an opportunity to get into something new to me, something I FEEL that I'll equally enjoy, and that I feel is a solid value and isnt a big loss or anything.
I dunno, i've got alot of thinking to do over the next few nights. I've come so far and been through so much with the wagoneer....but. its just a truck. they're both just trucks.
Well it ain't just the smoke and the traffic jam that makes me the bitter fool I am But this four-wheel buggy is A-dollaring me to death.
For gas and oils and fluids and grease, And wires and tires and anti freeze....And them accessories, Well honey, that's something else.