1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

1980 Cj5

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Boss42, Apr 15, 2021.

  1. Apr 15, 2021
    Boss42

    Boss42 New Member

    Dayton, OH
    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2021
    Messages:
    1
    Hello all,

    Brand new to the forum, not as new to Jeeps (Previously owned 93 YJ, 01 TJ). I have the opportunity to purchase a 1980 CJ5. I don't have the details on which motor it has, but I plan on viewing it today. From the pictures I have seen, it is very clean. It has a fiberglass tub and the original front clip. It has new interior parts, new tires and wheels and two tops.

    I can't speak to how street worthy it is, but I know it has been driven locally in the last year.

    Here's the kicker, it is a family friend who must sell it. There is a lot of sentimental value in it for us and them. I have been looking for another toy and the timing just seems right.

    With my very limited information, does $4500 seem like a fair price if the condition checks out? That is close to the max I was looking at spending on something anyways.

    Appreciate the feedback.
     
  2. Apr 15, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    It’s worth whatever YOU think it’s worth.

    There is always a list of stuff it’ll need right off the bat that has been neglected (steering components, shocks, tuneup stuff, exhaust...), so if it’s at the top end of what you wanted to spend, you might start out disappointed when you find yourself spending more on it right away.

    If it has a fiberglass tub, it’s probably because the original turned to dust. Make sure the frame isn’t close behind. These later frames were notorious for rusting in the rear. Inspect carefully, inside and out.

    Good luck!
     
    Iandavidh likes this.
  3. Apr 15, 2021
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    If possible, post some pics please, it will help members give a fair evaluation....prices also seem regionally dependent as well, sometimes due to rust belt issues, but sometimes just local demand and interest. With that in mind, some thoughts of mine are that I think fiberglass tubs generally do not add more value, and for $4500, I would expect it to be in pretty good shape and quite driveable in terms of running, steering, stopping etc....It might not be fully DD type reliable, but should not be a project at that price. Also, try to find out what has been changed - as its had a tub replacement, it may have had some other stuff changed - engine and transmission swaps, axle swaps, lifts etc - that doesn't necessarily help or hurt its value, but does make it more specific to what you want the jeep to be. My personal preference is for something that has had less done to it - even if I am interested to mod and change stuff, I'd rather be starting from a known spot than something someone else has already been making changes to - just seems to complicate matters. If its mostly original (minus the tub), and the frame is not rotted out (issue with the later boxed frames), and it runs and drives, then you might be in the ball park - and then still expect to add some more money into as ITLKSEZ says.
     
    timgr and ITLKSEZ like this.
  4. Apr 15, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    even if you think it's great and needs a few things, it'll likely get worse. you'll end up spending more than you think
     
  5. Apr 15, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    +1. Esp. the part about fiberglass tubs. Rust is generally a big pain, in the chassis, hardware, anywhere.
     
  6. Apr 15, 2021
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,356
    What engine does it have?
     
  7. Apr 15, 2021
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    Just my $0.02, but a glass tub - if done well - might add a bit of value to someone living in the rustbelt.
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  8. Apr 15, 2021
    dvader

    dvader Member

    Northern Nevada
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2006
    Messages:
    224
    Hopefully it still has the Dana 300 transfer case in it?
     
New Posts