1961 Cj-5

I am looking at purchasing a '61 CJ-5 I found for sale. This would be the first Jeep I have ever owned. The owner wants $2500.00 for it. It has a rebuilt 4 cylinder which doesn't have an oil filter. Is this normal? It has a Rancho 2" lift kit, the body is ok, no rust except for 2 spots that are bubbling, The floors have been repaired about 6-7 years ago and seem ok, the frame has minor surface rust but nothing close to being serious and also has no cracks or apparent repairs done to it. When you push in the clutch pedal the brake pedal moves forward also. Something loose?
The transfer case is wet. The top is excellant, looks very new. Two different front seats but both have no tears in them. None of the gagues work and the wiring is a joke, with a homemade fuse box which is a piece of wood with 2-3 fuses. It has a heater that the owner said he wasn't aware of but I think this means it doesn't work, its located on the drivers side inside. It runs but the accelerator pedal linkage was not right, I had to push the pedal to the left and push down at the same time to make it work which didn't impress me. The PO says he restored this over the last 6-7 years. It seems to need a lot of work. He says the brakes were redone a few years ago and appear to be the stock 9". I offered him $1500.00 and am waiting for his reply.

Any thoughts or did I offer him too much.
Thanks in advance

 

i think you are on par from the sounds of it.. 2500 is too much though.. at least in my opinion..


BUBBA

 

First off, welcome to the board. Stop by the intro section and introduce yourself.
Anyway, it sould have an oil filter. It would be a canister type filter and not a spin on that is more common today. The brake pedal moving slightly with the clutch pedal isn't uncommon. They are both mounted on a common rail and it soulds like that rail is flexing. It soulds like the wiring needs serious attention. Wood holds moisture and is great for a lot of things, but a fusebox probably isn't one of them. I am also skeptical of the PO telling you he 'restored it', and doesn't know about a heater. (what jeep owner up north isnt aware of a heater) Anyway, if the body is solid, and it runs i think your offer is fair. You mention a new looking top. Those cost about 500 new so it all adds up. I wouldn't pay 25 for it, but its up to you. Hard to say with out pics and you didn't mention anything about tires. Hmmm, rereading your post it makes me wonder if the engine isn't original. Pedal linkage not right, and no oil filter..... Makes me wonder. On second thought, I would find pics of original engines and then decide. Or go back and take pics of it again and email them to some of us here to help out.
Again, Welcome and I hope this helps...

 

I'd havta agree with the guys 25 to much got any pics :?

 

would have started at $1200, but that's just me. sounds like a good start.

 

No pictures available. PO purchased the engine rebuilt from some one else. He has the old block which he says is unrebuildable and another block that he says is rebuildable. The $2500.00 includes these 2 engines but to be honest don't make the vehicle worth the asking price to me.
The wheels are after market steel white spoked and have rust on them. I thought about just repainting them black, and the tires are good, the front better than the rears but still have at least 75% tread or better. Right now its up to the PO for the next move. My original intention was to use it to play in the Jersey Pine Barrens, but since I'm too anal to leave it alone, I would have to do some mechanical and appearance upgrades no matter what if I buy it. If not I'll look for a CJ-7 since getting in and out of this was difficult for my old body and I remeber them to be much roomier. Whatever I buy will be a father and son project with my 14 year old son who has a new view of me since we began looking for a Jeep. I used to play in the pines a lot years ago and just started taking my son there. Thanks to all for your useful replies!

 

I think you'll be ok @ 1500. If the top is good and it runs good and the body isn't a mess it's worth it.

 

"CJ-7 would be much roomier and easier to get in and out of most likely, but it's not an early 5. "
__________________
Being new to this whole thing, I'm not sure I understand your statement other than the obvious.

 

Sounds like a good deal when you factor in the pluses and minuses. 95% of all old jeeps have issues when they change hands, and lets face it, they are getting more rare each year.
Its hard for me to remember that my Jeep will be turning 40 years old next year. Except when I need parts for it. "a sixty what?"
Think about it this way: If you buy a new computer, it will cost close to $1500, (maybe more) and it will be a dated in 4 or 5 years, and not worth much more than $100 to anyone.
I think it would be the best father & son project imaginable. He will remember it all his life.
Keep us posted. good luck.