1971 cj5 what to look for

Going this saturday to look at a 71 cj5 with the v6. The guy is asking 1650 for it which seems fair. It has a fiberglass body runs good but electrical is incomplete. Sound like a fair price? What should I look for when inspecting it?

Thanks for the input

 

There is little electrical. Id look at frame condition, how the tranny shifts, any unusual sounds. Take a bunch of pictures of anything in question.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

 

Broken frame, mechanical problems. Frame cracks around the spring hangers are common. See how it drives on the highway... if you have to white-knuckle it on the highway, there's something messed up. Pretty common for the PO's mods to have screwed up the steering geometry. The steering knuckles, kingpin bearings and steering on these often needs a lot of attention if it's been neglected. Anyone but an enthusiast owner will neglect these issues.

Jeeps need more maintenance and have more moving parts than a passenger car, and they are often both abused and neglected. So expect a backlog of maintenance and repair issues.

 

"expect a backlog of maintenance and repair issues."

True. When I buy, I expect to spend the purchase price, plus the same amount again, for getting things shaped up and drive-able. Obviously that can vary a lot, depending.

 

Thanks for the good information
If I end up purchasing (which my son wants me to) will post some pics.
I'm sure I will have many new questions

 

Nothing is Cheep on a Jeep...front ends cost a lot to fix...brakes always need replacing too...transmissions are minimum of $500.00 to get back in one piece...see how is goes down the road for sure....I drove my flatfender 3 times so far...everything is brand new and it is still a white knuckler...these little trucks (my flat fender at least)...cant keep up with modern day traffic...good luck on your pending purchase...

my smelly old 2 cents....

 

Lynn thanks for the reply. How is yours for driveability? have you made any mods to it?