1973 Jeep Cj-5 - 304 V8 - Dana 44 on 2040-cars

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VIN: J3F835TH08421 Make: Jeep
Exterior Color: Green
Model: CJ
Number of Cylinders: 8
Year: 1973
Trim: CJ-5
Drive Type: 4x4
Mileage: 38,379

Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

So the all too familiar story goes like this..... "Man buys barn find Jeep with intent to restore.  Man gets married, has kids, Jeep sits in garage for years....completely ignored.  Under intense scrutiny from significant other Jeep becomes expendable."

SO....up for auction is a 1973 CJ-5 with what I truly believe to be 38,379 original miles.  I purchased this Jeep in March of 2008 from a very reputable classic Jeep dealer in Athens, AL, Gilbert Jeeps and 4x4 http://webejeeping.com/.  Mr. Gilbert had found this Jeep in a barn in North Alabama where it had spent the last dozen years sitting.  After replacing the gas tank, spark plugs and ingition coil, the Jeep fired right up and ran suprisingly smooth and strong.  Obviously the CJ was not road worthy after years of neglect, but was certainly a prime candiate for a full restoration.  I purchased the CJ from Mr. Gilbert for $3,500 and happily trailered it back to my Louisville, KY home.

With rightful excitement, I began work in my garage immediately by pulling the battery, removing the seats, seat frames, dash and instrument cluster, removing the far gone rusty windshield frame, and removing all of the lights.  The CJ was very difficult to roll in and out of my garage due to the giant, dry rotted Gumbo mudders that it had, so I sourced a set of F-150 wheel and tires that were much easier to manage.  And this is where the Jeep's life takes an unexpected turn...it sits...untouched in my garage for the next 3 1/2 years.  In September of 2011, my family moved to our current home where the Jeep has sat outside for the last 18 months.

The Jeep is 100% orginal with exception of the F-150 wheels and tires, and a set of aftermarket Cherry Bomb mufflers that were on it when I bought it.  The CJ has its original AMC 304 V-8 motor, 3 speed T-15 manual tranny, a super-strong Dana 44 rear diff, full-floating Dana 30 front diff, and obviously 4 wheel drive powered by a 2 speed Spicer 20 transfer case.  While the windshield frame was severly rusted and tool box compartment under the passenger seat rusted through, the remaining sheet metal is in decent shape.  The floor pans and body tub are solid, as well as the tailgate, hood and grille.  One of the fenders in dented pretty good and would need to be replaced.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This CJ ran and drove when I purchased it in 2008.  I drove it around Mr. Gilbert's lot and on to my trailer, so I do not feel that it would take much to get it running again.  My Father and i restored a CJ when I was in my teens and this Jeep is a prime candidate for a full, frame off resto...I simply no longer have the time or resources to do it myself.  The odometer reads 38,379, and like I mentioned before, I truly believe that to be accurate but I certainly cannot prove it.  Even parted out, this Jeep is easily worth the modest reserve I have set.  I simply cannot stand to let it sit untoched any longer.

The Jeep is located South of Louisville, KY, just 4 miles from Exit 117 on I-65.  Any winning bidder would responsible for pickup.  I can also provide more detailed photos upon request.  I have every piece that has been removed with exception of the seats and original tires and wheels.  All parts will be included with the CJ as well as a 1973 service manual.

Happy bidding!