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| Home > Four Wheeling > Project CJ Rebuild |
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Project CJ Rebuild - Page 2 |
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| As I set out to try to decide my course of action, buy new and build up, or keep what I had as a starting point and rebuild, I tried to make sure I was weighing all the factors associated with the decision. But I would be lying if I said that the actual end dollar amount spent wasn't going to be a large factor in the final decision. So, rather than get into a huge discussion of the relative merits of either decision, let's limit the discussion at this point to the actual financial outlay required for both options. Let's start with the option of purchasing a new Jeep TJ and building it up to be what I would consider to be an adequate trail rig. As I made this list, keep in mind that I have tried very hard to make the list such that both rigs would wind up being as nearly identical in modifications and capabilities as I could. Also, understand that I've decided that if I purchase a new TJ, I will purchase a brand new one off a showroom floor, so as to remove any possible "previous owner" mishandling or bad maintenance possibilities, with the full intention of keeping the vehicle for many years. Also, if I determine that the best option is to keep the CJ and rebuild it, I will be rebuilding it so that I can expect it to be in a shape suitable to last me many years. | |||||
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Purchase & Build-Up a new TJ |
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| Initial Purchase Price
of TJ, 5 Speed, 6-Cylinder, Dana 44 Rear
2 - 3" Lift Kit - Terraflex
Grand Total - Purchase and Build Up |
$25,500.00
$2500.00
$34,500.00 |
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Rebuild Existing CJ |
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| Established Base Cost
of Jeep with Current Mods
New Electrical System Wiring Harness
Grand Total - Rebuild Existing CJ Grand Total Less Established Cost Of Current Jeep |
$11,000.00
$400.00
$26,250.00 $15,250.00 |
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| Ok, so here's a summary of the dollars and cents of the whole thing. I've got roughly eleven grand into a Jeep that I could probably sell as is for seven or eight thousand. For another fifteen and some change I could have a freshly minted CJ-7, gaining a few inches of wheelbase and internal space. I currently pay very low insurance, license and taxes on the vehicle due to it being a 1977 model year. I would also have a V8 as opposed to the inline six of the new TJ. What I wouldn't have is the trick new coil spring suspension setup that everyone is so fond of on the new TJ. I also wouldn't have an airbag, or the modern looking interior. Moving to the TJ will up the insurance, license and taxes each year, but some of that may be offset by slightly better gas mileage. While I like a few of the TJ's styling changes, I'm certainly still a fan of the older CJ body style. This is starting to sound like not that tough of a decision, isn't it. But, there are still a few more considerations that I'll toss about before I make the final call. Let's continue on with the discussion on the next page --> | |||||