Vehicle Description
Streetside Classics has kind of become a go-to place for Jeeps, and
this 1980 Jeep CJ5 is merely the latest in a long line of restored,
trail-ready fun examples with a reasonable price. Thanks to
dialed-in mechanicals, it's ready to go anywhere, and with a
fresh-and-clean white-and-blue pearl paint job, it's ready to look
good doing it too. There's a tidy interior too, but quite frankly
we like that they didn't go overboard with the cosmetics, so you
won't think twice about heading out onto the trails.
Now don't get me wrong, this is a great-looking CJ. It's got recent
paint and the bright white finish is brilliant enough to look right
on the boxy Jeep bodywork, especially as it was further punctuated
by blue pearl metallic that was laid inside its mixture. But when
we see Jeeps restored to high levels, we realize that they're never
going to go out and play in the dirt ever again, and that's really
a shame. But thankfully, this one still has the hardware to go out
in the elements, and despite its handsome appearance, one could
easily just go out and enjoy this CJ as intended because it's very
nice, but not exactly a perfect show piece that has lost its
original purpose. One of the things we like best about the CJ5 is
its closer relation to the military-spec Jeeps (heck, you can still
see a place where the shovel used to fit just behind the driver's
door!) and the shorter wheelbase makes this the most maneuverable
vehicle in the dirt this side of a lawn mower. The paint job looks
great from any angle and shines up really well, although it's the
kind of Jeep that you shouldn't worry when it gets bumped and
scratched when you're out having fun. And care-free fun is really
what this is all about, right? Fortunately, it's geared for it, and
features a painted grille and bright headlights up front, dual side
mirrors, heavy duty bumpers fore and aft, a fold-down front
windshield, oversized tires, and a sturdy spare tire carrier out
back.
As far as a Jeep can be all-new, the interior is freshly outfitted
with new tan Rugged Ridge bucket seats up front and a matching
bench in the rear, which are probably a real smart idea when you're
bouncing around without doors. The interior is the usual
industrial-strength Jeep, with a steel dashboard painted to match
the exterior, simple stock gauges with bright markings, and the
floors are covered with black spray-on bedliner material, so no
worries about getting the carpet dirty. Just hose it out when
you're done playing. The color combination inside is attractive and
very outdoorsy, with nothing added that doesn't help it in its
mission. Like most Jeeps, options are sparse, although you do get
seatbelts for the buckets and matching rear bench, a grippy Grant
steering wheel atop a tilt column, and a JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX under the
dash. No self-respecting Jeep would be seen without a manual
transmission, with this one sporting four gears for optimum
performance off-road. Jeeps are the ultimate open-air experience,
but should you need to bundle up, a complete top set is affordable
and readily available from the open-market, and for now a bikini
top is provided.
The tough-as-nails 2.5L cubic inch inline-four "Iron Duke" powered
Jeeps for decades and this one runs great. It's basic under the
hood, with familiar details like a heavy-duty air cleaner and
alternator perched up high where it won't get wet. The presentation
is tidy, with bright AMC Blue enamel on the engine and air cleaner,
and a bright white firewall and inner fenders that match the
exterior paint. And before you think a 4-cylinder is inadequate in
a Jeep, bear in mind that this thing barely weighs 2800 pounds, so
performance is entertaining. It's also bulletproof reliable, which
is really what you want when you're climbing around somewhere
remote, and a big aluminum radiator was added up front to help keep
the temperatures manageable in all conditions. This Jeep also
includes front disc brakes, which are always useful for vehicles
with big tires, as well as a 4-speed manual transmission that
shifts smoothly. The 2-speed transfer case handles the 4WD system
properly and this CJ was fitted with a newer single exhaust system
that has just the right grumble to it. The undercarriage wasn't
over-restored but again it's very solid and just right for playing
on the trails. Blacked-out steel wheels with 30x9.50-15 off-road
radials have been fitted and the stance is awesome, finishing off
the tough-looking Jeep perfectly.
We sell a lot of Jeeps and this one is definitely ready to show-off
or play. At this price, how can you lose? Call now!
