Vehicle Description
The undisputed king of go-anywhere survivability has to be the Jeep CJ7, and with a bunch of recent work, this awesome 1981 Renegade proves there's virtually no mud you can't grind through, no stream you can't ford, and no rock you can't climb.
The Renegade was the top-of-the-line CJ, a package that gave the utilitarian Jeep a look-at-me makeover that's probably the off-road equivalent of the Trans Am screaming chicken hood decal. And finished in burgundy paint, it looks as handsome and rugged as John Wayne in a gun belt. Hailing from the warm, dry southern US, none of the usual rust issues are a factor here, with solid sheetmetal even above the rear wheels and in the tailgate. The paint is likely original remains in very good condition and the decals are still bright and vivid so it's hard not to get noticed when you're driving this 4x4. Goodies include a chrome grille, custom front bumper, tubular chrome steps, fender flares, and a swing-away rear tire carrier out back. The net effect is that this is a hardcore backpack that you can drive. Anywhere.
The interior got a thorough makeover recently, including a set of bucket seats that hold you in place far better than the slippery, flat original buckets when the going gets rough. Likewise, the dash pad, door panels, and even the visors are new, so it all has a consistently fresh look. The carpets may be original and are showing a little wear and the painted areas of the doors show where someone's elbow has been resting, but that's only proof that this is an honest, original Jeep. A custom center console houses the Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo system with fresh speakers throughout, and it locks for security in the open Jeep. All the original gauges are fully functional, and all the weather seals are new, so it's surprisingly devoid of squeaks and rattles. The Jeep comes with both a removable hard top and steel doors, and a minimalist bikini top offers a modicum of protection without diluting the open-air experience.
A 258 cubic inch inline-six runs beautifully and is the off-roader's first choice in a CJ. Torquey and robust, this is the engine you want pulling through the worst slop Mother Nature can throw at you. Virtually bulletproof, it also has the low-end torque you need and gentle throttle tip-in makes it easy to feel your way through the slippery stuff. There are a lot of new parts, including a new carburetor, air filter housing, rear main seal, plus replacement starter and alternator, so it's ready to rock. The 4-speed manual shifts well and feeds the stock 2-speed transfer case and the stock axles, so it's still reasonably friendly on the pavement, which is obviously where it spent most of its life. The exhaust system includes a catalytic converter, so it's still legal on the streets just about anywhere, and it's remarkably clean, suggesting not a lot of time out in the dirt. There's a new gas tank hanging out back fresh shocks on the axles, and 15-inch aluminum wheels with giant 33x12.50x15 Wild Country off-road tires.
With all the upgrades, this awesome Renegade is a lot of fun, both on and off road. Call today!
