August, 2012
After getting the girl home I had to assess what I've got before just jumping in and driving. Some Jeepers do just that and while many are just fine some get themselves into some trouble.
My uncle always just jumped in, pumped the gas and pulled the choke. Started her up and then went. But then again he'd had 40 years with her and knew every wheeze and squeak she had.
I also had to get her titled and tagged so I could take her to a shop and have some assessment done...you know, things like brakes and steering. The good news is she's technically historic, or antique, and therefore doesn't require emissions testing. No way she'd pass that!
After a good check of fluids (she WAS driven onto and off of the trailer) I took her for an easy drive around the 'hood. Brakes are wonky. Pulls to the left...then the right...then back left again. A hard stomp on them and she's all over the place.
Wanders about on straight roads. The steering needs some attention.
Noisy around the transmission and/or transfer case. Vibrates a bit as well.
Fuel gauge doesn't work, nor does the temp gauge. I've read this is a common problem. Lots of orange overspray as well. Lights sort of work...turn signals don't and neither do the emergency flashers. Brake lights work.
And the gas smell. Obviously a leak somewhere.
Under the hood...the battery tray is barely together. Okay, it's not. I'm just kidding myself.
No mirrors on outside...let's see, according to the factory photo I have here, she should have just the one on the left, and it's rectangular, not round (pre-1968) or square (post 1973).
Cosmetics: Look at this door handle:
That's an easy fix.
Seats are falling apart. The seat covers are falling apart as well, actually they may be only thing holding seat cushions together...have to find new seats if I'm going to drive her.
No grab handle on the dash. Just the holes.
The rear cross member (or is that a bumper?) is rusting away. Lots of holes that aren't supposed to be there. The draw bar is starting to come apart due to rust (and there's lots of paint on the rust).
Note there isn't a "4 wheel drive" logo on the tailgate. Where will I get the stencil?
Well, time to start putting things together, and finding a reputable place to buy parts.
The FUN begins!
Thanks for looking...
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