Scotty, I’m looking at a 1983 Jeep CJ7 Renegade for a tinker toy. It has 122,000 miles and is physically in great shape, better than me. LOL It has the original 258 Inline 6 (4.2L) engine With a 904 AT with a Dana 300 transfer case.
How much life do you guess is left in the old girl?
Plenty if you take care of it. My 1981 CJ7 was one of the best, most reliable vehicles I ever owned, with the 258.
CJ7 with the inline 6 is very desirable. Of interest to off-roaders, jeep hobbyists, and classic car collectors alike. And easy for an amateur to tinker on as you say.
So it is worth almost whatever it takes to keep it going. If the frame is rusted get a new frame. If the body is rusted get a new body. If the engine needs a rebuild, rebuild it. It’s not a Duesenberg or something where money is no object, but no reasonable repair should be ruled out. Especially since there’s not an expensive repair on the thing.
Have fun!
