Original paint '81 Scrambler. Go for it or run away?

[chazman]

A newb like me would appreciate a few experienced eyeballs on these pics. It an original paint '81, Iron Duke, 4 speed. Mileage is unknown, but could be in the 60K range. Floors are rusted, driver's side has a plastic patch, passenger side looks shot. What do you guys think?

 

[chazman]

And the floors. Thanks guys!

 

[Kane]

What is the price? I think the Jeep is in good shape other than the repairable sections of rust and it is all their including the rare side boards.

 

[Kim Dawson]

The pictures don't look bad at all. You've seen the floors so you know what needs to be done there. It's got rocker guards and tilt steering. Gear ratio will be better than the 2 73 that most have. The 81 is the narrow track but that's not a deal breaker. Check the back section of the frame on the driver side for rust. Depending on price, could be a good one to make into what you want.

 

[chazman]

What is the price? I think the Jeep is in good shape other than the repairable sections of rust and it is all their including the rare side boards.

What are your thoughts for a fair price? I'd need to ship it and sounds like it's gonna need a clutch/pressure plate/throw out bearing.

 

[ag4ever]

The rocker trim is worth $250-500
Wood side boards can be reproduced, these don't look bad, but don't look good either $0
Blue interior, but trashed driver seat +$0
Sides look straight +
Missing a door card -$100
Iron Duke Bellhousing allows you to direct swap in a SBC or any engine that has the SBC bolt pattern, +$250

I'd personally say $4,000 - $5,000, but it is worth what the seller will take for it.

 

[Ron84cj]

I wish I could have started with something like that. Looks very repairable to me based on the pics.

 

[chazman]

The rocker trim is worth $250-500
Wood side boards can be reproduced, these don't look bad, but don't look good either $0
Blue interior, but trashed driver seat +$0
Sides look straight +
Missing a door card -$100
Iron Duke Bellhousing allows you to direct swap in a SBC or any engine that has the SBC bolt pattern, +$250

I'd personally say $4,000 - $5,000, but it is worth what the seller will take for it.

Thanks! I was thinking that's fair range as well. I was hoping for a nicer original one with a six, but this one has caught my eye. Plus, I'm a sucker for original cars.

 

[chazman]

And the floors. Thanks guys!View attachment 70636View attachment 70637

On the second pic, what is the blue piece through the rust hole?

 

[Kim Dawson]

Probably just a piece laying on the floor covering the hole from the top.

 

[chazman]

More pics. Antennae on driver's side and missing pass side mirror.

 

[Belizeit]

From the pictures looks pretty dam good compared to what many have had to work with. Like Kim said, all depends on price, because you will have to dump some money into that jeep. Takes blood sweat and maybe even tears to bring it back. Hopefully you or someone has what it takes.

 

[Ron84cj]

I wouldn't bolt up a V8 to that trans. The bolt pattern may be the same. But if you notice the curved shifter, that is just a T4. Not exactly desirable. Being a 4 speed with a 4 banger I would imagine it has the 3.54 or more likely the 3.31 gears. As far as I know only the 4 bangers with the 5 speed got the 4.11 gears. And as Kim said they are narrow Trac axles. Even though there is absolutely nothing desirable about the drive train, as I mentioned before I would still absolutely go for it if the frame and tub are as good as they look in the pics. Good original tubs are really hard to find.

 

[53D Scrambler]

I agree....it looks great. Do check the frame all the way back on the inside of the frame rails. Mine was rusted through on the drivers side inner frame rail right around the parking brake cable bracket area, before the rear axle.

 

[chazman]

Rear frame rail pictures coming for your perusal....

 

[chazman]

 

[mhinchliffe]

Buy it before I do

 

[revho]

I'd rock that B. Great patina.

 

[HighSierra CJ]

Buy it before I do

I'll get in line for this one!

 

[ag4ever]

Has the seller indicated a price? Everything looks great if the price matches.

If they want $10k or more I doubt you would have people lining up to buy it. At $3-4k, line forms here.