1983 CJ-8 Base with many factory alterations

[tritownklu]

Hello, first post here. I was checking to see the latest value on my Scrambler that I special ordered in 1983 for my current auto insurance policy. I've been reading about trim packages & base, SR & SL models. Awesome info & accurate! I've owned a 1976 Levi's CJ-5 and wanted this Jeep to be special ( my way ) for it could be & was my last Jeep purchase. I found out that the Scrambler's were a limited project from AMC Toledo, so I drove to my dealer, ASAP. Here's what I know now. In the 1983 sales brochure ( I still have it ) it said you could have your jeep top/doors done a few different ways. No top, hard top & hard doors, hard half-cab with steel doors, soft top & soft doors or as it says, soft top with steel doors. I later found out from a former supervisor at the plant that they made a few of the soft top/hard door versions in 81 & 82, but not many after that. He related that the last 12 of these special combos were built in in 1983, which I have one. I saw 5 at one time where on vacation in Virginia Beach, VA. I wonder how many of these are around? Anyone have this combo? Here are a few things I had done at the factory when I ordered it. Base model with stock wheels, no decals anywhere, I had the spare tire mounted on the roll bar instead of at the tailgate, purchased the wood side rails (really makes the Jeep, and why the new Gladiator's don't) and lastly I bought a full size custom bed mat (heavy duty rubber) with matching tailgate cover with the Jeep & AMC logo's on them. The only item I added was American Racing mags & 2 full size steps from a company Steel Horse Automotive, they are sweet, instead of the hollow half step on most Scrambler rear bumpers. I've checked & they no longer make these. Great sight & passionate Jeepers!

 

[CJ7Pilot]

Welcome!

Wow, that's a beauty! I know we'd all like to see more photos.

Kudos to you for keeping it (and keeping it nice) for all these years!

 

[tritownklu]

Welcome!

Wow, that's a beauty! I know we'd all like to see more photos.

Kudos to you for keeping it (and keeping it nice) for all these years!

Thank you, but then there is universal wear of time & use that all autos should go through, not sit around like trees. While I maintained it as best I could, the frame & body started to crack everywhere & I was faced with a tough decision. I would have to restore this baby if I wanted to keep it, but if I couldn't do it as close to stock, I wouldn't. So, to cut to the chase, new body tub from the original Toledo Jeep molds, manufactured in the Philippines now. New & heavier frame. The rest is original, but the top, which was a10 year odyssey. They had stopped making the denim & nutmeg tops a very long time ago & it took years finally getting parts in Western Canada. Anyway, I had an awesome team do the frame up restoration, cost a bundle but for I'm giving it to my son. I dedicated this resto to my Dad who got 2 "free" Jeeps in the mid 1940's. I've attached the front bumper plate on my CJ-8. He had 2, one blown up & then this second one here at the Battle of Luzon, in ironically the Philippines. My Mom's name was Virginia or "Ginny". Thank you for your kind words & Jeep on & on & on.................I'll send pics if I could attach more than 1 image.

 

[barrys]

Welcome. I am not too far from you. Just on the other side of Valley Forge/ King of Prussia area.
Nice looking Jeep. Who did the rebuild of it? have you had it at the PA Jeep Show, it doesn't look familiar to me from the show.

 

[designerRob]

Welcome! Awesome history and great that you'll pass it down!!! I'd love to see more pictures when you can post.

 

[tritownklu]

Nope, been nowhere man, LOL. Born N raised in Dawson, PA Fayette County where I bought it. Moved to Chester Co. in May 2016 to be near my new Grandson. The rebuild was a retired amazing gentleman from Connellsville, PA named Barry Prinkey & his son Barry Jr.. Because of the higher quality/size of the frame & my desire to have a permanent trailer hitch built, it raised the Jeep up a couple of inches. They also ripped out the entire regurgitate system and added an Edelbrock carb ( like fuel injection ) to make this dude fly. Roars down the road or putts gracefully through the woods. I don't have it in me to sit round all day at a show & have folks nit pick my Scrambler, I'll be poolside I was at the Carlisle Jeep Show a couple of years ago, minus my CJ-8, because my company: Southwestern Petroleum Lubricants ( Swepco brand ) has a partner PSC ( Power Sterring Components ) who include our 715 tranny/hydraulic oil in their AWESOME steering kits. If your around West Grove, Longwood Gardens some time stop by. Jeep on & on & on....

 

[tritownklu]

Welcome! Awesome history and great that you'll pass it down!!! I'd love to see more pictures when you can post.

Thanks Rob, when I post it tells me I can only attach 1 pic per post. Just joined today. I have pics all during the frame up restoration I'd share if they would let me . I've driven Jeeps my entire life & know a good bit about them, LOl. I lost touch when Chrysler took the brand over. I'm posting the other side. Thanks & take care. Jeep on & on & on.....

 

[firemanhank]

Great Scrambler!!

 

[Trevor Davidson]

Awesome Scrambler !!!
Was curious looking at your pictures of sweet Half Cab Softop ,is there holes in the Canvas for shoulder belt seat belts?
I see the rubber roll bar grommets .

 

[finorman]

Thank you, but then there is universal wear of time & use that all autos should go through, not sit around like trees. While I maintained it as best I could, the frame & body started to crack everywhere & I was faced with a tough decision. I would have to restore this baby if I wanted to keep it, but if I couldn't do it as close to stock, I wouldn't. So, to cut to the chase, new body tub from the original Toledo Jeep molds, manufactured in the Philippines now. New & heavier frame. The rest is original, but the top, which was a10 year odyssey. They had stopped making the denim & nutmeg tops a very long time ago & it took years finally getting parts in Western Canada. Anyway, I had an awesome team do the frame up restoration, cost a bundle but for I'm giving it to my son. I dedicated this resto to my Dad who got 2 "free" Jeeps in the mid 1940's. I've attached the front bumper plate on my CJ-8. He had 2, one blown up & then this second one here at the Battle of Luzon, in ironically the Philippines. My Mom's name was Virginia or "Ginny". Thank you for your kind words & Jeep on & on & on.................I'll send pics if I could attach more than 1 image.

That may be one of the coolest pics I have ever seen. I was trying to figure out what unit is painted on the side of the jeep but can't really make it out.

 

[bigwalton]

I missed this thread previously. Welcome to the forum!

I do have to question anything or anyone that claims knowledge of production numbers of any variations because it's been apparent that Jeep didn't even know what parts bins to pull from on a given day with some of the weird combos that can't be explained.

The one photo per post limit is for free users. You can find the very inexpensive options for membership to support the forum here: Support the Forum - Memberships

 

[Interceptor]

I missed this thread too. Nice ride