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81 Barn find w/ 10k original miles

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This was my last scrambler I SOLD :banghead: .. I like the copper paint so Im happy the new one is copper also.
 
Don't be surprised if the fuel pump is dead and/or fuel filter is clogged. These are relatively easy to change out. You can run temporarily off of a bottle or any other tank. Some folks will tell you that a long run on the suction of the fuel pump may collapse a hose and you need hard tubing for that.

The little bit of rust shown in the pictres is not bad at all. i bet if you soda blasted it, you wouldn't even see pits (don't know if that's in your plans).

You should plan to flat tow or trailer it home. I did that number driving an '81 home from Atlanta to Baton Rouge. One word - scary.
 
That brings up a great question, Do you guys see a problem flat towing is home? If I do should I replace or check axle gear fluid?
 
That brings up a great question, Do you guys see a problem flat towing is home? If I do should I replace or check axle gear fluid?

Check the diff fluid - NEVER trust that the PO had oil in it at anytime. Disconnect drive shafts to be safe. Don't forget to unlock the steering wheel so it can track. I've installed a 2 point two bar in like 30 min. Go prepaired with a drill and bolts etc. Bring a little 12 v air pump in case the tires have a slow leak. You need to get the magnet based trailer lights and thrown on the back bumper. Don't forget zip ties for all of that wiring.

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Check the diff fluid - NEVER trust that the PO had oil in it at anytime. Disconnect drive shafts to be safe. Don't forget to unlock the steering wheel so it can track. I've installed a 2 point two bar in like 30 min. Go prepaired with a drill and bolts etc. Bring a little 12 v air pump in case the tires have a slow leak. You need to get the magnet based trailer lights and thrown on the back bumper. Don't forget zip ties for all of that wiring.

View attachment 40280

oh yea, good info.. my heads spinning with everything that I might need to bring
 
Maybe stored in a damp garage. OR had MI road salt on it, never washed and stored. Even in a non-heated dry garage, do you get that much surface rust. just my 2 cents.

Id agree, the body looks really straight and clean, the rust looks salt induced. I would guess that it is original, but those 10k miles include winter driving.
 
Plan your route ahead of time. Then put it on this thread and see who lives along that route so you have help along the way if you need it. You can change the route depending on who lives where. I live just north west of St Louis MO and it might be on your way. Take your time and really plan what to bring
 
EDIT: Um...what Jim said....

Rent a U-haul car hauler...somebody else's problem if if breaks down - which they don't usually do. It was only about 300$ for me from VA to OH...and that gave me 4 days.

That way, you get to work on the CJ at home - when you're not in a rush - and you don't have to worry about flat towing a rig that hasn't been maintained in a decade or more...

Good luck!

Cheers,
Dylan
 
You never considered driving this home, correct? All the fuel stuff is just for a test drive?

-I think its a great start as long as there's no surprises. Definitely looks like a vehicle that saw a Michigan winter or two, but it's certainly far from gone.

-Get a non-return fuel filter to swap in and some new fuel line and clamps to run into a bottle for testing.

-If this hasn't moved since 85, do you know that the brakes aren't frozen? He's run it, has he at least rolled it around?

-Similar to the brakes, if it's not moved in years you're guaranteed that every seal in this thing is dried out, cracked and/or powdered. Wheel bearings could be in very rough shape as well. I personally wouldn't think about flat towing or even using a tow dolly, I'd have it on a flatbed of some flavor. It would be different if you knew it had been on the road within the last year or so, but if it's truly original, there's a ton of things I wouldn't trust to run at highway speed. At a bare minimum, if I had to do it, I'd pull the driveshafts, drain the diffs/check the gears/refill the diffs and I'd probably pull all the brake parts in the rear just to be safe.

My thoughts anyway.
 
Just checking in... we left this morning.. opted for the uhaul route. As its planned out we will get a hotel late tonight near the pick up location. Meeting him tomorrow between 8-9 am
 
Awesome, have a great day and drive safe. Love a good road trip. This scrambler I am very excited to see more of too. :thumbsup:
 
Getting close! Drove 11 hours yesterday finishing the last 3 hours now.
 
Jim sounds like the kinda guy who says "are we there yet" lol

Sent from my SPH-L900
 
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