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Here's my '81that I just bought! First time Jeep buyer! Help me out!

C

chappellheel

Basic User
Gold Member
City
Nashville
State
NC
So I've always wanted a Scrambler but knew that it'd be later on in life before I'd be able to afford one. Well, some weird things happened, plus a friend of the family had one to sell, and the next I knew, I had bought an 8. I don't know diddly squat about what I've bought. I've been reading here nonstop for weeks but still feel as if I'm in the dark. So what did I buy? Give me some input? How do I know what's stock and what's not? I want this thing to be original as possible. I don't want to add a bunch of Crap.

I know that I want to put in a radio and a rear seat. Any I advice on that? What else do you guys recommend?

Thanks so much for the much needed help.

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Looks like you got a really nice one. Most everything looks original. Console is aftermarket. Rear bumper is very nice custom made. Wheels look like the aftermarket ones. It's not the Laredo edition but so what. Factory air and the factory ash tray on the dash that comes with air. Nice paint that's probably not original. Shiney black on hardtop . . . factory used a simi gloss black. You got lucky. Congradulations!
 
I'm not familiar with the '81, but it looks like it has a suspension lift. The u-bolt to axle mount plates have built in skid plates. They are supposed to keep the u-bolts from catching on things, (the u-bolts are too long and protruding through the plates)

I agree with the assessment of a new paint job as well, looks very nice, one tell tale sign is the tailgate hinges are upside down.

How does it run, and where did it live? The underside and body look clean.

As far as the radio, I can't tell if the dash was cut behind the trim or not. Most people prefer to leave the dash uncut and get a good radio that fits or put a dummy radio in the dash and put the good one in the console. Many more options now with Pandora and Bluetooth.
There are several aftermarket CJ seats for the rear, you just need to consider your needs for a top and possible roll cage protection.
 
Oh, by the way, great job on the pics.
Perseverance paid off.
 
Don't cut the dash for a new radio! Other options out there. Radio console, new old school looking two knob radio that has USB. Good looking scrambler.
 
I drove it for about an hour a month ago when the purchase was made. I couldn't believe how smooth it was. The PO had owned it since '02 and it's been kept in an airplane hangar since. The restoration was done by Toy Box Jeeps, I think. And I believe the Jeep has spent most or all of its life in Eastern NC.

From reading here, I gather that I'll need to mount a rear seat facing the rear otherwise it would be too close to the bucket seats up front. Right?

I haven't made up my mind yet about a radio. I was looking at buying an oem one from a member here, or a retrosound with all the bells and whistles, or a non working one with a nice unit in the console. Speaking of console, since my interior was nutmeg from the factory, would my console have been nutmeg too?

Thanks for all the help. This is a great site. I'm an addict already.
 
FLCJ8 said:
Oh, by the way, great job on the pics.
Perseverance paid off.
Click to expand...

Haha! I've never posted pics on the Web and had no idea how tricky it could be. Thanks to Big Walt for the assist! Would've never figured it out without him.
 
You can mount the back seat facing forward. You'll be putting the brackets in since there aren't any stock. You can even fit two rear seats facing forward with a little planning.
 
So where in Nashville are you? I'm only 10-15 away. There's a young guy at Taylor's Exxon who seems to know a lot about CJ's.
 
^I live in town on Church St. Never thought someone local to me would be on here! Small world I guess.
You possibly know some of my family. My Dad's side owns George's BBQ sauces and my Mom's side has Freeman's TV and Appliances.

The folks at Taylor's are good people. Did the young guy have red hair? If so, that's one of the owner's sons. I'll have stop by there after I pick up the 8. I'm hoping to get it next week. Spring Hope seems to be nice place to call home.
 
I was thinking about this for a rear.
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I also need a spare rim and tire. And I need to figure out what to do about radio and speakers.
 
For the radio and speakers I recommend a Flowmaster 50 series muffler. It's waterproof, is guaranteed to make you smile, and sounds better than any music out today...
 
My brother in law and sister in law are in Nashville. Old County Home Rd IIRC

Great looking Scrambler. Awesome find!
 
^Nashville...How bout that! Our sign when you drive into town says "The Original Nashville!" Haha. BTW, that other Nashville is a great place to visit. If y'all haven't been then you need to check it out.

Thanks again for the help on posting pics.
 
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