i like it, so what now.

[crashoverride6]

so ive had elwood {my 79 cherokee} for a week now. i really like it. and it makes me wonder how i did without wing windows for 6 years. im starting to see what problems it has, and know that i can work out the mechanical gremlins with a some time and money. but im stuck on a desicion right now. the truck is in very restorable condition, as in i could make it look almost brand new again with some work. but do i do everything custom and make a tricked out rig with all kinds of bells and wistles that make it go faster stronger higher........or should i do a classic resto and make it all factory. would it be worth anything as a classic resto or would it be smarter {and worth more} to make it a tricked out truck with aftermarket and custom parts all over. right now im leaning towards a custom build more than classic, becuase i have a feeling that even after this is not my daily driver rig, i will be keeping it as a weekend warrior. for those who hadnt seen it yet. here is elwood.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u169/crashoverride6/DSCN0515.jpg

so i would really like to hear opinions about this, ive never had a vehicle that would even be worth building up, so im not sure what direction to go, and some enlightened input would help me out a lot. and if theres any good body welders in the central fl/ citrus country region that would be able to patch some rust for cheap, yoyu would be my new best freind. im sorry, theres another thread just like this that was just posted a few hours ago, please feel free to delete this post.

[DanHS]

I'd say to go restore it to nice condition, it doesn't have to be factory fresh, just clean and neat. Upgrade the things that will really get you a return on the effort, suspension if you plan to go offorad, build the engine a little for some power, upgrade and replace the things that are known to go wrong or wear out quickly, upgrade the ignition, install a nice stereo, etc. Going all out with aftermarket stuff leaves you with a vehicle with way too much money in it than it's worth, with no return other than being able to say you wasted X amount of money on it. I'd never spend the money to cover my truck with aftermarket and custom stuff, it would look goofy to me. You can do whatever you want with your own truck, but I say it would be a silly idea to customize what doesn't need it.

[Cherokee01478]

As DanHS says, don't spend more money than you need to, but defineltly give it a full service, have a thorough look through the electrics, etc, etc - I'd go with getting the mechanicals bulletproof; have it running reliably, and that'll tell you what you need to do to make yourself completely happy with it. By the same token, if you only sort the cosmetics, and leave the mechanical side of things, you'll find yourself kicking it, and hating it when it breaks down - I've been there and done that. Looks like an excellent base for a good solid rig, though.

[AZJ10]

Well if the choice is between "monster truck" and factory restoration I would say go factory. But If it was me I agree with the others and say do some minor mods and upgrades to improve its off road performance but keep it resonable enough for a daily driver. As far as value I hope you know that you'll lose money either way.

[beasty]

way up in toronto i'm faced with a similar decision, i recently retrieved an 82 2-door laredo from salt free nc. the guy before me was part through building a monster complete w/ford 460 engine (incomplete), c6 trans w/np205 case, a dana 70 rear axle, and a pathfinder dana 44 front. Not to mention and 8" lift. I'm just new to jeep building but my trusted mechanic tells me that since i have my original 81(rusted all to hell, but running just fine), it would be easier to bring it all back to original running gear. The idea of having a bad *** giant truck appeals to me more than a little but considering the 460 is missing a lot and should probably be rebuilt anyways it would definately be more practical (and cheaper) to throw in my reliable 360 set-up. ...stillll-- any advice/opinions would be welcome

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

I think it looks like a good candidate for the next Riverbeast! :thumbsup: :cool: :fsj:

[Mud Thrasher]

As a daily driver, you would be better off just doing mild upgrades and improvements. Then once you get something else then go extreme with it. just my 2 cents

[crashoverride6]

thanks for the opinions guys. there are only a few issuses with mechanics of the truck, ie sloppy steering, and i think it has a bad u-joint somewhere or one going out soon. then i need to figure something out for the brakes. should i be able to lock up the tires if i really slam on the nogo pedal, or is a weakish break normal for this truck? once all the mechanical is worked out then ill start doing power and apperance mods, i think i will take your advice and do a small {2 inch} lift and maybe boost hp for some offroad fun. but ill wait till i dont have to drive this to work every day to make a trail rig out of it. i remeber someone saying that a jeep like this is only worth how useful it is, so i think building it up for offroading might be better than just making it look factory. and now i just need to find a good mild trail in central florida to test the ability off this thing.

[J10Joe]

you'l find a good balance. first make it functional and safe, then classy.

[Gadzooks2]

Either Way:

Just Empty Every Pocket :lol: