Free '84 Waggy? Should I?

[OlllllllO]

Hello all,

Im Justin. I have been reading on here for a while, but this is my first post.

I would like opinions on an opportunity that has been presented to me. A friend called me up the other day and ask me if I wanted another jeep. I said, probably, what kind is it? He said that it is an '84 Grand Waggy (grey w/ tan leather). It's got a 360 as well. He said that it hadn't been drove in a couple of years, but it did run when it was parked. He said that a little lady he went to church with gave it to him, but he has no where to put it/time to work on it, so he thought that he would give me first dibs. It has a clear title as well.

He said that the paint was ok, but it needed some tlc due to being under a tree. He said the interior was in really good shape, and it appeared to be pretty solid underneath.

I would assume that it would need a tune up, but what I am trying to say is, "Is it worth spending the time to go pick it up?" I wouldn't have any cost except for fuel in the rollback.

I had thought about getting it and parting it out for cheap as well, but I don't know a lot about the FSJ's and was just looking some experienced advice on it.

Thanks for any help.
OlllllllO

[CustomWag]

First, welcome to the forum.

Second, where are you located? Maybe I can save you lots of headaches and take that off your hands before you have to spend any money on it!:D

[skeletor]

so you really have to come to ifsja and ask that question...of course you should get it. fix it up and wheel the hell out of it.:drivin:

[krek]

Free is free, if you have a place to store it/work on it without getting grief, go for it.

Just realize that the voice you hear whispering "the curse has been passed" as the Waggy loads is not imaginary. :D

[Gambler68]

Well, if you already have a wag that shares parts, you could 'part' if for spares, either way, whichever one is nicer.

If you don't have an FSJ and can afford to run one, fixerup and drive it!

If it's rust free and cherry, and you don't want it, flip it for a few grand to a restorer and split the cash with your friend.

Whatever you do, don't let it go to a junkyard.

[funhog]

Oh yea go ahead and get it. If it is fairly rust free then go ahead and restore it.

BTW where are you from?

[Tobynine9]

Sounds like you already have a Jeep. You may not want/need another one. But! If you have the space to keep it and a little time to spare, you can part it out for some extra cash. Refresh the 360 and sell the drive line... Sell the axles off... If the interior is good, there's always lots of folks around here looking for clean stuff...

Or, if it's very nearly driveable, fix it to a minimum, sell it off and share the dough with your buddy.

[maccj5]

i picked up an 87 gw the same way, i was on it so fast my mind was wheelin the snot out of it before i even picked it up

[Jeep_Guy]

I would do it. Since it's free, you won't have a problem getting rid of it and making a profit if you decide you don't like it later on. Plus, these things are alot of fun to drive and can be pretty reliable transportation if you keep em maintaned regularly.

1. AMC engines are really easy to work on and get running, even after long periods of sitting, in my personal experience.

2. Sitting under a tree sometimes actually helps protect the old paint from sun fading and clearcoat peeling. This does depend, of course on what type of tree it is and what exactly it is dropping on the jeep. However, you would be surprised what you can get clean after being otherwise hopless looking.

[Dmntxn77]

REALLY??? :huh:






:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[goldhammer]

I doubt he is refering to our moss spore dropping firs:D

Oh yea, xwhatever on everyone elses comments. And we expect pics;)

[Jeep_Guy]

REALLY??? :huh:

Yes, I'll explain.

Of all the vehicles I have owned or worked on, AMCs and Jeeps are the easiest and give me the least frustration. Under the hood, it is not as cramped, with so much emissions and electrical "stuff". I changed out the engine in an 89 ranger, and it was a whole different story. For the most part, theres alot of room to work around under the hood of a fsj (just be carefull not no bump your head on the hoodlatch). I'm not saying you can completely overhaul the engine without removing it from the jeep, but you can get a strap wrench onto your oil filter without being a contortionist and you can change your manifolds in an hour or so without much trouble as long as you dont break the bolts. You can get many engines to run after sitting long periods, if you know the right tricks. If your lucky it won't be seized up, although I've heard vinegar works wonders there. Luckily, I haven't had to work on anything that has seized, so far. Usually I change the oil, check the plugs, distrubuter, plug wires, change the fuel, check the battery, check fluids, etc, and go from there. Biggest problem usually ends up being the carbs and the bad fuel. As long as the hood has always been closed and no critters have made they're ways into the engine components, it shouldn't be too bad. Starting ether and carb cleaner spray can be your best friend sometimes!

By trees protecting the paint, I meant because of the shade they provide. If I only had a pic of my brothers red xj hood and roof after sitting in the sun every day for all these years. No, I wasn't thinking of the moss spores firs drop, heh. Although, I have seen some pretty cruddy looking rigs look pretty good again after hours of hard work, washing, and polishing. I coulda swore there was a thread with pics of something like this several months ago, but I can't find it now. There are some pretty powerfull auto care products out there.

Sorry, Hijack over. Good luck with the decision and post us some pics if possible :thumbsup:

[Chrome]

Welcome aboard! Did you say FREE??!! Heck no I would stand my ground and only accept $100 for taking it. The nerve of people trying to give you something for free...and a FSJ at that. Tell ya what....since you're a new member I will show you the true friendship of this site. Tell me where this person is at that's trying to give away a free FSJ and I will save you from the pain of being forced into this money draining obsession. WHO'S WITH ME??!!!

[andy d]

Of the 3 grand wags Ive had, I liked my 84 the best. Mostly because it didn't break as frequently as the later 88s did. And I very much prefer the older dash. Dont let people dis the vac disco front end either, a few feet of hose will put it right. :thumbsup:

[Dmntxn77]

...Jeep_Guy... Let me fix that comment for you... :p






A free FSJ, and you REALLY have to ask??? :huh:





:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[bigun]

Unfortunatly this will be the cheapest part of the addiction you now have!!

[OlllllllO]

What's up guys. Sorry about the long reply. I actually been busy and forgot to check the post.

My buddy told me it had a small rust stop on the right rear corner, but that was it. He said that the interior was really nice, looked new.

I do have another Jeep as well. I have a '05 GC (WK), and I called today about an '80 Wrangler. We are suppose to go check it out tomorrow.

I wanted the Waggy to wheel in, but I didn't know how reliable they were. I have been trying to learn about them. Strong points/weak points. Everyone I have talked to says first thing, "They are aweful on gas!" My dad said about 10 mpg, ha ha.

I live in Southwest VA about 50 minutes from Bristol, TN. If I get the Wrangler, I might part the Waggy out and put the 360 in the Wrangler:D.

Then do a big part out! All parts $5 bucks + whatever UPS charges is.

[shimniok]

If you're a Jeep owner, you probably already know the answer to the question about reliability... :) We get 'em more for their looks...

Michael

[Wagabond]

Even when there is no purchase price, FSJs are rarely free.

[FSJ Guy]

Even when there is no purchase price, FSJs are rarely free.

Agreed. But there's nothing like telling everyone that you got started by someone giving you a Jeep for FREE!!!! :D

GET IT!! What are you waiting for!!!????