some advise needed

[jwsmith1836]

OK guys, I need some advise. I am going this weekend to look at a 78 Cherokee four door. It is an automatic with a 360 under the hood. Guy didn’t know if it has had any work done to it, and no idea on the actual mileage. Interior looks to be in fair shape, carpet probably needs to come out though. From the pictures the body looks in good shape, there is rust behind the rear wheels. Tires are almost new, has original 5-slot aluminum wheels. Good looking Razor grill. The bad stuff is has no back glass, needs the carburetor rebuilt(or new one), and it needs a new water pump, guy says that it rattles. Is there anything that I need to look for as far as the water pump issue, like other damage to the engine from the waterpump going out, water in the oil?
The guy wants $800 OBO. I plan on checking out the underside for any “hidden” rust the man doesn’t know about and check out all the fluids and such. What do y’all think about it? Worth it? Maybe offer $500 or $600?

[mdill]

What are you looking for ?
Parts, project or driver?

Mike D.

[jwsmith1836]

Driver.
JWSmith

[trellis8]

Look for rot on the frame. Bring a magnet with you in case it has had some body work, check the rockers and behind the rear wheels. As far as the water pump, it should be obvious if it overheated. You'll hear it knocking like crazy. Back windows are plentifull, I have several! If the body is really clean, should be worth $500-600. Good luck.

[J4GRAND]

Look for rot on the frame.
Pre-80s rigs didn't have the fuel tank area frame rot since they had a different fuel tank design. Check out the "How to Buy a FSJ" post in the Technical Library- I think it's in the Miscellaneous section.

[TealJ]

i also have a back glass if you need one
good luck

[jwsmith1836]

Well I went and looked at the Cherokee yesterday and I am sorry to report that it is not what I am looking for. For starters the interior in person was not in the best shape. Carpet and headliner would both have to come out and seats need to be covered. Rusted through on the passenger side rear finder. Tires were not almost new, looked like the front two were drove on while nearly flat. Fluids looked in god shape, though. More than likely the RMS is leaking though. I was wanting something for the wife and kids to ride around in that wasn’t going to require a lot of extra work and was in my price range, guess I will have to keep looking.
Here is the Craigs list link if anyone wants to check it out.

1978 Jeep Cherokee Body Quadra Trac ! Needs battery! - $800
http://nashville.craigslist.org/car/584515928.html

JWSmith

[FSJ Guy]

Good choice. You'll find a nice one. Just wait for it!