1976 Wagoneer

[farrelljt]

So, this is my third FSJ. My first purchase was an impulsive but poor decision to buy a 77 Cherokee Chief. It needed WAY more work than I could afford or accomplish. Second one was a 79 Wagoneer that I found on here, and had twice. Again, it was beyond my ability of finances to really get where I wanted to.

My new one is a 76 Wagoneer. I found one in Wyoming with a 401 and factory air, with a very good body on it. (Or so I thought - gremlins of course pop up routinely).

[UnkleMunky]

Looks pretty good for the age/etc. What gremlins? That was another part of AMC!

Did you drive it from WY to OH or ??

What are you working on on it at this time?

[farrelljt]

This first thing I am working on is just trying to understand what I have. The previous owner, somewhere along the line, installed a "wooden headliner."



However, they were either trying to cover up significant rust, or have contributed to it with their makeshift headliner and insulation. Which was broken up sheets of exterior home insulation.

This is the state of the ceiling now.

[farrelljt]

Looks pretty good for the age/etc. What gremlins? That was another part of AMC!

Did you drive it from WY to OH or ??

What are you working on on it at this time?

Well, of course, the tailgate switch is finnicky. I just keep learning more and more about it. There appears to be an engine block heater on it, I am assuming. I haven't chased everything down yet. And they absolutely mangled the dash and the front door panels to fit a stereo and new speakers.

I had it shipped to me.

I am stuck living in a condo complex right now, with no garage. So I am basically focused on getting a better understanding of what I have, and where it needs help.

Eventually, it'll basically get a massive download from BJ's Offroad.

[Heep-J4000]

Looking good

Like the colour and slotted wheels!

[farrelljt]

Looking good

Like the colour and slotted wheels!

Those 2 pics I posted were a little deceptive. The current paint job is VERY much showing its age. Clear coat is peeling off in sheets. It was originally yellow, based on the interior.

Obviously, a part of the restoration is a paint job. I've been eyeing an orange, with white accent that I saw online in a couple of pictures.

And this may be sacrilege, but I actually am thinking the slotteds go away as a part of this. I loved the black d window wheels, and had them on 2 of my previous Jeeps.

[UnkleMunky]

Not really a big fan of those slotted wheels either. Remind me too much of a hot wheel car. Also a bit non-stock for the era, but the 80s turbines might look good on that. I've run those on various Jeeps at times and they usually look pretty good. I've repainted stock steel (originally white) rims to a black and that has looked good on J-trucks. Maybe not as ideal for the Waggy above, but you can certainly think outside stock. Just don't pimp the ride with 20" rims and no profile tires.

I've test driven a couple of original orange Cherokee's (late 70s for both if I recall), and though more a matte orange by the time I saw them, I thought the orange was a decent color for them. And I am not really big on orange for vehicles. You'll figure out what works for you there in time.

That wooden roof liner was interesting. Not a bad job really, but I think you nailed it with your speculation on that and what was behind the veil. Still, I've seen way worse, so hopefully you can take your time and make it a sweet ride in the long run.

[Heep-J4000]

We all have different tastes ,so luckily every jeep is different to!

I like the faded grey , it's just what looks good for the jeep!
But it's your jeep , so do what you want with it!

The orange could look good to ,but not too much orange but a bit orange/brown like the original jeep orange.

[rang-a-stang]

Paint it whatever color you want! Then coat it in mud so no one can have an opinion about the color!

[SOLSAKS]

WIRE BRUSH,...
CLEAN,...
THEN POR-15 THAT ROOF,...then
GOOD TO GO.

nice wagoneer dave in NC

[rang-a-stang]

Or cut it off, put in a 6 point roll bar, some harnesses, and enjoy it!

[jeeprs]

Looks like you have a great start to a cool project.

[miracleed]

it's too bad, that makeshift headliner looks kind of cool to me. i'm guessing it couldn't breath though and any moisture that got in there stayed in there. still, that roof just looks ugly, not bad... if you know what i mean. i agree with SOLSAKS, wire brush, and por15, lots of elbow grease but short money. one thing i would recommend, super good eye pro and a facemask. rust in eyes is unpleasant.

super hansom jeep. best of luck.

[backroadin']

That's exactly what my roof looked like. I cleaned the flaking stuff off as best I could and just stuck a headliner up.
You should be able to sell those rims pretty quick if you decide to ditch them - they can be pretty hard to find.

[rang-a-stang]

...
You should be able to sell those rims pretty quick if you decide to ditch them - they can be pretty hard to find.

Very true! Especially since it looks like you have all the correct center caps and hardware.

They look super good when you polish them up, too.