[jpd1899]

So I am new to community--so please, be kind if this is a repeat question.

In terms of time and $$, what does a frame up restoration of a 78 CJ7 cost/how much time? I figured the members posting in this section could provide some type of general number.

I got a 78 CJ7 as a Xmas Present from my girlfriend. While most of you out there may be excited, I am a little freaked out, and don't know where to start.

It's a 258 4.2 L, stock throughout. There is a hole in the frame at the front of the passenger side rear leaf spring. Lot's of rust on the body and the frame. I know the engine starts (if you juice the carb), but won't idle. (I'll tackle that later). My plan is to try to bring it back far enough, to play a little with it, nothing real serious for the time being.

Any ideas of time frame and cost?

[gojeepin]

It depends on how much you'll do yourself and whether you're going to modify it. If mostly stock is what you have in mind you could do it for about $1K to $3K since it sounds like you may have serious frame and body work to do.

I did almost all my own work (other than machining the engine) but upgraded several parts and spent $8K.

I replaced:
Shocks
springs
Wheels/Tires
Transmission
Speedometer cluster
Tie rod & drag link

I rebuilt:
Engine
All new parts for axles/gears/brakes

I had a local body shop repair/paint the body $4K (my time's worth more than their's)

[chadcarter]

I'm about 18 months along right now and in the 6-7K range. I have been upgrading everything along the way though. Have about 4 more months to go.

[Stan99]

Pics and an idea of what you want to do with it. Pics of the problem areas would also help. And just a fair worning that once you get going on it, its kind of addicting, but well worth it. I am about two years into mine and should have about 3 months left. But I have completley rebuilt everything and upgraded everything big time!

[certifiablejeep]

I think the 1K to 3K estimate was for the frame and body alone? I would venture to say that if you fixed the 2, that is where that money would end up... as for the rest, well, it all depends on where you want to end up... I have done rebuilds for a couple thousand that then needed to be redone... again, and then I did it right on some and spent anywhere from 6K to 25K... all what you want to spend and what time you are willing to put towards it, because if you don't do it yourself, just remember mechanics get $50/hour... and a FULL total rebuild will take you 400-700 hours... easily.

cb

[jeepskate]

Welcome aboard. This is a very open-ended question and there simply is no canned answer for you...there's no cookie-cutters. Everyone starts from a different place (knowledge, skills, tools, vehicle condition) and has a different goal (spectrum from daily driver to hardcore wheeler...restoration to 'restification' to not much of the original vehicle left). These are big toys for big boys as the saying goes, and there's tons of aftermarket support as well as what you might think up/fab up yourself. The place to start is with an assesment...an assesment of your skills, willingness to tackle the project, budget, condition of the Jeep. Next comes the basic plan...how do you plan to use the Jeep when it's done, what do you want it to look like, must have items. Then you start researching an educating yourself on how to get from what your Jeep currently is to what you want it to be.

[jpd1899]

Well, thanks everybody for the feedback. I am basically getting the general picture--a lot of time, and as much money as you want to spend, but definitely set aside at least 5k (keeping fingers crossed) to get it on the road.

As far as an assessment, I'm starting from the ground up, skills/knowlege, tools. I know the BARE minimum about vehicles, but I think I'm a pretty fast learner. This project will be the test though.

I don't think I will jump right in and start tearing things out, if they are working OK. I might start the upgrading if something needs to be replaced. Just don't have the budget right now, but ultimately, I'd like to get it to a point where its nice, but I can still drop it into a mud hole

The general plan-get it running, get it pretty.

Thanks everybody again, great intro to the forum.

[bigjoe]

Welcome, I think you have got the right idea moving forward. Get yourself a shop manual and start reading. There is a ton of info on the web as well as books on Jeeps that well help your knowledge along as well. Get to know how your Jeep runs and start making a list of things that need to be addressed first for a safe and useful Jeep. Then you can move forward with an idea of how you want your Jeep to look and be used for when your done. Oh and that final look will change several times. Trust us.

[neals80]

The best start was right here,,,,the best class of guys I have never met......PS pay the money and join...is is worth the 60 sec delay for the search engine when you run into a problem and have to wait for 60sec..lol...
This site is priceless...Good luck!

[Duble-it]

pictures, pictures, pictures, pictures!!! put them in a photobucket account and post the link then someone will "no click" em for ya.

[AbsolutXJ]

Definately post some pictures. Like neals80 said ^^, if it's been done these guys know how and what it costs. Take LOTS of pictures even if you don't post them. My vote is for a frame off restore if you have to do some work on the frame. Very interested to see your progress. Congrats on being bitten by the bug!

oh...and x2 on the membership. WELL worth the money!

BTW...where do you live at in Richmond? My parents are there and I'm only about an hour away. If you ever get stuck shoot me a PM and I'll see what I can do for ya!

[gojeepin]

Besides getting a wealth of valuable info from the folks on this board, you can join a local club with many experienced members. I just left a great club (BESRK is in it) in Newport News, Virginia. They, among others, are in your back yard.

[Bakunin]

Like my old pal used to say, "We start small, or not at all."

[pscj5]

well welcome and good luck like they said start it small and get into it then go big if you like what you doin wish my GF would by me a CJ you got a keeper lol she thinks i spend to much money on mine if you need any local help i pm'ed you my email just hit me up

[jimdubose]

i have always been told that the way to make a small fortune is to inherit a large one and then purchase and restore a CJ project jeep