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Should I build or buy?

977 views 15 replies 7 participants last post by  222Doc 
#1 ·
I've recently sold my car so I could eliminate payments, thus be able to afford something I have wanted for a long time, in just a few months.

I've decided I really wanted to go with a Jeep Wrangler TJ and am seriously considering building it. I've priced out every component, and while it would be far cheaper to build one than buy one, it would take a lot longer to build it.

If you want me to delve on anything to give y'all more info, I can.
 
#7 ·
DD isn't going to be an issue since I also have a motorcycle and drive that almost everyday to work. The jeep will be both for the occasional drive-to-work vehicle and beach destroyer. :)

Can anyone throw me some legitimate and trust worthy links on places to buy the majority or some parts for this build? I will need to know of a good place to buy the frame + fiberglass, etc.

I might do a GM conversion to start -- ONLY because I already have a 350 and turbo transmission at home from a truck I use to own.
 
#11 ·
Ah, this was an example, I apologize. I had written that very poorly.

I'd like to build it basically from the ground up, if cost permits, so while a fiberglass body would be nice, but I could go in either direction. I do not want to buy one and mod it, I definitely want to do a full build; like a kit car I guess.

Go to the junk yard, buy all the parts, go home and build it. Yes, of course, I know it's much more difficult than just "glue a to b", so I am prepared for the difficulty level. If I buy one, I'm looking at about $10,000 or less from what I've seen online, so if I go that route, it won't be that expensive either. I just like building things.
 
#12 ·
I would shy away from fiberglass especially if you are going to use it. If I were you I would look for a rust free frame/body and pick it up. Sounds like you would like to replace the engine so no worries about how it runs at the moment. Perhaps you could find one with a blown engine but a decent frame and body and pick it up cheap? (although that does not happen often with TJs with the 4.0 it is almost bullet proof)
 
#13 ·
You're right, it's very difficult to find one with a blown 4.0 in the TJ's. I'd be willing to broaden my scope and go for a YJ (or heck, even older if rust isn't present) but I really just don't like the new body styles.

Any ideas on how much would be a "don't pay more than this" for a jeep in the body styles I mentioned if it good condition and basically only need a new engine and/or transmission? I'm new to Jeep's so I don't know at all. All I know are bikes and Honda's. lol
 
#16 ·
To build it; to me are these people in our club.





when crawlers and Jeeps mix following these guys in a Jeep is why we have our winch ready to pull and they have theirs tied to the front axle as a suck down.

The rest of us are in Jeeps. We can mod or not. In the end you will never get a Jeep to do what the rock buggy will walk over. He is half the weight of most Jeeps. But needs a trailer to get it there.
 
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