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1980 Jeep CJ5 Renegade Original Unmolested Rust Free Body

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Location: Concord, California, United States
Make: Jeep
Model: CJ5
SubModel: Renegade
Trim: Base Sport Utility 2-Door
Year: 1980
VIN: 57548133912
Engine size: 360 AMC 5.9
Drive type: 4WD
Options: 4-Wheel Drive, CD Player, Convertible
Vehicle Title: Clear

1980 Jeep CJ5 Base Sport Utility 2-Door Description

I found this Jeep while searching for another rock-crawler, do it all vehicle. I bought it on the spot even though I knew I would not keep it. It's been an absolute joy to own and drive. I searched the entire west coast before I came across this little gem. It's not what I wanted for long-term usage as I got a dedicated rock crawler, it is the best running and driving Jeep I've ever owned. This one came from a storage yard in the foothills, kept in a closed door, sun protected storage unit. It was owned by a grandfather who gave it to his kids after restoring it mechanically. They did not want it. I restored it cosmetically and it runs, drives and looks incredible.
I've spent hundreds of hours adding parts, upgrading, finding genuine jeep parts, and adding newer stuff. This Jeep comes with invoices for all the mechanical work done to it. All of the cosmetic work is pretty well shown by the pictures and includes seats, carpets, dashpad, touch up paint, steam cleaning etc. All parts are genuine Jeep, except the obvious aftermarket such as the stereo, lockbox, etc. The tires are 33x12.5 BFG All Terrrain KO's and in excellent shape. Rims are standard chrome 15x8 wagon wheels. Shocks are brand new.Mechanical repairs: brakes - all new, calipers, rotors, pads, fluid all four corners. Drive lines, repaired, cleaned and lubricated. Rear axles have been replaced along with new bearings installed. At the same time a full tune up was done along with a carburetor rebuild, new plugs, wires, distributor cap, fuel lines and filter. Fresh fluids in all areas such as motor, transmission and front and rear differential (no leaks whatsoever, none, not a drop). The steering box and control arms have been repaired and the steering is very tight and responsive. There is no play in steering assembly.Mechanical upgrades: An LED light bar a Warn winch, which is fully functional and has remote control by cable. On-board air, with two reserve air tanks mounted to roll-bar. This is a very nice upgrade. Two radiator fans keep it cool, one mechanical and one electric - both work well, no issues.
Cosmetic repairs and comfort upgrades: I installed a Wrangler front and rear seat matching combination and 3 pt seat belts. Front seat both now slide and retract. Rear seat is a flip and fold providing cargo space when folded up. Seats are very comfortable and in good shape. Carpet is brand new. As you can see from the pictures they all match the proper Nutmeg Jeep color codes. Everything is clean and in nice shape. The speedometer is not working properly, (bouncing speedo needle and no gas gauge) but all other gauges work. It is prewired for a tachometer. Stereo is nicely mounted into locking console and works powering two 6x9, 3-way speakers.
Potential repairs: Top is in bad shape. It works, but has numerous holes, tears, pulls and stretches. This top is probably 30 years old and is made by Kayline (which was a OEM supplier, but it's unknown if it's the original top). The speedometer is not working properly, (bouncing speedo needle and no gas gauge) but all other gauges work. It is prewired for a tachometer.
SMOG: none required. Legal and operating permits are up to date. It's VIN and Title show vehicle as SMOG exempt due to being registered as 1972. This is very desirable feature. No SMOG ever!
The motor and transmission combination is simply incredible. I can't say enough how well this motor runs. The torque is insane, while it still retains a lot of RPM rev capability easily into the 6,000 RPM range. The motor is capable of 4th gear starts yet it still drives well on freeway without too much engine noise/RPM. It has good duel exhaust. It starts and runs so well, if you're at all interested in this Jeep, come drive it.
The transmission is the stout T-18 or T-19. It's hard to identify which model it is from the outside of the case, but the first gear is very low, but the final drive ratio is certainly good for freeway-type of driving. It shifts with ease and the clutch and related all appear to be in great shape. Four wheel drive works as it should as do the locking hubs. Drive also looks to be in good to excellent condition without significant visual wear and tear.
The body on this Jeep is incredible. I can't imagine how much better of one you could find. Not only did the jeep have no rust whatsoever on it, the body is as close to flawless as you can get for the age. It's 100% original without any damage to it. There is a small hole in hood for an ornament. There is NO rust or damage behind diamond plate. There has been a partial repaint over the years, The hood was repainted at some point, but the fenders and many areas show ORIGINAL PAINT. There is not a single sign of repair anywhere, except an access panel cut into one front fender as shown. The original paint is visible underside in the wheel wells.The electrical on the jeep is all good. Heat, fan, vent, headlights etc are all working properly.
The jeep is a 1982 CJ5 that has had the VIN swapped with a 1962 CJ5 in order to eliminate any SMOG requirements. Other than the 360 and 4 speed, it's nearly 100% stock and vintage jeep. Engine is amazing -- it can pull 3rd gear starts easily and get up 45-50 MPH in that gear. Which means it's doing it with engine torque not gearing. The engine runs so incredible it's hard to believe -- it has massive torque and a super smooth horsepower and pulls all the way through a 6000+ RPM power-band. It easily has 300 + horsepower and probably 300+ torque and runs so well without SMOG. It does all this with a 2 Barrel Carb. At startup, cold or hot, no smoke or colored exhaust appear. It consumes no oil. The exhaust is INSIDE the frame and toward the back of the jeep.
Most Jeep people cut up the fenders and firewall and exit the exhaust by the door openings. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, they are hot when your leg touches them getting out, loud for everyone, and lets exhaust into the cabin.
Since there is no SMOG, it really belongs to a California resident. Dealing with SMOG on older truck is horrible. No SMOG controlled stock jeep will give you this much power and fun in a single package. The CJ's converted to fuel injection are MUCH better, but still have single exhaust, cat's, certificates, etc and are limited to the motor originally put into the vehicle. This jeep is permanently and legally converted to 1972. It has an active VIN, registration and title. It is currently insured in California. This jeep was NEVER, EVER in an accident or had a re-issuance of title due to damage.
The very last photo shows the Jeep in the storage unit as we found it.
This one is a hot rod, off-roader, convertible, and vintage jeep all in one clean, clean package.

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