1983 Jeep CJ7

Description

Jeep guys know what they like, and somehow the late-model Wranglers don't quite live up to the legend of the CJ, particularly the CJ-7. So, if you're one of those guys who insists that the best Jeep of all went out of production thirty years ago, then this 1983 Jeep CJ-7 delivers that rugged 4x4 experience with a tough desert-tan paint job, lifted stance, and off-road demeaner that's about six different kinds of cool.

The look is unmistakable, from the round headlights flanking the upright 7-bar grille, to the removable doors to the roll bar behind the front seats. The paint is fairly fresh, done in a matte-finish desert tan using a spray-on bedliner material that will wear like iron through the years, even if you love taking it through the rough stuff. Blacked-out front flat fenders and rear fender flares allow for giant tires and give this CJ a military-spec vibe, matching the black-colored mirrors, step bars, door and windshield hinges, and the removable soft top. The simple bumper up front was rhino-lined and looks very butch, and it has a couple LED fog lights attached to it, while a big LED lightbar was mounted atop the front windshield that still folds down like the original Jeeps from WWII. Despite the textured paint (which is far from perfect and could've used a little better prep work if we're honest), the bodywork underneath is straight and lines up right, and with the steel doors and soft-top off, this CJ-7 looks Dakar rally ready. Other upgrades include LED headlights that light up the trails and bright red LED taillights in the back, and those aftermarket steel fenders have a tough, tubular edge constructions and include hood pins/lanyards that attach to the Jeep's original latches. The rear bumper is a simple steel piece that was rhino-lined to match the front and there's a heavy-duty spare tire carrier out back as well.

The interior is a combination of old and new, and with comfortable seating, great options, and a rear roll cage, it's definitely off-road ready. Fresh, high-back, black vinyl bucket seats were installed up, a weatherproof, lockable center console splits them, and bedlined floors wear like iron and can easily be hosed out after a day of fun. Original components include a black dash pad, a 3-spoke steering wheel wrapped with a braided cover, and the steel hard doors come equipped with black vinyl inserts, suggesting that this was originally a well-appointed CJ-7. Even the single round speedometer/temp/fuel gauge shows crisp markings and bright pointers, as do the factory auxiliary units to the right of it, and an aftermarket unit was installed underneath to ensure this Jeep keeps temperatures at bay. Options include an under-dash factory A/C system, a rear bench seat, front seatbelts, a tilt column, and even an original Jeep AM/FM stereo. A tall B&M T-handle shifter was added for comfort, and it manages the 3-speed automatic transmission below, and the shifter the 2-speed transfer case is a short reach away. The removable soft top, full steel doors, and roll cage are a part of the party, making this CJ an all-weather, all-environment 4x4.

The 258 cubic inch inline-six (aka the 4.0L) was Jeep's workhorse, making plenty of torque and so reliable that it would get you home from just about anywhere the trail would take you. You'd think that a Jeep would spend a lot of time in the dirt, but the clean engine bay says otherwise. The hardware is rugged as heck, simple, and easy to service, with an upgraded K&N cold air intake and cone filter system up top and a big aluminum radiator in the front being the most obvious upgrades. This one is neatly detailed with a black valve cover and shiny inner fenders, and both power steering and power front disc brakes are part of the package. A 3-speed automatic transmission and 2-speed transfer case allow this Jeep to practically idle up the side of a hill, and with a heavy-duty off-road suspension it's highly capable in the rough stuff and has plenty of ground clearance. Newer wiring certainly helps in the reliability department, and the frame and undercarriage is ultra-solid with no evidence of abuse. Blacked-out ProComp alloys have that cool beadlock look that works on just about any rugged 4x4, and they come wrapped in 35x12.5x15 Mastercraft all-terrain radials with plenty of tread.

With a bunch of smart upgrades and a super-cool, trail-ready look, this CJ-7 is ready to have fun in the sun right now. Jeep's this well-sorted never last long, so call today!