| 1979 Jeep CJ-5 | |||||
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Chevy 350 Swap Custom Paint Hardtop Restore ACME Latches Dual Batteries Blower Fan Custom Dash Pocket Flares Donor Jeep ... More ... |
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I finally took the BIG plunge and purchased an entire, running vehicle only to part it out. The real reason I did it was for a fiberglass ACME hardtop. If you've tried to find a hardtop for a CJ-5, you already know how rare they are. Well, I found a hardtop and it came with an entire Jeep.
Since the previous owner wouldn't separate the top from the Jeep, I bought the entire rig for $850, delivered. I then proceeded to disassemble the Jeep and sell it off piece by piece with the exception of the hardtop, full hard doors, transmission, transfer case, power brake booster, full heater box. I still have a few remaining pieces but, I'm proud to say that I made a profit in the deal. In fact, I made enough parting out the pieces that I could buy brand new hardware to recondition the hardtop and paint for the entire CJ.
I purchased the Jeep and was able to sell off the bulk within 2 weeks. It was quite remarkable, actually. I wouldn't necessarily recommend that someone do the same; however, if the price is right, go for it. Of course, I hated tearing apart a perfectly good CJ-5 since there aren't that many on the road any more. But, I was able to get a perfectly good ACME hard top out of the deal. AJ's used to manufacture new CJ-5 hard tops; however, they are no longer in business. At the time, a new AJ top sold for $2300 ... OUCH! To the best of my knowledge, nobody is making CJ-5 hardtops any longer. Check out the steps I took to restore the ACME hardtop and make replacement ACME door latches! |