1981 Jeep Cherokee *BEAUTIFUL RARE CLASSIC*

This 2-door 4WD, 4sp manual Base model is the stripped-down, "sporty," no-frills version of the Wagoneer, and it's in GREAT condition for its age (YES, it's just like the one your grandfather / father / etc used to have -- the wave of nostalgia is still strong every time I get in and drive it).It is currently inspected until Decemberand being driven locally by me a few times per month.As far as I know, this particular Jeep was garaged and seldom used by the original owner in South Dakota for 10-20yrs, then made its way to another owner in Wyoming, where my buddy bought it a couple years ago, garaged it and drove it occasionally for fun around here in New England, then he sold it to me last year.
The 5-digitodometer reads under 70k miles, and previous titles and car history reports validate that as well (disregard a recent CarFax that might say 100k in May/July 2017, because that's my mechanic who erroneously put a default value in there when he recently worked on it). When I bought it, there appeared to be original decals and blue paint, roof had minor surface rust, frame was solid, and there was rust/rot at both rear quarter panels and along rocker panels. So I've hadbody workdone,a new coat of paintto match the original, and some minor mechanical work done in the past year. Here is the list of everything I can think of off the top of my head:
- Both rear quarter panels professionally replaced- Both rocker panels professionally replaced- New stainless steel muffler and exhaust pipe- New front ball joints- New timing belt- New water pump- New tailgate window crank internal mechanism- FluidFilm undercoating- Oil changes- New battery, windshield wipers- Replaced some exterior lights as needed- Tires like new- Interior seats in excellent condition (front and removable bench back seat)- Original rear bench seat in excellent working condition (I just didn't install it for these pics)- Part-time 4WD works great
There are some aftermarket parts that I know of, and others that I might not be able to tell you for sure:stereo with AUX/CD/Tunerhas been bolted under the dash by a previous owner (and it resets itself with each start-up because there doesn't seem to be a constant "ON" circuit to wire it where it doesn't drain the battery when the vehicle is off). Aftermarket windshield washer squirterswere installed on the hood by me because the old ones were broken/missing (see pics).Seatbeltsneed some attention fortheremovable rear bench seat (optional), but there are 2 working ones in front with some aftermarket parts.Rear tailgate window crank and entire internal mechanismhave been replaced with new aftermarket parts, and it all works perfectly, but there is no key to lock it.
As for CURRENT maintenance/mechanical needs that I know of, I can tell you that theengine leaks oilbut not to the point that it smokes or leaves driveway stains or noticeably hinders performance (yet).I've been told it could be something as simple as anew valve gasket sealor worst-case scenario of possibly needing a fullrebuild or swap (?)
There is also a newcrack in the exhaust manifold near the engine (noticed in the past week or so) which gives it a choppy hot-rod sound under the hood, but otherwise it starts up, runs and drives same as ever. Chrome has been peeling off the front fender ever since I bought it (common problem for its age, from what I've seen). Emergency brake works 8 out of 10 times -- probably just needs some tweaking. Any other general wear and TLC issues can be seen in the photos and can be as expected (e.g. exterior chrome trim strips along each side are missing inner rubber bead; interior ceiling has some rough spots; dash has cracks; one gauge on the dash has a loose plastic shield, but all gauges do work accordingly; window seals need some attention, but they mostly only leak where the front triangle window corners are whengoingthrough a car wash; rear window seals are perfectly fine; ceiling dome lights work sporadically, etc). Frame is in solid condition with no serious defects but could use some professional attention soon (eg. de-scaling and coating, if so desired). I'm also told the driver side floor pan will need attention soon, but no holes yet. I had not cleaned the interior when these pics were taken, so there was plenty of vintage South Dakota dust and Wyoming dirt in there, but I've since given it a good wipe-down.
I'm selling because I've already put $6-7k+ into what was supposed to be a cheap utility vehicle for hauling furniture etc, but it has quickly became a beautiful classic Jeep that gets a LOT of attention and even some $$ offers every time I take it out on the road. I absolutely LOVE driving it, and I will be sad to part with such a unique and beautiful vehicle, but if I need to be more practical and get a cheap beater truck for my needs. It should really go to someone who will do a full restoration or at least fully appreciate it for the treasure that it is. The vintage full-size Jeeps are going for as much as $20-30K, but I simply don't want to hang onto mine and baby it any longer if I can get a good price right now. That being said, if I don't get the price I want, I will hang onto it and baby the HELL out of it and drive it as long as I possibly can, because it's a truly awesome vehicle, and I won't settle for less than anyone who feels the same ;)
INCLUDED with this sale is the 1981Owners ManualandTechnical Service Manualfrom Jeep / AMC.
For sale locally and elsewhere, so this listing could end early.
I am also willing to deliver it somewhere myself within a radius of 200 miles, if that helps at all. Otherwise you'll have to arrange your own shipping / local pick-up, and I'm happy to help with that any way I can as long as itwon'tcost me any extra money.
I'll do my best to answer any questions, but I'm not verymechanically inclined, and I've only had it for less than a year, so I can't make any promises.. Thanks for your interest!