1976 Jeep CJ 5 SUV Black 4WD Manual Renegade

This 1976 Jeep CJ-5 was acquired by me in 2021 as a non-running project and a refurbishment is underway. I have run out of time and money to continue restoring this CJ as my family has grown, so my loss is someone else’s gain. Power is provided by a factory original 304ci V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case.

Several of the difficult parts of the restoration have been finished included a complete re-wiring with a Painless wiring harness, cooling system, suspension, exhaust, engine mounts, and entire new steel front clip. The engine was overhauled by RPM Automotive in Houston Texas.

This CJ-5 is offered with a clean Texas title and all service history and receipts of the refurbishment available upon request for serious bidders.

The following parts have all been replaced under my ownership:

Cooling System: water pump, aluminum radiator, all hoses, thermostat/t-stat housing, and coolant overflow system from a later model CJ has been added.

Fuel/Air System: gas tank, fuel lines, carburetor, Edelbrock air cleaner and Edelbrock chrome rocker covers.

Electrical: Completely rewired with a Painless Performance wiring harness, all lights have been replaced and are functional, ignition system, heavy duty alternator, starter motor, turn signal assembly, and new battery.

Exhaust: powder coated headers and Purple Hornies side pipe exhaust system.

Suspension: skyjacker shocks and skyjacker steering stabilizer kit.

Brakes: New master cylinder and Warn front manually locking hubs.

Body: New front clip – new steel grill and front fenders. Side mirrors.

Interior: Rugged Ridge high back bucket seats and rear fixed seat finished in tan, Bestop bikini top, and new steel dash.

Maintenance: all fluids have been flushed and/or changed to include the oil and differentials.

Now for the bad: The body tub and all body mounts need to be replaced. I have been treating all rust areas on the frame with POR-15 but there are still some spots in hard-to-reach areas that need attention. Additionally, the master cylinder leaks, and the CJ needs new brake lines and could really benefit from front disc brakes. You can absolutely drive it for a short distance but until the brake line leak is fixed you would be limited to a few miles. There is a very slow oil leak from the oil pan.

Winning bidder receives a new oil pan w/ gasket, JEGS brake line kit, and gas tank skid plate included in the auction – I never got around to putting them on myself.

The bottom line is you get a project that is closer to done than when I received it – and you get the benefit of $10k+ of parts and service I’ve sunk into this Jeep. Good luck with the auction.