1981 JEEP CJ-7 Laredo

JEEP - 1981 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo, 304 V8 Engine, Automatic Trans, Air Conditioning, Tilt Wheel, Hard Top, Factory Sun Roof, Tach, Clock, AM/FM Radio, Chrome Wheels. Original Condition JEEP!

1981 MODEL YEAR

JEEP CJ7 4WD

LAREDO

Exterior Color: Olympic White

Interior Color: Nutmeg

Interior Seats: Vinyl High-Back Bucket

Engine: 304 CID V-8

Transmission: Automatic

Current Mileage: 11,700

FEATURES

1981 Jeep CJ7 Laredo

Laredo Package

Console - Padded

Lamps - Courtesy

Lamp - Under hood

Fuel Tank - 15 Gallon

Steering Column - Tilt

Spare Tire - No Spare Tire, OEM carrier is installed

Body Side Step

Tires - 32 x 11.5R 15

Wheels - 15x8.0 Chrome

Shocks - High Pressure Gas Charged

Floor Mats - Aftermarket

Rear Axle - Model 20

Axle - Trac-Lok Differential

Glass - Deep Tint

Sun Roof - Factory Installed!

Heavy Duty Electrical Group

Air Conditioning - re-charged and ice cold

Original Interior

Battery - 600 AMP

Alternator - 117 AMP

Fog Lamps - Marchal (rare)

Radio - Jeep AM/FM

Roll Bar Access Package

Steering Wheel - Leather Wrapped

Nutmeg Hard Top

Power Steering

Power Brakes

Rear Storage Box

More Pictures

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304 V8 Engine

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Price $SOLD

Image Gallery - Exterior Views Of This JEEP

Image Gallery - Interior Views Of This JEEP

Vehicle History

Truly a rare find. When I found this Jeep it had just over 9k miles on it. The current mileage today is just over 11k miles and is original. Factory ordered JEEP in February 1981 by its original owner; I have the original dealer window sticker which was included in the sale. The last year for the factory V8 engine in a CJ. This JEEP is loaded with original and rare factory options like air conditioning, auto trans, tilt wheel, power steering & brakes, and a rare factory installed sun roof! It was parked for nearly eighteen years and wasn't really used until the late 90's.

When I purchased this Jeep it showed the signs from being parked, sometimes without cover. There were some light (non-cancer) surface rust spots and the paint had lost its luster. The engine ran very well but was in need of some attention from sitting so long. Generally the Jeep was in great condition for being twenty plus years old but could stand a restoration.

My plans were to leave the Jeep as is to maintain the original features, paint, etc., until my worst fear arrived. One day I decided to drive the Jeep into work when in order to avoid a three car accident (occurring directly in front of me) I had to brake the Jeep into a center bearing wall on the highway to avoid hitting any other vehicles. Well, I succeeded in avoiding the accident but now had hard stopped my Jeep into the center bearing wall damaging the left fender, left tire/rim, left leaf spring, and front axle.

With this sudden change, my outlook on what needed to be done with this Jeep changed. It was now time for a full restoration or what I would rather call a preservation of a rare Jeep. So then it began...

Mechanical

The first task was to reseal the engine. Because the Jeep had sat for an extended period of time some of the engine gaskets were questionable. I had a professional restorer who break down the engine to a short block, replaced the cam, lifters, and timing chain, then replaced all the main gaskets; head, oil pan, water pump, valve covers, etc. Critical parts were also replaced, fuel pump, water pump, coil, belts and spark plugs&wires. In addition, all fluids were changed; engine, radiator, transmission, transfer case. Recently the air conditioning system was converted, recharged, and the hoses replaced to ensure reliability.

Exterior - Body

For the preservation of the body in my mind it had to be done without time or cost in mind. I entrusted my Jeep to the best body person I knew who traditionally only worked on high end vehicles. The mission for the body included and full disassembly and strip down of each body part individually. Every body part including hinges, bolts, door handles, exterior body attachments were removed and individually prepped and painted. Once completed the Jeep was carefully assembled and re-striped with after-market replacement OEM decals. Total time invested into the body preservation was 1 full year at a cost of over $4,000.

Interior

Truly a step back in time this interior is very original. The original Laredo style seats are in near perfect condition; no rips or signs or wear. Original factory carpeting throughout interior. All the Laredo options are there including padded dash bar, logo glove compartment door, tach, clock, and courtesy lights. Other great options include tilt wheel, air conditioning (recently recharged), and original Jeep AM/FM radio. For extra room this Jeep has what seems to be rare these days, a OEM Jeep factory rear storage box. The roll bar has factory installed padding, saddle bags, and very rare wheelhousepads.

Outstanding Items

Although the bulk of the preservation has been completed, there are a few areas requiring attention. Because this Jeep is from the carburetor era (original carb is on engine), it is sometimes hard to start when cold or has a fast idle at times. A good experienced carburetor technician or conversion to fuel injection will solve this. Two components need replacement; the smog air pump, and the front steering stabilizer. In addition, recently I've noticed a minor oil leak from what appears to be from the rear section of the valve cover. All of these items are minor and had been on my preservation list; I just haven't had the time to finalize.

Note: If you are interested in purchasing this Jeep please understand you are NOT purchasing a new vehicle. Please understand that this is a 23 year old vehicle and is not being sold under any expectation other than a used vehicle, as is condition, with no stated or implied warranty. I am not a used car dealer, just a Jeep hobbyist and have tried to explain everything about this Jeep I can in full. On site inspections and or a test drive are welcome and available by appointment only. All bids need to be backup by existing funds; please do not bid for purchasing if the funds necessary for your bid are not available.

Asking Price $SOLD