Post some pics so we can comment intelligently. What is a lot of rust to you maybe no big deal to someone else. I have seen some pretty rusty rigs brought back to useful life. I took a 97 that could not pass inspection and got it on the road again by stealing the right rear frame rail from in front of the wheel well, all the way to the back, from my 94, and putting it in the 97. Ran that way for a few years until an idiot in a Chevy Suburban ended that.

A lot of people would have written that 97 off.

 

Ok I’ll get pictures up tomorrow for everyone’s viewing.

 

I got about 2k into my restored rust rig. It had no rear leaf spring hangers. Granted mine will never see the road.

I knew what I was buying though. With out pictures, based on your description, you didn’t catch how bad you think it is now until 2K later.

I guarantee your frame is shot. For what you want it for it’s gone.

Take your lose and sell it or find a XJ to swap everything into.

Either way learn to inspect a vehicle before you buy one.

 

Without seeing pics of the rust, I suspect you're polishing a turd. I agree on finding a non-runner with a good body. What's the condition of the engine and xfer case? Do they need rebuilt as well?

 

The other factor is how much work you want to put into it, and what kind of work you feel like doing. I treat vehicles like a hobby. If there's work I get some satisfaction out of doing, then I do that. If not, then I choose a different project and/or find someone else to get it done for me.

and to the OP: thank you for your service to our country

 

OK so my frame is easily salvageable that’s why I went with getting the frame Stiffeners kit front rear and Center.

So here’s the pictures to show the floor pan door jam panel rust affect.

As far as the motor, transfer case, transmission, and Drivetrain in general, all are functioning properly and don’t need to be rebuilt.

I want to strip them down to make them the best that I can before I put them in a vehicle.

 

 

Changing my vote to "No", especially if you're going to sub out the welding. IMO you can easily find a good body for much less than what you're going to spend on body repair.

 

I've replaced a lot of sheet metal on several different types of cars, trucks, Jeeps, etc. and have done a lot of welding and fabrication in general. To be honest I think you'd have a hard time finding someone to take that on. It sounds like you're well stocked with good parts though!

 

Sounds great to me, I am absolutely ok with pulling the good parts and scraping the rest. I am much more comfortable putting the money into a build that doesn't require unwanted and unnecessary welding lol. I am looking at a few different options around the country and as soon as I make a choice, I will let you guys know. Thanks again and we'll see were this takes us all.

 

Yeah, I'd have to say that's a gonner.

 

The fact that you didn’t catch that when you bought it says a lot.

I’d get a new hobby that didn’t involve buying vehicles.

 

Find a good So Cal XJ that can't pass smog - Should have little rust and be strait - a faded but good interior would be a plus. The rest is just sweat and toil

 

You were right. It **is** really rusty!
You ought to be able to find one in the Dakota's (several hrs drive away) that is really clean. Better canvass to work on. Swap parts over.

 

I would look for another XJ with a good body.


PS thank you for your service