Topic: If not a Jeep, then what?

[jfrabat]

i wheeled one like this on 37s in iceland. it was a 2007 or 2008 model, 4cyl diesel..pulled like a brute.

That one was an oil burner as well, but the tires looked about 33's (although I would bet they are metric, though).  I liked the set up for the most part (I agree with Jeffy that the limb raisers are a bit grotesque and I would loose the step, but otherwise I liked it)

[Jeffy]

i wonder what's the insurance (if any different) for having one registered.

Keep in mind most are from the 60's and 70's so they are old which means they are going to be cheap to insure.

[Jeffy]

That one was an oil burner as well, but the tires looked about 33's (although I would bet they are metric, though).  I liked the set up for the most part (I agree with Jeffy that the limb raisers are a bit grotesque and I would loose the step, but otherwise I liked it)

I don't mind the limb raisers but those look like they're made from winch cables.   

[jfrabat]

I just saw today (from the car; did not get a close look) an FJ40 (or similar; again, I was stuck in traffic and saw it at the used car lot) with rag top for $3,250...  I'm starting to get the itch...  oh oh!

[Jeffy]

I just saw today (from the car; did not get a close look) an FJ40 (or similar; again, I was stuck in traffic and saw it at the used car lot) with rag top for $3,250...  I'm starting to get the itch...  oh oh!

They can require a lot of maintenance if they haven't been taken care of.  That would be my main concern.  I wouldn't want to start in a hole that's too deep to get out of.  I've seen some really nice ones in CA.  Best thing is no rust.

[Sine Deviance]

Best thing is no rust.

Galvanized?

[Jeffy]

Galvanized?

Things don't really rust in CA and other dry states.  You get some surface rust but it usually doesn't get any worse.

I don't believe mfg's started galvanizing stuff until the early 90's.

[neale_rs]

They can require a lot of maintenance if they haven't been taken care of.  That would be my main concern.  I wouldn't want to start in a hole that's too deep to get out of. 

Just like Jeeps!  The only mechanical things I haven't fixed or replaced are the steering gear, pump, radiator, and the engine itself!  And the steering gear and pump are on the list now too.

[Sine Deviance]

Things don't really rust in CA and other dry states.  You get some surface rust but it usually doesn't get any worse.

I don't believe mfg's started galvanizing stuff until the early 90's.

Oh, I thought you meant they wouldn't rust no matter where you are.

[jfrabat]

I'm not gonna buy it; I already got ONE money pit, no sense in getting 2...  Just daydreaming, though.

[Sine Deviance]

I finally found an actual car that I'd like to replace my Jeep with...

http://www.locostusa.com/

I want to build one.

[Jeffy]

I finally found an actual car that I'd like to replace my Jeep with...

http://www.locostusa.com/

I want to build one.

I think you'd be better off with a Caterham 7.

[Sine Deviance]

I think you'd be better off with a Caterham 7.

Nah, they cost too much. Plus, I'm in the U.S. and Caterham is in the U.K., and I can't spend $25,000+ on it. I could build a Locost 7 for less than $10,000. I'd be doing all the work myself except for maybe the body panels.

I'll use a Miata 1.8L as the donor for the engine/trans/axle/suspension/electronics. All that would be left is building the frame/body and swapping the parts. There's more to it than that, sure, but I'm not expecting to have it done in a month

[Jeffy]

Nah, they cost too much. I can't spend $25,000+ on it. I could build a Locost 7 for less than $10,000. I'd be doing all the work myself except for maybe the body panels.

I'll use a Miata 1.8L as the donor for the engine/trans/axle/suspension/electronics.

You can build a Caterham 7 from parts as well...

[Sine Deviance]

You can build a Caterham 7 from parts as well...

The Locost 7 and the Caterham 7 are the same car. They're both based on the Lotus 7. The difference is that you build a Locost 7 and you buy a Caterham 7.