looks like I killed it ... '98 TJ

gkainz · Post by **gkainz** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 11:24 am

The last stupid snews/ice crap last March? ... drove the TJ down to Parker to the office ... tiptoed my way all the way down to I-25 from 470 without incident, only to be one of 4 or 5 who found the black ice on 25. Put the driver's side front bumper into the concrete barrier, then swapped ends and put the driver's side back bumper into the same barrier. Finally got it to a shop who said they would give it a 50/50 chance that the frame table would probably pull the frame apart before getting it straight.

I don't have time to work on it any more ... so what do you all think something like this would fetch as a project for someone younger and more enthused?

'98 TJ 2.5l 5 speed, 73k miles

Willie G · Post by **Willie G** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 11:32 am

Frame swap.

Not easy for a beginner, but not Pro-level, either. Do a little bit when you have time and don't rush.

No need to get rid of your faithful ride.

To answer your question more directly, the 2.5L will hurt the value but things are insane right now - so, who knows?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 12:33 pm

First off, sorry to hear. Accidents sucks.

Have you figured out it's value to you? If not, that might be a decent place to start.

Do you have any photos? Specs besides what's listed? What is in good condition and what isn't?

It's hard to evaluate it without the whole scope.

gkainz · Post by **gkainz** » Wed Jul 21, 2021 1:28 pm

Thanks, Aaron. Honesty I don’t really know a value. I got a good deal on it a number of years ago and have just enjoyed it.

Basic TJ, 2” lift with tcase drop. Soft top.
31” tires (spare is a 32 with 0 miles)
15" Gambler wheels from later model.
The accident pushed the fan shroud into the fan and broke the shroud loose, and the coolant recovery bottle mount as well. Engine seems unaffected and runs normally.

Interior clean with some cracks in the vinyl seats. Armrest on the console (aftermarket) is torn/worn/shot.
rear seat
overhead sound bar (not installed)
towbar with shackle attachments
a couple of trail covers, bikini top

A little surface rust around headlights but generally clean (until the Jersey barrier jumped out to meet us!)

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:13 pm

Kinda lost track of this thread and forgot to reply. Do you ever come to a resolution with this?

gkainz · Post by **gkainz** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:56 pm

Thanks for asking. Hopefully I’ve got a deal working. We finally hired a landscape company to rescue a major project I started way too long ago and couldn’t finish due to a back injury. The landscaper’s eyes lit up when he saw the jeep, so I’m negotiating a jeep swap as part of the landscape job.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 9:27 pm

Hope that works out for everyone!