Restored and in good to excellent condition!!!!!

  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Jeep
  • Model: CJ
  • SubModel: LAREDO
  • Type: Convertible
  • Trim: CJ7 LAREDO
  • Year: 1981
  • Mileage: 47,669
  • VIN: 1JCCM87A2BT054673
  • Color: Black
  • Engine size: Inline 6, 4.2L 258, with Weber carb
  • Number of cylinders: 6
  • Power options: Air Conditioning
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: 4WD
  • Interior color: Black
  • Options: Bluetooth, 4-Wheel Drive, CD Player, Convertible, Leather Seats
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Interested? Contact seller!

1981 Jeep CJ LAREDO Description

This is your chance to own a classic CJ7. If you are like me, you've loved the CJ7s and finding one in good condition is next to impossible. First - why am I selling?!? It's simple - I just don't drive it. My job takes a lot of time and energy - when I bought it I thought I would use it more but I don't. I also live in Nebraska, an area where they put salt on the roads in the winter and this thing has been someone's baby it's entire life. From what I can tell it spent years in Texas, and the previous owner to me had it in the Lake of the Ozarks (Missouri). I DO NOT drive it at all in the winter, nor has it been off roaded much (not at all since I've owned it, but can't say for sure for previous owners) - so I try to keep it in good condition. I've owned it for nearly 1.5 years. So while it's a blast to drive in the summer, it just sits in the garage a lot of the year. It's purely been a pavement princess when the previous owner and I have owned it - he had it for 5 years before me. Most of the history quoted below is per the previous owner, except any mileage and time quotes which I have updated to present day and mileage.
This is a BEAUTIFUL, professionally restored jeep. The restore was performed approximately 6 years ago by a professional firm in Texas. This was a complete restore, it was not a frame off restore. The engine was completely rebuilt and has almost 20,000 miles since rebuild/restoration. The jeep was painted during the restoration to match it's factory original black color (it's nick name is Black Betty). This jeep was an ORIGINAL Laredo, don't be fooled by standard jeeps that have been restored and called a Laredo. This jeep was restored to it's factory original state with the following upgrades:
-Mickey Thompson rims 3.5 years ago-Bridgestone Dueler A/T 31x10.5xR15 3.5 years ago, with at least 90% tread remaining-Padded, locking center console-Alphine Stereo CD/USB/Bluetooth-Hertz Speakers, include dash and rear speakers-All dash gauges new except large center speedometer gauge. All gauges work except one of the hands on the clock fell off (it's still in the clock and clock still works).-New carpet-Front and rear seats new - NO tears or rips-YJ suspension and springs (much smoother ride and drive)-Duracoat spray complete underside, frame, and inside of jeep tub.-Factory air conditioning, but I've never used it. I think it may need a new belt and re-charged (I've always had the doors off in the summer anyway).
Since I've owned (approx 1.5 years) I've done the following:-Tune up-New muffler-New rear brakes (including new drums) and rear axle seals-New rear pinion seal-Rear differential serviced-Regularly serviced
This jeep has been professionally maintained before me and since I've owned. I will give you the receipts I have since I've owned it. It's been garaged all the time, except when it's on the occasional weekend or camping trip in the summer. The previous owner and I can vouch that we've never driven off road or in snow. It is 99% rust free with the exception of a rust spot on the driver's door by the window (shown in picture #8). There is a small paint bubble on the right side front quarter panel, but I don't believe it's rust and rather a paint imperfection (can't get a great picture of it). There is no rust anywhere on the tube or frame. The bracket holding the front grill guard has some surface rust it appears.
The odometers says 48,026 (minor miles will accumulate if I drive it). Know it's an exempt vehicle so MILEAGE IS UNKNOWN since it doesn't have to be reported. If I had to guess, based on the fact it's been rebuilt I would say it's actually 148,026 miles. But I honestly cannot tell you for sure.
Attention that may be needed-Rear main engine seal and oil pan seeps oil. I've just added a quart of oil here and there rather than spend $700-$800 for labor to replace $25.00 in parts, it's not a terrible leak. I do watch oil levels if I drive it on a road trip and usually have to add a quart about every 400-500 miles, mainly from the rear main leaking.-Front drive shaft in 4x4 slips a little, needs rebuilt probably, but I never use the 4x4 so just haven't done it.-A very small radiator leak out of a hose - I think it just needs a new hose, it never leaks when it's warm.-There are just various very small leaks from things like a transfer case seal, oil pan. THESE ARE NOT MAJOR. I've just been addressing them over time. Anyone who knows engines and old jeeps knows it's typical due to the age of the seals. I have my mechanic tell me every time I have it in if it's time to address any of these seals due to the cost/benefit of labor involved. I have a very detailed list that I will give to any buyer or serious prospective buyer.-Windshield wipers can be a bit temperamental. I never drive it in the rain so just haven't had looked at. -Just know I'm a little bit of a perfectionist even with an old vehicle so if I felt it needed fixed I spent the money with a professional mechanic as did the previous owner.-Seal around back window on hard top has separated, mainly because the hinges have pulled on it. Window still works fine and the previous owner made an attempt to rebuild the hinges. It leaks a little water if you wash it. Window may need replaced at some point but ok for now (you don't need the hard top if it's warm anyway).
This jeep runs awesome. It drives perfect in the city or down the interstate at 70 MPH. It's not going to be a street racer - the inline 6 can leave a little to be desired in the power arena. But it runs solid. The Weber carb was added during the restore which enhances power. Like any carbureted engine, you have to pump the gas pedal some if it's been sitting to get it started especially in the winter. One thing the Weber carbs are known for is losing their prime after sitting and this jeep is no exception with this set up (Google it and you get a ton of jeep owners saying this). I've never had it not start even after sitting in the cold for weeks, all it takes is about 10-15 pumps, no manual priming, jumping, etc. needed and once it's started then the Weber makes up for this in performance. It will also throw off just a little black carbon after it's been sitting as older engines do.
This is an excellent condition, great running, reliable jeep. I drive it to work in the summer on nice days (with the doors off of course) so I trust it a lot. I can't take it anywhere without people stopping and asking about it - even at stop lights!!! The jeep is available for local inspection by a serious bidder, or by a professional firm at the bidder's arrangement and expense at my house or a mutually agreed upon shop/location.
Clear title is in my hand and ready for transfer. Buyer is required to provide a $500 PayPal deposit within 48 hours of auction, and MUST wire or overnight funds to me within 7 days. I WILL NOT release title or jeep until full payment is made, but I have references and ways you can confirm I am legitimate for anyone concerned about sending funds before taking delivery - bottom line I will not take advantage of anyone. Upon payment of full price I will IMMEDIATELY send yo a PDF copy of the title and overnight it and a bill of sale to your address at my cost. As for shipping the jeep, buyer is responsible for pickup or to arrange shipping at buyer's expense. I do work for a very well respected Fortune 500 transportation company which has a subsidiary that ships cars so I can help assist with contacting a company if desired as I know their customer service manager personally. I will deliver the jeep to a mutually agreed location if vehicle is to be shipped.
No questions are off limits - I'm looking for someone who will drive this and treat it with the respect it has had and deserves. THIS IS NOT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE but it is a classic so please make sure your expectations are set accordingly. It will need routine maintenance to remain in solid condition, but it makes up for it in how sweet it is to drive! I've tried to detail anything mechanical that might even remotely needed, and you are welcome to contact the nationally recognized and respected firm I've used for the past year to work on it. It's tough to sell but it deserves to be driven more. Thank you for your interest in my jeep, and please message me with ANY questions or if you desire further information. Thanks!