Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Guide to Reviving a Classic

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Guide to Reviving a Classic jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep CJ5 holds an almost mythical status among off-road enthusiasts and classic vehicle collectors. Its rugged simplicity, iconic design, and legendary go-anywhere capability have cemented its place in automotive history. For many, owning a CJ5 is a dream, and for others, it’s a lifelong passion of restoration and modification. However, these vehicles are decades old, and one of the most common adversaries they face is rust, particularly in their body tubs. This is where the concept of finding a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist becomes not just a possibility, but often a necessity for those looking to breathe new life into a beloved classic.

A Jeep CJ5 tub is essentially the entire body shell of the vehicle, encompassing the floorboards, firewall, inner fenders, and passenger compartment structure. It’s the foundation upon which all other components are built, and its condition is paramount to the safety, aesthetics, and structural integrity of the entire Jeep. Whether you’re undertaking a full frame-off restoration, repairing significant rust damage, or embarking on a custom build, acquiring a suitable tub is often the first major hurdle. Craigslist, with its hyper-local and direct-to-consumer marketplace, has emerged as a surprisingly vital resource for locating these critical components, offering both incredible deals and unique challenges for the discerning buyer.

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Guide to Reviving a Classic

Understanding the Jeep CJ5 Tub: The Heart of a Legend

The Jeep CJ5, produced from 1955 to 1983, underwent various iterations, but its core body tub design remained largely consistent, albeit with minor changes over the years (e.g., changes to fender wells, firewall configurations, and dashboard layouts). These tubs were constructed from steel, and over decades of exposure to elements, road salt, and off-road adventures, they are highly susceptible to corrosion.

Common rust hotspots on a CJ5 tub include the floorboards (especially under the seats and footwells), the hat channels (the structural supports running underneath the floor), the rear corners, the cowl area where the windshield mounts, and the battery tray area. Beyond rust, tubs can also suffer from accident damage, previous poor repairs, or simply the wear and tear of a hard life. For many restorers, repairing extensive rust can be more time-consuming and expensive than sourcing a replacement tub, making the search for a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist a critical step in their project.

Why Buy a CJ5 Tub on Craigslist? Advantages and Appeal

Opting to search for a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist comes with several compelling advantages that make it a popular choice for many enthusiasts:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Tubs found on Craigslist are often significantly cheaper than new aftermarket tubs or having a professional body shop undertake extensive rust repair. You’re typically buying directly from another enthusiast or a wrecker, cutting out retail markups.
• Local Availability and No Shipping Costs: One of the biggest hurdles with large vehicle parts is shipping. Craigslist allows you to search within your local area, eliminating exorbitant freight costs and the logistical nightmare of transporting a large, awkward item. You can pick it up yourself, often with a rented trailer or flatbed.



• Opportunity for Originality: While new aftermarket tubs are available, some purists prefer to find an original factory tub to maintain authenticity. Craigslist provides a platform to discover these original components, sometimes even from specific year ranges or with unique factory features.
• Variety of Conditions: You’ll find a spectrum of tubs on Craigslist – from heavily rusted "project tubs" that require extensive work but are very cheap, to "driver quality" tubs needing minor repairs, all the way to professionally restored or nearly rust-free examples. This variety allows buyers to choose a tub that matches their budget, skill level, and project scope.
• Direct Seller Interaction: You can communicate directly with the seller, ask detailed questions, and often get a better sense of the tub’s history and condition than you might from a large parts supplier.

Navigating Craigslist: Your How-To Guide for Finding the Right Tub

Finding the perfect Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist requires a methodical approach and a keen eye.

1. Searching Effectively:

   
   • Keywords: Use variations like "Jeep CJ5 tub," "CJ5 body," "CJ5 tub," "Willys CJ5 tub," or "Jeep body tub." You might also include year ranges like "1976 CJ5 tub."
   • Geographical Filters: Always set your search radius. Start broad and narrow it down as needed to find local listings.
   • Alerts: Some Craigslist alternatives or third-party apps allow you to set up email alerts for new listings matching your criteria, so you don’t miss out.

2. Initial Contact: Once you find a promising listing, send a polite, detailed inquiry. Ask for:

   • More photos (especially of common rust areas like the floorboards, hat channels, and rear corners).
   • The reason for selling.
   • Its history (e.g., garaged, outdoor storage, accident history).
   • If it includes any additional components (firewall, dash, cowl, etc.).
   • The general location for a viewing.

3. Scheduling a Viewing: This is non-negotiable. Never buy a tub sight unseen, especially from Craigslist. Arrange a time during daylight hours.

4. What to Bring:

   • Flashlight: To inspect dark corners and underneath the tub.
   • Magnet: To detect areas filled with Bondo (body filler). If the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s filler, not metal.
   • Camera/Smartphone: To take your own detailed photos for later review or to send to an expert.
   • Tape Measure: To check dimensions and straightness, particularly around door openings.
   • Knowledgeable Friend: If you’re not an expert in CJ5 bodywork, bring someone who is.
   • Cash: If you plan to buy on the spot, having cash can give you leverage in negotiations.

Critical Inspection Points: What to Look For Before You Buy

When you arrive to inspect a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist, be thorough. This is where you separate a good deal from a money pit.

• Rust Hotspots:
  • Floorboards: Especially the front footwells, under the seats, and where the floor meets the firewall. Look for thin spots, holes, and bubbling paint.
  • Hat Channels: These are crucial. They run front-to-back under the tub and connect to the frame. They trap moisture and often rust from the inside out. Tap them to hear for solid metal versus a hollow or crunchy sound.
  • Rear Corners: Where the tub curves down to meet the frame at the back.
  • Cowl and Windshield Frame Mounts: Check for rust where the windshield frame attaches and drains.
  • Firewall: Around the steering column, pedal mounts, and battery tray.
• Previous Repairs/Bondo: Use your magnet liberally. Look for uneven surfaces, mismatched paint, or thick layers of undercoating that might be hiding problems.
• Structural Integrity: Check the mounting points where the tub attaches to the frame. Ensure they are solid and not ripped or heavily rusted. Look for cracks or stress points, especially around the body mounts and roll bar mounts.
• Straightness/Accident Damage: Step back and look down the sides of the tub. Are they straight? Are the door openings square? Are the fender wells symmetrical? Uneven gaps or ripples could indicate accident damage.
• Completeness: Does the tub include the firewall, dash support, inner fenders, and cowl? Are any small, hard-to-find brackets or mounting points still present?
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): While the primary VIN is typically on the frame, some tubs might have partial VINs or body tags. If present, ensure it matches any advertised information. Be aware of local regulations regarding VINs if you’re swapping a tub.

Types of CJ5 Tubs You Might Find: Condition Categories

When browsing for a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist, you’ll encounter a range of conditions, each with its own price point and required effort:

• Rust Bucket / Project Tub: These are the cheapest, often found for a few hundred dollars. They will have significant rust in multiple areas, requiring extensive cutting, welding, and fabrication. Ideal for experienced welders, fabricators, or those on a very tight budget with a lot of time.
• Driver Quality Tub: These tubs are usable but will have some rust or minor damage that needs attention. They might have small holes in the floor, minor dents, or surface rust. Expect to pay $800 – $2000. Suitable for someone looking for a solid foundation that doesn’t require a full ground-up restoration.
• Restored / Ready-to-Paint Tub: These are the most expensive, often professionally repaired, media-blasted, and primed. They are almost ready for paint and reassembly. Prices can range from $2000 – $5000+. While more expensive upfront, they save significant time and specialized labor.
• Aftermarket Tubs: Occasionally, you’ll see listings for brand new steel or fiberglass aftermarket tubs on Craigslist. These offer a rust-free solution but lack originality. They are generally priced similarly to fully restored original tubs ($2500 – $6000+).

Pricing Your CJ5 Tub: What to Expect and How to Negotiate

The price of a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist varies wildly based on its condition, completeness, location (demand and availability), and the seller’s motivation.

Estimated Price Range for Jeep CJ5 Tubs on Craigslist:

Condition Category	Description	Estimated Price Range	Pros	Cons	Target Buyer
Rust Bucket / Project	Extensive rust, holes in floor/channels, dents. Requires significant welding and fabrication.	$200 – $800	Very low cost, good for parts, learning experience.	Massive time investment, requires advanced welding/fabrication skills, potential for hidden issues.	Experienced fabricator, DIY enthusiast with full workshop.
Driver Quality	Moderate rust/damage in common areas (e.g., small floor holes, surface rust, minor dents). Usable with focused repairs.	$800 – $2,000	Good balance of cost and repairable condition. Less work than a rust bucket.	Still requires significant bodywork skills and tools. May have more hidden rust than initially apparent.	Enthusiast with intermediate bodywork skills, budget-conscious restorer.
Restored / Ready-to-Paint	Professionally repaired, media-blasted, primed, minimal to no rust. Ready for final prep and paint.	$2,000 – $5,000+	Saves huge amounts of time and specialized labor. High quality finish.	High upfront cost. May still require minor fitment adjustments. Less control over the restoration process if done by others.	Time-constrained restorer, seeking a high-quality, faster build.
Aftermarket (New Steel/Fiberglass)	Brand new, never rusted. Steel tubs mimic original, fiberglass is lighter. Sometimes listed by local distributors or individuals.	$2,500 – $6,000+	Rust-free, perfect starting point, consistent quality (for new).	Lacks originality, fiberglass requires different repair techniques, potentially higher cost than a good used original tub.	Anyone wanting a completely rust-free build, customizers.

Negotiation Tips:

• Be Polite and Respectful: A good attitude goes a long way.
• Point Out Flaws (Gently): If you find rust or damage not mentioned, use it as a polite reason for a lower offer.
• Have Cash Ready: Showing up with cash in hand demonstrates seriousness and can often secure a better deal.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away: If the price isn’t right, or the tub is worse than advertised, be prepared to move on. There will always be another Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist.

Common Challenges and Solutions

While Craigslist offers unique opportunities, it also presents challenges:

• Misrepresented Condition: Photos can hide a lot. Always, always inspect in person. If you can’t, ask for a video tour and detailed photos of specific areas.
• Transportation: A tub is large and awkward. You’ll need a pickup truck with straps, a flatbed trailer, or a dedicated utility trailer. Plan this in advance.
• Title/VIN Issues: As mentioned, the VIN is primarily on the frame. If you’re swapping a tub, generally no VIN issues arise unless the tub itself has a VIN tag that raises questions. Check your local DMV regulations if unsure.
• Hidden Damage: Even with a thorough inspection, some issues (like rust inside hat channels) can be hard to spot. Factor in a buffer for unexpected repairs.
• Scammers/No-Shows: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Communicate clearly, meet in safe, public places for initial viewings if possible, and trust your gut.

Conclusion

Finding a Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist can be an incredibly rewarding experience for any classic Jeep enthusiast. It offers a direct line to unique finds, potential cost savings, and the satisfaction of rescuing a vital piece of automotive history. However, it’s a process that demands diligence, a keen eye for detail, and a clear understanding of your own restoration capabilities.

By thoroughly researching, inspecting, and negotiating, you can secure the perfect foundation for your next CJ5 project. Whether you’re aiming for a pristine restoration or a rugged off-road beast, the right tub is the crucial first step in bringing that iconic CJ5 back to life, ready for new adventures on and off the beaten path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jeep CJ5 Tubs on Craigslist

Q1: Is the VIN on the CJ5 tub or the frame?
A1: The primary Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a Jeep CJ5 is stamped on the vehicle’s frame, typically on the passenger side near the front wheel. While some tubs might have body tags or partial VINs, the frame VIN is the legal identifier.

Q2: Can I use a CJ7 tub on a CJ5?
A2: Generally, no, not without significant modification. A CJ7 tub is approximately 10 inches longer than a CJ5 tub to accommodate the longer wheelbase of the CJ7. While some advanced fabricators might attempt such a swap, it’s not a direct bolt-on and would require modifying the frame and other components.

Q3: What essential tools should I bring to inspect a tub?
A3: Always bring a strong flashlight to illuminate dark areas, a magnet to detect Bondo (body filler) over rust, and a camera or smartphone to take detailed photos for later review or to send to an expert. A tape measure can also be useful for checking dimensions.

Q4: How do I transport a Jeep CJ5 tub after purchase?
A4: A CJ5 tub is large and relatively heavy (though manageable by two strong people). The safest way is with a flatbed trailer or a large utility trailer. A long-bed pickup truck can work, but ensure the tub is securely strapped down and does not overhang excessively.

Q5: Is it better to buy a rusty tub and repair it, or a more expensive, cleaner one?
A5: This depends entirely on your budget, skill set, and time availability. A rusty tub is cheaper but requires extensive welding, bodywork, and specialized tools. A cleaner, more expensive tub saves significant time and effort, making it ideal if you lack the skills or time for major fabrication. Factor in the cost of your time and potential professional repairs when making this decision.

Q6: Are aftermarket CJ5 tubs better than original tubs?
A6: Aftermarket steel tubs are excellent if you want a completely rust-free starting point and aren’t concerned about absolute originality. They often fit well and are built to modern standards. Original tubs, when in good condition or professionally restored, maintain the historical authenticity and unique character of the CJ5. The "better" choice depends on your specific project goals and priorities.