Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Build

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Build jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep CJ5 holds a legendary status among off-road enthusiasts and classic vehicle collectors alike. Known for its rugged simplicity, go-anywhere capability, and iconic design, the CJ5 has earned its place as a quintessential American automotive icon. However, decades of adventure, exposure to the elements, and the rigors of off-road trails often take their toll, leaving many original CJ5 bodies riddled with rust, dents, and structural fatigue. This is where the hunt for a "Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist" becomes a pivotal step for countless restoration projects, custom builds, and much-needed repairs.

Searching for a replacement tub on Craigslist isn’t just about finding a piece of metal; it’s about unearthing the foundation upon which your dream Jeep will be built. It’s a cost-effective alternative to expensive new aftermarket tubs and offers the chance to find original parts that maintain the vehicle’s authenticity. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the ins and outs of finding, inspecting, purchasing, and transporting a CJ5 tub from the vast and varied marketplace that is Craigslist, ensuring your restoration journey starts on solid ground.

Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Build

Why Craigslist is Your Go-To for a CJ5 Tub

Craigslist, despite its sometimes-rough-around-the-edges reputation, remains an unparalleled resource for finding specific, often vintage, automotive parts. For a Jeep CJ5 tub, it offers several distinct advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Used tubs on Craigslist are typically significantly cheaper than new aftermarket replacements or tubs sourced from dedicated restoration shops. This can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, freeing up budget for other critical components.
• Local Availability: Craigslist is geographically oriented, allowing you to search for tubs within a reasonable driving distance. This eliminates hefty shipping costs and the logistical headaches associated with freighting large, bulky items.
• Immediate Availability: Unlike ordering new parts which might have lead times, a tub listed on Craigslist is usually available for immediate pickup once a deal is struck.
• Variety of Conditions: You’ll find tubs in every conceivable condition, from rust-free gems pulled from arid climates to project-grade tubs requiring extensive bodywork. This allows you to choose a tub that matches your budget, skill level, and restoration goals.
• Opportunity for Negotiation: Private sellers on Craigslist are often more open to negotiation than commercial vendors, potentially allowing you to secure an even better deal.

Understanding the CJ5 Tub: What to Look For

Before you dive into the listings, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of the CJ5 tub itself. While the CJ5 ran from 1955 to 1983, there were significant changes over its production run that affect tub interchangeability and features.

• Early CJ5 (1955-1971): These tubs are narrower and shorter, often referred to as "short nose" CJs. They typically feature a flatter cowl, different dash configurations, and unique windshield frame mounting points compared to later models.



• Late CJ5 (1972-1983): These are wider and longer to accommodate AMC engines. They have a more pronounced "dog leg" cowl, different firewall stamping, and wider fender wells. The dash design also evolved significantly.

Key Areas to Inspect for Rust and Damage:

Regardless of the year, certain areas are notorious for rust and damage:

• Floor Pans: Especially under the driver and passenger seats, and around the transmission tunnel. Years of water, mud, and debris collect here.
• Body Mounts: Where the tub bolts to the frame. These are critical for structural integrity.
• Rear Wheel Wells: Prone to rust from road spray and mud accumulation.
• Tailgate Opening and Corners: Water often pools here, leading to rust.
• Cowl and Windshield Frame Mounting Points: Rust here can be particularly challenging to repair, impacting windshield stability.
• Footwells: The area where your feet rest, often rusts from moisture brought in by shoes.
• Underneath the Roll Bar Mounts: If a roll bar was installed, these areas can trap moisture.
• Bondo and Patchwork: Look for signs of previous, often poorly executed, repairs. Run a magnet over suspicious areas; if it doesn’t stick, it’s likely Bondo.

Navigating Craigslist: Finding the Right Tub

Finding the perfect CJ5 tub on Craigslist requires a strategic approach:

1. Keywords are King: Use a variety of search terms: "Jeep CJ5 tub," "CJ5 body," "Jeep body tub," "CJ5 tub body," "Willys tub" (for early models).
2. Filter by Location: Start with your local area and gradually expand your search radius. Remember, a tub is large and heavy, so distance directly impacts logistics.
3. Check Multiple Categories: While "Auto Parts" is obvious, also check "Heavy Equipment," "Farm & Garden," or even "Free Stuff" (you never know!).
4. Set Up Alerts: Many third-party apps or services allow you to set up email alerts for new Craigslist postings matching your keywords. This ensures you’re among the first to see new listings.
5. Be Patient but Quick: Good deals go fast. If you see a promising listing, contact the seller immediately.

Inspecting a Used CJ5 Tub: A Hands-On Guide

This is arguably the most critical step. Never buy a tub sight unseen. Bring the following:

• Flashlight: To peer into dark corners and under supports.
• Magnet: Essential for detecting Bondo or excessive body filler.
• Tape Measure: To confirm dimensions and verify it’s the correct CJ5 tub.
• Small Pry Bar/Screwdriver: To gently probe suspicious areas (with seller’s permission).
• Camera/Smartphone: To take detailed photos for later reference or to share with an expert.

During the Inspection:

1. Overall Impression: Does it look straight? Are the body lines reasonably aligned?
2. Rust Assessment: Systematically check all common rust areas mentioned above. Pay close attention to the structural integrity of body mounts and the frame connection points.
3. Previous Repairs: Look for uneven surfaces, mismatched paint, or thick layers of undercoating that might hide extensive damage or poor repairs. Check the underside for new welds or patched sections.
4. Panel Straightness: Look down the sides and across the cowl. Are there significant dents, ripples, or twists? Minor dents are fixable; major structural twists are far more problematic.
5. Completeness: Does the tub include the firewall, dash, inner fenders, and rear wheel wells? Sometimes the tub is just the shell.
6. Cowl and Windshield Mounts: Ensure these areas are solid, as they are crucial for a proper windshield fit and structural rigidity.
7. Drain Holes: Check if they are clear or if rust has begun around them.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take your time. A thorough inspection can save you immense headaches and costs down the line.

Pricing and Negotiation Strategies

The price of a CJ5 tub can vary wildly based on condition, year, location, and whether it’s steel or fiberglass.

Factors Influencing Price:

• Condition: A rust-free, straight tub will command a premium. A tub needing extensive work will be cheaper.
• Material: Original steel tubs are often more sought after for authenticity, but fiberglass tubs (which don’t rust) can also be desirable.
• Year: Earlier, rarer tubs might be more expensive, but common ’70s models might be more plentiful and thus cheaper.
• Included Parts: Does it come with a dash, steering column, tailgate, fenders, hood, or other components? These add value.
• Seller’s Motivation: Someone needing quick cash might sell for less.

Negotiation Tips:

• Do Your Research: Know what similar tubs are selling for in your area.
• Be Polite and Respectful: A good attitude goes a long way.
• Point Out Flaws (Gently): If you find rust or damage, use it as a basis for a lower offer, but don’t nitpick excessively.
• Offer a Fair Price: Don’t insult the seller with an extremely lowball offer, but always start slightly below your maximum comfortable price.
• Cash is King: Having cash in hand often gives you leverage.
• Be Ready to Walk Away: If the price isn’t right or the tub isn’t what you expected, don’t feel pressured to buy.

Sample Price Range for Jeep CJ5 Tubs on Craigslist (Estimates Only)

Please note: Prices on Craigslist are highly variable based on location, seller urgency, market demand, and specific condition. This table provides estimated ranges for a standalone tub, excluding associated parts like fenders, hood, or tailgate.

| Tub Type/Condition | Steel Tub (Approx. Price Range) | Fiberglass Tub (Approx. Price Range) | Notes/Common Issues |
| :—————– | :—————————— | :———————————– | :———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————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Jeep CJ5 Tub For Sale On Craigslist: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Build

The iconic Jeep CJ5, a true American classic, holds a special place in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and automotive collectors. Its rugged charm, simple mechanics, and unparalleled go-anywhere spirit have solidified its legend. However, the ravages of time, harsh weather, and demanding off-road adventures often leave these venerable Jeeps with battle scars, most notably in the form of rusted, dented, or structurally compromised body tubs. For many owners, the quest for a "Jeep CJ5 tub for sale on Craigslist" isn’t just a search for a replacement part; it’s the foundational step in breathing new life into a beloved classic, embarking on a full restoration, or building a custom off-road monster.

Craigslist, often perceived as a digital garage sale, proves to be an invaluable, often overlooked, resource for sourcing these specific and somewhat rare components. Unlike mass-produced new parts, a used tub from Craigslist can offer authenticity, immediate availability, and significant cost savings. This comprehensive guide aims to arm you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the Craigslist landscape successfully, ensuring you find, inspect, purchase, and transport the ideal CJ5 tub to kickstart or continue your dream build.

Why Craigslist is Your Go-To for a CJ5 Tub

While dedicated parts suppliers and online marketplaces exist, Craigslist offers unique advantages that make it particularly appealing for the discerning CJ5 enthusiast:

• Unbeatable Cost-Effectiveness: The most compelling reason to scour Craigslist is the potential for substantial savings. Used tubs, even those in excellent condition, are typically a fraction of the cost of brand-new aftermarket steel or fiberglass tubs, allowing you to reallocate funds to other critical components of your build.
• Local Availability and Reduced Logistics: Craigslist’s localized nature is a huge boon. Searching within a reasonable radius means you can often pick up the tub yourself, eliminating exorbitant freight shipping costs and the complex logistics of transporting such a large, bulky item over long distances.
• Immediate Gratification: Unlike ordering new parts that might involve manufacturing delays or backorders, a tub listed on Craigslist is usually available for immediate inspection and pickup once a deal is struck, accelerating your project timeline.
• Diverse Range of Conditions: The beauty of Craigslist lies in its variety. You’ll find everything from near-perfect, rust-free tubs from dry climates to project-grade shells requiring extensive fabrication. This spectrum allows you to choose a tub that precisely matches your budget, your welding and bodywork skills, and the ultimate vision for your Jeep.
• Opportunity for Direct Negotiation: Private sellers on Craigslist often have more flexibility on pricing than commercial entities. This opens the door for direct negotiation, potentially allowing you to secure a better deal than a fixed-price listing.

Understanding the CJ5 Tub: What to Look For

Before you even open the Craigslist app, arm yourself with knowledge about the CJ5 tub itself. The CJ5’s lengthy production run (1955-1983) saw several significant design changes, impacting tub interchangeability and features.

• Early CJ5 (1955-1971): These models, often called "short-nose" CJs, feature a narrower and shorter body. Key identifiers include a flatter cowl, a distinct dash layout, and unique mounting points for the windshield frame compared to later versions.
• Late CJ5 (1972-1983): These "long-nose" CJs are wider and longer, designed to accommodate larger AMC engines. They are characterized by a more pronounced "dog-leg" in the cowl, different firewall stampings, and wider rear fender wells. The dash design also evolved significantly over these years. Ensure the tub year matches your frame or that you’re prepared for modifications.

Common Rust and Damage Hotspots to Scrutinize:

Regardless of the vintage, certain areas on a CJ5 tub are notorious for succumbing to rust and damage due to water, mud, and road salt exposure:

• Floor Pans: The areas directly under the driver and passenger seats, as well as around the transmission tunnel, are prime candidates for rot.
• Body Mounts: These critical points where the tub bolts to the frame are essential for structural integrity. Check for severe corrosion or previous makeshift repairs.
• Rear Wheel Wells: Constantly exposed to road spray and mud, these areas frequently rust from the inside out.
• Tailgate Opening and Corners: Water tends to collect in these low spots, leading to perforation.
• Cowl and Windshield Frame Mounting Points: Rust here can be particularly challenging to repair and compromise the stability of your windshield.
• Footwells: The areas where occupants’ feet rest often rust due to moisture carried in by shoes.
• Underneath Roll Bar Mounts: If a roll bar was installed, these reinforced areas can trap moisture and accelerate rust.
• Bondo and Patchwork: Be vigilant for signs of previous, often poorly executed, repairs. A magnet is your best friend here: if it doesn’t stick firmly, it’s likely hiding thick layers of body filler (Bondo) over significant damage.

Navigating Craigslist: Finding the Right Tub

Successful Craigslist hunting requires more than just typing "Jeep CJ5 tub" into the search bar:

1. Vary Your Keywords: Don’t limit yourself. Try "CJ5 body," "Jeep body tub," "Willys tub" (for early models), or even "Jeep parts" to cast a wider net.
2. Strategic Location Filtering: Start your search within your immediate geographical area and gradually expand the radius. Factor in the cost and feasibility of travel and potential U-Haul or trailer rentals for distant finds.
3. Explore Multiple Categories: While "Auto Parts" is the most obvious, also check "Heavy Equipment," "Farm & Garden," or even "Free Stuff" (you might just stumble upon a forgotten gem).
4. Set Up Search Alerts: Utilize third-party apps or RSS feeds that monitor Craigslist and send you email or push notifications when new listings matching your keywords appear. This gives you a competitive edge, as good deals often vanish quickly.
5. Be Patient, But Act Swiftly: The perfect tub might not appear overnight. However, when a promising listing does surface, don’t hesitate. Contact the seller immediately to express serious interest and arrange an inspection.

Inspecting a Used CJ5 Tub: A Hands-On Guide

This is the most critical phase of your purchase. Never buy a tub sight unseen. Always arrange an in-person inspection. Come prepared with a small toolkit:

• Bright Flashlight: To illuminate dark crevices, under supports, and inside channels.
• Strong Magnet: Your primary tool for detecting hidden Bondo or excessive body filler.
• Tape Measure: To confirm dimensions and verify it’s indeed a CJ5 tub, and not a CJ7 or another model.
• Small Pry Bar/Screwdriver: To gently probe suspicious areas (always ask the seller’s permission first).
• Camera/Smartphone: To take detailed photos of all angles, including any damage or areas of concern. These photos can be invaluable for later reference or for consulting with a bodywork expert.

During the Inspection, Follow These Steps:

1. Overall Assessment: Step back and get a general impression. Does the tub look reasonably straight and square? Are the body lines consistent?
2. Systematic Rust Check: Methodically inspect all the common rust areas listed previously. Pay extra attention to the integrity of body mounts and where the tub would connect to the frame. Look for bubbling paint, perforations, or areas where metal feels thin or flaky.
3. Detecting Previous Repairs: Look for uneven surfaces, mismatched paint, or unusually thick layers of undercoating that might be masking extensive damage or shoddy repairs. Run your magnet over any suspicious areas.
4. Panel Straightness: Look down the sides of the tub and across the cowl from different angles. Are there significant dents, ripples, or twists? Minor dents are manageable, but major structural twists are far more complex and costly to rectify.
5. Completeness Check: Does the tub include the firewall, dash, inner fender wells, and rear wheel wells? Some listings might be for a bare shell, impacting the overall value.
6. Cowl and Windshield Mounts: Ensure these areas are solid and free of significant rust or distortion, as they are crucial for proper windshield fit and overall structural rigidity.
7. Drain Holes: Check if they are clear or if rust has started to form around them due to trapped water.

Don’t rush the inspection. Ask the seller questions about the tub’s history, where it came from, and why they’re selling it. A thorough inspection now can save you significant headaches and expenses down the road.

Pricing and Negotiation Strategies

The price of a Jeep CJ5 tub on Craigslist can fluctuate wildly, influenced by condition, geographic location, the specific year, and whether it’s an original steel or aftermarket fiberglass unit.

Key Factors Influencing Price:

• Condition: This is paramount. A rust-free, perfectly straight tub will command the highest price. A tub requiring extensive floor pan replacement or bodywork will be significantly cheaper.
• Material: Original steel tubs are highly sought after by purists for authenticity, often fetching higher prices. Fiberglass tubs, while immune to rust, are generally less expensive unless they are high-quality, pre-finished units.
• Year and Rarity: Rarer early CJ5 tubs (e.g., ’50s-’60s) might carry a premium, while the more common ’70s tubs might be more plentiful and thus more competitively priced.
• Included Parts: Does the sale include a dash, steering column, tailgate, fenders, hood, or other accessories? These additions significantly increase the value.
• Seller’s Motivation: A seller needing quick cash might be more willing to negotiate a lower price.

Effective Negotiation Tips:

• Market Research is Key: Before you make an offer, research what similar tubs in comparable condition are selling for in your region and online.
• Be Polite and Respectful: A positive attitude and respectful demeanor can go a long way in securing a deal.
• Gently Point Out Flaws: If you identify rust, dents, or signs of previous repairs, use these as a basis for a lower offer, but avoid being overly critical or insulting.
• Offer a Fair, Yet Strategic, Price: Don’t lowball excessively, but always start slightly below your maximum comfortable price, leaving room for a counter-offer.
• Cash is King: Having cash in hand often gives you significant leverage, as it signifies serious intent and simplifies the transaction for the seller.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: If the price isn’t right, the tub isn’t as advertised, or you feel pressured, don’t hesitate to politely decline the purchase. There will always be another tub.

Sample Price Range for Jeep CJ5 Tubs on Craigslist (Estimates Only)

Please Note: These are estimated price ranges based on typical Craigslist listings and general market conditions. Actual prices will vary significantly based on specific location, seller’s urgency, and the exact condition of the tub. Always inspect in person and negotiate.

Tub Type/Condition	Original Steel Tub (Estimated Range)	Fiberglass Tub (Estimated Range)	Notes/Common Considerations