Used Jeep CJ7 Tub For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Restoration

Used Jeep CJ7 Tub For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Restoration jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep CJ7 stands as an undeniable icon in automotive history, a symbol of rugged adventure, timeless design, and unparalleled off-road capability. For enthusiasts and restorers, bringing a CJ7 back to its former glory, or even better, is a passion project unlike any other. Central to many of these ambitious undertakings is the hunt for a sound "tub" – the main body shell that defines the vehicle. A used Jeep CJ7 tub for sale isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s the very foundation upon which dreams of trail-blazing and classic car showstopper status are built.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about navigating the market for a used CJ7 tub. From understanding its importance and identifying a good candidate to the nuances of purchase and the subsequent restoration process, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and embark on your CJ7 journey with confidence.

Used Jeep CJ7 Tub For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Foundation for Your Restoration

The Enduring Appeal of the Jeep CJ7

Introduced in 1976 as a more refined, comfortable, and slightly longer successor to the CJ5, the Jeep CJ7 quickly captured the hearts of a generation. Its wider track offered improved stability, and features like available automatic transmissions and hardtops made it more accessible for daily driving, without sacrificing its legendary off-road prowess. Though production ceased in 1986, the CJ7’s robust build, simple mechanics, and distinctive styling have ensured its place as a coveted classic. Today, its cult following remains strong, driving a vibrant market for parts and restoration projects, with the tub often being the most critical and challenging component to source.

Why Buy a Used CJ7 Tub? Benefits & Considerations

When undertaking a CJ7 restoration, you essentially have three options for the body: repair your existing tub, buy a new aftermarket tub, or purchase a used original tub. Each has its merits, but opting for a used CJ7 tub often strikes a balance between cost, authenticity, and availability.

Benefits:

• Cost-Effectiveness: A used tub, even one requiring some work, is typically more affordable than a brand-new aftermarket replacement. This can significantly reduce the overall budget for your restoration project.
• Authenticity: For purists, an original used steel tub maintains the vehicle’s historical integrity. While new aftermarket tubs are excellent, they might lack the subtle nuances or exact stamping of a factory original.



• Availability: While finding a perfect used tub can be challenging, the sheer volume of CJ7s produced means there are still many tubs out there, often salvaged from vehicles with irreparable frame damage or powertrain issues.
• Starting Point: Even a tub with some rust can serve as an excellent starting point for a restoration, allowing you to learn valuable bodywork and welding skills.

Considerations & Challenges:

• Rust: This is the primary enemy of any vintage vehicle, and CJ7 tubs are no exception. Expect some level of rust, especially in common problem areas.
• Hidden Damage: What appears to be minor surface rust can often conceal extensive corrosion or previous shoddy repairs underneath layers of paint or body filler.
• Shipping Costs: Tubs are large, bulky items. Shipping them across states or even within the same region can be surprisingly expensive, often adding hundreds, if not over a thousand, dollars to the total cost.
• Inspection Difficulty: Unless you can inspect the tub in person, relying on photos and seller descriptions carries inherent risks.

What to Look For: Inspecting a Used CJ7 Tub (How-to Guide)

Thorough inspection is paramount when considering a used CJ7 tub. A quick glance is not enough. Here’s a detailed guide on what to scrutinize:

1. Critical Rust Areas: These are the most common spots for significant rust and structural compromise:

   • Floorboards: Especially under the driver and passenger footwells, and the rear cargo area. Check for soft spots, bubbling, or outright holes.
   • Body Mounts/Frame Mounts: The points where the tub bolts to the frame are critical. Rust here compromises the tub’s structural integrity and its connection to the chassis. Look at all seven mounting points.
   • Rocker Panels: The long panels below the doors are highly susceptible to rust due to road spray and trapped moisture.
   • Rear Corners: Where the rear quarter panels meet the tailgate opening, rust often forms due to water accumulation.
   • Firewall: Check around the heater box, master cylinder, and steering column openings for rust, especially if fluid leaks were present.
   • Windshield Frame Mounts: The cowl area where the windshield frame attaches. This area can rust out, making windshield attachment difficult.

2. Signs of Trouble:

   • Perforation: Any visible holes are a red flag, indicating significant rust.
   • Bubbling Paint/Bondo: These are classic signs of rust lurking underneath or attempts to conceal previous damage or poor repairs. Bring a small magnet; it won’t stick to body filler.
   • Poorly Done Repairs: Look for crude welds, excessive overlap of patch panels, or thick layers of undercoating that might be hiding issues.
   • Alignment Issues: While harder to spot on a bare tub, look for any obvious signs of collision damage, such as bent sections, ripples, or non-square corners.

3. Tools to Bring (for in-person inspection):

   • Flashlight: Essential for peering into dark crevices and under the tub.
   • Small Hammer or Rubber Mallet: Gently tap suspect areas. A solid sound is good; a dull thud or crunch indicates rust or bondo.
   • Magnet: As mentioned, use it to check for bondo over metal.
   • Camera/Smartphone: Take detailed photos of any issues, and for your records.

4. Documentation: If a VIN is present on the tub (usually on the firewall), verify it matches any documentation the seller provides. Take photos of the VIN for your records.

Types of Used CJ7 Tubs Available

While the focus is on "used," it’s helpful to understand the distinctions in the market:

• Original Steel Tubs: These are the most authentic. They offer the true CJ7 feel and are preferred by purists. However, they are highly prone to rust, and finding one in excellent condition without significant prior repairs is increasingly rare and costly. Most will require some level of rust remediation.
• Used Fiberglass Tubs: Some aftermarket manufacturers produced fiberglass CJ7 tubs. These are rust-proof and lighter. If you find a used one, inspect it for cracks, stress fractures (especially around mounting points), and previous repairs. Fiberglass repairs are different from steel but often easier for the DIY enthusiast. They offer a different "feel" than steel but are a viable, rust-free alternative.
• New Aftermarket Steel Tubs: While not "used," these are often considered by buyers who can’t find a suitable used original. They are brand new, rust-free, and designed to fit the CJ7 frame. They offer a benchmark for condition and price against which used tubs can be compared.

The Buying Process: Where to Find and How to Purchase

Finding the right tub requires patience and a broad search strategy.

1. Where to Look:

   • Online Marketplaces: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace are common starting points. Use specific search terms like "Jeep CJ7 tub," "CJ7 body," or "CJ7 frame."
   • Specialized Jeep Forums & Classifieds: Websites like JeepForum.com, Pirate4x4.com, or dedicated CJ-specific forums often have classified sections where enthusiasts sell parts. These communities can also offer valuable advice.
   • Salvage Yards/Auto Recyclers: Old-school salvage yards, particularly those specializing in 4x4s, can be goldmines. Call ahead to check inventory.
   • Jeep Restoration Shops: Many shops accumulate parts during builds or may have tubs on hand for sale.
   • Dedicated Parts Suppliers: Some companies specialize in vintage Jeep parts and might occasionally have used tubs, though they often focus on new aftermarket.

2. Negotiation Tips:

   • Know Your Value: Research recent sales of similar tubs to establish a fair market price range.
   • Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don’t feel pressured to buy if the tub doesn’t meet your criteria or the price is too high.
   • Highlight Flaws: Politely point out any rust or damage you’ve identified to justify a lower offer.

3. Logistics: Shipping vs. Local Pickup:

   • Local Pickup: Always the preferred option if feasible, as it allows for in-person inspection and eliminates shipping costs. Bring a large trailer or flatbed.
   • Shipping: If shipping, get a firm quote before committing to the purchase. Freight shipping for a tub can range from $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on distance and carrier. Ensure the seller is willing to properly crate or palletize the tub for transport. Ask for photos of the packed tub before shipment.

4. Payment Safety: For large purchases, consider using secure payment methods. If buying remotely, an escrow service can provide an added layer of protection, though this adds cost. For local pickup, cash is common, but always meet in a safe, public location.

Restoration & Preparation: What Comes Next

Once you’ve acquired your used CJ7 tub, the real work begins. Here’s a brief overview of the typical steps:

1. Media Blasting: Highly recommended. Sandblasting or media blasting (e.g., walnut shells, plastic beads) will strip away all old paint, rust, and body filler, revealing the true condition of the metal.
2. Rust Repair & Fabrication: This is often the most time-consuming step. Cut out all rusted metal and weld in new patch panels or replacement sections (available from aftermarket suppliers). Ensure welds are strong and grinded smooth.
3. Bodywork: Address any dents, dings, or imperfections. Use minimal body filler where necessary to achieve a smooth surface.
4. Primer & Paint: Apply a high-quality epoxy primer for rust prevention, followed by filler primer, block sanding, and finally, your chosen topcoat.
5. Undercoating/Rust Prevention: Apply a durable undercoating to the underside of the tub and inside the wheel wells to protect against future rust. Consider cavity wax for internal sections.

Price Table: Used Jeep CJ7 Tub For Sale (Estimates)

The price of a used CJ7 tub varies wildly based on condition, material, and geographic location. The following table provides a general estimate for tubs found in the current market. These prices typically do not include shipping.

Condition Category	Material	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Key Notes
Poor/Rusty	Original Steel	$300 – $800	Significant rust, holes in floor/rockers, likely needs extensive welding and panel replacement. Best for experienced fabricators.
Fair/Repairable	Original Steel	$800 – $1,800	Moderate rust in common areas (floor, rockers, rear corners), but generally solid body mounts and firewall. Requires considerable work.
Good/Minimal Rust	Original Steel	$1,800 – $3,500	Minor surface rust, solid structure. May need small patch panels or minor bodywork. Ready for media blasting and paint prep.
Excellent/Restored	Original Steel	$3,500 – $6,000+	Already media blasted, rust-free, repaired, and often primed. Near-show quality, ready for final paint. Very rare finds.
Used Fiberglass (Fair)	Fiberglass	$1,000 – $2,500	May have minor cracks, stress fractures, or old repairs. Rust-proof, but check for structural integrity.
Used Fiberglass (Good)	Fiberglass	$2,500 – $4,000+	Solid, minor blemishes, no major structural damage. Ready for prep and paint.

Disclaimer: These are estimates. Actual prices depend heavily on seller, location, market demand, and the specific nuances of each tub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a Jeep YJ tub on a CJ7 frame?
A: Yes, it is possible, but it is not a direct bolt-on. The YJ tub is wider and has different body mount locations, requiring modifications to both the tub and potentially the frame to fit properly. This is a common conversion for those seeking a rust-free starting point but requires fabrication skills.

Q: What’s the average cost of shipping a CJ7 tub?
A: Shipping costs vary significantly based on distance, carrier, and whether it’s residential or commercial delivery. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more for freight shipping within the contiguous U.S. Always get a firm quote from the seller or a freight company before buying.

Q: Is a fiberglass tub better than a steel tub?
A: Each has pros and cons. Fiberglass tubs are rust-proof, lighter, and often easier to repair for DIYers (no welding required). However, they can feel less "solid," may flex more, and some purists prefer the original steel. Steel tubs are heavier, prone to rust, and require welding for repairs, but offer original authenticity and rigidity.

Q: How much rust is too much when buying a used tub?
A: If the rust has compromised critical structural areas like the body mounts, frame rails (if attached), or extensive sections of the firewall and floor, the cost and effort of repair might exceed the value of the tub or even a new aftermarket tub. If the tub is severely warped or has been in a major accident, it’s often not worth salvaging.

Q: Do used tubs typically come with doors, a tailgate, or a windshield frame?
A: Usually, a "tub" refers to the bare body shell only. Doors, tailgates, and windshield frames are almost always sold separately or as part of a complete parts vehicle. Always clarify with the seller exactly what is included.

Conclusion

The pursuit of a used Jeep CJ7 tub for sale is a journey that requires patience, a keen eye, and a solid understanding of what you’re looking for. While challenges like rust and shipping logistics are inherent to the process, the reward of finding a suitable foundation for your beloved CJ7 is immense. By meticulously inspecting potential candidates, understanding the market, and planning for the subsequent restoration work, you’ll be well on your way to breathing new life into an automotive legend. Your meticulously restored CJ7, built from the ground up, will not only be a testament to your dedication but also a cherished vehicle ready for countless adventures on and off the beaten path.