With so many ways you can turn it into your own unique off-roader, restoring an old Jeep Wrangler can be exciting. You can choose from a number of aftermarket parts to upgrade your ride. However, while some professionals make it look easy, vehicle restoration is anything but. If you’re thinking of restoring your own Jeep, there are a few things you should consider first.
Is Jeep Restoration Worth It?
Restoring a vehicle can be a fulfilling project, but it takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Before you restore your old Jeep Wrangler, it’s best to assess if it’s actually worth it. One way to do so is to compare the cost of restoring a Wrangler versus the cost of buying a restored Jeep. You can start by listing your projected expenses, which can vary depending on the condition of your Jeep. Assessing the pros and cons is also a great place to start.
Pros of Jeep Restoration
Here are the advantages of restoring a Jeep by yourself:
Personalized Vehicle
You’ll have more control if you restore your old Jeep Wrangler by yourself. This means you can customize it according to your own preferences. From body paint to off-road accessories, you can choose what you want.
Cost-Efficient
Buying a restored vehicle can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for classic Jeep models. For example, a restored 1970 Jeep Wrangler can cost anywhere from $27,000 to $84,000. Having someone do the restoration for you can also cost quite a bit. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider restoring the Jeep yourself.
Learning Experience
Restoring a Jeep is a great way to learn more about how cars work. You’ll likely pick up a new skill or learn how to use a new tool.
Preservation of Classic Jeeps
Jeep restoration is so much more than just a DIY project. It’s also an act of preserving a classic vehicle. By restoring an older Jeep model, you’re reconnecting with and reviving a piece of automotive history.
Cons of Jeep Restoration
Before you start your DIY project, here are the disadvantages of Jeep restoration you should also consider:
Time-Consuming
Depending on the state of your Jeep, restoration can take years. It’ll take up a lot of your free time, so you need to be sure if you’re ready to commit to a long-term project like this.
Unexpected Expenses
Buying a restored Jeep Wrangler can be expensive, and that’s because there are a lot of unexpected expenses when it comes to the restoration process. Depending on the model, some parts can cost over $10,000. You also have to hire mechanics who specialize in classic car restoration, and they typically charge $200 per hour.
Technical Knowledge Required
Restoring any vehicle requires more technical knowledge than the average car owner has. If you plan on upgrading the engine, installing an air conditioner (A/C), and adding other accessories, you’ll need the proper tools and know-how, or you might do more harm than good.
Many Challenges
No matter how prepared you are, you’re bound to run into some unexpected setbacks along the way. You might find rust in places you weren’t expecting, or you might struggle to source a specific part.
Are Jeeps Easy To Work On?
It all depends on how you define easy. Compared to other vehicles, most Jeeps are easy to work on because their parts are usually easy to find. However, they can also take up a lot of your time, which some might see as a dealbreaker.
Ultimately, how easy it is to work on a Jeep will depend on you and what you consider to be easy.
Ideas for Your Jeep Restoration Project
When it comes to restoring your Jeep Wrangler, there are so many things you can customize. Here are some ways you can modify your vehicle:
Suspension Upgrade
Turn your Jeep Wrangler into the ultimate off-road vehicle with a suspension upgrade. You can get a lift kit to raise your vehicle’s ground clearance, switch to adjustable shocks, or get new coils.
Jeep Top
You can change the whole look of your Jeep Wrangler by getting a new top. Soft tops are great for open-air driving during the summer, while hard tops are best for rainy days.
Off-Road Accessories
Bumpers, guards, and body armor don’t just look good. They protect your Jeep Wrangler’s body against damage when you’re off-roading. You can get full-width bumpers or go for one that also goes around the winch.
Cold-Air Intake System
Most Jeep Wranglers are already powerful to begin with, but if you want an extra boost, you can also install a cold-air intake system. A free-flowing cold-air intake system increases airflow to the engine, which improves fuel efficiency and horsepower.
However, if you are going to take your Jeep in any sort of standing water, you need to be careful with this. If you hit standing water and it gets pushed up to the cold air intake, it could hydrolock the engine.
If you are going to take your jeep in any sort of standing water, you need to be careful with your cold-air intake, because if you hit standing water and it gets pushed up to the cold air intake, it could hydro lock the engine.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Other Things To Consider in Jeep Restoration
Aside from upgrading your Jeep Wrangler’s appearance and performance, here are other things to consider when restoring your vehicle:
Make Sure Safety Features Are Working
When it comes to restoring your Jeep, don’t forget to double-check the brakes, steering system, and other safety features of your vehicle. Your Jeep Wrangler should also have working air bags and seatbelts.
Research Regulations and Laws
Familiarize yourself with your state’s emission laws, battery disposal processes, and other rules relevant to your Jeep restoration project. Your restored Wrangler must comply with local and state regulations if you want to drive it around.
How To Keep Your Restored Jeep in Good Condition
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste by allowing your restored Jeep Wrangler to wear and fall back to its poor state. Here are helpful tips on how to keep your Jeep in great condition:
Regular Maintenance
Follow a regular maintenance schedule with your Jeep. Don’t forget to regularly inspect your tires, change the oil, and check the air filters. Bring your Wrangler to a mechanic for a routine inspection as well.
Off-Road Responsibility
Your Jeep Wrangler is built for off-roading, but that doesn’t mean it won’t sustain any damage from time to time. Driving over rough terrain and flying rocks can cause wear, so make sure to regularly inspect your Wrangler, especially the bolts and joints of its underside.
Rust Prevention
When off-roading, your Jeep is often exposed to dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. This is especially true for the undercarriage, so it’s important to give it a thorough clean after every off-road trip. You can also apply a rust-proof coating to prevent corrosion.
Documentation
Recording your Wrangler’s maintenance schedule, parts, and other information can help you stay organized. You can even keep photos and receipts, so you don’t forget anything.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
