In this thrilling episode of our Islander project, the wheels of restoration are set in motion. Today, we take you on a 200-mile journey to acquire our new Jeep project. Priced at $4,700 on Craig’s List, this 1991 Jeep Islander boasts a 240 ci fuel-injected inline 6-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed transmission. But, there’s a catch—the pictures reveal a fair bit of rust. Let’s dive into the journey that brought us here and the promise it holds.
The Quest for the Right Project
Our adventure begins in a hotel room, about 200 miles into our journey. The Islander initially caught our eye on Craig’s List, and its $4,700 price tag piqued our interest. It’s equipped with the iconic 240 ci engine and a 5-speed transmission, a combination that promises both power and control. However, what gave us pause were the telltale signs of rust visible in the images.
The Contenders That Weren’t
Before settling on this Islander project, we explored other options. There was a mint-condition 1989 Jeep listed for a whopping $39,990, boasting a mere 15,000 miles. It was indeed a beauty, but the price was well beyond our project budget. Another contender was a 1990 Jeep Wrangler Islander, also equipped with an inline 6-cylinder and 5-speed transmission. However, it was located in Chicago and listed at around $15,000. Unfortunately, it slipped through our fingers before we could make contact.
Uncovering Rust and Uncertainty
Upon our return, we conducted a more detailed inspection of our Islander. The rust, particularly on the floorboards and the driver’s side rocker panel, demands immediate attention. Gauges, while generally functional, have their quirks, and the transmission may need some tweaking down the road. Despite these challenges, the Jeep starts reliably, handles well on the road, and all five forward gears shift smoothly. For now, it’s “good enough” for the project’s initial stages.
The Promising Framework
Beneath the surface, the Islander reveals promise. The frame, critical to safety and structural integrity, appears to be in good shape. The drive train and mechanical components look solid, hinting at the potential for a reliable restoration. The body tub sports a body-lift, a detail we might address in the future to achieve our envisioned look.
Crunching the Numbers
So, where do we stand in terms of costs? Our total expenses to date tally up to $5,358. This includes the $4,700 purchase price and $658 for the U-Haul truck and trailer (necessary due to the auto-transport’s weight). While we’re making progress on the Jeep project, there’s still much to be done. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll outline our project plan after a closer look at the necessary steps and pieces. The journey continues!