Thanks, nujeep. Not in denial here -- in fact I want to know exactly how much rust is present since I am debating whether the Jeep is worth what I paid for it. I just don't want to trash the interior in the process of peeling back carpet especially on a vehicle I might need to return. I know some folks in here have a disdain for carpeted interiors in an offroad truck but this will be my kid's DD and we're trying to balance comfort for the 80% of the time he has it on pavement along with wheeling capability for the other 20%. (Which is to say: if he sinks the Jeep and trashes the interior he pays for it himself).

 

SnookDaddy,

As far as rust goes, that one is doing quite well. I don't know what was claimed in the original ebay listing (that's between you and seller). However, the rust you have shown in the pictures is not bad (better than average). I'm in the north east, and that would almost be considered rust-free here (joking, but not really).

 

Thanks, Jordan. I'm new to XJs and I'm learning about what's considered "normal." FWIW, I think the seller's a pretty good guy but he claimed "no rust" and that's not exactly accurate as you can see. To his credit he's volunteered to fix most of what I deem to be wrong.

I just put a wire drill brush, some big-*** rubber gloves and a big can of POR -15 in my Amazon.com wish list. If I keep the Jeep I'll have a long weekend of grinding and slabbing on black stuff ahead of me. I've seen some 4x4 undercarriages carefully painted with POR-15 and I actually think it can look good.

 

You won't trash the interior removing the carpet. All you need to do is take 4 bolts off the seats and some screws on the panels holding the carpet down. That's all you need to do to check on the floor pans. That will give you an idea on if it is worth keeping.

 

Hmmm. Don't rush. So many folks on here jump on the first solution, and then you are married to it. Why not research a little first?

For underneath areas, I simply treat with fluid film. Slapping por-15 from the outside won't help much if a future source of moisture is coming from the inside (which is surprisingly common). At worst, it can hide "developing" areas until they are -really- bad, and then you have a much bigger fix, instead of seeing it earlier. Personally, I'm not a fan of the various products that cover up the metal.

In any case, just don't rush. You have some time to read up on things.

By the way, if I had a little rust spot on the door like that I would either use it as a learning opportunity (to do it myself), or as an opportunity to audition local body shops with a "small job" to try and establish a relationship with a good shop, should I need their help later with something bigger.

p.s. by the way, one of my first post-xj impulse purchases was a can of por-15 as well. After researching and going another route, it sits on my workbench unopened. I'm sure I'll find a use for it sometime.

 

Good advice, Jordan, thanks. Truth be told I'm notorious for adding Wish List items in Amazon that then grow mold on them.

I won't rush. I do think I'll burr off rust with a wire wheel regardless (if I keep the Jeep) but I'll spend time researching other approaches.

Taking the seats out and lifting the carpet *sounds* easy enough. Will give that a shot asap.

So it's said: I love this XJ despite the issues. It's straightforward, sturdy, capable and All American. In fact I might just look for one myself after I get my boy squared away with his...and double down on my anxiety.

 

Look at the inside door bottoms. I bet it is a rusty mess considering that large outside rust bubble, and too far gone to fix. You would need replacement rust free doors which might not be that hard to find since you are in florida. A body shop would just bandaid it with bondo. The undercarriage isn't too bad, but bad enough the brake lines needed replaced. It was exposed to salt, and the rust will never stop. I would be pissed if I got this "rust free" Jeep from Virginia and its an 01 on top of everything else(crack prone 0331 head and all those PITA catalytic converters and O2 sensors. Return it if you can would be my suggestion. You should be able to find a nice clean rust free Jeep in Florida...

 

I would replace the door because the in side of the door would be rusted out . fixing it would be a lot more work then replacing the door . but I would still check the jeep for more rust and then seal it with a under coat or something like that .

 

For a 15 year old Jeep, that looks pretty good to me. Up here, that would be considered basically "rust free"! I think your rig is well worth the effort to fix especially where you live. Try to do the work yourself as much as possible and make sure all the door panel drains are clear to let the water out and make sure the rubber mouldings are intact.

 

At this point I would worry less about the cosmetic issues and inspect:
1) brakes
2) all fluids
3) determine what is the cause of the gap present in the leaf spring.

Of greater importance since this is a mail order bride purchased sight unseen and a 2001 model year Jeep Cherokee, compression and cooling system pressure test.

Of course my first action would be a complete refund because I don't deal with liars very well.

 

He's agreed to pay because you paid for a rust free XJ & instead got a headache. To redo the entire a.c. system isn't cheap.

The underside of my '89 XJ looks as good as my '98 did. Zero rust.

Keep digging under the carpet & see what comes up.

 

Yeah I guess we'll soon see if he actually pays for what he's saying he will. Or has he already?

 

i live in canada, that would be considered rust free.

that surface rust you see underneath is only from sitting. nothing other than that, really.
i would just paint it with either por 15 over top of the rusty parts or at least some rust converter in a spray can.

then get that thing under oiled. i use krown since they're probably the best in our area.

i'm sure you didn't pay too much. up here that would be worth 6k cdn, so probably about 4.5k usd.

 

Bocephus (great screen name btw) as for the "crack prone 0331 head and all those PITA catalytic converters and O2 sensors", I can't speak to the first two but the seller says the head issue was resolved years ago with a swap. From what I've read in this place the head issues usually show up before 100K miles anyway and this Jeep has 147K or so. As for brakes, I'm already researching replacement parts. Seems a lot of folks like the copper nickel lines. I plan to DIY a lot of stuff -- and I've heard brake line installs are not hard -- but I think I'll trust my son's ability to stop quickly if needed to a pro. Would you agree?

Also, you wrote: You'd think so, wouldn't you? I spent three month's looking and finally went the eBay route after passing on literally scores of beaters.

tech, I believe I'll replace the driver's side door in time. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a black one (with power goodies) in decent shape. Is there a national parts website you folks prefer?

67GMC, thanks for the positive perspective. I've focused on the negative and undisclosed stuff in this thread but there's also a lot to like: this XJ has a newer exhaust system that sounds great, it pulls strong and shifts well, rims and tires are in great shape (just replaced the push-through caps), beyond two relatively small sections the interior is in very good shape, roof rack is solid, aftermarket front bumper is in good condition, etc.

Turbo XJ, I'm going to follow your practical advice -- all three points. Thank you for the careful review of the photos and ensuing diagnosis. I did notice the section of leaf spring that's off-center. Would you consider that dangerous?

BigDavid wrote: I agree. As for the A/C I got a $1250 local quote and the seller has agreed to buy all new parts, ship them to me and pay for install of a new system.

Martlor asked: No, he has not. He has agreed to A/C fix, new windshield and to send fabric to fix interior tears. Like I say he seems willing and fair...provided he follows through. Parts and cash are supposed to come my way this week. I've spoken to eBay customer service, though, and they have my back if he does not. My complaints are documented in their system and I have 15 more days left to ask for a refund.

caged wrote: Good to hear.
If that's the case I did overpay. But it's relative -- I priced many Jeeps with this mileage, a lift, bumpers, etc. and I paid what I believe is the going rate for a vehicle in this shape...more or less.

By the way, where in Ontario? My wife is from the Soo but I somehow talked her into marrying a Florida Cracker.

 

enter "car-part" all yards networked.