1978 Jeep Cherokee

Chief SUV

6 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

Wow, I hardly know where to start on this one!! The basics, 1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief. 258 {4.0} inline 6 cylinder, 3 speed manual, power steering and brakes, factory AM-FM, factory alloys. The story; purchased new in Montana on 4-1-78 by Everett and Blanche Jarnot of Lavina Mt. Mr. Jarnot kept hand written notes on the Jeeps maintenence until Jan. 3, 1997. The miles at that time were 31,701. All grease jobs, oil changes, filters etc. etc. were noted and intialed E.J. This gentleman also saved the owners manual as well as the complete build sheet and warranty card !! The Montana registrations in his name end at the same time as the maintenence log ends. The next part of the paper trail picks up with Montana registrations in the name of Brian Hamilton who after acquiring vehicle had it brought to Willards Garage and Posi-Lock of Billings Mt. The repair order starts out like like this, "Customer Complaint, vehicle has been sitting for four years, seems to have a miss" as well as other things the customer wanted looked at. This was in Jan. of 2002. The miles noted were 37061. The invoice shows $3427.00 to get the Jeeps quirks fixed. Among the repairs were a rebuilt transmission and transfer case, a new clutch, rebuilt carb. and much much more. The next receipt is also from Willards garage for a new transfer case shifter at 37359 miles in Sept. 2002. The next receipts are from April of 2003 and show that the rotors and drums were turned and the oil was changed at 38,296. That is the last receipts until i acquired this treasure of a Jeep. The miles are now 41, 393, that averages out to approx. 1300 miles/year!!! Since i acquired, i have detailed this Jeep, changed oil and replaced most of exhaust. That brings us to condition. This Jeep is approx. 95% original paint !! I know because the only paintwork ever done was by me. There were rust bubbles behind each rear wheel. I did not want to use any bondo or fiberglass so i had my bodyshop weld in new patch panels and refinish the lower rear quarters and blend the paint in up to where the pinstripe is. Other than that, the excess paint was used to brush touch some stone chips in various places on the Jeep. The rest of the paint is ALL ORIGINAL !! No dents on the body, glass is good, very very nice brightwork. Super clean engine compartment but paint has deteriorated on engine etc. but has never been spray bombed or touched up. The interior is almost impossible to describe how correct and new appearing it is, hopefully the pics do it justice. What does it need??, NOTHING!!!! How does it drive???, PERFECT !! Check the picture of the guages and see oil P.S.I at 60 Lbs. @ idle !! How are the tires??? NEW !! How are the wheels??? NEARLY MINT !! What doesnt work??? NOTHING, back-up lights, underhood light, wipers, guages, radio is clear, name it, it works !! I would love to answer any questions by e-mail or cell. My name is Jim and my # is 763-227-6128. I will be thrilled to let you or a 3rd party inspect this one BEFORE bidding. This is an old Jeep and no matter how nice it is, it is NOT NEW!!! I am a licensed and bonded dealer in Minn. so all titlework etc. will be by the letter of the law. I do not charge rip-off doc. fees, i can store indoors for you for a reasonable length of time, i can possibly assist with shipping, i dont want any trades, i want all bidders to have the approval of the dog, the psychic, the spouse, the banker etc. etc. etc. before bidding. I require a $500.00 deposit within 48 hours of auction end and i will keep it so get your ducks in a row before bidding, no after sale excuses !!! I am sorry to say, Us and Canadian bidders only unless pre-approved by me. I hope someone appreciates how cool this Jeep is and how rare it is to find one in this condition. I showed this to my 89 year old uncle, a retired 30 year Jeep dealer from Palm Springs Calif. and he said he can never recall seeing one equipped like this one is!! Thanks for reading this long ad, happy bidding and call with questions !!