1983 Jeep CJ

Scrambler SUV

6 - Cyl.

Manual

1jccm88e9dt003546

Gasoline

1983 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (with professionally-installed MOPAR Fuel Injection) for sale in Fredericksburg, VA. This rust-free, low-mileage, and original paint Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler is a true survivor and one of only 5,405 produced in 1983. Overall between 1981-1985, this Scrambler is one of only 27,792 to roll off of the legendary production line in Toledo, Ohio. This Scrambler is a highly-optioned base model in Color Code 3B Sebring Red with black Linen Grain vinyl interior (code BV1) low-back bucket seats. Jeep has 4.2L I-6 engine with T-176 transmission and Dana 300 transfer case. The drivetrain combination that this 1983 CJ-8 has proved to be the most reliable and desirable mating of engine/transmission/t-case put in Scramblers during the 1981-1985 production run. This Scrambler has original paint with the original production decal located on the inside of the driver's side door sill. The paint has great patina with only minor surface discoloration in thin paint areas. The driver-side floor has a minor rust area as seen, but the whole of the interior floor is among the best that I've seen. As visible from the pictures, the paint still looks great. This base model Jeep had dealer-applied decals which have been removed and are still visible in the fade which gives the Jeep great character. Of note, the vehicle had a chrome grille cover over the grille for years until I removed it two years ago revealing vibrant Sebring Red paint underneath. There is also no rust on the frame as can clearly be seen from the pictures. This CJ-8 is also equipped with the factory-installed Trac-loc positraction rear differential which is makes it even more capable. To those familiar with what is for sale here, the Buy-it-Now price represents an outstanding value for someone looking for a sound investment and enjoyable CJ8 that is sure not to depreciate. If you are serious about this rare surviving CJ-8, please invest the time to read my lengthy description thoroughly. History of this CJ-8: As revealed by the low sequence # in the VIN, this was the 3,546th vehicle that Jeep Corporation produced for the 1983 model year making it very likely that this CJ8 was produced in Fall of 1982. As an aside, this CJ-8 has not been registered on jeephead.com's CJ-8 registry yet. I don't have any knowledge of where this vehicle was sold or who owned it from new through 1992, but it is obvious that it was meticulously maintained and protected. In 1992, a towing company in Snoqualmie Pass, WA bought this CJ-8 to use only in specific rescue situations. Through June 2008, this towing company used the Jeep very infrequently. While the towing company owned the vehicle, the speedometer broke at 20,137 miles (where it still stands frozen today). Therefore, the actual mileage of the vehicle can't be accurately verified. In June 2008, a Jeep retailer purchased this vehicle, completely serviced it, and sold it to me in a few months later in September 2008. The various opinions I sought for estimation of mileage based upon professional inspection all put the vehicle at less than 30,000 miles. Still wanting further clarification, I contacted the owner of the towing company who emailed me the following September 23, 2008: "...we had the jeep 15 years and used it for rescuing people and maybe put only 900 miles on it so I would say mileage is low..." I will forward this email to the new owner for historical record. I have put less than 300 miles on the vehicle during the past two-years thanks primarily to spending over a year of that time in Afghanistan. The vehicle has been garaged every day I have owned it. Here is bottom line regarding the mileage: The speedometer reads 20,137 miles. The title reads 20,137 miles with "not actual mileage" annotated. I have advertised this vehicle as having 40,000 miles. I personally believe this vehicle to have approximately 30,000 miles based upon professional feedback. It is evident that this Jeep Scrambler has low mileage. I have taken great care to limit aftermarket upgrades and utilize NOS (New Old Stock) AMCjeep parts when needed. The aftermarket upgrades that I added were a Mean Green Alternator and Mean Green Starter. These two components are the top-of-the-line and direct factory replacements utilizing factory plugs/mounting points. I also added a Red-Top Optima Battery as it is the best battery I've ever used. Next, and most significantly, I added a $3,000 MOPAR Electronic Fuel Injection Kit made specifically for Jeeps with the 4.2L I-6 engine. I had this professionally installed for over $1,000 at ProTrucks in Fredericksburg, VA. The job that they did was nothing short of outstanding. I have used rare and hard-to-find/expensive NOS replacements parts to replace the black sun visors, black dash pad, steel painted hood latches and catches, an AM Radio (not connected to speakers), all tailgate bolts and components, antenna, shift knobs and boot covers, rubber outer door seals, seat belt bolt covers, fender flares, front frame cover, Marchal fog light covers, fog light mounting brackets, rear white step bumper, front black bumper, white 8" wagon wheels, and, the rarest of all AMCjeep Special Equipment items: the Whitco Light Bar (which has never has lights installed and could easily be removed by removing two screws on each side and sold on eBay for $500). The 31" Goodyear MT/R tires are still brand new with the blue still covering the white lettering. I actually installed the tires in October 2008, but again, I haven't driven the vehicle more than 300-miles since I've had it. I'm sure I'm missing some NOS parts, but I've spent a fortune that I'll never get back. The Buy-it-Now price is a rare value. Mechanically, the CJ-8 drives great. It has all of the handling characteristics (good and bad) common of a well-maintained CJ from the 1982-1986 wide-track era with the notable positive exception of no stalling and immediate start-up thanks to the MOPAR EFI kit which replaced the unpredictable carburetor with modern technology and reliability. This vehicle’s clutch is tight and was replaced in recent years prior to my ownership. The brakes were serviced and a new exhaust system was installed by previous owner. The 4-wheel drive works as it should. On August 27, 2010, I had this Jeep Scrambler professionally serviced and inspected at Safford Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep of Fredericksburg. The service department changed the oil, checked and topped-off all fluids, and thoroughly inspected the vehicle. In addition the rave reviews and more opinions believing the vehicle to clearly be under 30,000 miles, the inspection found all mechanical driving components to be in good working order. This CJ-8's shortcomings include a rear main seal with a very slow oil drip (which can be fixed at a dealership with a new seal...I'm told it is a straightforward fix) and a few gauge/dashboard issues. The speedometer needs to be repaired and I'm including a set of Crown Automotive Fuel and Temp gauges. I recommend sending the speedo to Scott's Speedometer shop in Detroit as they have done great work for me in the past. The voltmeter is NOS, but does not seem to work. The wiper knob component is broken (and I've given up trying to fix it...it's probably pretty easy, but the new owner can figure that one out). The horn button is not set up correctly and will need to reseated. The cardboard glove box is still functional, but deteriorating...I will include a plastic replacement glove box for the new owner to install. Lastly, the fog lights (which are in great shape) are not currently turning-on which probably requires a new fuse. These are likely pretty easy fixes for many reading this, but I no longer have the time to figure it out. Cosmetically, the Jeep has three main dings...two on the passenger side and one small on the top of the tailgate. The two on the passenger-side are on the bottom of the sheetmetal with the first behind the front passenger tire and the second behind the rear passenger tire close to the bumper. Both are very repairable. Of note, this Jeep has no drill marks from snaps other than carpet snaps (for the Whitco grey carpet that is included) on the interior floor (see pictures) and is neatly drilled on top of the bed rails to accommodate a Bestop Supertop should the new owner choose to add one at some future point. One last cool note: the bulkhead (lower steel portion below the removable hardtop) has never been removed as evident from the factory glue-like sealant still in-place. The bulkhead can be removed if desired, but this one has never been removed yet. This auction also includes the following as pictured: A rare and essential two-volume 1981-1986 AMCjeep Parts Guide, 1983 Jeep Wiring Book, 1983 Technical Service Manual Supplement (actually, it's 1982 Supplement 1 which covers 1983 changes), the 4.2L I-6 Manual, 2 x 1983 Full Brochures, a 1983 Auto Show AMC Folder, and even an unused NOS bottle of AMCjeep Color Code 3B Sebring Red touch-up paint. Not pictured, but also included: a full kit of Rugged Ridge replacement door rubber for both doors (the NOS main outer portions are already installed) and a Whitco AMCjeep Special Equpment grey carpet kit that installs on the snaps already in cab. I know this description is lengthy, but anyone preparing to spend money deserves an in-depth description beyond a short paragraph. I hope that the description (both written as well as detailed photographs from all angles and elevations) presents a comfortable idea of the outstanding value offered in this auction. If you have any other questions, please contact me at 540-623-3968 at anytime. You are welcomed to inspect the vehicle. As a professional military officer, I assure you that I am committed to a smooth sale of this Great8. Please note that I absolutely expect the same from the buyer. Your bid is your contract to purchase. This vehicle has been described to very best of my ability; clearly, no warranty is expressed or implied. If using the Buy-it-Now feature, a non-refundable $500 deposit is due immediately through Paypal. If you win this CJ-8 through the traditional auction format, a $500 non-refundable deposit is due within 24-hours. In both cases, the balance is due within 7-calendar days from eBay auction ending in the form of a Cashier's Check. Once the payment has cleared, the title and literature will be sent via FedEx 2-Day service on the first business day following payment. Shipping coordination and funding is the sole responsibility of the Buyer. If using eBay-recommended Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS), I am happy to assist the buyer in driving this vehicle to the central shipping point in Manassas, VA which will save you money. I will sell worldwide provided that you coordinate the transportation and handle the payment as set forth here. I've sold eight CJs on eBay since 2003 (including the last one to Italy) and every one of the transactions has gone very smoothly. This is definitely the nicest of the CJs that I've had! Thanks for taking the time to read this thorough description. The new owner will surely be very pleased.