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1981 Jeep CJ-7
$35,000
Year
1981Make
JeepModel
CJ-7Odometer
500 (TMU)Engine
Chevy Small Block V8Fuel Type
gasolineTransmission
automaticDrivetrain
4×4VIN / Chassis #
1JCCM87A8BT057514Seller
private partyLocation
New Windsor, NYTitle Status
clean
This 1981 Jeep CJ-7 is for sale by private party in New Windsor, New York, combining classic CJ proportions with Chevrolet V8 power, a fiberglass body, a 6 in. suspension lift, and 35 in. tires. Finished in a Metallic Arctic White wrap, it has undergone an extensive series of mechanical, cosmetic, and interior updates under its current owner.
The seller purchased the Jeep in winter 2023 with its engine, automatic transmission, lift, wheels, and tires already installed. From there, he worked with multiple shops to overhaul the engine, upgrade the brakes, rebuild the power steering, refresh the interior, and install a custom audio system. Subsequent work addressed the four-wheel-drive system, cooling system, and rear axle assembly. The seller reports more than $65,000 invested overall, including the $22,000 purchase price, with documentation available for the work completed during his ownership. The Jeep carries a clean title, and true mileage is unknown.
- Overhauled Chevrolet V8: A Chevrolet small-block V8 powers the CJ through an automatic transmission. After purchasing the Jeep, the seller had the engine completely overhauled by a mechanic experienced with classic American vehicles. A custom radiator assembly was installed during a later round of work to address cooling concerns. Engine displacement, transmission model, and transfer-case model have not been confirmed.
- Lifted CJ Stance: The existing 6 in. suspension lift and 35 in. tires give this CJ a substantial stance while preserving its recognizable short-wheelbase profile. The seller fitted new tires during his ownership, pairing the lifted chassis with a fresh set of rubber.
- Revised Axle And Brakes: The braking system received an upgraded caliper conversion, followed by a custom Dana 44 rear axle and brake assembly. According to the seller, the initial rear brake conversion had fitment issues involving the axle seals and contributed to axle-fluid leaks. The replacement assembly incorporated its own brake conversion to address that issue. The power steering was also rebuilt, and a later shop visit included repairs to the four-wheel-drive system.
- Refreshed Fiberglass Exterior: A fiberglass body forms the foundation for the Jeep’s Metallic Arctic White wrap. During the seller’s ownership, exterior hardware and trim were sent out for powder coating before the Jeep went to a separate shop for the wrap installation. The result brings a coordinated finish to the body and its exterior details.
- Updated Cabin And Audio: A custom audio and interior shop designed and installed the sound system, fitted new OEM-style seats and carpeting, and converted most original bulbs, including the taillights, dash lights, and flashers, to LEDs. Dynamat insulation and a custom air horn round out the equipment.
This CJ-7 brings together a V8 conversion, fiberglass body, substantial suspension lift, and a refreshed cabin, with additional mechanical work completed after the current owner’s purchase. His updates went beyond appearance, addressing the engine, cooling, steering, four-wheel-drive system, brakes, and rear axle assembly.
The seller has documentation for the work performed during his ownership, although records for the earlier stages of the build are unavailable. The reported $65,000-plus investment includes both acquisition and subsequent work. With true mileage unknown, the build details and available receipts provide useful context for evaluating this custom CJ.
Drivetrain
- Chevrolet small-block V8
- Engine completely overhauled during current ownership, per seller
- Automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
- Four-wheel-drive system repaired during current ownership
- Custom radiator assembly
- Rebuilt power steering
- Custom Dana 44 rear axle and brake assembly
- Engine displacement, transmission model, and transfer-case model unconfirmed
Suspension & Chassis
- 6 in. suspension lift
- 35 in. tires
- New tires installed during current ownership
- Upgraded brake caliper conversion
- Replacement rear axle assembly with integrated brake conversion
- Power-assisted brakes
Exterior
- Fiberglass body
- Metallic Arctic White wrap
- Powder-coated exterior hardware and trim
- LED taillight conversion
Interior & Equipment
- New OEM-style seats
- New carpeting
- Dynamat insulation
- Custom-designed audio system
- LED conversions for most original bulbs, including dash lights and flashers
- Custom air horn
History & Documentation
- Purchased by the current owner in winter 2023
- More than $65,000 invested overall, per seller, including the $22,000 purchase price
- Documentation available for work completed during current ownership
- Earlier restoration records unavailable
- True mileage unknown
- Clean title
Offered by a private seller in New Windsor, New York, this 1981 Jeep CJ-7 pairs classic Jeep styling with V8 power and extensive updates throughout. Contact the seller for additional details, available receipts, and to arrange a viewing.
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