Would You Take on a ‘Death Trap’ Jeep Project?
Wrenching on a Jeep project is always fun, and everything can be repaired, but when is it all just too much?
Salvage Jeeps, much like life, are like a box of chocolates. You never really know what you’re going to get. So when you drive to another state to pick up a modified Jeep, you can only hope for the best. Sometimes, you get a great deal, and sometimes you get a bucket of bolts and rust.
YouTuber 3DMachines, who’s real name is Dalton Dailey, just bought a Jeep project that is the epitome of danger. For many of us, we abide by the old adage “buyer beware,” but then there’s not much fun in that, is there? Instead, what seems like a cheap fixer-upper could turn into some open opportunity. This Jeep came equipped with an engine that rarely decided to run and brakes that decided not to work at all. As a practical set of wheels, it misses the mark completely but to him, it’s doable. “The thing looks like a savage…and I am a very happy 3Dmachines,” said Dailey.
As we see it, a Jeep project that presents some unforeseen obstacles could be a good thing. For someone who has time set aside for a project, a component or part that needs replacing could be a great excuse to just buy an upgraded part. Rusty suspension mounting points? Throw on some custom-made ones. Body in bad shape? Add some customization! Brakes are shot? Throw on a heavy-duty brake kit without remorse. Engine not working? Perfect time for a rebuild.
This brings us to back to our original question for our members: how bad would a Jeep project have to be in order for you to turn it down? Is a frame-off restoration not your thing? Would you rather deal with sheet metal and a shell, or would you prefer to do the paint and bodywork as long as the engine is solid?
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