$800 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Project: What Could Go Wrong?

Before the Jeep Grand Wagoneer embarks on a 1,700-mile Journey to Utah, a few ‘repairs’ must be made.

Jeep projects are a blast to work on. Whether it’s outfitting a new ride or bringing an old 4×4 back to life, the whole concept of a project car is that it isn’t won’t be easy, it won’t be quick, and it’s never, ever, cheap. And if anyone knows this, it’s Jeep fans.

Take this Jalopnik video, showing journalist David Tracy and his most recent purchase: A 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This thing is in seriously rough shape, but it’s high-class pedigree still shines through.

The old-school beauty hails from the great state of Michigan. While this may sound trivial, the salt found on the roads during winter months wreaks havoc on aging sheet metal. Which is the main problem here.

The best part of the Grand Wagoneer is that the engine cranks over, and it was purchased for just $800. But, it needs quite a bit of work. Okay, a lot of work. The electrical system is virtually nonexistent, the seats are shredded, and the rockers are just about gone. And the entire driver’s side floor has completely surrendered to rust. But the passenger side remains! Lucky passenger!
 

ALSO SEE: What the Forum Has to Say About David Tracy’s Next Jeep Project

 
As the video shows, this isn’t Tracy’s first rodeo with rotten projects. He’s made the trek to Moab in a rusty Jeep for several years, as proven by the various relics in his yard and garage. So, he knows what he’s doing.

Or does he?