1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

[unpc]

What with winter coming up, I quite fancied a project. Having been a big Breaking Bad and Narcos fan I've always had a soft spot for a Grand Wagoneer and this came up on Autotrader and I went for it. I can't even blame it on a drunken Ebay purchase.

It arrived on a low loader yesterday and I'm seriously wondering WTF have I done? The bodywork is ok I suppose with a few rust spots and the interior and motor seem ok too but there's some tidying up needed.

It's probably easier to list what does work than what doesn't. All the body seals are toast so that's a massive job to do. Also trying to manoeuvre it revealed that the torque converter is fubar.

I'm starting to think about how I want this thing to look when it's finished but I'm not entirely sold on the colour. It's the original colour so I'll probably not want to change it but I am planning to get the wood back on it. I am unsure of whether to go with the full wood exterior that's period correct or go with the wood stripe of the 70s Wagoneers. A 3 inch lift kit and 33 inch tyres will probably happen too.

This thing was a relic in the late 80s and interestingly was the last car on sale in the US with a carburettor.

Anyway here it is.

[Knoxville2410]

There was a good episode of Wheeler Dealers where they took on one of these. Should give it a watch, might give you some good ideas.

[unpc]

Yes I did see that episode and mine will have some similarities. I thought they made a nice job of that one. Biggest issues for me is the job list is growing hourly.

[Sammo123]

I’ve loved these since seeing the one in Breaking Bad! Look forward to seeing you sort this one out!

[bitchstewie]

Actually thought that was a typo can't believe that's from 1989

[benny.c]

Superb I’ve had loads of XJs but never been brave enough to buy a Wagoneer.

[anonymous-user]

Isn’t that a Canyonero ? Superb, well done!

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 21st November 15:54

[V1nce Fox]

Really cool.

Also had an xj but never even seen one of these in the flesh.

[Gompo]

Very cool. I'd find it hard to choose one over a Comanche were I going for a random Jeep, but these are super cool.

[amateurdad]

Cool car! Always enjoyed seeing it in episodes of Hoovies Garage!

[unpc]

Sammo123 said:

I’ve loved these since seeing the one in Breaking Bad! Look forward to seeing you sort this one out!

I've always had a soft spot for anything American and I lived there for 7 years or so. Had a few Yank cars but this is a new venture for me. I feel a world of pain coming on.

[0a]

That's so cool. I don't like many US cars, but I love these. Good buy. I'm sure you will get there bit by bit!

[unpc]

bhstewie said:

Actually thought that was a typo can't believe that's from 1989

Yeah it's a proper relic. That's what I love about it.

[unpc]

wormus said:

Isn’t that a Canonero ? Superb, well done!

It's Just a slightly smaller version

[unpc]

0a said:

That's so cool. I don't like many US cars, but I love these. Good buy. I'm sure you will get there bit by bit!

I'll try and keep this thread updated

[unpc]

benny.c said:

Superb I’ve had loads of XJs but never been brave enough to buy a Wagoneer.

Is it brave? I've never considered myself brave, just idiotic

[85Carrera]

unpc said:

benny.c said:

Superb I’ve had loads of XJs but never been brave enough to buy a Wagoneer.

Is it brave? I've never considered myself brave, just idiotic

I was about to post “you’re an idiot but best of luck”

At least you seem to have the skills to pull this off.

Have bookmarked the thread; look forward to following it

[Mr Tidy]

Fantastic purchase OP.

I'm already looking forward to reading updates on progress on the original luxury SUV - regardless of what Range Rover fans say!

[unpc]

85Carrera said:

I was about to post “you’re an idiot but best of luck”

At least you seem to have the skills to pull this off.

Have bookmarked the thread; look forward to following it

Haha I wish. Let's see how this develops.

[unpc]

Mr Tidy said:

Fantastic purchase OP.

I'm already looking forward to reading updates on progress on the original luxury SUV - regardless of what Range Rover fans say!

Thanks. This predated the Range Rover by some 7 years. It remained almost unchanged for its near on 30 year production run. This is 5.9 litres of goodness. Shame it was only rated at 144bhp and 11mpg