Willys or Early CJ5 for the family

Willys or early CJ5 for the family

  • Total voters
    12
  • Poll closed .
justjeepin86

justjeepin86

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2005
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
I have found a nice early Jeep that I want. I have been wanting one for a long time now. I really like the early stuff better. Problem is that I want it to fit the family of 4 in it to putt around town for ice cream, ball practice, etc. I have two young kids , and honestly, my main concern is their safety if we got hit from behind since the seat will sit against the tailgate. I do not want it to drive to the beach or any stupid crap like that. I know it will be tight, but what are your thoughts about it.
 
You and your passengers can get injured or worse in any vehicle, or even sitting in the security of your home an asteroid could wipe you out... No ones guaranteed the next second. If its something you've wanted I would go for it. I believe the memories for your kids will be greater in an old jeep rather then a minivan... Plus unique vehicles get more attention then normal cars that blend in do, so I would think people would pay more attention to you when your driving therefore reducing the risk of them plowing into you IMHO.
 
I used to haul my crew all over creation in a 1980 CJ7. Anchored a car seat on one side of the back seat and lap belts on the other. Both kids loved it and we never ad any issues praise God.
 
It's not an issue with a jeep all together, just the tiny old ones. Another thing I thought about was having shoulder belts in the back. That would really be a necessity. Nothing a small family cage can't fix though.
 
justjeepin86 said:
Nothing a small family cage can't fix though.
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that was going to be my question.
I'd want to have a cage, I think. I know for many years poeple did it/still do, but personally I'd just feel better w/ it there (there's a reason it became standard later).
Downside is of course that makes the space even tighter! But it gives you something to attach belts to.

IIRC you're a pretty big dude. Assuming you have the driver's seat in a comfy spot, how much space is there to work with?

My vote is, go for it.
 
Silverado_Express said:
I believe the memories for your kids will be greater in an old jeep rather then a minivan...
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It's like you knew I drove a mini van or something! lol

RatLabGuy said:
that was going to be my question.
I'd want to have a cage, I think. I know for many years poeple did it/still do, but personally I'd just feel better w/ it there (there's a reason it became standard later).
Downside is of course that makes the space even tighter! But it gives you something to attach belts to.

IIRC you're a pretty big dude. Assuming you have the driver's seat in a comfy spot, how much space is there to work with?

My vote is, go for it.
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Nah, I'm only 5'9" and 180. Your just littleo_O I am leaning towards going for it though.
 
R Q said:
Get a 67'-'71 Jeepster Commando and you'll have room for storage, a crumple zone in the rear, and total coolness when riding to get ice cream. I know where 4 are right now locally.
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I can't argue with your comment, but a commando isn't what I want at this point. They have crossed my mind in the past though. If I were to get something else, it would be a CJ7 or a YJ. Well I lie, I would go for a CJ6 first.
 
justjeepin86 said:
I can't argue with your comment, but a commando isn't what I want at this point. They have crossed my mind in the past though. If I were to get something else, it would be a CJ7 or a YJ. Well I lie, I would go for a CJ6 first.
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I was going to mention a CJ6 but they're hard to find but they share the same basic frame and wheelbase as a Jeepster.
Then get a a Scrambler
 
I own one....I drive one....I wheel one. One and the same.No roll bar and no seat belts. The wow factor is there and i enjoy the attention alot.Owning a early Willys or Keiser is unfortunately not for everyone and is actually alot of work to keep running and performing at their best. Look for something else if your plans are to drive it a couple of times a year. They require alot of attention. You let it sit and you will work on it for a week or two just to drive around town one pretty weekend. I drive Nellie Belle pretty frequently so I'm able to hop in and drive to town one weekend and then wheel her the next without too much headache. Then again I'm pretty quick to take care of an "issue" when it arises.
 
R Q said:
Get a 67'-'71 Jeepster Commando and you'll have room for storage, a crumple zone in the rear, and total coolness when riding to get ice cream. I know where 4 are right now locally.
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My old 70 Commando with a 350 had mad coolness! The C-101 is an unsung hero IMHO. Maybe the lack of Jeeper respect is why I went full Toyota!
 
ord.sgt.26NC said:
I own one....I drive one....I wheel one. One and the same.No roll bar and no seat belts. The wow factor is there and i enjoy the attention alot.Owning a early Willys or Keiser is unfortunately not for everyone and is actually alot of work to keep running and performing at their best. Look for something else if your plans are to drive it a couple of times a year. They require alot of attention. You let it sit and you will work on it for a week or two just to drive around town one pretty weekend. I drive Nellie Belle pretty frequently so I'm able to hop in and drive to town one weekend and then wheel her the next without too much headache. Then again I'm pretty quick to take care of an "issue" when it arises.
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I really appreciate your comment. I actually plan on driving whatever I get a couple times a week. The winter will slow down a little. I have a couple friends with a lot of know how for the old Willys and Keisers. I should be able to keep it going good.
 
If your kids are out of car seats, then I'd definitely say 92+ YJ for the family cage in the rear. Lift it and put bigger tires on so that if you get rear ended, they hit Swamper instead of bumper.
 
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