Dealer Accessorized: 1979 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade
New car dealerships make a profit on sales, but will always look at means to maximize their income. One great source of cash is the accessories market. These can be genuine components, or a dealer may have a source of aftermarket items that will add to the ownership experience. This 1979 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade is a perfect example of the industry, with its first owner loading it with features from the selling dealer. It is a genuine survivor with a V8 under the hood and would be ideal for anyone seeking off-road adventures.
The CJ-5 enjoyed a relatively long production history, remaining on sale for almost three decades. It evolved below the skin during that time, but cosmetic enhancements were relatively few. This CJ-5 Renegade rolled off the line in 1979, with its first owner selecting Morocco Buff paint to cloak its panels. Not satisfied with the “stock” appearance, they handed it to the selling dealer to add a few accessories. These included an aluminum front bumper, an Ironman rear bumper, chrome hood and cowl accessories, a Bugoff bug guard, and 15×10 chrome steel wheels. The additions provide a sense of presence, and all seem to be in good condition. It is best to describe the vehicle as a survivor because the paint and panels have accumulated the types of flaws and imperfections that are typical following wilderness adventures. However, there is no visible rust, and the Nutmeg top is in good order. The new owner could treat the Jeep to a cosmetic refresh, but leaving it untouched might be a better option if more off-road adventures are planned.
The first owner teamed the range-topping 304ci V8 with a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case when ordering this Jeep, placing 119hp and 229 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. They didn’t restrict the dealer updates to cosmetic items, with the 304 featuring headers and side pipes that might unlock a few additional ponies. Throw in a Hecklethorn Big Yellow Steering Stabilizer and coil-overs, and this Renegade should cope with anything that is thrown at it. The seller believes that the odometer reading of 117,000 miles might be genuine, although they aren’t convincing on that point. They don’t indicate how the CJ-5 runs or drives, but the engine has excellent oil pressure.
The interior shots are slightly disappointing because there isn’t a single image that provides an overview of its physical condition. However, piecing together those supplied in the listing paints a generally positive picture. The Tan upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and damage, and the paint looks surprisingly good. What is visible of the carpet appears unstained, which is an achievement in any vehicle of this type. Somebody installed an aftermarket radio/cassette player and speakers, but I can’t spot any other additions beyond the wheel wrap. The gauges and odometer work as they should, but the speedometer is inoperative.
The seller listed this 1979 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade here on eBay in Tiger, Georgia. Although eight bids have pushed the price to $10,000, that figure falls short of the reserve. There is a BIN option of $23,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. It has no apparent need, and while it is an ideal candidate for light restoration, leaving it as-is would mean that minor scratches and marks accumulated during trips into the wilderness wouldn’t cause stress. Removing the dealer accessories to recapture its factory form is also an option, but is it one that you would choose?
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Comments
Great looking CJ-5 I see the previous owners took care of the Jeep really well. One thing missing…. CB radio and quarter panel mount whip antenna. Does it come with doors? This Jeep would be fun driving on the Outer Banks In the Carolinas. I would check the whole front suspension to make it not wonky. The 304 engine is good motor. You can get more than 119hp out of it. Nice intake and a 4 bbl carb. Without taking the engine apart. It’s a fair price on BIN. Most of the CJ-5 are rust buckets or fiberglass. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Get out there before the Outer Banks disappear!
I’m a fan of period modifications. These are some good ones that improve the look and function, I’d leave it as is and enjoy.
Be a great rig for a small town mountain ⛰️ resident 🦌 🏕 ⛷️ ❄️. Like the beautiful Truckee California.
Or a small town in central Colorado? It’s been done,,, :)
I know the in-line six is a good engine but it is nice to see a period correct c/m jeep with a v8 for a change.very nice jeep
It’s clear, there are like 4 topics I can’t keep my big yap shut about, MGBs, Jeeps, Packards, and old trucks. I’ve babbled enough about Jeeps, no sense going into all that again. I will say, of all the Jeeps, this one makes the least sense,,,to me. Don’t get me wrong, the 304 was a wonderful motor for a Gremlin, did everything the big boys had, however, you are on thin ice with these and here’s why. The vehicle was designed for a motor half that size, and a host of handling quirks are the result. A V8 always signified all out speed, to me, another thing this was never made to do. Some claim low end power for hills and such, well, let me tell you, brother, I made my living with in-line 6s, and t’aint nothing better for pulling. Oddly, after 60 years of V8s, RAM is going back to them, HA! BURN!! Bottom line, this vehicle just doesn’t need a V8 and gas won’t be $3.59 forever, you know. 10 mpg will get mighty old, trust me. I lambaste my 4 cylinder, and a tad slow on the hills, but by golly, it gets at least 20mpg,( more downwind) and for a vehicle shaped like a brick, I can live with that.
disclaimer: your results and views may differ
Ram is going back to a 6 with turbos. Important distinction, there. Similar to Toyota and Ford. GM has a twin turbo inline 4….not sure how that’s selling, though. Howard, you could probably slap a Chinese turbo on your 4 banger and never wish you had the 4.0 liter again! As for gas mileage, I doubt the 258 does much better than the 304. I’ve owned both, but never bothered to check fuel mileage. I wouldn’t expect much without overdrive. I liked the 304 better simply because a V8 burbling as you tool around with the top off is just more fun to listen to.
This Jeep looks great. I’m a sucker for original paint. If those seats are original….that’s pretty amazing. I owned 2 similar Jeeps. A 1980 CJ5 that was this same color with a 258 and a black 1979 Golden Eagle with the 304. The Golden Eagle had similar “Levi’s” trimmed seats, but they were already roached by the time I got it in the late 90’s.
Agree to disagree, Howard insofar as the V8 but on target with the rest. Had a ‘79 in Punkin’ bought used from a friend. 304, 4 spd., P/S,, P/B, headers and festooned with Marchals/Cibies. “Worked” for the Jeepers Jamboree in the ‘80’s out of Georgetown for 6 yrs as a Rock Warden.
Never failed, never an issue and as long as it wasn’t driven like the‘61 Midget it did fine on the pavement.
Terrific MPG with your Jeep, Howard! I’m lucky to get anything close to that in the’06 Xterra. But then as you said it’s shaped like a Kleenex box..
Great memories here.
Nice CJ!
Agree to disagree, Howard insofar as the V8 but on target with the rest. Had a ‘79 in Punkin’ bought used from a friend. 304, 4 spd., P/S,, P/B, headers and festooned with Marchals/Cibies. “Worked” for the Jeepers Jamboree in the ‘80’s out of Georgetown for 6 yrs as a Rock Warden.
Never failed, never an issue and as long as it wasn’t driven like the‘61 Midget it did fine on the pavement.
Outstanding MPG with your Jeep, sir. I’m lucky to approach that on a good day in the ‘06 Xterra V6 and stick but then again like you said anything with the aerodynamics of a Kleenex box..
Great memories here.
Vehicles like this arent bought for economy or everyday use. Theyre bought for fun or to replace a vehicle you regret selling years ago or even one you always wanted but never actually owned. This and a Gremlin are two vehicles i always wanted but for one reason or another never bought. The v8 is perfect to me. 10 mpg means nothing when it will most likely be driven less than 2k miles a year. To go out on a nice day to the beach or for lunch or even to just take a ride on quiet backroads, mpg is mute. Wish i had a garage, this would be mine…..
I bought a new 79 Renegade CJ-7 with similar features. I kept it 11 years and 89K miles. Cost just under $9K out the door brand new. Never owed me a cent, the original carburetor on the 304 was a junk POS so I was brilliant and put a 500 cfm Holley 2bbl on it. Got like 10mpg. It was reliable but oh so thirsty. I live in the rust belt so the metal termites did a number on it. Loved that damn thing. Wish I’d have kept it.