1985 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler Restomod

Description

You've undoubtedly noticed that we sell a lot of vintage Jeeps here at Streetside Classics, and that market is red hot and rising each day. Scramblers are particularly popular, and this 1983 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler Restomod might be the coolest example on the market right now. Featuring a slick restoration, this black-and-gray 4x4 truck is powered by a swapped-in 5.3L LS V8, shifts easy via an overdrive automatic transmission, and has both the creature comforts of a Sunday cruiser and the rugged attributes of a trail-ready hauler. Step into the world of vintage 4x4s in a big way with this Scrambler, and you'll be ready to take on any terrain that lies ahead.

Ronald Reagan owned a Scrambler that he drove around his California ranch, and it if was good enough for The Gipper, then it's certainly good enough for us. Only a handful were built during six years of production, and the numbers in 1985 barely broke 2,000, so finding one this nice today is quite unexpected. Better yet this one was lifted, treated to some killer off-road accessories, and painted a gorgeous shade of gunmetal gray, which is one of the better colors for a CJ. It emphasizes the chiseled, upright lines and never looks dated, and with contrasting Scrambler decals, fender flares, half hard top, and alloys all decked out in black, the two-tone look is very tough. The Scrambler is easy to spot with its extended rear end, and it makes a notable difference in storage, especially those of you who like to take a lot of gear with you when you go someplace remote. Most CJ-8s include a rear bench seat but these owners wanted a truck, and the addition of the half hard top and bulkhead instantly turns this Jeep into a bonafide pickup. Finish quality is quite nice; it's a strong driver-quality repaint and it's holding up well with a shine and luster that turns heads everywhere it goes. For a Jeep, to find a Jeep this clean is very surprising, which means that even though it's not perfect it has certainly been very well-cared for since the build. Black headlights rings and mesh guards add to the tough look, as do the heavy-duty bumpers installed fore and aft, while the big Warn winch and hardcore spare tire carrier mean this truck is trail ready. A custom roll bar/ladder rack was welded into the bed, and whether it's used for work or play it makes the truck very versatile, and because the inside of the bed was covered in spray-in bedliner it can actually take all sorts of punishment without issue. Instead, the paint does all the talking. The matching spare tire mounted in the bed helps emphasize this Jeep's pickup DNA, and there's even a bright red 'Jerry' can back there in case you run out of gas out in the bush.

The black interior comes equipped with newer, durable front bucket seats made from super-tough vinyl, and that means lots of weatherproof durability and easy maintenance. The floor was treated to a professionally applied spray-in bedliner, so no maintenance required there, and the removable rubber mats up front add some civility without affecting it's 'no worries' demeanor. Jeep CJ's always look their best with black inside, and that includes the dash pad, door panels, and the locking center console that comes complete with cup holders. Factory gauges inside a custom bezel really pop up against the Jeep's gray dashboard, and with a tachometer to the right of the Jeep steering wheel and a vacuum gauge to the left (swapped-in where a clock used to be), it's fairly likely this was an original Laredo-spec Jeep. A modern AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo manages the tunes, a B&M shifter was installed in between the seats and handles the gears, and a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash keeps a close eye on the upgraded motor under the hood. Like most Jeeps, this one is best enjoyed alfresco, but in case of inclement weather and to make it more user-friendly if you're in a more urban environment, there's the aforementioned half hardtop and a set of steel doors.

A swapped-in fuel-injected 5.3L LS Vortec V8 makes the power and it's plenty adequate for the heavier Scrambler, taking the place of the 258 inline-6 (4.2L) this truck would've likely been born with. The engine bay is quite tidy, with the engine looking like it really always belonged, which is a good thing. It's not about huge speed, it's about reliability, and this Jeep nails it. There's a big aluminum radiator up front to keep things cool, a K&N cold-air intake system that helps it breathe easy, and power steering and power front disc brakes ensure a great ride every time out. The 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission was swapped-in to match up with the Vortec, a 2-speed transfer case manages the 4x4, and there's a throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds fantastic. The longer wheelbase really makes a difference in ride quality, as do the upgraded shocks and steering stabilizer, and those big 35x12.5x15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires give it just the right stance.

Fully sorted, tastefully upgraded, and turn-key ready to handle any obstacle. Scramblers are on fire right now, maybe it's time for you to get in on the all the fun? Call now!