Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
5/17/11 Jeep was purchased late 2010. I followed up with him to make sure he was happy with it to find the following...
"Rudy,
I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the '85 Laredo. Buying a vehicle sight unseen can be a pretty precarious thing to do, especially with a Jeep as you may not ever know what you're buying. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to go over with me what would suit my needs and then making sure the Jeep was perfect before it was shipped to me. I love it and the Jeep met every expectation. Beautiful looks, the condition is as you stated, and drives even better. Thank you for all of your help finding me the right Jeep at a very fair price.
Best Regards,
L.L.
Philadelphia, PA"
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
84 CJ7 Renegade Rot Free in original Paint sold 4/2011
I just want to take a moment and thank you for making the purchase of my "new" CJ as painless as possible. Hopefully the same is true for you. From the first time I called you to ask about the Jeep I ultimately purchased, I somehow knew I wanted to do business with you.
I had been looking for an original, unmolested (not necessarily restored) CJ7 for 4-5 months. Searching Ebay one day I stumbled upon a listing of yours for a Jamboree, and a quick search later I came up with your website. Daily I found myself pulling up your site to see if you had posted any new Jeeps. One thing I noticed was your Jeeps very quickly had deposits. It didn't take me long to make up mind when I saw an original 84 CJ7 Renegade show up in your shop.
Although you and I have not actually met face to face, after dealing with you over the past few weeks I can say I truly respect you as a business man but more importantly as a genuine person. I think you know I am not a CJ expert, but not once did you condescend to me or make me feel like my business was not important to you. Again thank you for all your help and support in getting this Jeep to me. I hope to meet you in person someday to shake your hand. Who knows, maybe you will get this Jeep back someday for a rebuild.
To the prospective CJ buyer: Reading this you know Rudy and I never met in person. I did not hesitate buying a Jeep that I had never seen from a guy I had never met after speaking with Rudy. Do yourself a favor and pick up the phone and call Rudy if you are looking to buy a "rot free" CJ. He really knows what he is selling.
Best regards,
Pat C
Really Upstate NY
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
5-24-14
"Rudy-
Although this email is long overdue, I just wanted to say thank you for a job well done!
Several months ago I purchased the 1984 CJ7 pictured below and it really has exceeded all of my expectations. On your website you described the vehicle as a "Cali cream puff" and it certainly is. It drives just like it did when it left the showroom.
The entire buying experience was really a pleasure. It was evident from our very first phone conversation that you take pride in what you do. In this day and age that is a rare commodity. When you delivered the vehicle it was exactly how you described it.
I think one of the things that has impressed me the most (post purchase) is the fact that you always seem to find the time to answer your phone and share your thoughts and opinions on anything related to CJ's. Keep up the good work Rudy and thanks again!
Regards,
Len Willey"
Thank you for taking the time Len. It was our pleasure and hope you enjoy that Jeep for many years to come and remember we'd be glad to own it again if your time with it ever comes to an end!
This Jeep was a gateway for me to sell to and meet Alan Jackson as i bought this Jeep back from Len as he was moving and couldn't take it with him...as below
One if 2 Jeeps Sold to Alan Jackson
Pretty cool day for me delivering one of 2 Jeeps I've sold to Alan Jackson. He was very kind to me. A couple years later he bought second CJ7 from me and paid me quite a compliment saying something along the lines of there aren't a lot of people I'd buy more than one vehicle from. I assume folks take advantage of his wealth/fame. Thank you Alan!
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
4/13/11 (Jeep Sold 2/11)
I purchased a 1985 CJ7 from Rudy Miller after a 3 ½ year search for the “right” Jeep. I couldn’t find one that was rot free or without a bunch of problems. When I talked with Rudy over the phone I was skeptical at first because I had been disappointed before but I didn’t know what a great operation and person I had found. Rudy is a top notch guy and knows what he is talking about when it comes to Jeeps. He was straightforward and honest about the Jeep, even the potential issues, and was willing to do what it took to make it right the way I wanted it before it went out the door. He was the first guy I met that was able to help me confirm some of the decisions I was making regarding engine size, level of restoration and what to do to maintain it. Since buying the Jeep, Rudy has been a ready and invaluable source of information and advice as I continue the restoration at my own pace. Even his website has been helpful in reviewing his most current restoration to aid in my efforts. I couldn’t be happier with my dealings with Rudy and if I am ever in the market again, I would be comfortable buying from Rudy simply based on his description of a vehicle. And in the classic vehicle market, there are not a lot of people you can say that about
Matt B
Ft Jennings, Oh
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
Rudy,
I wanted to let you know how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the black 1986 CJ7 I purchased from you last fall. I purchased this to do snow removal on my 1/4 mile long asphalt driveway and parking area. Since the purchase I have installed 4 new Bridgestone Blizzak tires, Bestop Supertop, 1992 YJ half doors, Monroe air shocks all around, satellite radio and a Western snowplow. It has worked perfectly all winter and soon I plan to install a Bestop Bikini top in anticipation of spring and summer. Thanks for a great Jeep buying experience.
Take care,
Scott A
Findlay, OH
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
2/24/11
Rudy was a real pleasure to do business with. The jeep is exactly how he represented it to be. I know Rudy was apprehensive about the 1100 mile drive home my brother and I had in the Jeep, but after meeting Rudy face to face and seeing what an honest guy he is, I had no fear. Not many people sell a used product and then check in later to make sure everything is satisfactory. I have spoken with Rudy multiple times in the last 4 months since I bought the Jeep. If I ever find myself desiring to buy another Jeep CJ, Rudy will be the first man I call.
Weston Givens
Arnett, OK Ranch Owner
Background: I picked Weston, his 10 gallon hat, Wyatt Earp moustache and his brother up @ the Columbus Airport where they flew into. I had trailered the Jeep to them and we reviewed it in the parking lot and then had lunch together before they drove it home to Oklahoma. They were 2 of the nicest most genuine folks you'd want to meet. Weston bought a very nice Port fuel injected CJ7 original paint Laredo and they drove it home safely.
I do however discourage driving these CJs accross the country as while they CAN do it, most of these Jeeps are commuters and not highway warriors. They were never really intended to cross the country but I personally have done it. Realistically you should expect minor resolvable issues to occur. I am glad to elaborate on my experiences if you want to discuss this on the phone.
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
Background: Terry flew into the Columbus airport where I picked him up with his Jeep on my trailer and drove his silver Laredo CJ7 1000 miles home to Florida. Please read the below testimonial regarding my opinion on long trips for these CJs.
- 2/24/11
Rudy was a real pleasure to do business with. The jeep is exactly how he represented it to be. I know Rudy was apprehensive about the 1100 mile drive home my brother and I had in the Jeep, but after meeting Rudy face to face and seeing what an honest guy he is, I had no fear. Not many people sell a used product and then check in later to make sure everything is satisfactory. I have spoken with Rudy multiple times in the last 4 months since I bought the Jeep. If I ever find myself desiring to buy another Jeep CJ, Rudy will be the first man I call
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
3/11/18
"Rudy
Just wanted to send you a picture of the completed product. As I wrote in the testimonial I sent you this Jeep took on a life of its' own. In the end I spent way to much money but Guess what, I could care less I Love it. Thanks again for your help and the superior products you supplied for the build. What I have now is a complete all original sheet metal Jeep. No Rot, No Rust!!!!! We have made minor changes to the suspension engine and electrical system but this was all done for performance and reliability. Feel free to post this picture on your website as I am truly proud and appreciative of your help and guidance. As a final note your right I should have bought a jeep from you but then I would have missed out on all the fun blood sweat and tears.
Best Regards
Bill Gavrish"
2-10-18
"Good afternoon and I wanted to take time to thank you for all the assistance and expertise you provided me throughout the process of rebuilding my CJ 7. I am in 100% agreement with your advice regarding using original Jeep Parts for the rebuild. Throughout this process you have helped secure numerous body parts and panels and the most amazing thing happened, all the parts fit right the first time and I did not have to modify or fabricate these components. The body shop I partnered with for this project specializes in classic car and muscle car restorations along with custom hot rod builds. They also were amazed by how well fit up went and commented that this Jeep went together a lot easier than many of the aftermarket junk customers bring them for the mustangs and Camaros they restore. Attached are some pictures of my Jeep while not completely stock any longer I retained the aspects I wanted and modified to my liking. THANKS!!!!!
This Jeep is compromised of original drivetrain, all AMC Jeep Metal, Frame and all black accents have been sandblasted and powder coated for durability. All rust and rot removed.
Bill Gavrish"
Bill is a better customer than I am a service person. His kindness abounds and is second only to his exuberence for his project.
He called to tell me a few things after he sent this.
1, A customer of the hot rod shop already tried to buy his Jeep while it is being assembled. Good products always sell.
2, He has repetitively told me how much less his Jeep would have cost if he'd bought a better Jeep from me in the beginning instead of starting "with a bargain". For 20 years I have been getting the calls hearing about what a deal someone got on thier cheap rusty Jeeps....sigh.
He also could have been driving it immediately. Bill's project has gone over the top and is in fact a "new build" with all AMC metal. It will be art, beautiful and full of pride. I wish him the very best and am greatful to have been able to meet him and help.
Rudy
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
5/23/11 This is a referral for the only completed new-build I have done since I made my newer website. The below is the Jeep I built for him and his comments which blow me away as I was just doing what I do.
"Rudy,
I have been enjoying the Jeep so much the past several months that I almost forgot to give you the recognition that you earned. Please feel free to use me and this email as a reference for any other projects or customers.
I purchased a 84 CJ7 from Rudy this year after an 8 month search that include traveling to multiple states and long hours of research and phone calls. I have heard every story from “off the frame restoration” to there is no rust or anything mechanically wrong with this Jeep to only find a rust bucket or Jeep that does not run how it was advertised. While talking to sellers and chat rooms the name that always came up was Rudy’s CJs in Bluffton. Multiple people told me the only place that I would be able to find what I was looking for was through Rudy. I have not been disappointed in any part of the process. After a couple of calls with Rudy, I felt comfortable with his knowledge and he actually told me what was wrong with a couple of Jeeps that he had on stock—he also walked me through the process of what he could do to fix or if I wanted to fix it the cost. Rudy will tell you exactly what is right and wrong with each Jeep. It is a different feeling you will get working with him, the whole time that I worked with Rudy on the project I had one surprise come up—which was not under Rudy’s control. The crate engine sold with the Jeep was not properly installed by the previous owner. Rudy called when he uncovered and walked me through the process to fix it with my budget in mind. I had a concept in mind of having a Jeep that I would have for the next 20 years to hand off to my kids one day. I Jeep I got at the end of the project exceeded my expectations. I sat with Rudy for a day and we went over the project and what my budget was, he genuinely takes an interest in your project and with his eye for detail and knowledge of Jeeps he will ensure your Jeep is solid functionally as well looks great.
If you want to work with someone that will get you the product you want and knowledge/insight to how everything fits together—engine, restoration, frame, detail parts and performance. There is no one that I would recommend other than Rudy. I had a busy schedule during the build and felt comfortable with Rudy creating the Jeep that I wanted. Like I stated earlier, I got at better Jeep than I originally planned for. The family and I have enjoyed the rides as well look forward to trips off road in the future. The only issue I have had is I can not take my Jeep to the store to get ice-cream; it will melt by the time I get home. Everywhere I go it gets attention, people love to stop and look at it everywhere. The attention to detail that Rudy put into it is outstanding, words really do not do it justice. I have total confidence that Rudy will get you the Jeep that you want, he is as honest as they come. If you want a project to start on your own it will be rust free and a great starting Jeep to work from—or you can have Rudy do some restoration for you. Just keep in mind the more work you have Rudy do on your Jeep the longer your trips to the store will be. Everyone will be stopping you to look at your sweet Jeep.
Rudy again thanks for everything, it was an absolute pleasure to work with you during this experience. Keep up the eye for detail, passion and honesty. And if you are looking for a Jeep save yourself some time and go to Rudy’s website or give him a call. It will save you heartache and time while getting a Jeep that is what you want.
Lance"
Lance was a great guy to work with and one of the reasons I left my career as a manufacturing mager in a global custom automation business to do something I enjoy....
BLESSEDLY SAD...Sad because about 100 photos documenting a full step by step build of this Jeep were lost to webhosts that didn't last as long as I have. Blessed because I am still doing this after all this time!
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
8/1/11 I meet some really wonderful people doing this job! This gentleman brought me a VERY low mile CJ7 Renegade to completely tear down and restore. After considerable deliberation, we decided to let the Jeep be as it was and instead personalize it...especially after he saw the below One Owner Scrambler found in the desert Southwest. He now cruises in two of the nicest Cjs in the country! The below is his overly kind referral that as always, makes me uncomfortable but is appreciated more than I can type....
83 One Owner Scrambler in original paint w dealer installed winch, AC and rear seat.Hello Rudy,
Its been several weeks since you delivered the CJ7 and CJ8 and I have been having a great time with them.....and just as you predicted, they really do stop traffic and draw a crowd. It happened the first time with the two guys in the truck that followed you to my house when you delivered the jeeps so they could ask where they came from, then a few days later a very nice couple waited for me outside Starbucks to ask about the CJ8, then there was the crowd of sales and service personnel at the local Jeep dealership that gathered around the CJ7 when I stopped by there, and more recently, just this past week I had a semi-truck driver follow me off the highway exit and roll down his window at the traffic light to ask me about the CJ7.
Truly, none of that comes anywhere close to the fun I'm having driving around in these two jeeps that are each nearly 30 years old. How good is that ?! Its absolutely awesome !
I want to thank you for all you did to help me with both of these jeeps and the restoration and modification work you did. The '84 CJ8 as a one owner Scrambler needed no restoration and the originality of it is rare.
Please, feel free to share my referral to any prospect or interested party that may be considering buying one of your jeeps. What I'd like them to hear from me is that after working with you and purchasing a jeep from you, I can genuinely say I enjoyed the entire experience, have complete confidence in your work and know I can totally rely on your word. I appreciate that you were always straightforward with me, even when it was not in your best interest. I found your honesty and plain talk refreshing and reassuring.
I wish you much continued success and I already look forward to the next jeep I buy from you. Its just a matter of time. I greatly enjoy old jeeps and I know of no other place that comes anywhere close to doing what you do. And none have the knowledge and enthusiasm you have for old jeeps or the know-how and network to find so many great old western jeeps.......its really exciting to see them.
I'll keep in touch and be up to see you in Bluffton a little later this summer. I'd love to look at the jeeps you have....the 83 original, red CJ7 that you have for sale right now looks like another great find !!!
Catch you soon.
John
Cincinnatti, Ohio
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
9/7/11
Ann is SO fun! :) She showed up at my place with her mechanic and lit up my shop with bubbling personality that I am sure follows her everywhere! She now has an awesome bright orange CJ to match that she cruises in her little town as shown here....
It was my pleasure to meet her and the below is her kind (and funny) words which I greatly appreciate!
Rudy,
This note to you is so long overdue, but as usual, LIFE gets in the way, and that's my only excuse :) That being said, LIFE is GOOD! Since the day I picked up my 1979 CJ5 from you shop, I have been one happy girl, with two very happy little boys. We take her everywhere, top off, doors off, the bare essentials.... we love it! The first day I took it out, a little old man driving next to me looked at it, looked at me, and gave me the best grin, and two thumbs up! I smiled, and thought... hmmm, this puppy is a man magnet, hahaha! All joking aside, we have had the best summer with this Jeep, she is SU WHEET!!
The reason I am writing this letter to you is to say thank you. You have no idea the research I did, and the time I spent, finding the right Jeep.... and... lucky for me, that is exactly what I did, I found the most beautiful, well running machine out there, and for a very fair price. From the very first time you and I spoke on the phone, I felt at ease. Your knowledge and complete honesty was refreshing, and greatly appreciated. You wouldn't believe the things that some folks would tell me, knowing I was driving up to 2 hours to look at their vehicle... they should be ashamed.
When we arrived at your "Jeep Yard", I thought I died and went to heaven.... OLD Jeeps ~ E V E R Y W H E R E! My buddy Tom said when I hopped out of his truck, and looked into your garage window, than started to jump up and down like a 5 year old.... HE KNEW the Jeep was coming home with us.... Looking back, I suppose I should be slightly embarrassed about my excitement, but... hey, you only live once! The extra time you spent with us, tweaking every little nook and cranny on her made me realize how different you are, and how much you cared about me as a customer, and not about just getting the sale. At this point, I thought I could safely say that I was your #1 Fan, that was until your mom and dad showed up ;) Obviously you come from a nice family, and were raised to be respectful and honest, it totally showed... as they say, the nut doesn't fall far from the tree.... oh come on, take the compliment and stop blushing, I am being sincere.
We have put over 1,000 miles on her since Mid April, and have loved every second of driving her. Thanks for helping make a long time dream of mine come true, and getting me in one of the most beautiful Jeeps I have ever see. Your work is impeccable, the response time to my phone calls was impressive, and the overall time you spent with me exceeded my expectations.... Thank YOU, Thanks YOU, Thank YOU!!!! Your the best!
I have sent at least a dozen friends to your website, i hope that when one of the people I referred to you decides to get their Jeep, they will get it from you, guaranteed happiness at the end of their story too!
I hope you have had an awesome summer, and look forward to seeing you sometime if you ever make it out my way ti Michigan!!
All The Best to you Rudy,
~Ann & gang
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
3/12
The below is from a wonderful gentleman in Indiana I never got to meet. He is one of the few folks I got to help this Winter due to my shop being sold and the builds in process. Jake contacted me with a reasonable budget and a primary request to get a rot free CJ. With a little luck and persistance, we found him a great little CJ that he and his family seem to enjoy. I never saw this Jeep in person but did find it and handle the transaction to get it delivered directly to him. From the below, I'd say we did quite well....
THANK YOU JAKE! :)
"Rudy,
You know the saying “diamond in the rough” well you just change it to “diamond with a little dust on it”.
I am pleased with the 1985 CJ 7 that I bought from you. All that it needed was a wash and wax to be a head turner. The first time I drove it to the store a gentlemen stopped me and we talked for 20 minutes about the jeep.
I have 3 daughters; we used to go outside to play on the swing set now they just want to play in the jeep. They have all said that they want a “Rudy jeep” for their first vehicle. Looks like in a few years I will be buying a few more jeeps from you.
Now it’s time to tell your future customers about my purchase experience. I called up Rudy and just after a few minutes of talking, I knew this is the guy I wanted to do business with. Rudy’s knowledge and experience in buying and selling jeeps is what I was looking for. I told him what type of jeep I wanted. I gave him my budget and less than a week later Rudy sent me a couple of pictures and a description of a jeep. Now I am sure this won’t happen to everyone but it was just about exactly what I wanted and under budget. Rudy found me my jeep on his first try. I could go on and on but I won’t, I will just get to the point.
Rudy is honest and he made me fill comfortable throughout the whole process of buying a jeep. Whether you have him find you one or you buy one that he already has, they go fast.
Thanks again Rudy for the awesome Jeep, Look forward to doing more business with you.
Jake
Southern Indiana"
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
July 2012 Paul is a great guy from the Columbus area and a pleasure to meet. It was very kind of him to take the time to share this photo and his well wishing for the new shop! Love seeing this original paint CJ with original white wheel wells showing how pristine it is!
Hi Rudy,
It’s been 6 months since I purchased my California CJ7 from you and I wanted to check in and let you know that I amthoroughly enjoying summer. I took your advice and decided not to drive it during the winter to avoid any salt contamination. It spent the first few month’s sitting either at my house or in the shop for some steering and performance improvements. I got to know the Trailquest team on your recommendation and they have been great to work with. I also replaced the soft top and added a bikini top. I removed the Wrangler-style roll bars and added CJ7 mirrors to restore the look. The past month I have had such a blast driving it and it runs like a dream. Everyone who looks at it is amazed that this 30 year old Jeep has no rust and runs like new. I have some more upgrades planned over the next year, but for now I love this Jeep! It was great working with you and I enjoyed visiting your (old) shop. Thanks for doing what you do and best of luck with your new shop.
Thanks,
Paul
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
1/5/12
Hi Rudy,
Wanted to wish you, Hippy and your significant other, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Well, after several months of owning my first Jeep and an original CJ-7 Laredo......you still can't wipe that smile off my face. I am having a blast driving around town, doing the Jeep waves, and noticing how many people turn their heads as I drive by. I thought it might be me at first, but it doesn't happen when I drive my Tundra, so it must be the CJ.
Thanks again Rudy for being so patient with me during the decision process and for being so honest about the CJ. It is everything you said it was...and more. I can't wait for summer to pop the top and the doors and head down that Kentucky country road. Friends of mine ask me if I am going through a mid-life experience. Well at my age I am way past "mid-life" but to quote my great friend John, just experiencing "forever young" owning and driving a CJ.
By the way, John came over today and he drove the Laredo and fell in love with it too. We were having a blast driving in the bluegrass Rudy. I will be in touch and much success with your new location.
Best,
Jim B. (Northern Ky)
PS. Can't wait to buy another one!!!
The above is a kind letter from a really great guy I feel lucky to have met who bought this beautiful original paint Laredo.
It sounds like his classic CJ is doing its job in turning heads and making smiles. It makes me happy that I was able to help these two find each other!
He mentions his friend (John) who is also a professional acquaintance and the owner of the one of a kind white, one owner desert Scrambler shown above.
Great guys with great classic CJs.
Happy Jeepin Jim! :)
Thank you!
Rudy
Referrals / Customer Testimonials
8-14-14
"Hello Rudy,
Wanted to share the Jeep I bought from you this summer! Absolutely a blast to have! So therapeutic riding on a nice summer day!
Added a 2.5 lift and new 33's and wheels! Looks stunning!
Thanks for being such a great person to work with in finding a jeep that I love.
Funny how so many people know about your work and great things you do! The name Rudy is a common name here in Columbus synonymous with quality jeeps.
Thank you,
Dave M."
Thanks Dave...It took me a couple days to reply to Dave as I was a bit speachless...and still kind of am. We're mostly just having fun and doing what seems right. I'm thankful for what I get to do and am glad others are enjoying and noticing.
Rudy
8-14-14
"Hello Rudy,
Wanted to share the Jeep I bought from you this summer! Absolutely a blast to have! So therapeutic riding on a nice summer day!
Added a 2.5 lift and new 33's and wheels! Looks stunning!
Thanks for being such a great person to work with in finding a jeep that I love.
Funny how so many people know about your work and great things you do! The name Rudy is a common name here in Columbus synonymous with quality jeeps.
Thank you,
Dave M."
Thanks Dave...It took me a couple days to reply to Dave as I was a bit speachless...and still kind of am. We're mostly just having fun and doing what seems right. I'm thankful for what I get to do and am glad others are enjoying and noticing.
Rudy
This referral isn't as good with the photos now last to time of dead links but it's a heck of a story and a really nice guy!
"Hi Rudy, I wanted to thank you for all your help getting a Jeep back in our family. When I told you the story of what happened to our beloved 85 CJ 7 I know you were a little skeptical, but with your vast knowledge of everything Jeep you confirmed how it could happen. It was such a far out story. I thought you would like to share it with all the other Jeep Junkies who visit your site. If you don’t that’s OK too. So here it is.
Ever since I took my first ride in a Jeep I knew I would own one someday. One of my best friend’s wife bought a brand new 1985 CJ 7 for here daily driver. It was a Plain Jane but with new wheels and the light blue color it was sharp! My buddy and his wife and I and my wife would cruse in it with the top down for hours on weekends, lots of great memories! I told Chris, his wife if she ever sold it to call me first. Years past and life happens. Jobs took us away and we started a family. One day out of the blue I got the call, the Jeep was for sale. It didn’t take much convincing my wife, and the Jeep was ours. It had around 90,000 miles on it by now and had seen its better days. (Jeeps and Ohio winters don’t get along too well) but mechanically it was solid and it became part of our family as a runabout. Over the next several years I repaired the body the best I could and repainted it. It ran great most days and from 50 feet away it looked great. Every spring I would pull it out of the barn and take the top down, and that’s the way it would be all summer. Taking kids to the pool, running to the store, tooling though the woods, going to the lake on Sundays. We didn’t put a ton of miles on it but we loved our old Jeep. I mentioned to my wife about selling it one time and she said NO WAY… it wasn’t going anywhere. I knew sooner or later I would need to throw some serious money at it, my thoughts where to put a new steel body on it at some time (fiberglass was out of the question) and completely go through it but like other things it got put off.
Old Blue. When the Kids were young with their cousins.
Fast forward to the spring of 2014….So we have a Son and a Daughter. When our son was getting about ready to drive we (well really me because my wife see’s right through me) decided that it would be a good father son project to fix up a car. He liked old muscle cars and after a long search we found a 72 Nova that sat in a barn for 10 years. The price was right and we had a ball fixing it up and burning through a couple sets of rear tires. Our Daughter is a couple of years younger and was getting close to driving when she started bugging me about her “Fun Car” … Her only request was it had to be a convertible. Half joking I said well why don’t I give you the old Jeep? She couldn’t say yes fast enough. She loved the Jeep and couldn’t wait to get her hands on it! The fall before she got her license we spent hours in it teaching her how to drive a stick shift. Now I know why they put that grab bar above the glove box! So in the spring she couldn’t wait to hit the road. We serviced it and waited for the weather to get warm.
This is where the story gets weird.. Memorial Day weekend came and everyone was busy. I was in my shop working on some things and my son told me he was meeting a few of his buddies in town about 4 miles away to play soccer at the park? Being a nice day he asked if it would be ok to take the Jeep. I said he could but just put it back where he found it. It was backed into the way back of our shop out of the way. So off he went. Three hours later he comes home and to my surprise (teenage boys have short memories) he backs it right to the spot where he took it. I asked him if it ran OK. He said like a champ! We had to go to a graduation party so we both went into the house to get cleaned up. A few minutes after I jumped into the shower my wife noticed smoke from the back window of our bedroom. She yelled down from the upstairs to our daughter to find out where it was coming from…That when she about broke down the bathroom door yelling THE JEEPS ON FIRE!!!! … As I was slipping around the bathroom floor trying to get my shorts on I could see the amount of smoke passing by the bathroom window. My thoughts immediately went to “there goes the Jeep and my shop up in flames”! I about fell down the steps trying to get outside to see the inevitable damage. When I got to the back door I nearly froze in my tracks. Only minutes ago I watched my son back the old Jeep into my shop. The shop sits roughly 300 feet across our driveway from our house. When I got to our back door our old blue Jeep was sitting about 10 feet from the back door….burning…. I looked around expecting to see some Good Samaritan who was driving by our house and noticed smoke and pushed our poor Jeep out of the shop thus saving the barn, but no one was to be seen. I grabbed the garden hose which conveniently only 15 feet away and started to fight down the flames. I took only about 10 minutes to put it out, but the damage was done. The old jeep was dead, but how did it out of the shop? I could see from the lingering smoke in the shop that it had started burning inside the building. Maybe it coasted out? I checked the gear shift and it was in first gear. After some head scratching the only theory I could come up with was this. Somehow when the fire started from an electrical short it engaged the starter and it drove itself out of the back of the building, through a 12’ door, across the driveway, slightly turning to the right so not to run directly into our attached garage and at the same time missing our sons car which was parked in the turn around. When it got within 10’ of the house the fire was burning big enough that it melted the battery which disengaged the starter stopping it where we found it a few moments later. Wow! Really? …
So with the fire out and the mystery solved to the best of our abilities I finally noticed the look on our daughters face. There goes my Jeep is what it said. She didn’t come out and say it but I knew she was heartbroken as the rest of us were too. That old Jeep with all its rust and quirks was part of our family and we would miss it.
Where we found her burning. Where she started burning.
This is where Rudy enters the picture….I had noticed some of Rudy’s ads on Craigslist before our Jeep had burnt. It said he was located in Findlay Ohio and being only 15 miles from Findlay I had always thought I would look him up when I needed parts for our old Jeep when I finally got around to fixing it up. Now that she was toasted I looked up his website. From what I read he was the guy to possibly get her back on the road. From what I could see it was defiantly going to need a whole new wiring harness, heater box, valve cover, gauges, plus much more. I called him on a Saturday and he said to come on over and he would see how he could help. After telling him my story of what happened and seeing his initial shock, he said he could defiantly see how it drove itself out of our barn. We discussed what it would take to get her running again and the parts I would need. He said he understood our attachment to the old Jeep, but before throwing a bunch of money at it and still have a pretty rusty, patched together Jeep he wanted to show me something behind his shop. We walked out back where he keeps some older Jeep’s that he tears down for parts. We walk up to a faded red 83 CJ 7. I wasn’t impressed.
The paint was gone on the top of the hood and fenders, fender flares were falling off, it just looked like a mess. He told me to jump in it and start it. He said he hadn’t started it for 2 months when it was shipped in from California. I hit the key and the 258 cu in came to life and purred. Lifting the hood he pointed it out it was equipped with a Howell fuel injection kit, a much better set up than my old Carter carb. He then told me to craw underneath it. What I found was a totally rust free tub and frame. Compared to my old winter driven Ohio born Jeep it looked brand new! He told me to look past the faded paint and consider the whole Jeep. It didn’t take long before I was asking…How much? I was pleased to find he would trade in my old Jeep for parts and swap some rare parts from the California Jeep (it stared its life as a Laredo) and the difference wasn’t all that much more than what I would have in rebuilding my old blue Jeep. After convincing the two women in my life how this old faded red jeep was the way to go, we made the swap and my next project got on its way. Everyone pitched in. We got right at it and tore it down. Our goal was to have it on the road as quick as possible. All it really needed was a paint job and a few odds and ends mechanically. It went back to its original Oriental Red color plus a black spray on bed liner on the inside of the tub. Besides a small dent on the right rear corner the body was flawless. Every time I crawled under it I couldn’t believe how clean it was on the bottom. The frame still had its original paint! About 3 weeks after we got it was on the road. It’s not a show Jeep and we didn’t want it to be.
It’s my daughter’s fun driver. She drives it everywhere when the sun is shining. It’s the coolest car in her high school parking lot! She calls it her Cali Girl and grins from ear to ear when she meets another Jeep on the road and gives them the “Jeep wave” ( It’s a Jeep thing). So I wanted to thank Rudy at Rudy’s Classic Jeeps for his advice and expertise for helping us find our new family member. I would highly recommend him for all your CJ 7 and Scrambler needs.
Tony Rieman
Arlington, Ohio"