After almost 2 years this '83 Jeep Wagoneer is leaving the CAR WIZARD's shop! What a crazy story!

[@leissp1]

This customer in particular has a lot of patience. Glad to see that Wagoneer back on the road.

[@WhittyPics]

Sometimes patience is required when fixing old vehicles.

[@AnythingGasoline]

2 years is abit excessive for a professional shop. Tavarish rebuilt a smashed mclaren in less time lmao

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

@@AnythingGasoline - Was he dealing with Covid supply chain and labor issues?

[@AnythingGasoline]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH well I live in Sweden and apparently I can get parts for American cars faster and easier than people in America.. 😂 just last year I completely refreshed my Lincoln continental with a WHOLE ton of parts, no problem.

[@rodrigomontoya3112]

Customer has more money than patience, for sure

[@krz8888888]

Good call with the NOS parts. You don't want this to happen twice ever, good job guys!

[@channell11]

Old vehicles are a labor of love. I'm always doing little upgrades and fixes periodically on my K5 Blazer. I really enjoy driving it, so it'd be tough to have it down for two years. I prefer to do the work myself and that way I can control the pace of the projects and still enjoy it.

[@TermlessHGW]

Not to be rude or anything but just out of pure curiosity...what can be enjoyable driving an old Chevy Blazer? Apart maybe from the occasional looks of people that take interest in old cars because if it's in good condition, it's a nice looking thing. And again, don't get me wrong. I own a 97 Subaru Impreza that I keep around, and spend money on just for the occasional, pure driving experience without all the electronics in the way. But that car with its AWD, turbo engine, manual transmission and lightness is a joy to drive around. The Blazer thought?

[@roberttoews2775]

@@TermlessHGW The answer is simple. We are all as different as individuals as the vehicles we enjoy. You are both fortunate to find what your labour of love is. 👍

[@mousetoad7040]

@@TermlessHGW I love simplicity. I enjoy modern cars like my wife's Lexus GX460, though it is old school by modern standards (but more reliable that way). I loved the handling of my 87 944S, the power of my brother's supercharged Vette, but I also love driving something primitive such as my 66 Jeep CJ5. No power steering, poor handling, but just fun, especially off road. My son took his CJ7 to Florida, didn't want to drive a boring car, but I told him to look for something with safe handling, better mpg, AC, etc, so he bought a Civic with a 5 speed and modded it. It got totaled by a police Tahoe and his back and neck were messed up, so he replaced it with a Nissan Titan. Much more relaxing to drive, solid, automatic, but he still will drive the Jeep for fun once he feels up to the rough ride.

[@mousetoad7040]

My wife has the nice new SUV and I cannot afford another car note so when my niece died, I bought her Equinox to have something modern. It started giving trouble and I learned about carbon issues with direct injection, frozen PVC orfices blowing out seals trashing engines, etc and sold it after replacing failed cam sensors. Went back to my old 04 Sport trac and Highlander. The transverse V6 in the Highlander is a pain, and it leaks oil everywhere though still reliable at high miles. The Ford is nickeling and diming me, and I worry about the timing failure issues and how the engine must be pulled to change the rear timing chain. Tired of cracked plastic thermostat housings, etc. My old cars were NEVER this much trouble. I stopped running my 67 Wagoneer as it has a cracked manifold, a water leak in the cowl, rotted drivers floor, and the new brake shoes suck with my non power brakes. But I think I'll get it roadworthy again. I can't afford to maintain modern cars, A new car price averages $50,000, I can maintain my vintage cars, but the road salt kills them as any car, but faster. I plan to fix up my dad's 67 Wagoneer as well. In over 300,000 miles he never had to call a tow truck. He always found a way to get it to run home (But he did put redundant systems on it for traveling prior to the interstate system where he was, dual tanks and fuel pumps and things like that. He even disconnected a failed drive shaft and ran it home on front wheel drive once). I think it is not just a labor of love , but becoming more practical as the life span of modern disposable cars drops back to 100,000 miles again.

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

Nice job. The Wagoner sounds great. I hope the owner gets many years of enjoyment driving it.

[@TermlessHGW]

Yup. I especially love the idea of a braking period on a 40 year old car.

[@toddhiggins6318]

Just Empty Every Pocket, who knew 🤔

[@johnpoister5631]

Lmbo

[@nekite1]

A bit like Lotus - lots of trouble, usually serious.

[@LiquidSm0ke]

Only good jeep was the 4.0

[@catfishakaAMC]

Just enough essential parts... Second time's the charm for the most essential - the engine.

[@1DEADBEEF1]

@@LiquidSm0ke the 4.0 was an AMC motor

[@lirr408]

Congratulations on the Wagoneer getting finished. I do love seeing it and the 66 Chevelle in the background watching everything going on.

[@frolie3207]

Looking forward to the Nova to be up and running again, too.

[@jon3113]

Everything looks accessible and fairly easy to get too. Especially that heater core. They dont make them like they used to.

[@tomjoad8272]

True. Definitely better and worse in several ways.

[@bwofficial1776]

The Wagoneer platform was already 20 years old when this one was built. The '91 Grand Wagoneer was one of the very last cars sold in the US with a carburetor.

[@misorodzinak8829]

@@bwofficial1776 People like to make fun of car models that have been on the market for a long time, but a lot of flaws get ironed out over the years with cars like this.

[@derelict_wanderer]

Til you realize unless you are a contortionist with tiny hands you have to remove the underdash A/C to get to two of those four fasteners to remove the heater core box.

[@mikeodonnell7446]

​@@derelict_wanderer been there!

[@tincansailor9437]

Love the Mt. Hood graphic on the back of this Oregon jeep!

[@Rich.Aardvark]

I like you wizard. You tell it how it is. I also love Mrs.Wizard creative input, directing, cinematography, and presenting of the interior tours. You're a great team.

[@ToxicMisfitsYt]

Gm performance sells a flat tappet lifter with a actual hardened bottom. They have a lip cut 2/3 near the bottom and the rest is true hardened metal

[@nellayema2455]

That's a sweet old Wagoneer. Daniel is a first-rate mechanic. He's been a great addition to the crew there at the shop. I'm happy for you Wizard that the end of the Wagoneer project is near. It's been a very interesting journey. Thanks for sharing it with us. Mrs. Wizard is a hoot! You're a very lucky man.

[@GuyChapman]

That Wagoneer was worth the effort. It's a delight. So many of these cars have been converted to coilovers and such - it's great to see one in close to original spec.

[@liztheisen9102]

I had an '81 FS Wagoneer and a '90 Grand Wagoneer. I sooo enjoyed that cruise posted here! Nothing better in the snow. High maintenance is an under statement but when up and running - loved these trucks. Thank you!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Wizard & Mrs Wizard, congratulations on getting the Jeep done!!! I'll bet that you're glad to get this out of the shop!!! It just sucks that the quality of parts made today is so poor. Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🎃

[@kostadinkostadinov2510]

Its because of mechanicks like you that cars break all the time is what my old man thinks, but the reality is exactly the opposite. 💥thank- you💥

[@ronaldspins]

Danielson does fine work , everything looks correct !

[@titansteelful]

Glad we could get your experienced eye to give it the once over.

[@turquoisecat761]

The HT wires look a bit messy to me.

[@martyb5058]

So glad you will be able to get back to the Nova! Special place in my heart for Nova's. I had a '74 that I treasured

[@creightonleerose582]

Nice work! Buddy of mine had a 1989/90 SJ Wagoneer full size, took it on a few camping trips & I was SO surprised at how softly the suspension was sprung!...-Like driving an old 70's luxury lead-sled-Like driving on soft, squishy pillows!

[@Olds_Gold]

We had two of these when I first got my driver's license. I had a single father and we were not well off. One of the wagoneers ran like a top but was really rusty and the other Wagoneer was really nice but had a blown engine. Our goal was to swap the good engine into the good body. Well winter came here in Minnesota and we had to have something to drive. The gas tank was so Rusty that it wouldn't hold gas anymore, and the underneath was so Rusty it wouldn't hold tank anymore so we ended up installing a Factory gas tank in the rear seat and then just opened the rear door to put gas in. My dad sprinkled the little Carpet Fresh on the carpet so it didn't smell like gas. Lasted us the whole winter. Lost a few brain cells.....but we were warm and toasty

[@stratonarrow]

The Oregon plates make me smile. Cheers from the Pacific Wonderland!

[@mikeodonnell7446]

1983 was the last year they were called Wagoneer, switched to Grand Wagoneer in 1984 when the XJ came out. Hoping our 82 Wagoneer runs that well some day!

[@johndavies6253]

Seeing a car like that, so clean and running down the road will always make me smile. There’s a lot of love and hard work in every car like that. Props to your guys and the owner for sticking with it. It looks great.

[@hadtopicausername]

Great to see people who care enough about these cars to put them back in a good, drivable condition. I completely understand why you won't want to take on further projects like this - it's not how a regular garage makes money. I'll be sending my rusty Beetle off to a specialist next year to have it fully restored. They pretty much only work on aircooled VW, and they do make money off of it. It's going to cost a fortune, but... When you love the car and can afford it, then why not? Also, one of my pet peeves: Manufacturers that produce sub standard parts, whether it be mechanical or body parts. It's just a waste of everyone's time, money and resources to produce and sell stuff that's going to break or rust in a short amount of time.

[@davidchestnut2262]

I would wait 2 years for that beauty. Hope the owner enjoys it and DRIVES it!

[@ivycycles]

Kinda brings back fond memories for me. My dad had Blue 64 Jeep Wagoneer that I just loved, I was just five or six years old then. Think it had the six cylinder & 3-speed on the column. For me it was my personal favorite. We'd use it out on the beach in Montauk, NY when we'd go surf casting. Glad you are done and everything is working as it supposed to - Quite a saga.

[@kevinbaker6168]

My Uncle Bob was a Jeep Wagoneer fan. He had three of them starting in the 1950's through the 1970's. He never abused them, but he was never afraid of using them. He used his for work, hunting and fishing. As he was in the lumber business it got used for "cruising" timber stands, checking on felling crew's and operations from timber to sawmill. I like your attitude towards your work. A shop that has your level of ethics and detail orientation is fantastic in these days. So many shops are just change some parts get it running put it out the door and get the check. While you probably won't ever take on another project for a customer like that again your kind of shop is one people need to find in this day and age.

[@mattmaster2582]

I have a 1978 wagoner, with the 401.

[@darrellsaunders4267]

7:46.... old Pepsi warehouse....delivered hundreds of loads there in the 70"s and 80's.

[@robbflynn4325]

I used to haul for Pepsi, out of the Johnstown plant in Pennsylvania

[@SaxaphoneMan42]

Really nice to see this old beauty on the road again. Sucks that these kinds of jobs aren't really worthwhile for you or your crew, I personally love these kinds of projects, but I also understand how much old stuff likes to break.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks Mrs & Mr Long Wizard🧙‍♂🧙‍♀ 👍 Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@robertsturtevant6185]

Mrs. Wizard throwing digs at the Wizard(FAKE CORVETTE)😂😂….great job on the jeep, I can’t believe I’ve been watching this build this long…..❤

[@fatbackjacob5738]

The very rare wizard test drive. Always the best vids

[@organiccold]

Finally the Jeep is done. Sounds great!! Expensive but well...life for you.. Wizard you need to do the driving bit more often as we really like that

[@bj1104]

Isn't that the wrong key in the ignition? My 73 AMC had the same steering column and the ignition looked like a GM square key. That looked like the round door key. Awesome seeing it running again.

[@chipholland9]

A coworker had one with the wood panels. They really are a classic SUV. Suggestion - see if you can change the color of the radio illumination to match the green of the clock.

[@tuckertruckerpatriot312]

DUDE...Wizard man that 83 Jeep really does sound sweet!

[@LMacNeill]

Man, I'm jealous. Back in 2003 when I bought a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible, I wanted to put fuel-injection and electronic ignition on it, but there was *NOTHING* like what's available right now. I had to cobble together a hodge-podge of parts and try to get it running... It never did work right, really. Constant problems starting when it was cold. I finally gave up on it and went back to a carburetor in 2007. But today -- wow! I wish I'd had the aftermarket EFI stuff available then that's available now!

[@craigmorgan4676]

Better late than never hey Wizard, ace job brother!👌👊👍👍👍💪😬💪💪

[@leebayliss3555]

Love to see this jeep after a trip to Van Gogh and see it at its very best

[@cbcsucks2205]

I had an 82 grand wagoneer 360 4 spd manual. Bucket of fun!

[@socaltrailtrekkers1965]

Did anyone say “Weezard” out loud as he drove in the shop?? Love this channel!!

[@johnmichaelkarma]

Geez, the Jeep is leaving, it was there so long I thought it was garage art.

[@stonylawncottagepipe4429]

I owned a 1985 Grand Wagoner light brown with wood panels on it had no problems...and wish it was still in my garage this time of year when snow is in forecast

[@DragonFireEngneering]

I would recommend having the owner of the Jeep use special engine oils formulated for flat tappet cams or ZDDP additives. Flat tappet cams, even NOS, will not last long with modern engine oils.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

There are a few ZDDP oil additives available. Be careful with the mix ratio, too much and wear accelerates

[@FranciscoJimenez-bb7fk]

i dare say, that jeep wagoneer and the jeep commander are mighty sweet projects car for daily dirivin'!

[@Phiyedough]

We have the same issue on classic bikes, parts that seem to be the right shape but are not heat treated or are made from inferior metal. I try to keep new parts to a minimum for this reason. One example is side-stands made of cast iron when they should be forged steel. They snap and your immaculately restored bike falls on its side.

[@deanstevenson6527]

🥝✔️The problem with all the Self Learning 4bbl Throttle Body EFi isn't that the systems don't work, it's the existing 53 Federal Emissions Carb things that you have to remove to fit the easier to manage the HyFire or whatever ignition and MCU stuff you put in. 🎶Against the Wind. Running Against the Wind...🎶

[@42luke93]

Can't believe it is finally done! Wow, 2 whole years! I'm sure it was more affordable this way than to have it done fast.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Finally! I knew you guys would were going to finish the jeep, even with all the problems! Two years good grief. I agree with you not doing this again. I own a 1983 Mercedes 300SD. I have done all of the extensive work myself. I could not afford to pay a liscensed Mercedes mechanic to do all of the extensive work. I found many parts from LKQ junk yards here in Houston. And ordered many after market parts from online mail order supply houses. You and your wife are a perfect match! I enjoy your channel. Some day I will drive to your shop, show you my Mercedes, and take you guys out to eat! Outstanding on the jeep, I remember the rat infested doner engine! That was great you had a engine block sitting out back!

[@BubblesTheCat1]

8:35 The hood and the road are a perfect match, color wise ☺

[@cchrist58]

Great Job Mr Wizard & Team ............ Bless you All .......Peace

[@s.hall.4187]

What patience!!! Can you include a customer reaction/comment in the wrap up video

[@davidwell686]

I feel his pain. My Marantz 2270 has been in the shop for almost two years. Certain transistors are just becoming very hard to find!!!

[@dragonseye5770]

Being a mechanic for 30 years I agree with him 100% at 15:40 time stamp. Most people won't have deep enough pockets to pay what it takes to do something like that. If I do a project and I spend 85 hours on it at $100 per hour that's $8500 labor only not including any parts and once i work on a project like that im basically responsible for that vehicle no matter what happens to it for the rest of my life or until the vehicle gets sold or totalled

[@faafaafowhigh]

Exhaust note is perfect!

[@GreenAppelPie]

Hardening metal is so easy. Essentially get it glowing read, dip in it carbon a few times the heat and quench. There’s zero excuse

[@46miles]

Yes, I would like to see the Jagelle, at least on the floor! Good Luck with it!

[@johnlenoir1023]

That is beautiful to see that jeep in that good of shape a shame that it's so hard to get parts and get things done correctly love the video

[@martinmicheal4595]

Yes they are you run those for a week and they self learn perfectly

[@johnshroyer1095]

Love your shop. Being a military man there's one thing that drives me crazy. I would love to see projects get finished before you start a new one. I'm not into four-door Chevelles but the one you got on the list with the Jaguar engine in it I'd love to see that thing done. Even before the bus.

[@hotpuppy1]

These days you have to have several irons in the fire since you wait on parts for a long time. Plus the paying customers get top billing over your own stuff. Shop projects are good for filling time when business is slow and you are paying the techs to be there anyway.

[@danrillo12]

I love the old full size jeeps blazers broncos and this one is a gem. The mountain pin stripe made me laugh. I guess it’s vehicle/period correct

[@rrich52806]

Cool. I bought one new in 1979. However, rolled it due to a broadside hit. Mine had a straight 6 and 3 speed manual.

[@devinxxx3605]

I bet the wizard will be spraying a bottle of champagne around when that Jeep rolls out for the last time.

[@TXCherokee]

For what’s invested in the Grand Cherokee still way cheaper than a new one. Actually I’d rather drive the 83 then a 2022

[@superman60201]

I had a chance to buy one of these back in 1997, kicking myself everytime I think about it.

[@petermontagnon4440]

Good stuff!!!! Glad to see a classic back on the road!!! They take so much time!!!!

[@ingresswizard9044]

I'm thinking I would have just LS swapped this since parts are easily available for the LS

[@goenitzlopez2076]

Not everybody wants to ls swap everything

[@seanm8030]

It's true. Auto restoration isn't a viable business for a shop that focuses on day to day repairs of modern cars. It's good to say so.

[@user-tl2xh5ft3s]

great job wizard and Daniel son 👍👍 your great work and patience pays off for us the customer 👍

[@nickayivor8432]

KNOWLEDGEABLE Car Wizard Thanks 👍 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@larrysacks8927]

Wow glad it is done if I recall you had hair when you started this project and starting shooting it on super8 film… Congrats

[@pops55650]

It may be a big bill, but it’s done right, and the customer will have a really nice sorted Wagoneer.

[@mgcarr61camaro91]

Love your honesty and excellent work ! I bet you want to clear the backlog of projects and get going on the bus !! !👍👍

[@JeanPernicia]

Great process! This Wagoneer will be ready for many happy miles and years.

[@jamesa.7604]

Good Job, Guys! Vehicle looks good and runs smoothly

[@charleshenshaw9099]

Its good to see the Jeep up and running again, better then new.

[@tumekeehoa3121]

She blinds everybody with her super high beams, She's a squirrel crushing, deer smacking, driving machine! Wagoneero!-oh woah, wagoneero! (Yah!)

[@html_rulez_d00d]

I am not a Wagoneer fan, but with that color and those wheels, that one is really nice!

[@glennbeadshaw727]

You're kidding me? Personally I thought the Wagoneer was one of AMC's best looking vehicles

[@html_rulez_d00d]

@@glennbeadshaw727I think the one my parents had growing up made me dislike the look of them. It was green with the wood trim. 😆

[@imkwuzn]

The Jeep is super cool. I’m in love with Hoovie’s E-Type on the lift💙

[@rubirunner8487]

Good job CW, Mrs. CW, Danielson and customer. Very Nice looking truck. Enjoy.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I love this jeep, a proper driver now and that rumble is addicting!

[@Spillmansgarage]

I’ve always wanted one of these! My dream truck. Would be cool to Hemi swap one with the Holly System.

[@laurat1129]

That's a beautiful blue GW, hope the customer enjoys it.

[@hescominsoon]

what a wondrous sound..not stupidly loud like today's cars and has that low rumble...what a gorgeous sounding truck

[@DeLaLosPedros]

Best part is when heavy repair shiiit and insane projects are upon, wizard just stays cool as a fan...❤️🤟💪 The shire calm way to talk through things keeps me watching these life education clips💪 thanks

[@alanleclair1]

Great work Wizard! It is a real testament that this guy brought his Jeep all the way from Oregon (license plate) to invest over $12k in it with you. Well done!

[@adamadams6740]

Awesome stuff! I love these I grew up in one that was brown with the wood same year 83 and that’s year I was born.when we moved from a small town in Massachusetts to Arizona we sold it to a friend of my dad,I went back to visit right after high school and the son had it still but lifted it like crazy and put swamppers on it was still in great shape though.anyway I love that thing have ton of memories driving it up to NH for camping and skiing!i love that dark blue she’s beautiful!

[@t.l.robinson2162]

You have earned a life long customer.

[@adamwilliams5126]

As a retiree from Chrysler, SJ or Grand Wagoneer was my field car of choice. Love them still. Nice job Wizard.. 13 mpg at 20 mph or 100 mph

[@wotrulke5868]

Great video fantastic looking Jeep 🚙 having a understandable customer is half the job with a project list, all the staff deserve a big pat on the back.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🖐🏼

[@mattbrown5511]

Beautiful truck. Happy to know she has a good owner.

[@Ferromicon]

gracias por compartirnos tu proyecto, te quedo muy bien!!!!

[@pauli6043]

Fantastic old truck, they are worth big bucks today so definitely worth the money and time to get it right!

[@gieauto7175]

Very nice, good looking wheels, fuel injected, and best part is all the accessories work. Those small amenities are the true frosting on the job. It's what makes driving a vehicle a treat. The only draw back is the drone of the exhaust, the owner may want to try a quarter pipe. Either way after two years it was a true work of patients.

[@craigbathurst1185]

@Car Wizard - There is a restorative shop in Lancaster City, Pa that does restore vehicles and sells some. If you run into anyone on the east coast that needs this kind of work gave them call them. They’re on N. Duke Street across from the train station.

[@scootermann83]

Glad the Jeep's mostly resolved. I look forward to some long awaited V12 Chevelle content!

[@jimsmalleimb7709]

Gosh, what beautiful countryside~!

[@jenshaga4256]

Beautiful vehicle, absolutely worth the effort. And please bring in the Jaguar project again! Cheers

[@mikew9893]

enjoyed the test drive....do more of that

[@cfc1001001cfc]

I'm glad that the Rat Poop Jeep was able to provide the parts make this Jeep run again.

[@melvinburwell8202]

Beautiful. They don't make em like that anymore. A real SUV. Those telephone poles out there in Newton. Look like Lincoln logs ready to go down in a good wind. Lol.👍❤❤🙏😎🤔