HOLY GRAIL '76 to '83 Jeep CJ5's! We've got 'em ALL!

[@Aprojeep]

My very 1st Jeep was a 76 CJ5, 258, 3 speed. Manual everything, no power nothing. 4 wheel drum brakes. I yanked it out of farmers field and fixed it up. I LOVED THAT THING. Sold it to pay off my schooling.

[@matthiashellmann6211]

The only thing I have to ad is that Dennis is one of the most skilled and coolest guys on this planet.... Greetings from Germany....

[@KH2PM]

In my 54 years I’ve never owned a Jeep. I’ve had Matchbox Jeeps, built plastic models, Tonka Jeeps, and drew them when I was a kid. Thanks Dennis for your contribution to the Jeep community. Love your videos!

[@leifrosford1543]

I have an 81 Jeep scrambler CJ8 with an iron Duke When I got it it had 260 on it now it's nearing 8 Love it

[@danwillard8022]

I learn more by accident from Dennis than any book or blog on purpose.

[@rickkeiser7945]

Do you sell some of the Jeep’s for people to restore them self if so please get a hold of me

[@freevvvssss]

Same!!!

[@michaelhill8197]

Dennis, your enthusiasm is off the chart and I love it! Thank you, I glean so much from you.

[@Dave_Boyer]

I’ve never considered myself a Jeep guy, but it’s amazing the stuff you forget about. In the early 80’s I worked for a parking company, and we used Jeeps as our work trucks, we even plowed snow with them. We had two, one was a red hard top automatic, the other was a way older (side mounted spare) soft top 3 speed. I pretty much learned how to drive a standard on the old Jeep. Just watching this brought back all those memories instantly.

[@ericsteppe9482]

Awww man! I loooove Cj5's. I had a '78 and just like he said it had a SUPER low 1st gear! Even in high range that thing in idle speed would crawl up the side of a house! I so much want another❤

[@michaelwatson7298]

The copper H code 304 Renegade. It is like the one that my dad had when I was growing up.

[@scoffroad]

Dennis, thanks for sharing. Awesome video and you have a trifecta of holy grail CJ-5’s!

[@timothymartin9523]

Cool cool cool, like CJ5s, I have a 1974 CJ5 factory PS and PB and mellow yellow paint, AMC 304 V8, but it has been changed in its life, now it’s white with red flames and different seats, a 1976 AMC 360 engine with an edelbrock 4 barrel carburetor, 8000 lbs winch, 11.5 x 32 tires, 3” lift, it is a beast! I love it

[@VTX1800MC]

Never ever have a jeep in my life, not driven one I don’t think I have ride in one even. Thanks for the video.

[@longshot5738]

My favorite out of all the jeeps I saw is the 1982 Copper Scrambler that you walked by a few times. Once @ 6:27. AWESOME!!!

[@alocal1334]

Over the years ive this man buy ludacrisly rare and expensive vehicles and it warms my heart to see you nerding out on apme Jeeps... God has blessed America.. keep up the good work

[@whollychurchhouse3636]

I might be in the opposite column of many, but I would LOVE to see the Black w/Nutmeg all fixed up. I bet that is a gorgeous Jeep in all its glory.

[@wolfshead13]

total agreement

[@1982MCI]

I’m with ya there, but I don’t think any Jeep in those conditions should die!! We have enough reproduction parts available for the 5’s & 7’s that we shouldn’t need to part many of them out unless you need transfer case, axles, and few other original parts that we can rebuild but not replace. I’m a Jeep fan thru and thru and we need to save every single Jeep possible!

[@toecutter0042]

When I was 17 my dad gave me a used but good 77 cj5 golden eagle V8 with Levis trim pkg, it was awesome and would go anywhere no power brakes or steering, it was like a goat. I broke so many parts that I ended up spending more on parts than the 3G's my dad bought it for. I wish I would have never sold it. I broke or spun at least five rear axles! luv your u tubes vids, keep it up!

[@mikewarren5322]

This dude is the balls. Learning more about wrangler stuff everyday. What a crazy cool rabbit hole.

[@jasonx409able]

Dennis, I love your passion for those jeeps. They are a gold mine!!

[@tonydeater3596]

My Daughter has a 1979 CJ5 with the 4 speed. We just rhino lined the tub and got all her stock gauges working. She is saving up for a soft top. Love her Jeep. Top Jeep is the 304.

[@damoose1829]

I had 1977 CJ7 with the V-8 3-Speed. Bought it in the late 80's from a guy at work. Thing was a beast. Sold it to by my first Harley Sure Do Miss That Jeep. wish i could find another.

[@garysorrells8133]

Just found this channel. Lot of insight on the older Jeeps. I acquired my first Jeep a couple of years ago. It is a true frankenjeep as it is a 1953 "CJ5" according to the title. I have tried to figure it out by the serial number. I think that it is a '53 chassis with a later 50s tub. Fuel tank and filler under the driver seat.

[@vidsinmotionchannel]

The first '83 has the "Holy Grail" wooden plank front bumper option on it. 😂

[@MrTomtusti]

Pressure treated too !

[@dougyeargin5804]

That CJ5 you said first as "Holy grail" looks like my childhood dream jeep that side on the side of tibbs rd. Dalton, Ga. for years. Always loved the look.

[@larrywelchko6136]

Love this video. My son just purchased a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with the 3.6 ltr and 6 speed Manuel and he absolutely loves it. He calls the trani a millennial anti theft system

[@garrettporter7302]

I would say the the 83 50000th one is a true "Holy Grail"

[@demented_cycles]

Exactly. There are several h code cj’s. There is only one last one

[@jamesdalton7191]

Nice gunrack mounted to the windshield in the 81 Renegade V8 😎🇺🇸 Oh and cant forget the grenade shifter knob.

[@Norwayoil]

I own one of 81 Blue CJ-5 with AMC 304 with T176 and 300 with good care of it. It is the last year of CJ-5 with V8.

[@bldallas]

PLEASE restore the green ‘80 CJ. I had one like it, only with 40/60 split bench front seat and back seat. Traded it, when it was in perfect condition, at Love Ford (Inwood Rd) for a brand new 87 Wrangler. I think they gave me $3,000 for it. Might sound dumb, but I still have dreams where I find that old Jeep and buy it back for a daily driver. I miss it more than the killer ‘71 Chevelle SS I had in high school.

[@silverstar4289]

I recall different friends in 76 buying CJ’s. Renegade was awesome, as most made do with the standard model.

[@markmichlewicz5141]

In the late 80s i had a rusted out 1977 cj5 .i paid 400 bucks for it and loved it.i still think about that and miss it almost every day.

[@michaelwedin5474]

H code 304, I own two early CJ5’s a 1961 and a 1970, love them all!

[@kramnoslaw4474]

In my opinion Dennis shouldve had his on show on discovery channel. That 83 CJ 5 is nice I'd says it's your holy grail

[@crbrepairmotorcycles6608]

I remember back in the day of putting a plastic model together of the brown golden eagle ,COOL

[@rickrichter9445]

I think I had that same model!

[@xmo552]

Is that just an appearance package?

[@christopherrolandgeorgecow1885]

I was born in 79 I always wanted a 79 and that is the one I think is gonna be the next holey grail if I ever get one and have the money too I have an 08 my dad had the 83 I love them all too but your right the cj5s are the best

[@christopherrolandgeorgecow1885]

And all my dad ever used if and when he got stuck wasn't a which no lockers no sway bar disconnect nope just a simple 2x4 about 3-4 feet long with 32"s and a 4" lift nothing stopped it

[@springerguy2766]

I had a 1977 CJ5 and I put power steering and tilt in it. The upper tilt column bolted right up and the steering box bolted right up to the frame. The wiring harness plugged right in. I had to make a bracket to mount the power steering pump and a 10in extension to hook up the upper and lower column together. The tilt column came out of a 1978 Firebird and the steering box came out of a 1977 camaro.

[@Cornellious]

Not really fussed about the "Holy Grail" thing, but man that black one with the nutmeg stripes makes me all tingly in my special places.

[@falcon0351]

Love Dennis’s knowledge and enthusiasm...

[@brianjoy3407]

Heck Long Island getting a shout out! Dennis find anymore up here i got a car trailer id bring it for free just to hang for a day! Unbelievable knowledge all the way around. Gets you hyped for a jeep

[@douglaseuritt3919]

My first car was a 1960 Austin Healy 3000. Bought it (running!) for $200 in 1975 and slowly restored it as my dishwasher paycheck allowed. God I wish I still had it...Pretty much Jeeps and Land Rovers since except for a brief foray into Porsches (69 and 90) during my mid-life crisis. My daily driver now is a 1983 CJ-8 with just under 27,000 original miles on it. I'm beginning to think we may be related after watching a few of your videos.

[@steverice7546]

E-type, 190sls, and a few big Healeys just chillin in the lot.

[@nachovalenti]

DisneyJeep!! Wonderful to walk between that beautiful Jeeps. Thanks Dennis for sharing.

[@johntyson]

My first car was a yellow ‘76 CJ5 with the original V8 and 3 speed manual. Had a lot of fun in that Jeep.

[@hopefloats7573]

I had a '77 with a V8, PS, PB and a T150. It was yellow with a tailgate. Looked at one T18 but it was a rusty snowplow Jeep.

[@rickscott8756]

I grew up with a 1978 golden ginger metallic CJ5 levi edition with a 304 in Yuma Arizona. I got to drive it in high school and spent all my money from my summer job modifying it. It is still there for me to inherit someday. I got to choose between that and my dad's fairly nicely restored 1939 Dodge sedan to inherit. I picked the jeep. It has power steering, but it might have been aftermarket. If that is aftermarket, it didn't happen in my lifetime. Makes me wonder about that H-code, I'll have to go check for that next time I'm down. The original paint is in fantastic condition, being kept in a garage in dry Yuma, Arizona. Would like to get some original Levi seats put back in though. If I bring it up here to Washington state, which will be a little sad as its really a desert jeep, I'll need to get a good de-humidifier for the garage. I hope it stays in my family for generations.

[@MichaelAnderson-nh4gu]

Great stuff Dennis, Watching your coffee walk makes me really miss my 78 CJ5 also a V8 with the 3 speed. Bought it new, it was Silver.

[@salesshorelinerental]

Hey Dennis, I wish you had videos showing your complete restoration process. From the beginning to the amazing end.

[@pinstripingbybear.]

@6:39 Dennis says the California blue plate means a one owner jeep thats NOT TRUE as long as the plate doesn't end up out of the DMV system the plate stays with the Vehicle. The plates in California stay with the vehicle as long as it doesn't fall out of the system. The plates dont stay with the owner unless they take them off or a personal plate is issued to them but even then the plate can stay with the vehicle

[@martadavies6435]

This is correct. My 67 Mustang has had five owners from new, with me being the fifth, and until I took it out of CA, it retained its original plate (which I still have on the car too). I bought my 76 BMW from the original owner, and he had two sets of CA plates for it: the original blue plates, and a reissued white plate from 1990. I do not know why they reregistered the car with new plates, but hung on to the originals.

[@xmo552]

Blue plate = 1 owner That's salesmanship right there! 😂

[@GLDENGLOVES]

I've put 4 or 5 GM steering columns in them cj5s and they bolt right up..running one now..and I run a t18 and got two spares

[@TractorWrangler01]

I had an 83 CJ7 Blue lifted 35" monster mudders. Exellent Jeep.

[@minidigger1000]

This is why Dennis has done so well i have not seen anyone as passionate for what they do well done

[@mrc.9702]

I had a 86 Renegade Levi's edition, triple blue. That thing had the v8 and would fly!

[@velvetjones1856]

King of all things Jeep.

[@edwardatoigue1486]

Brings bck alot off memories growing up learing how to drive w/ compliments off my dads 1979 cj5.. what made it a special jeep to us its the first ever brand spanking new jeep that my dad purchased pick up off the dealers lot.. it was'nt his first but it was his first brand new straight off the lot.. it was yellow white top w/white lowbck seats and white stock wheels.. no tailgate.. no factory flares.. bye the time it was my driver to last senor year off high school class off 85.. its went through (2) cu$tom paints.. god i miss that jeep..

[@rodneyvorndam7474]

Has to be the Orange with White soft top, 1976 CJ5. I bought one just like this new in 1976. You brought back many memories.

[@justingetzfred6024]

You inserted into a 1967 cj-5 with a factor Buick odd fire with almost everything to put it back together ive got alot work with the tub

[@rustyramblings5807]

My brother bought a new 1979 Jeep CJ7.It had the 304 V-8 and a automatic.I’m not sure if it had PS and PB.It also had a hard top,no soft top.it was like a root beer brown with orange and white strips.

[@chrisholcombe137]

302 Ford engine jeep Levi Special Edition memory on Mount Baldy Oregon 1976👍 Torque monster ! Do you need MG 67 looks like Racing in America car ???

[@nittajune]

Wooow cool with coffee and cool all Jeep ..., My Dad have CJ6 DarkBlue in 🇹🇭 so we want say Hi from Thailand.

[@bigpoohbear2272]

I had a 78 CJ5 Renegade. It was cream with a tan top and tan Levi interior. I miss that thing every day.

[@buzzrupley375]

I had a 66 CJ5 with a 4 cylinder engine, 3 speed, with 3 gear shifts. I also had a 79 renegade with a 6 cylinder engine and with a 3 speed. I loved my jeeps.

[@Buck1954]

I had a 77 CJ-5 in Blue Levi Jean trim, inline 258-6, with a granny 4-spd. Wasn't fast but climb nearly anything. It was pretty much plain Jane outside of that. I miss that Jeep.

[@isgakmtederies7963]

Hi Dennis happen to watch your 20 epic buy ( 18 Jeeps and 2 Porsche) in Missouri, and then KZbin ed more of your videos, Wow no words very......... from Isgak Ederies in Rocklands Mitchells Plain Western Cape South Africa

[@kennethmcconkey711]

Had two cj5's a 79 silver anniversary and a 83. Loved them both. Hated to get rid of them.

[@volvobrynk]

The green, iron duke, with factory winch is my favorite, by fare! It’s so rare to se a non V8 car, that is just a humble work truck, when everything either gets V8 swapped or modified! I love it when someone restores a base model! But historically speaking, the “5000” VIN makes is damn near a holy grail!

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I'm working on Jeep number 15 and have used collins brothers for a few years now. Straight up good people for parts and help.

[@callenH01]

We have a 79 Renegade, black with orange decals. It needs some work but we plan to restore it some day.

[@jamesconn7311]

You got some nice Jeeps , Thanks for the tour !!

[@willnzsurf]

I had an '81 CJ5 6 cyl. in Hawai'i in the 90s, great little vehicles!!

[@GLDENGLOVES]

I've cut up a dozen of these cj5's.. i patch the frames stretch them, four link the rear and put Dana 60s in them and tear them up in the Tennessee mnts..and repeat

[@charleschidester6767]

My dad purchased the 76 cj5 levi interior. Sold it in 05 for double its original price. Now I wish I had taken it when he offered it to me.

[@mcapps1]

Just for you to know where each and every one of these Jeeps are is outstanding.

[@edwarddrone117]

I actually saw a Black CJ with the Nutmeg strips and seats in the 80’s. Do remember if it was a 5 or 7. It was a beautiful Jeep.

[@markharris6171]

Had a CJ 5 years ago. Can't remember the year model, but I drove it to Maine from Texas in 81 to my Duty Station at NAS Brunswick. I have a 97 TJ now. Just turned 100k. 75k when I bought it in AZ. I'm 3rd owner.

[@mattf49006]

The '79 from California if it was a six banger should have a round vent intake just ahead and below the driver side mirror on the front clip..they had a electric fan that drew fresh air into a duct to the carb as part of a one year only emissions deal....mine ( six banger..3 speed..bare bones model) had it..I disconnected it and when I went to smog it got gigged on it...79 only I believe

[@greenmtroamer33]

I just restored a 81 scrambler, I sprayed it in the new firecracker red. She is stunning, also it’s a 4 speed with tailgate. 🇺🇸

[@tetekofa]

1979 CJ5 Golden Eagle was the Pinnacle. "EH" vin code is what to look for. The Roll bar mounting points is the tell.

[@tstar2001uk]

Definitely the Black with Nutmeg. That would look so cool with a total resoration....

[@joeymccullough2716]

Dennis-81, H-code, by far. Had one of the last V-8 CJ-7’s. Unfortunately, I had to let it go. I now currently have a 4 cyl 84, with 45,000 miles on it. All original, other than tires & wheels. You’re gonna see it within the next year. Nobody other than CBJ is gonna touch this one-I have plans🤔😎

[@normmuelleman2570]

I "just" got into Jeeps...I bought a new 2020 JT in October of 2020. 54 miles on it, straight off the lot. My previous love was 1st generation Pontiac Firebirds. I've subscribed to a couple gladiator KZbin channels, but I'm impressed with Dennis Collins (Of course, via GMG, but have started watching his content). I would argue that "H" code Jeep, or the 85 with the "50000" S/N being the holy grails. May need to make a road trip down to TX....Collins Bro's Jeep for all things Jeep, GMG for cool classic cars and to see Firebird #1, and then SpaceX in Boca Chica, TX! Great content Dennis, without the OVER THE TOP Richard stuff (which I like and find funny for HIS show, but I find it not appropriate for your content). Keep up great work!

[@j-port8818]

got a cj5 but mines a 65 cj5a tuxedo park mkIV. I like the short fenders. Always said if I had to sell it and get another i'd get a 74 since it was the yr i was born. Funny thing is the last 2 digits of my cj5a are 74. so im keeping it.

[@davidpearson541]

Listening to Dennis with all that knowledge better than any book makes me wis I lived in America with plenty off classic vehicles to find restore and use keep up the good work watching from Glasgow Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hottubz1965]

LOL the Collins Bros. fitness plan...walk back n fourth in the lot between each model year.

[@greglewellen4510]

Sure like the cj5s I’ve got a 1983 I’m restoring and I just learned a lot from this coffee walk

[@thomaslooney8394]

Mr Collins. You’re a class act. I mean that sincerely.

[@willymccoy3427]

That '80 brought back memories. The first vehicle I bought new and my last Jeep CJ5 was a OJ paint code teal blue '80 with the Iron Duke. That lil Jeep was my daily driver for years. I know folks like to knock that engine, but that one was bullet proof. I just kept it all stock and drove the heck out of it. My ex talked me into trading it in on a new F-150 and I've kicked myself for it since.

[@thomasjenkins2522]

My Holy Grail is a 1979 Wedgwood Blue V8 Renegade Denim. My Dad bought it for me in 12/78 as I turned 16 on 02/79. The 60 Minutes show segment on them rolling over caused my parents to sell it in 05/81 and they bought me a 1981 Honda Prelude to drive to college. Traded that Honda for a BMW 335IS that I still own today. Someday it may have a 1979 CJ5 as a garage buddy. Today we have 3 Wranglers -18 White JLU, 13 Rock Lobster Red JK, and a 12 Cosmos Blue JKU.

[@OldGriz708]

Dennis Collins is the Mark Worman of the Jeep world!

[@loualiberti4781]

Dennis, Jeep’s, and Coffee Hell 2 the Yes !!!

[@n2malinois]

I loved seeing that 77 CJ5 Golden Eagle. I had one just like that and miss it every day.

[@AXL1962]

Me too. Had a 79. Sold in 88. Still kicking myself in the arse.

[@scottvallie4495]

I had a 77 Golden Eagle CJ 5 in 77, I miss those days...

[@taxman121]

I love these comparisons. I have a rust free ‘80 CJ5 Laredo and enjoy learning all I can about them.

[@johnjohnson4081]

I like that you fix them save and restore

[@georgespain6121]

Did Jeep ever install narrow track axles in the 1983 CJ5? My understanding is that the narrow track ended in 1981. I was wondering because it was a carry over year, so is it possible that the narrow track could have been installed at the factory.

[@janetcoker6934]

Wow, alot of old jeeps.. kissfist we own 2017 Jeep Wrangler and love it...

[@wirdiyankamal8560]

I had a 1979 Jeep CJ5 with an original hardtop, original engine, and it has 4 speed.

[@User-cc6cq]

Dennis needs a coffee assistant 😁

[@runt4x4]

Lmfao😂🤣👌 Classic.

[@wyomingfly]

Dennis, What's the reason CJ's up to 1983 are the most collectable? I have a numbers matching, original 258 and drivetrain (82K on the ticker), 1985 CJ7. Hell it still has the factory starter on it. *It's been painted and has some rust in the corners of the tub where the roll bar meets the floor pan, other than that it's a solid ride.

[@brianjoy3407]

I remember another car you picked up in Saville i believe. The foxbody Mustang. Boy you're a long way from home!

[@chuckowens2713]

Great video Dennis !! Jeep museum ,what a lot of amazing jeeps

[@alrainey8772]

Working on a 1980 Renegade CJ5. Got it from an old man I looked after. He bought it new in Nov. 1979. I'm the 2nd owner. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Even has original bikini top.