Lots of cash went into this ultra-clean Jeep and you can see it everywhere you look. You know about black vehicles and how much attention they need before the paint goes on, and this one received it. It's one of the straightest, cleanest Jeeps we've ever featured. Not perfect, mind you, but nicer than these off-roaders usually are and clearly someone did it for love, not money. The usual Jeep trouble spots above the rear wheel arches and by the tailgate are quite good and the two-stage urethane paint looks like it should be on a much more expensive vehicle. Rubber fender extensions offer protection from the oversized tires and a "Renegade" decal package adds contrast to the otherwise all-black Jeep. Other new gear includes a chrome grille and windshield hinges, typical asymmetric side mirrors, and bright rocker panels that protect the bodywork from debris on the trail. There's also a trailer hitch for utility and that rear-mounted spare just looks butch.
Bare-bones is the word inside, where fresh seat covers have been wrapped around the front buckets and rear bench. The high-back seats look sporty, especially with the roll bar hovering above them, and they're comfortable enough for a long day of fun. The floors are protected by spray-in bedliner material, so you don't have to worry about getting it dirty; just hose it out when you get home. A GM tilt steering column wears a fat steering wheel that is easy to grab and keep pointed in the right direction, even with the ground fighting you, and the gauges are all big, clear, and easy to read in the rough. A 4-speed manual transmission makes it easy to find the right gear for slogging through the rough stuff, and the 2-speed transfer case gives you enough torque to power through just about an obstacle. For entertainment, there's also an AM/FM/iPod stereo system and the heater is powerful enough to roast a Thanksgiving turkey.
Serving as the ultimate utilitarian vehicle, Jeeps have become one of the most recognized vehicles throughout the course of history. Since serving on the battlegrounds of World War II, the "Civilian Jeep," or CJ, like this 1980 Jeep CJ-7, has been the vehicle of choice for the enthusiast that wants to take their fun off the asphalt and onto the trails.
As far as classic Jeep aesthetics, it doesn't get much better than this. This CJ is covered in black paint accented with blue Renegade graphics, giving it a nostalgic look for the era. Upfront is the highly recognizable, chrome grill that houses clear headlights and parking lamps. Below that grill is a large bumper that has plenty of room for any off road attachment you may wish to add. There is a removable hard top that comes with this CJ-7, and since it has a sunroof, you can still enjoy the sun with the top on. No Jeep is complete without a full size spare mounted out back. This one carries a big 33x12.5 General Grabber tire wrapping a 15 inch Eagle alloy wheel that matches the other four rollers. And finally, there is a gas can carrier out back if you decide to accessorize a little bit more.
Inside, the black and blue theme continues with neoprene blue seats to help keep cool in the summer sun. Those buckets face a black dash that houses necessary instrumentation and an AM/FM radio, all nestled in a nice chrome insert. The interiors of Jeeps have most always been simple, and this one is no exception. There is a locking center console that is big enough to fit any loose items in for those bumpy trail rides. Everything is within easy reach, such as the 4-wheel drive range mode selector, and switches for the cold air conditioning. Behind the driver and passenger rests a two tone bench seat that matches the front buckets. And the removable doors feature blue vinyl with cranks for the manual windows. Covering the floors are rugged floor mats that are ready to catch any dirt or mud that happens to get tracked back in the Jeep. Finally, sitting on top of the tilt column is a 'Jeep' branded 3 spoke steering wheel.
