Your opinon please

I know, everyone has one. This is a little out of place, but from what I've seen everyone on this website seems to be very informed and helpful. I'm looking at a 1978 CJ-5 Golden Eagle. All orginal and would rate it a 7 on a scale of 10. High mileage, but the engine is tight and it has a new clutch installed. The interior, ie: seats are shot and the top is not great. Very little rust on the tub, none on the frame. Really is clean. Just spent two years restoring a 1976 back to factory and came out nice, looking for a new project. I have a mint tan Acme hardtop to put on it. My question, is the "Golden Eagle" edition something special as far as a CJ5. Would it be something that might be considered collectable? Thanks in advance, I've been reading the website for awhile, first time posting.

 

I doubt it, I remember back when the Golden Eagle came out. There were alot of them in the parking lot when I was a kid in high school and they were only a couple of years old then. I had alot of fun in a friend of mines Golden Eagle back in 82 after we graduated.

 

I see a few out west here still running around. I'd say nothing special. Welcome to the board from Eastern Washington.

 

i'd say the opposite. they aren't particularly common in new england. yes, there are a few, but salt has taken its toll. i don't know that it'd be collectible, but it would be uncommon in the northeast.

 

You wont see many around here either.
If its priced right I'd jump on it.

 

Is it more than an appearance package? The stripes are available aftermarket http://www.goldeneagledecals.com/ . My '77 manual mentions the Renegade but not the Golden Eagle. If its a real Golden Eagle, it should show up in the trim code on the VIN plate. The manual doesn't list those - you'd need the factory parts books to look that up.

I'd say, if you like it, and the decals are in good shape, you should be willing to pay more simply because you like it. I don't think "collectability" influences the equation much ...

 

enough of a difference? or only 7's had that option in '78?

 

My buddy has a 78 cj5 with the Golden Eagle package. Although he has redone the Jeep, I think it's original.

 

Thanks for the replys. The paint is fair at best and the decals on the hood are crack and edges peeling. Its a dark green, which would go great with the Acme tan hard top I have. Like I said the interior is shot, but I even have a mint tan padded dash that would go on it. Runs out good and with the new clutch, I could drive it awhile, until I start the restoration on it. has two areas along the rocker panels that will need to be cut and and welded back in. But, the 1976 I did I replaced both entire side panels, this would be a piece of cake. The guy is asking $2,400 for it, but I'm pretty sure I could drive it away for $2,000. What do you think of the price? high or low? Thanks again, I've been reading your forum for quite some time and you all seem to be very knowledgeable.

 

X2.

 

X3. Buy it and don't look back.

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

I'm seriously thinking about adding another jeep to the garage

 

buy it. would be deal here.

 

Read the TrailHead by John Cappa in the newest issue of JP Magazine. He answers the question: Is my Jeep rare? He provides his own opinions by saying; "Jeeps are not valuable. They were never built to be collector's items. Early Jeeps were built to be more like tools. Ever seen a hammer collection? Not very exciting."
Although a hammer collection may not be exciting, a Jeep collection definitely is, even if it isn't worth a lot of $.