And so we have spent an entire winter with Wyle E. parked in the back of the driveway. Old gas tank and sending unit tossed to the side waiting to be taken to scrap. Skid plate laying in the bed, wondering what it's future holds. And on Thursday morning she learned her fate as she was hooked up to the back of the truck and hauled down the road to a shop with a mechanic that spent years working at the jeep plant in Michigan. Her new tank, sending unit, and lines were ordered and they gave her a good once over to determine her to be in good health as far as they can tell, up to getting her running. I then received a phone call being told she will be back in my hands by Monday.
Up to this point I have spent countless dollars and hours, mixed unknown amounts of my own blood with oil, and left all the skin on my knuckles on her in one place or another. All in the effort to not only bring her back to life, but for her to be a reliable daily driver. However, I never wanted to see her "upgraded". I didn't want a CJ body with a different motor and transmission. I wanted a factory CJ. Now, with time, money, and being stubborn I will have what I have always wanted: My Own Original CJ5 that is reliable! (for now anyway...)
