Mutt Purchase Help needed

[frank1669]

I am going to be looking at a running driving Mutt on Monday ( thats the only description I got so far.) . I know nothing about them. so my questions.

how do you spot a re weld?

were are they prone to rust?

What are the most crucial spots to look at. I am capable of fixing anything mechanically wrong with this, But my body work skills are marginal. The unibody scares me a little. I don't want to buy a problem I can't Fix ( I will be purchasing it as a gift For My 2nd Dad.)

the asking price is $1500 is that a good price if body is solid?
Thank you in advace Jerry

 

[poppop]

If it was cut in half it will be welded just in front of the seats. Mine is real obvious because metal was welded over the cut. They were bad to rust so check the under body support beams for rust through. You can buy a kit to weld over them if its bad. I did not know that when I got mine and I welded 2 inch flat bar on them to reinforce them. The floors and battery tray are other bad spots. If its not a total rust bucket that is a great price. I have seen nice ones bring 3 or 4 times that and restored ones bring over 10 grand and higher. Parts are plentiful.

 

[vtdeucedriver]

Oh wow for $1,500 I would be careful!!!!! Unless you found the Holy Grail of M151's, it will probably be cut and have some rust issues. The 1/2 cuts were usually along the center of the tub to where the X cut was 1/4 to 1/4. You need to look at the frame rails that go fore and aft, then look at the cross member where the rear A arms attach at the fwd attachments.

This evening go spend some time looking at pics on the www.g838.org for pics of rusty unibodys. You REALLY need to look the tubs over good!!

 

[AIE1]

Frank1669, attached pix of the underside of a 151A2 for reference, like poppop stated welds where cut should stand out and be fairly easy to see. Note the rails on this tub, most 151s rot around and through the rails, but rust can be found anywhere on these jeeps. There are rail enforcement kits still available, but they are getting pricy. Also I have seen floor panels on ebay and other sites. Look close at the suspension arm attachment points for rust. To me that price would be a deal for a non-cut and not to much rust. Good luck on that jeep!

 

[frank1669]

AIE1 If I can get the top of a Mutt to look half as good as the bottom of yours I will be happy. And thank you to everyone for the Help . I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[Rainman]

Don't forget to take a camera and let some folks take a look at the pix if your in question. $1500 could be a great price even for a decent reweld.
Rainman

 

[salt6]

Just to point out that the rust repair kits will not repair the two main rails down the center of the 151.

 

[cobra5]

frank1669,

I know I'm way behind on this but how did the deal work out for you? Where in northern Idaho are you located? I live south of Missoula. I restored an A-2 and have an A-1 torn down so I know alittle about these vehicles.

 

[majorhitt]

With all said about where to look for the re-weld, If it is a re-weld look for the wiring harness at the cut area. What shape is it in? You know it had to be cut, but did the previous owner do a good repair job or a Buba job? If Buba had something to do with it, your job to make it right just became a little more fun.

 

[hndrsonj]

You know it had to be cut, but did the previous owner do a good repair job or a Buba job? If Buba had something to do with it, your job to make it right just became a little more fun.

There were alot of mutts that weren't cut.

 

[majorhitt]

OOPS I should of said "" If you know it was cut"" I owned several MUTTS only one was cut, The others were lucky. I still have a 1969 M151A1 uncut. Again the one MUTT that was cut the previous owner left the wiring harness a mess (right where the torch cut it). Sorry If I didn't make myself more clear.

 

[sidsky]

i ve got one with a clear mn title,top that!

 

[m816]

I have two M151a2 s Neither one is cut. NJ title for one and the other is just waiting to be restored. They both have rust through the floor boards but it is repairable . TMJ Murry sells replacement floor panels for the outrageous price of $70.00 each. But I will probably spring for them or have them made locally. I am amased at what guys are asking for even non running mutts. I thought my first restored would fetch around six thou but I see some going for above ten thousand . I'm gonna hang on to both of them. They are fun to drive. I like the a2's better than the a1's. Definately more stable.