Went to Austin, TX last Saturday and scored a complete ’86 258/T-5/D300 for my pal’s ’86 Golden Eagle, and found me a 304/TF-999 for my ’80 CJ-7. Of all the luck, the 304/TF-999 came with an ’80 CJ-7 Laredo, which I’m thinking my other BFF needs a Jeep project, once I swap the 304/TF-999 for my 258/T-176. Also scored an early YJ top for mine (I like the bigger windows), and grabbed some half doors, a YJ soft top, and some ‘like new’ CJ fenders for my pal’s new project.

I got really super lucky. My buddy Harry was looking for a ‘new’ 258 for his Jeep, and found a guy on Austin Craigslist selling the ’80 Laredo, since I’d mentioned a long time ago wanting to swap in an AMC V8 & TF-999 – we were originally thinking of me getting the Jeep, swapping the 304 & TF-999 into mine, using the Jeep for parts, and giving him the 258/T-176, but then he noticed the same guy had another ad for the ’86 258/T-5/D300 also for sale. He decided to go for that, and I also found a bunch of other listings (an ’89 258/TF-999/D300 and thought about getting that, but then I asked my other buddy Dave if I got the Jeep, if he’d be interested in a project Jeep after I swapped in my 258/T-176 – which he was indeed interested).

So, I’ve had yet another car-related “SQUIRREL!” moment, but at least it’s not a ‘new’ car project… just freshening up an old one and hookin’ up my BFF with a new toy. At least it’s not as bad as my Mustang project started out – with the engine and tranny from my Jeep in there, at least it’ll be a runner when Dave comes to pick it up.