1980 Jeep CJ-7

1980 Jeep CJ7 304 V8 4x4 – Comprehensive Restoration by Coastal Customs & Restorations
This 1980 Jeep CJ7 was extensively refurbished and upgraded with restoration and service work performed by Coastal Customs & Restorations of Freeport, Florida, between 2021 and 2024. Finished in black with matching powder-coated trim over a tan interior, this CJ7 is powered by an AMC 304ci V8 paired with a manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Modifications include a full electrical and lighting system overhaul, a custom dashboard and gauge cluster, a marine-grade Bluetooth audio system, a winch, Rigid LED lights, a new front driveshaft, and a custom-fabricated side step.
Highlights
• 304ci AMC V8
• Manual transmission / 4WD
• Black exterior with stainless and powder-coated hardware
• Tan interior with upgraded gauges and restored dash
• Comprehensive wiring and lighting restoration (Coastal Customs, 2021)
• New GPS speedometer and gauge cluster
• Smittybilt winch on custom-mounted base plate
• Rigid D-Series LED light kit
• Marine-grade Fusion MS-RA70 stereo with Bluetooth
• New front driveshaft (2024)
• Custom-fabricated step with Raptor bed liner coating
• Extensive documentation from Coastal Customs included
Exterior
The body was refinished in black and fitted with Kentrol black powder-coated stainless steel components, including the hood hinges, windshield hinges, catches, and tailgate hardware. Additional exterior features include off-road style fender flares, a Smittybilt winch with steel cable, Rigid Industries LED auxiliary lights, a custom-fabricated step coated in Raptor bed liner, and a Summit Racing black exhaust tip. The vehicle rides on Mickey Thompson Classic III wheels with black acorn lug nuts and matching center caps.
Interior
The cabin features a fully reworked dashboard housing an upgraded CJ-style GPS speedometer cluster with matching auxiliary gauges. The wiring system was professionally redone using modern connectors, heat-shrink protection, and circuit-specific fusing for reliability. A Fusion MS-RA70 marine stereo system with Bluetooth capability is mounted in the console. The heater control cables, switchgear, and indicator lights were replaced or rebuilt during the restoration. Additional updates include a new steering column bezel, pedal pads, and custom wiring looms throughout the interior.
Mechanical
Power is provided by an AMC 304ci V8 paired with a manual gearbox and dual-range transfer case. The engine received extensive service in 2024, including:
• New valve cover gaskets and oil pressure sender
• Engine oil and filter change
• Coolant flush and top-off
• Carburetor idle adjustments
• Electrical calibration and gauge testing
A new 1310-series front driveshaft was installed, and the underside was inspected and refinished as needed. The exhaust, suspension, and drivetrain were cleaned, lubricated, and checked for proper operation.
Restoration Overview (2021–2024)
All work was completed by Coastal Customs & Restorations in Freeport, FL, with documentation spanning over a hundred detailed line items. Major restoration phases included:
• Complete rewire of dash and lighting circuits
• Installation of new black powder-coated Kentrol hardware
• Replacement of wiper motor, linkage, and cover
• Instrument cluster replacement and recalibration
• Custom fabrication of side step and frame reinforcement
• Professional repaint, primer, and protective coatings
• Winch, lighting, and audio installation
Documentation
The sale includes:
• Three full Coastal Customs service and restoration reports (2021–2024)
• Invoices detailing all parts and labor
• Build and inspection notes from Coastal Customs technicians
Additional Details
This CJ7 has been garage-kept and used sparingly since its restoration. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and runs strong with a classic V8 exhaust note. The Jeep presents as a well-sorted and thoughtfully upgraded example that balances original