Misc. CJ-5 Right Hand Drive in Japan

[Yamada CJ]

Hello members, I've just join this cool Jeep community. I'm a Japanese. I found a nice CJ5 for sale in the used car market in Japan. The CJ5 was privately imported to Japan and registered in 1981,
4.2l engine and right hand drive, I guess it was imported from UK or Australia. I'd like to buy it but I'm worried about parts availability and supply because
it's a right hand drive Jeep. Some Jeep experts in Japan said me that I should not buy it. I guess it would be very difficult to maintain, because need to get unique parts for RHD Jeep (since LHD Jeep is majority).
I'm a complete beginner to Jeep, never driven and never owned. But I really like this CJ5...I'd very much appreciate if someone has experience
to own the RHD CJ5 and give me advice about how to get parts, and maintain.

 

[CJ]

Not sure what they want for that thing but here in the US it could easily go for 20k or more (2,902,330.00 yen)

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More than agree... It's something of a rarity.

 

[Yamada CJ]

Hello everyone, I've just got the VIN number...it's 1JFCM85E8BT012887...

 

[CJ]

Very nice!

Definitely a 1981 RHD I6 258 export CJ5.
I used our on site decoder located here

CJ VIN Decoder

Interactive VIN decoder that displays descriptions and images that link to relevant information in the Jeep-CJ.com database.

jeep-cj.com

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Here's what I came up with. It's an 81 rhd export CJ 5 looking good from that stand point

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[Yamada CJ]

Wow! What archives you have!! You guys identified this CJ5 in the light speed! Thank you so much!
If you allow me going back to my first concern, Do you think a beginner of Jeep like me can make RHD CJ5 survive in Japan?
I mean, do you think I can get parts from the US, UK or Australia or maybe Taiwan (as you kindly taught me) for this CJ5?

 

[CJ]

Almost every part for a RHD CJ5 is the same as the more common LHD CJ5. All normal wear items are the same with very few exceptions and can be ordered for a DJ or easily adapted.
Parts for an 81 CJ5 are plentiful and available all over the world. You may have some parts shipped from the States but I would not worry about that.
I would not let that influence your decision.
Have you received an asking price yet?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

The biggest question is mechanical knowledge on your part or your trusted mechanic knowing how to work on a vehicle with no computer telling him what to fix.

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[Yamada CJ]

Thank you for your great advices, very helpful and encouraged me a lot.
The vehicle price is 2,550,000 JPY but would need to pay extra cost such as the Japanese vehicle inspection(similar to MOT test in UK) in Jan.,
and NOx and PM registration. I guess total initial cost to start to own would be around 3,500,000 JPY (24,124 USD-by the exchange rate today) + tax.

 

[Yamada CJ]

I appreciate Manic Mechanic's advice, he is quite right. I'm looking for my trusted mechanic for CJ5 at the moment since I don't have mechanical knowledge.

 

[Yamada CJ]

Do you know some good mechanics for CJ5 in Japan? I live in near Tokyo.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Unfortunately I have never been to Japan much less know of anyone there

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[CJ]

As @Manic Mechanic said try and find someone familiar with classic auto work. It does not have to be Jeep but that is preferred.

I do have a question and I hope you do not mind answering. Why are you interested in an antique Jeep? Jeep CJs are really a special interest vehicle...

 

[Manic Mechanic]

To be fair looks like he has decent weather year round to enjoy a Jeep

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[Yamada CJ]

To the CJ's question, There are some reason why I'm interested in the CJ5. It's an archetype of off road vehicle, it has a great history, reflection of American culture & lifestyle...so on...but particuraly, I love the design of CJ5. It's very pure and all the aesthetic comes from function. I admire the designer/Engineer who created this vehicle very much as I'm a car designer.
Hello, Manic Mechanic, Thank you for your post! I have a question, is that the annual weather of Japan?

 

[Belizean]

I think it would be pretty cool to drive around Japan in a Jeep. It would be a unique vehicle

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Tokyo but considering you live near there you would be able to better judge how accurate that is.

Here's a pic of my 7 in the veterans day parade last month

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[Yamada CJ]

I went to the used car shop for a test drive the CJ5 (it's far from Tokyo area, took four ours on the train). It was not easy to drive by the manual 4 speed transmission since I got used too much to drive a modern car (AT) for a long time. But it's fun-to-drive car!
I tried to focus on the checking points you kindly advised me. I think the engine runs well and I guess I'll be able to enjoy driving the CJ5 when I get used to it. However, I can't judge overall condition of the CJ5 like you guys can because it was first time for me to drive a vintage Jeep. I took photos by myself and found the many parts are not original. e.g. the front glass, shackles, steering column(the key is GM)...also found an oil leak on the front Axle...

 

[Yamada CJ]

How do you see the condition by the photos from your expert point of view? Is it worth buying this CJ5 (81 RHD)?

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Looks clean underneath. Dont worry about after market parts so much. The shackles are fine in fact they look like quality parts. The leak is coolant probably a radiator hose (dealership should fix it for Free if they want 25k) frame and underside are rust free from what I can tell and that's a good thing

Also on a side note some Jeeps had GM steering columns but even if it was changed makes getting parts easier

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[Yamada CJ]

Hello @Belizean, Thank you for your comment! We see lots of Wrangler JK & JL in Japan but rarely see CJ...