From bks@co.intel.com Mon Feb 14 20:21:37 2000
From: Brad Seevers <bks@co.intel.com>


Today durring lunch I braved the rain and decided to do a little window
shopping at one of the bone yards here in portland.  I am still in a daze
over what I found.

When I got there, I could hear the unmistakeable sounds of an FSJ wimpering
off in the yard somehwere.  As I wandered down the rows, I looked over and
there is was.  A 1979 Cherokee Widetrack.  Now that is by no means a surprise
-- this yard typically has anywhere from 2 to 10 FSJs at any given time.  What
was a surprise was the condition this one was in -- almost show room condition!
It is a 1979 Cherokee Cheif Golden Eagle.  Bronze in color.  No rust anywhere!
I checked the flairs, wheel wells, bottom of the doors, and under the carpet,
front and back.  No body damage at all.  Paint is very close to show room
condition with the exception of a couple VERY small scratches.  Decals are
perfect.  All glass except the front windsheild is perfect.

Here is what is wrong with it -- it is a victim of an engine fire.  It took
its toll.  The hood is missing.  Front windshield cracked.  Engine compartment
is toast.  Grill is melted.  Some fire got to the dash area.

Shoppers have already got the transmission and t-case, and the front seats,
roof rack, and some other interior parts.  The interior isn't in as good of
shape as the outside -- possibly from the smoke and heat.

I have a feeling this thing has been kept in a garage all its life -- the
paint isn't oxidized at all!

It also has an extra tank added to the back where the spare tire is normally.

It has a 360V8 with a 4bbl.  Probably low miles, but in my daze I forgot to
check the mileage.

I felt stunned and sad when I found it.  The body on this thing is in such
great shape!  The paint is in great shape, but there may be some heat and
smoke damage to the front fenders and cowel area.  It is in better shape than
my wifes 1997 minivan!

Of course, I wanted to take it home, but I can't (and stay married).

It also looks very clean underneath.  It has had a good life until now.

When I was leaving I swung through the tire room.  there against the wall where
its four bronze spoke rims with tires and center caps.

I'm going to go off and cry now...

-brad