1979 Jimmy High Sierra for parts/restore

[Michael Farich]

1979 Jimmy High-Sierra 350-4bbl, A/C, TH350, 3.08 open diffs, full-time case. Owned 14 years. For parts or restoration.

Vehicle was a nice looking high-mileage daily driver (yearly underbody oiling slowed the rust) until wife accidentally rolled it 1.5 times in Oct 2002. Did not hit anything in the accident (and no more than cuts and bruises) but the rollover beat up every body panel except for the hood and gate which are virtually untouched. If I needed another 4x4 I'd restore it myself but I have more than enough vehicles already so I'll sell to someone who wants it for parts or to restore. $300 for whole vehicle, $50 if you don't want the drivetrain. Have PA title.

Have original 350-4 engine out of vehicle. Runs but needs rebuilt bad.
Trans is good running TH-350 upgraded with Trans-Go shift improver. Was built out of used parts and a rebuild kit some years ago when original case failed.

Transfer case is original, unmodified full-time unit.

Diffs are 3.08 ratio open units from a '77 pickup. Original owner did this to get rid of the original 3.73 gears. The existing diffs are complete with good working brakes and no leaks at axle ends. Leak a small amount in middle area of housing somewhere. (Replaced rear axle seals to stop leaks there two years ago and has been fine since.)

Suspension was rebuilt two years ago with: new 5-leaf rear springs, original front 2-leafs, new rubber bushings at all pivot points front and rear, new shocks, ... The rollover probably did not touch the frame at all, but the spring shackles are "sprung" a little and would need replaced.

Frame and braces are very sound thanks to yearly underbody oiling for many years. Floor has small amount of rust under driver feet area due to snow and water being tracked in by drivers. Rest of floor is fine.

Wheels were the ralley type for that year but those have been removed and replaced with plain steel wheels.

Interior is red with red/white patterned front buckets and center console. Seats are original and drivers one is starting to tear from normal wear. Had just installed new charcoal gray front carpeting before the wreck. Column shift automatic. A/C still worked. Paint is a dark brown/gray looking 1990 Jeep color. Original was red and black.

Have good used replacement fiberglass top and glass obtained and placed on vehicle already. (Was going to restore it for myself but then decided I don't need another one just for myself - wife didn't want to have this one restored for herself any more so she picked out a '99 Durango to replace it with.)

There is a junkyard 2 miles from me that has a really nice used '79 Blazer roof I was going to cut out and use to replace the one on the Jimmy here. Did not cut and retrieve that one yet, but I'll help a buyer get that roof if he/she wants it to restore this Jimmy.

This vehicle was used in filming of "The Dark Half" Stephen King movie in and around Pittsburgh and Washington PA in 1990. It was the sheriff's vehicle in that movie.

Picture attached was taken shortly after being hauled home and parked here after the wreck. Ralley wheels are gone and good used factory fiberglass top is now sitting in place of damaged one.

This vehicle would be a good parts vehicle for someone, or a good frame and drivetrain starting point for a custom cause everything is relatively rust-free for this age (preserved by yearly underbody oiling.)

Mike (in SW PA near I-70 marker #55)
farichms@westol.com