Prepare to spend some money. You think it only needs small fixes. They tend to turn into a project all by itself, then a few more projects get uncovered.
I’ve been working on my Willys truck for the last few years. I started like you, saying I’ll fix this and this and I’ll be all set. Turns out I’ve essentially refurbished/replaced all of the mechanical stuff on the truck. “The knee bone is connected to the leg bone....”
Roll up the sleeves and buy some wrenches. It is satisfying if you can do it. Plus you will have a bunch of new tools.
I can’t justify the investment in capital equipment for one, or two jobs at the most.
You describe my 65 Willys very well.
Various photos and video of it and other stuff:
My problem is that I am picky and when I find one thing wrong then another and then another.
Too much influence from a perfectionist uncle and too many Monk reruns.
I got a line on a retired guy not far from me who restores old jeeps from a fellow in my area with a super cream puff immaculately restored CJ7. I drove by his place and saw a few Wranglers outside a small building. I found a few reviews and all good there. The Willys is almost to the point where it will have to go off for a few bigger jobs that were always in the plan.
The CJ7 is an even better example. Stripped to the frame. It powdercoated nicely. One day the tub will be blasted, patch welded, and coated. It won’t be perfect but good enough to fool someone from a distance.
I kept finding something rusted, broken, or grimy. The engine was blown when I got it, therefore at a decent price.
When they picked up the tub, I told them it could be the lowest priority thing around. I checked in a couple weeks ago to make sure all was well and to be notified when the blasting was done to assess what’s next.
Friday I am off and will be out that way and drop in.
It is a very busy shop. They do all the big jobs for USC and who knows who else. Nice people. The owner is a really cool guy. They’ve done a lot for me over the past several years.