FEATURE
<- The story of Randy’s
RANDY’S DANDY
’78 CJ-7 starts with a ’73 CJ-5 that Randy; his wife, Debbie; sons Jeremy and Daniel; daughter Crystal; and (practically) adopted son Jordan Levine cut their teeth in. The CJ-5 was Scooter Blue (a color chosen by Randy from an old Scooter his son had), had a 304ci V-8 that would rev to the moon and wouldn’t quit, and a three-speed transmission. Nowadays, Randy’s kids all have their own rigs, but Randy still carries anyone who wants a ride, including grandkids and their friends, up the dunes. Unfortunately, the CJ-5 was rolled after many years off-road (no one was hurt). The CJ-7 rose from the remnants of the rolled CJ-5 with almost all the fabrication and welding done by Randy, his friend Jimmy Parra, and sons Jeremy and Daniel. The Scooter Blue paint was applied by Maaco.
By Verne Simons
editor@fourwheeler.com Photos: Verne Simons
One member of a family of Jeeps
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30 OCTOBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
The rear axle is a Ford 9-inch with 4.56 gears, an Eaton Detroit Locker, and disc brakes. The rear springs are Rubicon Express spring-over springs. A traction bar helps to keep axlewrap to a minimum while keeping the rear Sand Tires Unlimited paddles planted in the sand.
