Well, it’s time for another update. Last time I told y’all about Carol’s knee injury. Well, there were 2 blood clots that are being treated with blood thinners. The good news is that there was no surgery needed- it’s been a long and painful road, but she is getting around fairly well. The doctor projects about a 70 week total recovery time- lots of physical therapy and unfortunately lots of pain. But we are pleased that no surgery is required.
I also wrote that we sold our 11 Silverado after a major repair was needed. Well, our 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland pulled the same stunt and got the same treatment. It developed an electrical issue that cost $1300 to replace an inexpensive transfer case control module. So to ward off future trips to the Jeep dealer we sold it too. It feels good to not have any payments! Just this week we found a suitable replacement- a 2002 Sierra Denali Quadrasteer. Paid cash- still no payments! Now before you say that it’s just more electronics- well, at least I don’t have to go to the dealer to get it fixed. And the system is pretty bulletproof. I worked for GM when these were new, but never really looked into them. It sports a 6.0, AWD, and a D60 rear end with 4.10 gears and limited slip. Rated to tow 10,300 lbs. not bad for a half ton truck. Plus it drives like a car. My wife loves it- it’s her truck as I’ve pretty much claimed the Yukon.
Anyways…yesterday while in Medford Carol found a Wagoneer for sale. It was running, clean title, and $1200. And no, I didn’t buy it. I really need to get the Scrambler finished first and I don’t need any distractions. $1200 was a deal, but it needed every bit of interior, weatherstrip, and also paint. Plus it has the straight six…
While I was looking at the Waggy, I saw another couple of Jeeps in the guy’s shop. Scramblers! There was a red one, lifted with a 360. He was considering selling it, asking $10k. It has some rust and will need some work.
He also had his “keeper”- a sweet completely done Scrambler with a SBC 350. Couldn’t get a really good look at it but it appears to be well done. I directed him to the Forum so maybe we can find out more about it he said his neighbor a block over had a daily driver Scrambler too!
So, after making the wise decision not to buy the Waggy, I was a bit “jeep depressed”. Well, marketplace must have felt my pain, and last night rewarded me with a set of 15x7 white spokes, dated 1983.
After a Jeep filled day, I spent a lot of time last night thinking about my Scrambler. I sure wish I could snap my fingers and have it done- all these years in progress have sort of dampened my spirits towards the build. But as we’ve discussed here before, that’s the danger of a long term project. And why at this stage of life I don’t need another project (Waggy). Did I mention they there was a 1967 VW Squateback that came and then was resold a month later?
Well, my body tries to fight me on a daily basis. It seems to take way longer to recover from twists and strains. Shoulders and a neck that work for a day and hurt for a week. Etc. Bottom line- I need to get Red finished and driving. There’s no way that will happen before the rain hits here…there’s also no way it will ever happen if I don’t start working on it again. While progress will probably be slow, at least I’ll start getting there. It’s been way too long without a running Jeep. Updates to follow.
( I thought that was hilarious, somehow she didn’t.)
