and so it begins...
- Thread starter wimps81096
- Start date
- City
- Lynchburg
- State
- VA
I'm digging that look too.
I'm currently running without rear flares. Taking my time figuring out which I want.
Thinking about the oem looking wide ones
- City
- Dexter
- State
- MI
This needs updated methinks @wimps81096
wimps81096
CJ-8 Member
- City
- white lake
- State
- MI
When your right, your right.
Took 6 months off the project, again since my last update a year ago. Hunting and snowmobile seasons must be given their due. But spring brought with it a new desire to drive this effing things. For that I would need an interior. Smitty built seats, new belts, original carpet and the console went in pretty easily. I mean, more drilling but, relative to other fitment issues, no complaints. The most difficult part honestly was trying to find someone to do a custom exhaust. First guy eff'd it up and then left it unfinished. Next guy wasn't interested in working on "old cars". 3rd guy wanted to only weld the pipes but wanted me to cut and size them (and still charge and arm and a leg) 4th guy built the custom so tight that it hit the drive shaft and rear shock while driving. 5th guy (4th guys boss) finally got me a functioning, decent looking great sounding exhaust with the Thrush muffler I picked out.
After that, Dre as it has been named, hit the road and we started driving and diagnosing. Why don't the brakes work properly? 2 bad, brand new brake boosters with bad diaphrams. 3rd worked. Then found a brand new dysfunctional caliper. Why won't the gas pedal go all the way to the floor? Gas pedal linkage hitting the EGR valve block off plate. Custom bend of linkage and corner grinding the plate did the trick. Then the leaky questions. Where is the antifreeze going? Is that coolant in the oil again (not)? Where is that oil coming from? How did trans fluid get over there? Fix one leak, drive it, find another. I have learned to enjoy these rabbit holes and finding their solutions.
Struggling to believe that a jeep I built was actually running and driving (cue the song "I get by with a little help from my friends" @bigwalton , @dmorolli, and Buddy Chuck) , drives were short. 5 miles. Then 10. Then 20. Each time focused on oil pressure and sounds and smells. Each time returning to check fluids and leaks. It became our summer date Jeep as the Mrs. began riding with me and driving it here and there. Mo' miles, Mo' time, constant attention and Dre is getting mo' functional and mo' reliable each time.
Over all, 350 miles this summer and now parked for the winter projects. Rear fender flares ( sorry to the guys who liked it without), clean up wiring, rotate steering wheel, dash pad, door fitment, functioning wipers and decals. But first, hunting seasing is in full swing, Snowmobile seasong will get it's due and the thoughts of driving it next summer are officially underway.
PFA (Pup For Attention)
