A Jurassic Overland Dream

The top came off for the first time today!

I'm really not a fan of the yellow but I have to admit it's looking pretty good all things considered lol

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Getting a lot of the finishing touches done.

I stripped the windshield frame from the green Jeep, and I think that's the last part I'll need off it.

Mine in the yellow Jeep was about what you'd imagine, since these things seem to be famous for rotting away.

This was the only real rust starting on this windshield frame.
4.jpg


I hit it with a wire wheel and some sandpaper, and then as I was going to prime it I realised
I'm completely out of paint, so that's on hold until after supper or tomorrow morning. Oops.
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This fender would be the reason I'm out of primer. It was a brand new fender last year and then it was just neglected and developed a gritty layer of rust over the whole thing.

It got the same treatment of wire wheel and some sandpaper
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2.jpg
 
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More windshield business today. Got this one stripped from the yellow Jeep.

1.jpg


2.jpg


I wanted to reuse the moldings from the 2004 frame, but the frame from the 2000 that I'm using is lacking some of the mounting holes.

It's a pretty easy fix really if you're comfortable drilling a few small holes and cutting a couple slots in the frame.

Here's a comparison of the side moldings

3.jpg


side.jpg


The top molding doesn't have any screws but clips into place using this style pop in clip.
I just used a grinder and a cutting wheel to make the slots, starting off small and gradually getting bigger until the fit was snug. A file would have made it a little easier.

clips1.jpg


Here's a test fit of everything together, I still have to go back out tomorrow and drill the holes to mount the sun visors back on, but overall a pretty simple mod to do that IMO makes a huge improvement on the interior.

testfit.jpg
 
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DustyRhodes03 said:
More windshield business today. Got this one stripped from the yellow Jeep.

View attachment 183615

View attachment 183616

I wanted to reuse the moldings from the 2004 frame, but the frame from the 2000 that I'm using is lacking some of the mounting holes.

It's a pretty easy fix really if you're comfortable drilling a few small holes and cutting a couple slots in the frame.

Here's a comparison of the side moldings

View attachment 183617

View attachment 183619

The top molding doesn't have any screws but clips into place using this style pop in clip.
I just used a grinder and a cutting wheel to make the slots, starting off small and gradually getting bigger until the fit was snug. A file would have made it a little easier.

View attachment 183618

Here's a test fit of everything together, I still have to go back out tomorrow and drill the holes to mount the sun visors back on, but overall a pretty simple mod to do that IMO makes a huge improvement on the interior.

View attachment 183621
Click to expand...
Yeah, pretty easily done. I did the same when I had to replace the windshield frame on my 04. Got a good deal on a frame from an earlier TJ. I think it took me all of two hours to transfer the holes and slots to the older frame.
 
derekmac said:
Nice! I couldn't be bothered to fit the trim pieces when I went to an earlier frame, seemed too much like work, lol.
Click to expand...

I thought so at first but man it's so easy to do. I mean it's a pretty minor mod in the grand scheme of things, but if you're a big interior guy like me it's well worth it.

Mike_H said:
Yeah, pretty easily done. I did the same when I had to replace the windshield frame on my 04. Got a good deal on a frame from an earlier TJ. I think it took me all of two hours to transfer the holes and slots to the older frame.
Click to expand...

And really if a person wanted to make the job even easier they could cut the tabs off and attach them with a 3M product.
 
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I decided to do something about my bent bumper today. I'm not 100% sold on it yet so I might still throw the other bumper on. But for today it was nice to do something small and non-windshield related lol I'm waiting on some new bolts before I put it on so that I don't ever have to mess around with those torx pieces of garbage again.

117388072_298017621469915_7988817628157844710_n (1).jpg
 
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Got the windshield fitted and installed today, and finished up the interior moldings.

I painted it all red with rattle can before throwing it on just to make it easier when I go to paint the entire thing.

117445482_1036642870085228_4809060177232077322_n.jpg


PAINT IS NEXT!!!! Finally! lol Mind you it'll be a few weeks or so before I get the paint, but I'm finally done with the body on this thing.

I still have a few interior mods to finish off. Some of the moldings need to be refurbished and I need to mount the brackets for the back seat swap.
 
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derekmac said:
Coming together nicely! Can’t wait to see it with the new paint job.
Click to expand...

Mike_H said:
Ohhh, paint! Can't wait to see it!
Click to expand...

Hell yeah!! haha I'm getting antsy now.

I decided to throw the parts Jeep up for sale, it's an eye sore now and the extra funds would be nice to have for the yellow Jeep to go towards some new shocks .

I also decided last minute I wanted to keep the rain guards lol
They were easy af to remove, just fed a guitar string behind and pulled it along the shade cutting through the glue.

118044200_2665294290386807_2643923084112972045_n.jpg
 
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DustyRhodes03 said:
Got the windshield fitted and installed today, and finished up the interior moldings.

I painted it all red with rattle can before throwing it on just to make it easier when I go to paint the entire thing.

View attachment 184087

PAINT IS NEXT!!!! Finally! lol Mind you it'll be a few weeks or so before I get the paint, but I'm finally done with the body on this thing.

I still have a few interior mods to finish off. Some of the moldings need to be refurbished and I need to mount the brackets for the back seat swap.
Click to expand...
The paint will really change the look from the rolling advert for Mcdonalds it is right now. ;)
Cant wait to see that tan and red.
 
Man I knew
reddvltj said:
Saw this pic on an add for a local Idaho guy selling tube bumpers and other odds and ends today and got me wondering how the progression was coming along on your Jurassic project... it's over in the boise area.
Click to expand...

Man I knew it had been a while since I'd updated this but I didn't realise it's been this long haha Progress is still being made!!

That TJ looks awesome, that's definitely the vibe I'm going for.

UPDATE TIME!! lol

I have been hard at work on the Jeep.

It just had all the work done for an inspection last month so it's driving like a dream.

I got the paint started just 2-3 weeks ago actually.
4.jpg


Taking pictures wasn't really on my mind so I didn't get a tonne of the whole process and everything done.


My paint choice wont be to everyones liking. I went with just spray cans, it took about 3 cans of primer and 5 cans of color.
My reasoning behind it was I was something that's essentially cheap and easy to touch-up or repair. This thing is going to be up
against bushes and branches all spring and summer long. I need a paintjob for a trail rig, not a show car.

Process was one solid coat of primer.
Wet sand.
2 light coats of color paint.
Wet sand again.
Then one final coat of color.

Might be a bit overkill for a spray can job but I figured i'd at least try to make it look decent.
Color choice was "Gloss Sand" which considering the screen used color was "Sand Beige" I'm pretty happy with it for a close enough.
7.jpg


This gives a decent idea of the color in daylight. The bumpers and everything still needed to be done at this point.

3.jpg


This morning I got the bumpers and trim pieces all touched up and painted matte black, minus the hood hinges, they still need to be done.

And of course we had a downpour come out of nowhere this afternoon so taking pictures was timed horribly.

1.jpg


2.jpg


I still have a few minor details to finish touching up. The alignment on my tailgate is a little off, and I want to coat the inside of my wheel wells with something before I put the inners back on.

The stencils and decal are proving to be annoyingly difficult to source surprisingly.
I've been trying to have them made local, but none of my local shops can do stencils, only decals. I can order the entire kit of stencils and decals that I need for $120 but I was hoping going local would save some $$$, and ya know the whole "shop local" thing lol

I did make some of my own out of a thin cardboard, I spent probably 2-3 hours trying to match the accurate font and free draw everything. If I can find a good temporary adhesive to stick them to the Jeep I'll probably give them a try.

kit3.jpg



Tomorrow or the next day I'm going to get it washed and if the sun peaks out I'll get some pictures that show the paint a little better.

This was again before the bumpers and everything touched up, but it really does a good job at showing how far the Jeeps come lol
176895982_3748227195306617_1167374430096187672_n.png
 
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DustyRhodes03 said:
Man I knew


Man I knew it had been a while since I'd updated this but I didn't realise it's been this long haha Progress is still being made!!

That TJ looks awesome, that's definitely the vibe I'm going for.

UPDATE TIME!! lol

I have been hard at work on the Jeep.

It just had all the work done for an inspection last month so it's driving like a dream.

I got the paint started just 2-3 weeks ago actually.
View attachment 245683

Taking pictures wasn't really on my mind so I didn't get a tonne of the whole process and everything done.


My paint choice wont be to everyones liking. I went with just spray cans, it took about 3 cans of primer and 5 cans of color.
My reasoning behind it was I was something that's essentially cheap and easy to touch-up or repair. This thing is going to be up
against bushes and branches all spring and summer long. I need a paintjob for a trail rig, not a show car.

Process was one solid coat of primer.
Wet sand.
2 light coats of color paint.
Wet sand again.
Then one final coat of color.

Might be a bit overkill for a spray can job but I figured i'd at least try to make it look decent.
Color choice was "Gloss Sand" which considering the screen used color was "Sand Beige" I'm pretty happy with it for a close enough.
View attachment 245684

This gives a decent idea of the color in daylight. The bumpers and everything still needed to be done at this point.

View attachment 245691

This morning I got the bumpers and trim pieces all touched up and painted matte black, minus the hood hinges, they still need to be done.

And of course we had a downpour come out of nowhere this afternoon so taking pictures was timed horribly.

View attachment 245686

View attachment 245688

I still have a few minor details to finish touching up. The alignment on my tailgate is a little off, and I want to coat the inside of my wheel wells with something before I put the inners back on.

The stencils and decal are proving to be annoyingly difficult to source surprisingly.
I've been trying to have them made local, but none of my local shops can do stencils, only decals. I can order the entire kit of stencils and decals that I need for $120 but I was hoping going local would save some $$$, and ya know the whole "shop local" thing lol

I did make some of my own out of a thin cardboard, I spent probably 2-3 hours trying to match the accurate font and free draw everything. If I can find a good temporary adhesive to stick them to the Jeep I'll probably give them a try.

View attachment 245689


Tomorrow or the next day I'm going to get it washed and if the sun peaks out I'll get some pictures that show the paint a little better.

This was again before the bumpers and everything touched up, but it really does a good job at showing how far the Jeeps come lol
View attachment 245692
Click to expand...
You have come a LONG way. It's looking great so far!!! Keep up the great work. I'll be lurking in the bg watching for updates as you post them!! Unless I see another JP themed jeep and manage to get pics of it... haha
 
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DustyRhodes03 said:
Man I knew


Man I knew it had been a while since I'd updated this but I didn't realise it's been this long haha Progress is still being made!!

That TJ looks awesome, that's definitely the vibe I'm going for.

UPDATE TIME!! lol

I have been hard at work on the Jeep.

It just had all the work done for an inspection last month so it's driving like a dream.

I got the paint started just 2-3 weeks ago actually.
View attachment 245683

Taking pictures wasn't really on my mind so I didn't get a tonne of the whole process and everything done.


My paint choice wont be to everyones liking. I went with just spray cans, it took about 3 cans of primer and 5 cans of color.
My reasoning behind it was I was something that's essentially cheap and easy to touch-up or repair. This thing is going to be up
against bushes and branches all spring and summer long. I need a paintjob for a trail rig, not a show car.

Process was one solid coat of primer.
Wet sand.
2 light coats of color paint.
Wet sand again.
Then one final coat of color.

Might be a bit overkill for a spray can job but I figured i'd at least try to make it look decent.
Color choice was "Gloss Sand" which considering the screen used color was "Sand Beige" I'm pretty happy with it for a close enough.
View attachment 245684

This gives a decent idea of the color in daylight. The bumpers and everything still needed to be done at this point.

View attachment 245691

This morning I got the bumpers and trim pieces all touched up and painted matte black, minus the hood hinges, they still need to be done.

And of course we had a downpour come out of nowhere this afternoon so taking pictures was timed horribly.

View attachment 245686

View attachment 245688

I still have a few minor details to finish touching up. The alignment on my tailgate is a little off, and I want to coat the inside of my wheel wells with something before I put the inners back on.

The stencils and decal are proving to be annoyingly difficult to source surprisingly.
I've been trying to have them made local, but none of my local shops can do stencils, only decals. I can order the entire kit of stencils and decals that I need for $120 but I was hoping going local would save some $$$, and ya know the whole "shop local" thing lol

I did make some of my own out of a thin cardboard, I spent probably 2-3 hours trying to match the accurate font and free draw everything. If I can find a good temporary adhesive to stick them to the Jeep I'll probably give them a try.

View attachment 245689


Tomorrow or the next day I'm going to get it washed and if the sun peaks out I'll get some pictures that show the paint a little better.

This was again before the bumpers and everything touched up, but it really does a good job at showing how far the Jeeps come lol
View attachment 245692
Click to expand...
Looking awesome! My kid now wants one. He loves anything red, and loves the Jurassic Park Movies. Keep sharing the content !!!
 
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Ephry73 said:
Looking awesome! My kid now wants one. He loves anything red, and loves the Jurassic Park Movies. Keep sharing the content !!!
Click to expand...

My 6yr old is 100% the driving motivation behind this build. He's been beyond excited for it since the day I said we were doing it, and he helps me work on it literally every second he can haha If this was just some random idea I'd had on a whim there's no way I would've stuck it through this long lol
 
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