Hoping this thread will help me overcome my short attention span (think squirrels on meth), and keep me focused on the big picture as I rebuild this current hulk into The Hulk:
2001 Sahara in Forest Green Pearl, with the 4.0 and manual trans, stock ride height and a whopping 223,000 miles (!). There was a Spiderweb shade under the soft top (surprise!), and the tires were pretty much brand new rubber. Stock axles and gearing, as well as the OE seats and carpeting. I knew there was a bit of rust on the frame when I bought it for the princely sum of $4,200, but for that starting price, I figured repairs are sorta factored in. Paint is really peeling on the hood and fenders, and both fenders are rusted through in the usual spot. The passenger side flare is cracked and will need replacing. There are minor rust spots under each door (surface only), and the hood has one small rusted-through spot, easily repairable.
Since that day (March 2020, just before Covid madness hit Michigan), I have replaced the gas tank skid (rusted to pretty much lace), the fuel pump (died on me on the way to work), spark plugs, done 2 oil changes with Mobil1 and Mystery Oil, the coolant and the transmission fluid. Also, the POS Pioneer radio that came in it with a Boss marine unit and wakeboard speakers. Added grab bars, so She Who Must Be Obeyed can get in easier, but the missus is not really a fan (yet).
I have budgeted $1,500 for frame repair, since it already has a Safety Cap on the passenger side rear trailing arm area. The driver side is not done yet, and is rusting, but not through yet. Also, the frame cross-member looks to be rusted in place, but I will tackle getting a serious look at it in the spring.
So far, I have also done some cosmetic stuff, painted the headlight rings black and re-painted the tail light guards as well. I've installed heated seats, but the wiring is proving to be a challenge (will need to un-do some of the PO's work).
Goal is to have a nice DD/weekend wheeling toy, so I am thinking lunchbox locker in the front, and maybe a 2.5" lift with 33s. Frame rust repair/prevention is a must, since The Hulk will not be a garage dweller. Mostaliner on the interior floor (Whisky Tango Foxtrot color), and I'm going to learn to paint autobody on this guy! The interior will be touched up as well, thanks to the Sahara Interior paint thread in the Resources sub-forum.
D-slot or round-hole black steel rims, Rancho 5000 shocks, and the XJ steering upgrade. Looking at hard tops, since i have the wiring in place for it. Also thinking about cutting down the stock bumper 3-4 inches on each side for a stubbier look. LED headlights, and black flares all around.
Other stuff will come to me, I'm sure, but that's the gist of it. Plan for now is to trailer it to Moab for the Second Annual TJ Fest in April 2021!
2001 Sahara in Forest Green Pearl, with the 4.0 and manual trans, stock ride height and a whopping 223,000 miles (!). There was a Spiderweb shade under the soft top (surprise!), and the tires were pretty much brand new rubber. Stock axles and gearing, as well as the OE seats and carpeting. I knew there was a bit of rust on the frame when I bought it for the princely sum of $4,200, but for that starting price, I figured repairs are sorta factored in. Paint is really peeling on the hood and fenders, and both fenders are rusted through in the usual spot. The passenger side flare is cracked and will need replacing. There are minor rust spots under each door (surface only), and the hood has one small rusted-through spot, easily repairable.
Since that day (March 2020, just before Covid madness hit Michigan), I have replaced the gas tank skid (rusted to pretty much lace), the fuel pump (died on me on the way to work), spark plugs, done 2 oil changes with Mobil1 and Mystery Oil, the coolant and the transmission fluid. Also, the POS Pioneer radio that came in it with a Boss marine unit and wakeboard speakers. Added grab bars, so She Who Must Be Obeyed can get in easier, but the missus is not really a fan (yet).
I have budgeted $1,500 for frame repair, since it already has a Safety Cap on the passenger side rear trailing arm area. The driver side is not done yet, and is rusting, but not through yet. Also, the frame cross-member looks to be rusted in place, but I will tackle getting a serious look at it in the spring.
So far, I have also done some cosmetic stuff, painted the headlight rings black and re-painted the tail light guards as well. I've installed heated seats, but the wiring is proving to be a challenge (will need to un-do some of the PO's work).
Goal is to have a nice DD/weekend wheeling toy, so I am thinking lunchbox locker in the front, and maybe a 2.5" lift with 33s. Frame rust repair/prevention is a must, since The Hulk will not be a garage dweller. Mostaliner on the interior floor (Whisky Tango Foxtrot color), and I'm going to learn to paint autobody on this guy! The interior will be touched up as well, thanks to the Sahara Interior paint thread in the Resources sub-forum.
D-slot or round-hole black steel rims, Rancho 5000 shocks, and the XJ steering upgrade. Looking at hard tops, since i have the wiring in place for it. Also thinking about cutting down the stock bumper 3-4 inches on each side for a stubbier look. LED headlights, and black flares all around.
Other stuff will come to me, I'm sure, but that's the gist of it. Plan for now is to trailer it to Moab for the Second Annual TJ Fest in April 2021!
