The Capt'n 2003 Jeep Wrangler “Freedom Edition”
- Thread starter Capt'n
- Start date
OP
Wow! Its been a whole year since checking in on this site! Ive been obviously very good at social "media" distancing. I have been using Automotive Touchup Paint products with decent results for rattle can painting. Top Coat on tub is their standard clear coat.
OP
Since being a bit more hunkered in my garage bunker as of late, im finally getting around to fixing a few cosmetic things and rattle can painting some exterior parts. Pulling fender flares and repairing cracks and refreshing paint where the original clear coat is gone. Here are some " before" pictures. I will post some in progress photos innthe next week as repair and paint materials arrive. Cheers.
OP
Prep sanded and applied rattle can primer and base coats to some trim. Am trying blend in paint on fender flare instead of painting the entire piece. I also started on prepping some blistered paint on the gate hinges.
OP
Completed the tailgate hinge painting. 2 coats primer, 4 coats base, 4 coats clear. Red Neck Rattle Canning.....
OP
The Hood Lamp that illuminates the engine wasn’t working. So I found some LEDs that were cheaper than an OEM replacement. I wired them to the original engine lamp harness and installed a manual switch. I hope I never use it.
OP
First attempt at plastic bondo for fender flare repair. Painting up next
OP
OP
I didn't post the photos of the 5 times i had to sand it all off and try again.
OP
Hey thanks Nick. Its been a lot of fun fixing and learning things.
OP
Obnoxious door panel cracks.... No More... JB Weld epoxy and a fresh coat of paint. 
OP
Celebrating our Freedom with the Capt’n Top off, Doors off!
OP
It’s been awhile since I posted about The Capt’n. Ive been side tracked in a positive way building a garage for the TJ and my 2018 JLRU… Broke ground July 2021. As most projects go…. “It’s always harder than it looks, takes longer than ya think, and costs more than you planned…” But worth all the efforts….
OP
A friend, who talked me into buying my first Jeep in 2018, gave me a MIG welder that belonged to his Dad after he passed away recently. He also gave me a pile of rusty square tube steel… I’ve never welded anything in my life but he gave me a 20 min lesson and wished me well…. So my first project was to make these door hangers for the Capt’n… it’s clean, it’s solid.. it works…. AND I got really good at grinding.
OP
Happy Independence Day! May we all be sincerely grateful for those who gave us and still fight for the Freedoms that we are blessed with. Let Freedom Ring!
OP
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement. This week I finally got around to attempting to fix an oil leak that started several months ago. Decided to start with the valve cover gasket and am hoping that does the trick and that it’s not the dreaded rear main seal…. Replaced PCV and Crankcase valves/ grommets as well. Just got her buttoned up so I’ll see how she’s behaving in a few days.
OP
Started on my Winters TJ "To Do" project list today... Am diving into the driveline. Removed the transfer case skid plate today... held my breath in hopes that there would not be a significant amount of rust damage between the skid plate and the frame. To my relief, the frame was in very good condition, but the skid plate wasn't so fortunate and will need to go. I also removed the front draft shaft which looks like a 1500's Spanish Armada cannon brought up from the Davey Jones Locker. The rear driveshaft is equally "barnacle" encrusted. Both will be replaced....
Any suggestions on a basic skid plate replacement? The Capt'n isnt a rock crawler so a meaty beast skid isn't necessary. Going to Go with Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts for the front and rear replacements.
Any suggestions on a basic skid plate replacement? The Capt'n isnt a rock crawler so a meaty beast skid isn't necessary. Going to Go with Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts for the front and rear replacements.