oh good lord...and I thought the Excursion limos were ridiculous, though perhaps no more ridiculous than the Excursion itself.
Definitely not selling my '98 Wrangler, I just paid it off 4 months back and it only has 41K miles! And it has the straight 6. I learned about that already--my '94 was a 4-banger.
Tsjay--will try to stop by Gill's more often, but now that the days are getting long again I'm usually out until 7 or 8pm Pacific time. Beautiful top-down weather here today...
I debated posting this, but figured I'd share and suffer the abuse that is sure to follow...
2 "mods" over the last couple of days:
1.) Painless Wiring Auxiliary fuse block - 3 hot leads and 4 switched leads for adding stuff like lights, CB, etc. Very nice kit and now I don't have to worry about tapping into the existing wiring for anything that needs power. I needed to install this so I'd be ready for... 2.) Heated seat kits. I know, I know, heated seats in a Jeep? Background... my wife has been spoiled by having heated seats in her car. Since we have half doors and leave the top off from March to Nov. she gets cold once the temperature drops below 65 (Spring, Fall, and summer evenings). She asked for heated seats in the Jeep. I looked into the aftermarket options from Bestop and Steel Horse, but didn't like the look and wanted to keep the factory tip and fold feature as well as maintain the stock look. After some Googleing, I found that Rostra Controls makes an aftermarket kit for $100. This kit is also sold under the Jacobs Electronics brand. Each kit comes with 2 elements, wiring, a control module that regulates the temp between 2 settings, and a switch to turn them to Lo or High. This was a pretty lengthy install that required pulling the seats, removing the seat covers, wiring the units and rigging the switches. Total time was about 6 hours for both seats and all wiring, etc. I will say this is maybe the most frivilous mod I can imagine for a Jeep, but also one of the coolest, er hottest. We cruised around last night while it was in the low 60's and were able to leave the heater on a setting lower than "burn your feet". Having your lower back and butt stay warm is great. End result, my wife is thrilled. I got to try something that I haven't seen anyone else do and made my Jeep all the more unique. I'll have my writeup with full pics on both of these up later this week.
Ive looked at those myself twylie, Since I got to work VERY early in the morning when its still cool, even during the summer. but since they were so $$ i didnt think I could do it. Was it very difficult to do or just time consuming? The new fuse block sounds like a good idea too.. get some pics on your web site so i can check it out..
My 1999 Wrangler's front passenger floorboard fills up with water whether I'm parked or driving when it rains. Doesn't happen thru car wash. Any problems with floor plug or heater box(dealer said I had to change this???). He also told me that the carpet is mildew resistant so my car won't smell. Nice answer huh. I'm fine with it filling up if I take it off road but not during city driving. Also, I'm about to replace my second windshield...any problems with the frame rigidity or lack of? Please help someone...anyone. thanks Jimga3
Heated seats would be nice, along with keyless entry. I hope my next vehicle will have both. Why not enjoy all the comforts of home while you are out there roughing it? I was in the Army long enough to appreciate being comfortable whenever I can - there were many, many times I've been cold, wet, hungry, dirty and miserable... Enjoy what you can!
dwrangler - Oh, is there a team called the Blues? Just kidding - the Blues are doing very well this year. Kings are doing better than they should be - they are playing when I had expected them to be out of it. Who knows - maybe they will make the next round - only one more game to go.
My Wrangler is once again very dusty and dirty. I celebrated the Taco getting fixed by taking the Wrangler out to one of my favorite remoter trailheads. We had a good time, even if the dog isn't so sure now - he's stiff. He didn't seem to mind that the road in was very washboardy. Lots of fun, and a wonderful way to spend a morning...
Just posted a pic of Thelma Jane with her AR767s and her BFG Mud Terrains in the members photo gallery here in the Jeep Owners Club, if you are interested.
I moved Jimga3's message over here where more of you owners hang out (thus the weird time stamp). I remember this issue has come up before so can someone plase fill Jimga3 in? Thanks! Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I know of a few people, including myself, that had the water in the passenger floor board problem, and it was the seal around the heater box where it comes through the firewall. Mine was fixed under warranty with no problems.
Great look for Thelma Jane! If I ever have to replace my noble black steed (and probably will in about 5 years) I think I'll get a white one. Thelma Jane looks great!
You could have done the job in 4 hours if you had skipped the photos :-) Nice sequence.
I've considered this mod myself - thought the hog rings would be more of a hassle. I figured it'd take me about 3 weekends (and 2 hours at the upholstery shop getting it fixed "right", lol). If you head to Boise and want to kill another 8 hours.... Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks. Actually, it wasn't the pictures that slowed me down as much as the fear of having the seats look like I'd slipcovered them when everything was done. The writeup was also pretty time consuming between cutting and pasting from the service manual and trying to get a narrative that matched the work I did. I hope my next job isn't as a technical writer...
I could do the seats again in about 4-5 hours with no problem. With a second set of hands and some delegation, 3 hours would be possible. I'll let you know if I head to Boise... . I didn't realize I'd snapped almost 40 photos until I started putting the webpage together.
Tom - Great look....the black and white contrast looks really good!!
Twylie - Great job on the install and your webpage. Heated seats would be great on those cool evenings. Just make sure you don't get them too wet with the top off!! That could be a shocking experience!
Thanks for the kind words. Thelma Jane is blushing.
Honestly, the pic does not do justice to her actual looks with those new wheels. It is so hard for black wheels to show up good against the black tires. I am truly happy with the new look.
Hello, I am new to this board and I am considering buying a 97 Wrangler. Please let me know what you think of this deal: 78,000 miles, softtop with the zipdown windows (half doors), decent tires, 2.5L engine, 5 speed, decent shape (a few scratches on the fenders and a few little dings). The seller wants $8,000 but may be willing to go a little lower. Any thoughts? I really want a Jeep but I am debating whether to get a newer one (97-98) or look at something older (90-95). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also what else should I look for when shopping for the Jeep? Thanks.
I'll take it that you've checked the blue book & Edmunds used car values already. Mileage is a little high but that price seems pretty low, so I think you're in good shape there. If this is going to be your daily driver, then I would stick with the 97-and-up models (TJs). I've had both, and the newer ones are far easier to live with as your only vehicle.
Options-wise: not sure where in the country you live, but only having the soft top can be a bit much in the winter. You will not have a secure vehicle, which means you can't leave anything in it of value when you park. It will be loud on the highway, though you can upgrade/replace your top with one of the new sailcloth tops and that will reduce the noise somewhat from what I understand. You'll want a 5-speed with the 4-cylinder engine, the auto is a drag with either engine but especially the 4. A/C is a good option if it is very hot in the summers where you live.
If you like the Jeep, go for it, but do recognize that having a Jeep is somewhat different than a regular car or truck. Jeeps are loud, thirsty (for their size), bumpy, etc. The new ones are much better than the older ones, but it can wear on some people. If you have any friends with Jeeps you might ask them if they are happy with them. I obviously love Jeeps, but be aware of what you are getting into.
I sealed the deal, my Jeep is sold! Now my only decision is red, yellow, or remain with the steel blue. I can be swayed as my first choice (black) is not on anyones's lot. I've never considered yellow or red but it might be nice to go with the unexpected for once. Oceantoad, how is the Jeep, did you pick it up yet? Congrats! Billhero, that price is not too bad but I think if you keep looking you may find one with lower miles. My best advice it to not rush into anything. Good luck with your purchase. tsjay, NICE look!
Glad to hear it! Congratulations! I am truly happy for the Kahuna Man.
I vote for another steel blue among the three colors you mentioned. I think yellow is the most popular color they have made the last couple years, so you see a lot of them on the road. Of course, red is real common too, but I like both the red the yellow a lot.
You are definitely buying from inventory instead of ordering from the factory? You know you got a Jeep that you weren't happy with once already. You ought to think seriously about ordering EXACTLY what you want this time from the factory.
Like Ducks said, check out the price here in edmunds and see how that $8000 compares.
Also, I agree with Ducks that you should try to get a 97 or up so that you will have the coil springs for a much nicer ride than the YJs have. My cousin has a YJ, and my TJ rides MUCH better.
I picked it up this afternoon and put about 80 miles on it trying to get it broken in. I won't attempt to drive it to work until I get past the breakin mileage. Driving at 55 or less would cause a heck of a wreck with the way the people drive here.
Jean described the sienna color as cranberry that has gone bad. I like it, kind of reminds me of my old brown CJ5 (in color only).
I can't wait to drive at the posted speed limit to see what the 4.0 motor will do. Comfort is a whole lot better than I remember from the old days and the noise did not seem that bad. It is going to take me a month to figure out what all the different lights mean and when they should be on.
I had the DC steering box skid plate put on and also had them toss on the 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The warranty only ran $19 more a month. The free drivetrain warranty is good, but I had problems with the computer in my Dodge truck. I could see that or the air conditioner deciding to die on me so an extra $19 on the payment.
I went with the stock tires since I am going to buy new ones and that is going to work out. The people here don't pay for used tires like they do in Ky. I could only get $25 a tire as an offer here. Bottom line is Jean has noticed some problems with her tires so mine will be going on her MPV. Then I am just stuck with the wheels so I need to figure out a use for them.
Going through the owners manual on dropping the top made me decide to wait till the weekend. If I wait I can have some time to cuss and throw stuff around. Once I drop it a time or two I figure it should go quick and easy.
Still can't get over all the stuff that is on them now compared to my old CJ.
oceantoad - so how is it? Or did you take it for a long drive before heading home?
Kahuna - Good going. Now the fun starts - shopping. I like the blue or the siena (or whatever it is called) that oceantoad ordered. Black looks REALLY sharp, but... I finally joined Image Station, and if I can figure out how to do it all, I'll post a link with pictures of my noble black steed, taken last year. I had one of them up on photopoint before it closed, so I know tsjay has seen it before, but thought I'd put it up again.
billhero - I haven't looked at buying used Wranglers so I don't know. However, I asked Edmunds how much trade-in value would be on my black '98 4.0L with 100,000 miles and it came up with something like 8,400. Don't know if that would help you at all, since you are looking at the 4 banger. Goducks covered most of the things I would mention (soft vs hard top, what you can put up with noise wise, and how much you want to spend on gas). Also, the Wrangler is terrible in the wind. And I'm one who loves mine! I won't have anything else. My other half can talk about cars or trucks or whatever, but I'll always have a Wrangler, if I can possibly swing it.
You may want to ask your dealer if they can still order Solar Yellow. I read that it is being dropped so if you want to go that route, you may have to buy off the lot.
Tom, did not make it last night had to call my Mom. She had surgery and I had to spend some time on the phone with her.
One comment on the Sport. I got the Sentry Key and I asked what a new key would cost. Once the room quit swirling I was able to say just curious. $145 for a new key. Ouch!
Sorry, one more comment. The dealer etched my windows and I think they said also a dozen different parts. That helps out all the way around in case of theft, insurance, etc.
I think you can cut that $145 cost considerably. According to the FSM, you can program the key yourself as long as you have two valid keys in your possesion. I think you can pick up an "uncoded" key for around $25 and do the following to make it work:
From the FSM: CUSTOMER LEARN METHOD The Customer Learn feature is only available on domestic vehicles, or those vehicles which have a U.S. country code designator. This programming method also requires access to at least two valid Sentry Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available, or if the vehicle does not have a U.S. country code designator, the Secured Access Method must be used to program new or additional valid keys to the SKIM. The Customer Learn programming method procedures are as follows: (1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that are to be programmed as valid keys for the vehicle. Cut the blank key(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder mechanical key codes. (2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the On position. (3) After the ignition switch has been in the On position for longer than three seconds, but no more than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to the Off position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in the ignition switch lock cylinder with the second valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to the On position. The second valid Sentry Key must be inserted in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds of removing the first valid key. (4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 3, the SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster will start to flash and a single audible chime tone will sound to indicate that the system has entered the Customer Learn programming mode. (5) Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer Learn programming mode, turn the ignition switch to the Off position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition switch back to the On position. (6) About ten seconds after the completion of Step 5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the SKIS indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for three seconds, then turn off to indicate that the blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed. The SKIS will immediately exit the Customer Learn programming mode and the vehicle may now be started using the newly programmed valid Sentry Key.
The manual states that the Sentry module will remember up to 8 programmed keys. You could buy two blanks and still be almost $100 ahead.
Come back with your questions and observations - we always like new topics or viewpoints.
Keys - I do remember reading in the manual about being able to code your keys. I didn't know if that applied to me also, since my keys look so ordinary, but I think it does. I testdrove a vehicle (don't remember which one now) and the salesman was talked about it quite a bit. The key that I used on the vehicle looked real ordinary also.
Well, I don't know if this will work. This should be the link to my image station album on the Jeep, or rather one particular day last year. I'll add more later. I haven't reduced the size of the photos, so don't want to actually link to the photos themselves...
Hey there, You have a great page!! Have you had a chance to use your windjammer? I thought about getting one with the safari top from best top so that I could have the top cover everything including the sound bar and if it get's TOO rainy I could always put the windjammer on and keep me relatively dry. I'd like to know if you've had success with it and to see if it's as easy as it says to install. Which brings up a good question, is the safari besttop compatible with the windjammer? :-), I appreciate your patience with a semi-new jeeper.
Congrats to all the new Jeep owners and soon to be owners!
WOW!! Do you have a soft top or a hard top? I'm curious as to how my jeep would handle the snow like in my wife's homestate of VT. Hopefully, I'm not in a world of trouble with a soft top.....
I have a hard top. I would not want to chance a soft top with that kind of stuff. Anyway, since I live in Southern California, I like having the extra insulation of the hard top in the summer - it is miserable crossing the desert without A/C.
What about getting an aftermarket hardtop? If you have a garage (something I don't have) you could put it on when needed. That's what I would do if I had a garage (on my list of things for when I win the lottery...).
We tried out the windjammer this past weekend and it does reduce the buffeting from the back, but has some downsides. When installed with the Door surrounds for the soft upper doors, there is a really bad blind spot that is created. Also, because the windjammer is hung directly under the center hoop of the sport bar, you lose a bit of rear seat travel. Finally, because the windjammer is being pressed on my the seat backs, when it blows (speeds of 50+), some of that movement gets transferred to the seat itself.
When run with the bikini, it helps the wind buffeting in the cockpit. We bought it as much for an "almost dry" alternative to putting the softop up. We ran with the duster installed most of last summer and would have to remove it to get the soft top up. The windjammer is easy to install; maybe 5 min. to get it on and adjusted. There are 10 straps that fasten around the rollbar and their placement is designed to work with the bikini (and I'd assume the safari bikini) as well as the duster. It also comes with a Z channel that is suppose to attach near the floor, but with the duster on, this didn't seem necessary so I haven't done it yet. I may do it this week just to see if it tightens up at all. That may be part of the reason it "flaps" at higher speeds. I would recommend the Bestop products. They fit well and appear to be very well made. We've been happy with ours so far.
I'll try to get some pictures of the mounting up later this week. If you have specific questions, I found a quick call to Bestop was all it took to get specific questions answered.
Mtngal - I've thought about getting a hard top, but the price seems a bit steep for me right now. Just trying to stick to the basics for now, :-). Also, my old neighbor in my apartment complex had a jeep with a hard top and I saw how much of a pain it was to remove and store it when he didn't use it. Maybe when you win the lottery and share some of your loot.....
Twylie - Thanks for the info. I'm pretty tall so I have the seat ALL the way back. Looks like I'll probably have some trouble with the windjammer unless I move my seat up a bit. Do you have your backseat in with the duster? It seems like you could just fold it down and put the duster on top of it? I looked at the Bestop page a little while ago and they had the safari bikini with the duster on so it "looks" like it would work. But after reading a lot of the postings here and at Jeeps unlimited, nothing beats actual experience.
Thanks both of you! :-) I wish I had a catchy phrase like tsjay, but I don't, oh well! :-)
You may be able to loosen the windjammer up a little and slide the seat back some to gain a little additional room. I'd say you lose almost 2" from the "seat's all the way back" position. That may be too much for you. We have our backseat out for storage, but you can just fold down the rear seat (not tumble it forward, though) and it is right at the top of the tubb height. It's just enough to get the duster over. As long as you dont' need to storage room, this will work and you can still have 2 more passengers when you need to.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but are you all aware that Bestop is now making a one-piece duster/bikini/windjammer combo? Supposed to be weatherproof with the doors on. I forget what they call it but they have it on the quadratec website.
Still alive and went to Gill's a couple of times last night and not a sole was there. I hooked up with BigElmer and Simon after a while, but it was after 10 pm east coast.
Now have 111 miles on the critter and put the seat covers on last night. They seem to fit ok, but have not parked my big behind in them to see if they are going to bunch up, get slack, look sloppy, etc.
It is tough not feeling like I am impeding the flow of traffic during the engine break-in period. I am still trying to follow the instructions in the owners manual for the speeds.
Pretty heavy winds yesterday and the top was not as quiet as it had been on Monday. Still I think it is better than my old CJ. It also helps not to have full canvas doors like I use to.
of course the Bama is here!! u guys Are posting like crazy!! CONGRATS to all the new jeepers out there!! Sorry about not geeting to gills lately.. My kids are growing spending time with them. I my early morning too. Hard to stay awake too late.. but im here Well, FINALLY got the payment thing fixed.. chrylser deposited it in the wrong account. They are off my back now. I can now use this xtra $$ to buy some jeep stuff going for overhead console, CB & hard top hoist.
GOTTA get that hard top off.. ITS SPRING TIME IN BAMA!!
Thanks goducks1! I don't think I ever saw that one, but it sure does look good. Why did they use a black top to illustrate the half top? Makes it kind of hard to see how they ensure it's weatherproof, although I can kind of guess. Oh well, the only thing I don't like is that it looks like my sound bar is just going to be out in the elements. Does anyone know if the sound bar can get wet? I would hope so, but I'm not exactly willing to "test" this theory. Thanks again!!
Hey all, I've read in some posts about Gill's. What is Gill's and how do I get there:) Is this an exclusive chat room or can an old surfer dude named Kahuna go as well? Yellow. What do you think about yellow? My dealer just got one fresh from the factory yesterday, (X model, tire and wheel group, CD player, air conditioning, steering wheel thinga-ma-jibber.) I can pick it up tomorrow or go with a dealer trade. (I'm not waiting a month this time.) Deb, (don't want to be presumptious by not saying "dwrangler") but that's what people are calling you, twylie, mtngal, Ocean, Tom, (hope I'm not forgetting anyone, thanks for the congrats! I'm psyched about finally being able to drive up the steep grades here without going backwards.
Gill's is a jeep fan's non-commercial website several of us (tsjay, twylie, occasionally myself) frequent in the evenings. It has a chat room, non-exclusive of course. the address is itsajeep.org
Of course you are welcome at Gill's, and so is everyone else on this board.
Gill is a guy who lives in Alabama and is a big lover of Jeeps. He owns a web site that is totally noncommercial: no ads at all and no fees to join. The most used feature is his chat room, but he also has a bulletin board and a photo gallery. He is a super guy to provide and maintain that site for no personal gain. He just wants people to use it.
Come join us. Almost any night after about 7 or 8 PM central time, you will find some of us in there.
I think the new half top looks great. I wonder what it means on quadratec where it says it is "not fully waterproof". That kinda worries me and for $479.95, that's a lot of money for something that is not gonna keep you dry!
Now have 193 miles on the Sport. Filled up with gas today and figured that I got 20.42 MPG. I am still driving under 55 MPH and I am really paying attention to the shift light. Not the way I drive at all. I keep my foot in it and wind the gears out.
I hope to put another 200 or so miles on by Monday. I need to get through the break-in period so I can start driving the Sport to work.
Driving slow is helping me get use to the way it does on the curves and rough portions of the roads. I have been trying to stay on those country roads that I never travel. A bunch of the roads end up as a drive to some ranch in the boonies. Good for the slow stuff.
Sounds like fun actually. I always liked wandering around looking at ranches in the boonies. I find that I do get better gas mileage if I shift more where they recommend, rather than where it sounds like it should be shifting. Also, the MT Wrangler is geared so low that it is actually good in slow and go traffic. Just put it in first gear and let it creep (a friend of mine who used to have a MT Mustang always complained because his car couldn't creep that slowly without having to play with the clutch). Shifting at lower RPMs has become much more of a habit now.
My gas mileage drops dramatically if I drive over 70. The funny thing is that even with my long commute, it doesn't take much more time if I drive the Grapevine at 60-65 in the Wrangler or 75 (sometimes plus) in the Taco. So I slow down in the Wrangler, not only because of cost savings, but also because it is usually windy!
I thought the $479 price on quadratec seemed way too high for what you get, but I also noticed there was a $50 instant rebate along with it. $429 still seems too high to me, but I don't plan on buying it (a hard top, Sunrider soft top, and bikini are plenty enough tops for me right now). I did notice it had the fold-back targa feature of my Sunrider top included, that is pretty nice.
Went to a local restaurant for lunch and as I walked up to the door I saw a really cool looking red Wrangler. It had added fender flairs (color matched), a 3" lift kit and nice wheels. I eventually talked to the guy that owned it (or at least was driving it) and turns out he works for one of the dealerships I've been looking for Jeeps at. He said that he'd hook me up and get a good deal on a Jeep. I told him that I wanna sell my car outright so I have more of a downpayment and to save some more money in my savings. Think good thoughts folks....or say a prayer....I hope this pans out.
Gotta go
Hug your Jeeps for me
dwrangler
p.s. keep an eye out for a guy using the name of skyking or john or whatever his name is...he's been wanting too personal of info on me and I know my fellow Jeepsters (jeep lovers) will help me with this guy...he doesn't take no for an answer
Comments
Definitely not selling my '98 Wrangler, I just paid it off 4 months back and it only has 41K miles! And it has the straight 6. I learned about that already--my '94 was a 4-banger.
Tsjay--will try to stop by Gill's more often, but now that the days are getting long again I'm usually out until 7 or 8pm Pacific time. Beautiful top-down weather here today...
2 "mods" over the last couple of days:
1.) Painless Wiring Auxiliary fuse block - 3 hot leads and 4 switched leads for adding stuff like lights, CB, etc. Very nice kit and now I don't have to worry about tapping into the existing wiring for anything that needs power. I needed to install this so I'd be ready for...
2.) Heated seat kits. I know, I know, heated seats in a Jeep? Background... my wife has been spoiled by having heated seats in her car. Since we have half doors and leave the top off from March to Nov. she gets cold once the temperature drops below 65 (Spring, Fall, and summer evenings). She asked for heated seats in the Jeep. I looked into the aftermarket options from Bestop and Steel Horse, but didn't like the look and wanted to keep the factory tip and fold feature as well as maintain the stock look. After some Googleing, I found that Rostra Controls makes an aftermarket kit for $100. This kit is also sold under the Jacobs Electronics brand. Each kit comes with 2 elements, wiring, a control module that regulates the temp between 2 settings, and a switch to turn them to Lo or High. This was a pretty lengthy install that required pulling the seats, removing the seat covers, wiring the units and rigging the switches. Total time was about 6 hours for both seats and all wiring, etc. I will say this is maybe the most frivilous mod I can imagine for a Jeep, but also one of the coolest, er hottest. We cruised around last night while it was in the low 60's and were able to leave the heater on a setting lower than "burn your feet". Having your lower back and butt stay warm is great. End result, my wife is thrilled. I got to try something that I haven't seen anyone else do and made my Jeep all the more unique. I'll have my writeup with full pics on both of these up later this week.
-twylie
Since I got to work VERY early in the morning when its still cool, even during the summer.
but since they were so $$ i didnt think I could do it. Was it very difficult to do or just time consuming?
The new fuse block sounds like a good idea too..
get some pics on your web site so i can check it out..
Keep jeepin
BamaTazz
I thought all of you would like that NEW jeep
Jimga3
dwrangler - Oh, is there a team called the Blues? Just kidding - the Blues are doing very well this year. Kings are doing better than they should be - they are playing when I had expected them to be out of it. Who knows - maybe they will make the next round - only one more game to go.
My Wrangler is once again very dusty and dirty. I celebrated the Taco getting fixed by taking the Wrangler out to one of my favorite remoter trailheads. We had a good time, even if the dog isn't so sure now - he's stiff. He didn't seem to mind that the road in was very washboardy. Lots of fun, and a wonderful way to spend a morning...
Keyless entry? I have DOORLESS entry in the summer.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Steve
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Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Finally.
Have a great day Walt
Aux Fuse Block:
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/auxfuse.htm
Seat Heaters:
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/seatheat.htm
I went back and added up my time on the seat heaters and it was more like 8 hours, not 6. Even so, I'd do it again in a minute.
HTH
-twylie
I've considered this mod myself - thought the hog rings would be more of a hassle. I figured it'd take me about 3 weekends (and 2 hours at the upholstery shop getting it fixed "right", lol). If you head to Boise and want to kill another 8 hours....
Steve
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I could do the seats again in about 4-5 hours with no problem. With a second set of hands and some delegation, 3 hours would be possible. I'll let you know if I head to Boise... . I didn't realize I'd snapped almost 40 photos until I started putting the webpage together.
-twylie
Twylie - Great job on the install and your webpage. Heated seats would be great on those cool evenings. Just make sure you don't get them too wet with the top off!! That could be a shocking experience!
This really opens up your optios with many salvage yard seats avaiable, some possibly leather and/or heated.
Honestly, the pic does not do justice to her actual looks with those new wheels. It is so hard for black wheels to show up good against the black tires. I am truly happy with the new look.
Thanks
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Yeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Let's have some pics!Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I am new to this board and I am considering buying a 97 Wrangler. Please let me know what you think of this deal: 78,000 miles, softtop with the zipdown windows (half doors), decent tires, 2.5L engine, 5 speed, decent shape (a few scratches on the fenders and a few little dings). The seller wants $8,000 but may be willing to go a little lower. Any thoughts? I really want a Jeep but I am debating whether to get a newer one (97-98) or look at something older (90-95). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also what else should I look for when shopping for the Jeep? Thanks.
Options-wise: not sure where in the country you live, but only having the soft top can be a bit much in the winter. You will not have a secure vehicle, which means you can't leave anything in it of value when you park. It will be loud on the highway, though you can upgrade/replace your top with one of the new sailcloth tops and that will reduce the noise somewhat from what I understand. You'll want a 5-speed with the 4-cylinder engine, the auto is a drag with either engine but especially the 4. A/C is a good option if it is very hot in the summers where you live.
If you like the Jeep, go for it, but do recognize that having a Jeep is somewhat different than a regular car or truck. Jeeps are loud, thirsty (for their size), bumpy, etc. The new ones are much better than the older ones, but it can wear on some people. If you have any friends with Jeeps you might ask them if they are happy with them. I obviously love Jeeps, but be aware of what you are getting into.
Billhero, that price is not too bad but I think if you keep looking you may find one with lower miles. My best advice it to not rush into anything. Good luck with your purchase.
tsjay, NICE look!
I vote for another steel blue among the three colors you mentioned. I think yellow is the most popular color they have made the last couple years, so you see a lot of them on the road. Of course, red is real common too, but I like both the red the yellow a lot.
You are definitely buying from inventory instead of ordering from the factory? You know you got a Jeep that you weren't happy with once already. You ought to think seriously about ordering EXACTLY what you want this time from the factory.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Like Ducks said, check out the price here in edmunds and see how that $8000 compares.
Also, I agree with Ducks that you should try to get a 97 or up so that you will have the coil springs for a much nicer ride than the YJs have.
My cousin has a YJ, and my TJ rides MUCH better.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I picked it up this afternoon and put about 80 miles on it trying to get it broken in. I won't attempt to drive it to work until I get past the breakin mileage. Driving at 55 or less would cause a heck of a wreck with the way the people drive here.
Jean described the sienna color as cranberry that has gone bad. I like it, kind of reminds me of my old brown CJ5 (in color only).
I can't wait to drive at the posted speed limit to see what the 4.0 motor will do. Comfort is a whole lot better than I remember from the old days and the noise did not seem that bad. It is going to take me a month to figure out what all the different lights mean and when they should be on.
I had the DC steering box skid plate put on and also had them toss on the 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The warranty only ran $19 more a month. The free drivetrain warranty is good, but I had problems with the computer in my Dodge truck. I could see that or the air conditioner deciding to die on me so an extra $19 on the payment.
I went with the stock tires since I am going to buy new ones and that is going to work out. The people here don't pay for used tires like they do in Ky. I could only get $25 a tire as an offer here. Bottom line is Jean has noticed some problems with her tires so mine will be going on her MPV. Then I am just stuck with the wheels so I need to figure out a use for them.
Going through the owners manual on dropping the top made me decide to wait till the weekend. If I wait I can have some time to cuss and throw stuff around. Once I drop it a time or two I figure it should go quick and easy.
Still can't get over all the stuff that is on them now compared to my old CJ.
I'm a happy camper.
Kahuna - Good going. Now the fun starts - shopping. I like the blue or the siena (or whatever it is called) that oceantoad ordered. Black looks REALLY sharp, but... I finally joined Image Station, and if I can figure out how to do it all, I'll post a link with pictures of my noble black steed, taken last year. I had one of them up on photopoint before it closed, so I know tsjay has seen it before, but thought I'd put it up again.
billhero - I haven't looked at buying used Wranglers so I don't know. However, I asked Edmunds how much trade-in value would be on my black '98 4.0L with 100,000 miles and it came up with something like 8,400. Don't know if that would help you at all, since you are looking at the 4 banger. Goducks covered most of the things I would mention (soft vs hard top, what you can put up with noise wise, and how much you want to spend on gas). Also, the Wrangler is terrible in the wind. And I'm one who loves mine! I won't have anything else. My other half can talk about cars or trucks or whatever, but I'll always have a Wrangler, if I can possibly swing it.
Either way, you'll have fun, but you know that!
-twylie
Once again, congrats, Old Buddy.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom, did not make it last night had to call my Mom. She had surgery and I had to spend some time on the phone with her.
One comment on the Sport. I got the Sentry Key and I asked what a new key would cost. Once the room quit swirling I was able to say just curious. $145 for a new key. Ouch!
Sorry, one more comment. The dealer etched my windows and I think they said also a dozen different parts. That helps out all the way around in case of theft, insurance, etc.
From the FSM:
CUSTOMER LEARN METHOD
The Customer Learn feature is only available on domestic vehicles, or those vehicles which have a
U.S. country code designator. This programming
method also requires access to at least two valid Sentry
Keys. If two valid Sentry Keys are not available,
or if the vehicle does not have a U.S. country code
designator, the Secured Access Method must be used
to program new or additional valid keys to the SKIM.
The Customer Learn programming method procedures
are as follows:
(1) Obtain the blank Sentry Key(s) that are to be
programmed as valid keys for the vehicle. Cut the
blank key(s) to match the ignition switch lock cylinder
mechanical key codes.
(2) Insert one of the two valid Sentry Keys into the
ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to the
On position.
(3) After the ignition switch has been in the On
position for longer than three seconds, but no more
than fifteen seconds, cycle the ignition switch back to
the Off position. Replace the first valid Sentry Key in
the ignition switch lock cylinder with the second
valid Sentry Key and turn the ignition switch back to
the On position. The second valid Sentry Key must
be inserted in the lock cylinder within fifteen seconds
of removing the first valid key.
(4) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
3, the SKIS indicator in the instrument cluster will
start to flash and a single audible chime tone will
sound to indicate that the system has entered the
Customer Learn programming mode.
(5) Within sixty seconds of entering the Customer
Learn programming mode, turn the ignition switch to
the Off position, replace the valid Sentry Key with a
blank Sentry Key transponder, and turn the ignition
switch back to the On position.
(6) About ten seconds after the completion of Step
5, a single audible chime tone will sound and the
SKIS indicator will stop flashing, stay on solid for
three seconds, then turn off to indicate that the
blank Sentry Key has been successfully programmed.
The SKIS will immediately exit the Customer Learn
programming mode and the vehicle may now be
started using the newly programmed valid Sentry
Key.
The manual states that the Sentry module will remember up to 8 programmed keys. You could buy two blanks and still be almost $100 ahead.
HTH
-twylie
Keys - I do remember reading in the manual about being able to code your keys. I didn't know if that applied to me also, since my keys look so ordinary, but I think it does. I testdrove a vehicle (don't remember which one now) and the salesman was talked about it quite a bit. The key that I used on the vehicle looked real ordinary also.
Well, I don't know if this will work. This should be the link to my image station album on the Jeep, or rather one particular day last year. I'll add more later. I haven't reduced the size of the photos, so don't want to actually link to the photos themselves...
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291862949
Congrats to all the new Jeep owners and soon to be owners!
'02 TJ patriot blue X with stock everything! :-P
des'
des'
What about getting an aftermarket hardtop? If you have a garage (something I don't have) you could put it on when needed. That's what I would do if I had a garage (on my list of things for when I win the lottery...).
When run with the bikini, it helps the wind buffeting in the cockpit. We bought it as much for an "almost dry" alternative to putting the softop up. We ran with the duster installed most of last summer and would have to remove it to get the soft top up. The windjammer is easy to install; maybe 5 min. to get it on and adjusted. There are 10 straps that fasten around the rollbar and their placement is designed to work with the bikini (and I'd assume the safari bikini) as well as the duster. It also comes with a Z channel that is suppose to attach near the floor, but with the duster on, this didn't seem necessary so I haven't done it yet. I may do it this week just to see if it tightens up at all. That may be part of the reason it "flaps" at higher speeds. I would recommend the Bestop products. They fit well and appear to be very well made. We've been happy with ours so far.
I'll try to get some pictures of the mounting up later this week. If you have specific questions, I found a quick call to Bestop was all it took to get specific questions answered.
-twylie
Twylie - Thanks for the info. I'm pretty tall so I have the seat ALL the way back. Looks like I'll probably have some trouble with the windjammer unless I move my seat up a bit. Do you have your backseat in with the duster? It seems like you could just fold it down and put the duster on top of it? I looked at the Bestop page a little while ago and they had the safari bikini with the duster on so it "looks" like it would work. But after reading a lot of the postings here and at Jeeps unlimited, nothing beats actual experience.
Thanks both of you! :-) I wish I had a catchy phrase like tsjay, but I don't, oh well! :-)
des'
-twylie
Now have 111 miles on the critter and put the seat covers on last night. They seem to fit ok, but have not parked my big behind in them to see if they are going to bunch up, get slack, look sloppy, etc.
It is tough not feeling like I am impeding the flow of traffic during the engine break-in period. I am still trying to follow the instructions in the owners manual for the speeds.
Pretty heavy winds yesterday and the top was not as quiet as it had been on Monday. Still I think it is better than my old CJ. It also helps not to have full canvas doors like I use to.
Still a happy camper.
u guys Are posting like crazy!!
CONGRATS to all the new jeepers out there!!
Sorry about not geeting to gills lately..
My kids are growing spending time with them.
I my early morning too.
Hard to stay awake too late.. but im here
Well, FINALLY got the payment thing fixed..
chrylser deposited it in the wrong account.
They are off my back now. I can now use this xtra $$ to buy some jeep stuff
going for overhead console, CB & hard top hoist.
GOTTA get that hard top off.. ITS SPRING TIME IN BAMA!!
take care all
KEEP JEEPIN!!
BAMA
des'
Yellow. What do you think about yellow? My dealer just got one fresh from the factory yesterday, (X model, tire and wheel group, CD player, air conditioning, steering wheel thinga-ma-jibber.) I can pick it up tomorrow or go with a dealer trade. (I'm not waiting a month this time.)
Deb, (don't want to be presumptious by not saying "dwrangler") but that's what people are calling you, twylie, mtngal, Ocean, Tom, (hope I'm not forgetting anyone, thanks for the congrats! I'm psyched about finally being able to drive up the steep grades here without going backwards.
Gill is a guy who lives in Alabama and is a big lover of Jeeps. He owns a web site that is totally noncommercial: no ads at all and no fees to join. The most used feature is his chat room, but he also has a bulletin board and a photo gallery. He is a super guy to provide and maintain that site for no personal gain. He just wants people to use it.
Come join us. Almost any night after about 7 or 8 PM central time, you will find some of us in there.
Go to "itsajeep.org" (no "www" in his URL)
Come one, come all. The more the merrier.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I hope to put another 200 or so miles on by Monday. I need to get through the break-in period so I can start driving the Sport to work.
Driving slow is helping me get use to the way it does on the curves and rough portions of the roads. I have been trying to stay on those country roads that I never travel. A bunch of the roads end up as a drive to some ranch in the boonies. Good for the slow stuff.
My gas mileage drops dramatically if I drive over 70. The funny thing is that even with my long commute, it doesn't take much more time if I drive the Grapevine at 60-65 in the Wrangler or 75 (sometimes plus) in the Taco. So I slow down in the Wrangler, not only because of cost savings, but also because it is usually windy!
Gotta go
Hug your Jeeps for me
dwrangler
p.s. keep an eye out for a guy using the name of skyking or john or whatever his name is...he's been wanting too personal of info on me and I know my fellow Jeepsters (jeep lovers) will help me with this guy...he doesn't take no for an answer