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As far as the answer to the age-old question of whether you can take the doors off legally, the answers is IT DEPENDS ON WHAT STATE YOU ARE IN. There are no federal laws on this matter. That said, I don't believe there are any states where you can't drive with the doors off. The trick question is regarding side mirrors, since you lose them when you take off the doors. Again, the answer as to whether you need side mirrors depends on what state you are in.
So this is what I would suggest, based on my own experience: find your state's DMV web site and find the law yourself, then print it out and keep it in your glovebox in case any cops bother you. Ditto for any state that you happen to drive in a lot, even if your car is not registered there. In Oregon, you need EITHER a side mirror or a windshield-mounted mirror, but you do not have to have both; ergo, driving w/o doors is no problem, and I have never been pulled over for this. I also drive a lot in California, and their laws say that California-registered cars need to have both but that out-of-state cars only need one or the other, so again no problems for me. Nonetheless cops may get confused on this vital matter, hence I keep copies of both statutes in my glove box.
And of course, you can always get those mirror-relocation brackets from most aftermarket catalogs and avoid all this hassle.
Anyway, I wanted to pass on to you that the rebate has been extended to April 30, so you should not have any trouble getting it.
Thanks for the info about the doors. I live in Los Angeles, so your information about California was helpful. I guess I'll have to look into relocating those side mirrors!
Mike
Thanks for the info about the $500 rebate. At least I know I'll be getting that back! (although I was secretly hoping for them to increase the dollar amount after the 3rd!) :-D
Best of luck with your purchase. A couple more pieces of advice re: my buying experience...
1. I'd recommend going alone, unless it's with someone who knows a lot about Jeeps or buying new cars. I was alone, and I had the feeling that the salespeople would have tried to distract me if someone else was there.
2. I don't know how you'e financing this, but for me, two big things were (a) kicking the trade-in out of the deal, and (b) kicking the financing out of the deal. As I said, I decided to sell my old car on my own, and finance the car through my credit union. This took away their tactic of distracting you with one factor (such as increasing their trade-in offer) while playing with another (such as raising the price of the car or the APR). I was able to focus in on the price of the car alone. Even then, they tried to confuse me with the $500, but I was able to keep it straight in my head. In the end, I realize I could have talked them down another couple hundred - they wrote the price breakdown on a legal pad, which I then initialed to close the deal. I noticed later they listed "DEST/ADV" as a category, with an $805 price tag. I know $585 is for destination, but ADV is probably advertising, so I think they copped an extra $220 for that, when there really are no advertising costs to them, since they're ordering it from the factory (AND getting all the dealer holdback!) Bastards...Oh well, it's just a couple hundred, and I still feel like I got a good deal, especially now that I know I've got the rebate made in the shade :-)
Mike
I'll have a hard top on mine, which I'd like to occasionally remove to go topless as I've mentioned. I know you need two people to do it, but assuming I have a friend to help, is it that difficult? Whatabout putting it back on, how hard is that? Thanks for any info.
Mike
I went full hard doors for a few reasons:
1. They are more secure, at least with the hard top.
2. I like rolling my window down, thank you.
3. Warmer in the winter
I figure I'll go no-doors on occasion, but will prefer full hard most of the time. Also FYI, there are a number of options for moving your mirrors to attach top either the door or windshield hinges. Try www.quadratec.com for some examples.
-cwk.
I'm also considering getting some Safari Doors for when I go topless, but I'm not sure if the mirrors would fit onto these. Someone told me they do, but the guy at Quadratec said I'd still need mirror movers.
As for the hard top, I just wanted to know how much of a pain it was, since knowing my own lazy [non-permissible content removed], I'd leave the damn top on if it was going to be too much of a hassle to remove it. Two people and 30 minutes with the equipment you mentioned doesn't sound too bad. I'm in Los Angeles, so the adverse weather conditions shouldn't be a concern.
Thanks again for the advice!
I admit, I don't initially plan on doing a lot of off-roading. But after seeing all the talk about it, I'm curious about trying a simple trail to see what it's like.
But before I do, I'm wondering what exactly is a D44? I think it probably stands for Dana and has something to do with an axle, but exactly what I don't know. Also, when people talk about axle ratios, what do they mean? Ratio of what to what? I was going to get the 4.11 Axle Ratio on my SE, but was talked out of it when the salesman asked why I would do that with a 4 cylinder engine, thus weighing the car down? Since I really didn't know what it was, just that it was a free option, I decided to "uncheck" it. Did I make a mistake in omitting it? Would it really have burdened the engine that much with its weight? Would it change the look of the Jeep noticeably?
Thanks to anyone who can clear it up for me!
We will definitely be taking our TJ off road. We do a lot of hiking in N GA and the western tip of NC. There have been a number of times we've had to turn back in our 2wd Explorer. Until recently, we had a Nissan Kingcab 4x4 that got some HEAVY off road use. The Jeep will be replacing that for us. I'll be sure to get some pics from our upcoming offroad adventures. As luck would have it, someone who works at my current client has a really built TJ. I'll be making my introductions next week hopefully.
That said, a lot of Jeep owners have them because they enjoy driving them, period. Some may stay on pavement, some may get used at the beach, some may offer their owners the ability to get around in a snowstorm. I think most people would really enjoy going offroad if they tried it (witness the success of Camp Jeep), but it's OK if they don't in my mind. As far as using the D44, DC has forced it on many owners by including it in the Canyon package. Some are happy to have it, some would rather be able to get ABS.
I thought the pix of Tellico were great (I saw the extended set on JU). A real testament that careful driving with an adequate vehicle will beat careless driving with a built up vehicle.
-twylie
Hey Tsjay..you still out there?
Damn, I knew it. That was the same salesman who tried to tell me the incentive was only on automatics, not manuals. I knew about the latter and caught him but I didn't know about the former. Just shows how important doing thorough research before you buy is.
HOWEVER...I'm glad you said it comes standard on an SE. Because I omitted it while we were talking about them modifying an existing SE, and that was early in the negotiating. By the time the thing was actually ordered, the store manager (who was, by the way, only 27 years old) had gotten involved, so maybe it will come with it after all. Is there any way I can check to see if I have it when the car comes?
Thanks for the info!
Mike
Forrest Green/Black Soft Top Sport D Package
Tinted "glass"
Full Doors
Canyon Wheel Package
Trac-loc
Hooks and fog lights
Cruise Control
Side Steps
Air Conditioning
Compact Disc
Floor Mats
I can hardly wait!
I noticed tjy posting about a week ago about how he knew at what stage his car was at while being built in the factory. How does one check on this? I do have the vehicle order sheet, so maybe I can just call someone and they can tell me? It sure would be nice to know exactly at what stage my soon-to-arrive Jeep is in - not to mention knowing how soon it will get here!
the dealer i've been talking too..
agreed to match the cars direct price.
I believe i've got a good salesman...he has been very patient with me the past few months with all my questions..
take care of that jeep guy..
enjoy it!
Saharanut (terry)
When you order a vehicle from the factory, your deposit locks you into whatever incentive is available that day, so you're guaranteed to at least get that (DESPITE what the dealership will try to tell you). Then when you take delivery of the vehicle, if the offer has changed, you have the option of taking the new offer or the old offer. This info is straight from the Program Center at DC.
I just found out that our Jeep came off the train at 1:38 today. The switching yard is less than two miles from my current client site. Hmmmm, wonder if I can cruise through there on the way home and see our Jeep (or others) in the lot somewhere. This weekend is still a possibility!!!
Turbocity rock it bars should arrive next week for install...
-twylie
Yellowman:
Milt already answered your question for me. Happy Jeepin'
Mostly I have been chatting with Tonkadave, trying to get the boy to let go of some of that money of his and get a Jeep.
How about you, has Momma come around yet? Hope so!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If I NEVER get offroad with her, she is still the most fun vehicle to drive that I have ever had! I'm sure offroading is a lot of fun, but I will never put Thelma into a situation where she might get damaged.
I have no offroad driving skills either, but I might try to go to a Camp Jeep or something sometime. I'm sure you're not supposed to just go out without any experience and tackle offroad situations that could get you and your Jeep in trouble, right?
I enjoy reading about yours and Dragonfly03's escapades and seeing the pics. It really does look like fun, and I might be an offroader some day. But whether I ever try it or not, I love my Thelma Jane better than any other vehicle that I have ever owned, and I can't see ever being "Jeepless" in the future.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
If that's true, then I think they might have made a movie about your lack of a Wrangler, before you gots yours. "Jeepless in Seattle"
I'm glad people can't throw things at you on a message board
I didn't find your post in Meet the Members, so I don't know if you really live in Seattle or not, or if you even have your Jeep yet. I told you guys, I am senile, and that's why I would love for everyone to take advantage of the Meet the Members board and give us info on you and your Jeep. I wouldn't have to go back through a zillion posts to find out about one of my buddies or their Jeep.
PLEASE, everybody, humor me and post all the goodies about yourself and your Jeep. I think ALL of us would find it very handy to be able to go to one place to find out stuff, instead of wading through all of the posts in the main board.
Come on, Pals, please???
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
What is the matter with a good coat of paint before shipping it out the door?
Really, the ONLY reasons I'd buy a Jeep are for removing the doors and top, and taking it off road.
I wish I could get one with a front bench seat and padded rear floor (for the dog!).
Too bad they don't make the Scrambler any more, that would be the best!
OK, here goes: 4 litre, ragtop, scrambler type layout, vinyl or neoprene (hose washable) seats, drain holes in floor, no AC, no radio, CB, REAL ROLL BARS, trailer hitch, towing package, cooling package, winch, tow hooks, limited slip, beefy axles, 31 or 32 inch tires *(or TALL skinny tires like old Army jeeps), loud exhaust, lumpy cam, snorkle.
Gee, I guess I want a '73 CJ with a spray paint job and engine kit, don't I?
Black
dual tops
30" canyon tire group
automatic
3.11 axle
speed control
abs
60th ann floor mats
rocker sills
cd w/ sub
off the lot price $23,606.88
300 over invoice..
& the $500 has been extended till 4/30
whew...i think thats the best I can do..
NOW to work on Mrs. Nut..
good seeing ya Tsjay & tonka..
see ya in chat tomorrow...
Haven't come up with a good name for my Black Sport yet. I used to own an old beat up black '68 Ford Pick-up, and called it the Creature (as in Creature from the Black Lagoon). For the Jeep, your suggestions are welcome.
I'm seriously thinking about, for my first "modification", removing the 'Sport' decals on my Jeep. I just don't like the way it looks. Has anybody else done this? Were you happy with the resulting look?
Make every day a topdown day!
I actually like the Sport decal. I wouldn't want to take mine off. If you do, people will think you have an SE, if that matters to you. Nothing wrong with SE's, but you pay extra for a Sport, so why not have the Sport decal?
I didn't like some of the older Jeeps that had the big letters down the side of the hood that said "Wrangler" or whatever. But, I think the Sport decal actually adds to the looks.
That sort of thing is strictly personal preference, and I would think that the decal could be removed without hurting anything.
Thanks again for the post in Meet the Members, and I hope everyone else that hasn't done so will be kind enough to do likewise.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Can't remember who asked about tracking your new jeep, but twylie provided all the info you need on the 800 # etc.
Yesterday was my day to prepare for my TJ's arrival.....got the insurance set up, picked up purchase order, etc. for our credit union and had them cut the check for the dealership. They are expecting my Jeep any day now, probably tomorrow or Saturday...and I'll be 2000 miles away in Utah skiing! As much as I'm looking forward to this trip, I can't wait to get back to get my Jeep!
P.S. - If it does come in today, I'll have to drive up there just to see it before I leave, but won't have time to pick it up....I'll be at the office late tonight and they'll be closed by the time I leave......
Any comments on either?
Tires: Go with the tallest possible if you plan on off roading. Go with widest possible if sand/mud are in the mix. Go with narrow/tall if snow. If just pavement, maybe a 245/70R15 car tire? All around: 30X10.50R15? or maybe 255/75R15?
I like General Grabbers, Yokohama has some good new ones, Michelin are $$$, no name if you want to get a couple types and expirement, BFG are also popular must be a good reason why.
Later, alligator.
Sfjeeps - with you on the ordering - getting the cheepie 215s....
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1426591&a=10683235
Spyrodragon.....there is even one of it muddy on there now.
TSJAY....I want to see some mud on Thelma!!!
dont worry bud...if or when I get my jeep...
its not even get any dust on it much less any mud.. i'm with ya guy..
hope to see all of you in chat tonight!!
Saharanut
(Terry)
Thelma got her first taste of Mobil 1 this morning. I wanted to get Mobil 1 in her at 5000 miles, and when I pulled into the service bay and shut her off, she had 4999 on the odometer. Don't mess with old tsjay!
Later, People
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
The Skyjacker is a good 4" lift and alot of 4x4 shops carry it so you can get a fairly good price. Also look into the Rubicon Express and the Teraflex S4T lift kit... they are both fairly complete kits and the only thing you might need after words is an SYE and CV driveshat or a 1" Motor Mount lift because they both come with a T-case drop... You'll only need those items if you've got driveline vibes and 4" usually gives you vibes.
2001Wrangler & TJY:
Woohoo!!! fellow off-roaders! Glad to see some muddy pics 2001, nice jeep.
Happy Jeepin'
I'm very baised towards the TeraFlex lift kits because I'm a dealer for them.
Happy Jeepin'
Understandable question. First off, I love in Los Angeles, so there's not a whole lot of opportunity for backroad off-roading, at least not in the immediate vicinity. The bumpiest my driving usually gets is going into an uneven driveway. That being said, living here I've become a big fan of variety and options. A lot of people don't like LA for its sprawling size (you can srtart driving from one county line on a freeway at 60 mph and not reach the other county line for 3 hours...And that's assuming no traffic!) or its multitude of people. I love it for the go-anywhere, do-anything activities it offers. You can go to one part of town and think you're in Tokyo, another part of town and you'll think you're in Mexico City, another you'd swear you're in Paris or New York, and still another you're in Miami Beach. You can go skiing and surfing in the same day, and you can eat out at a different restaurant 365 days a year and still not try 1/2 of the food that's out there. So as a result, I'm a person who likes to have lots of different choices at my fingertips. With the Wrangler, you get a flat-out great-looking car. A lot of industry people have SUV's, and admittedly, it's pretty silly to see every other car being a 4wd vehicle, when most are millionaire producers or people who have their car hand-waxed for them every day. But a Wrangler is different. For me, one of the coolest things about it is it's customizability - you can go top off with full doors...Soft top with half doors...Hard top with full doors...Take the doors off and go no-doors...Take the top off and put a bikini top on...The possibilities are endless. It's almost like being able to drive a new car just by configuring it differently. Not only that, but it fits a variety of uses for me. It's a rugged car that I can hop curbs with if necessary, great (from what I hear) turning radius, so I can make those tough U-turns when I need to escape the jaws of an impending traffic jam, and it looks so cool that I know I'm going to get hot women giving me a second look. If you don't think the car makes a difference here, watch the movie Swingers when he tries to step up to the cute girl on the stairway. Her first line to him is, "What kind of car do you drive?" Okay they took a little creative license and exaggerated with that, but it does matter here, and I can't think of a cooler vehicle to roll up to a club in than a tough Wrangler. And girls are also impressed when you can drive a stick. So for me, I can't wait to get my Jeep for three reasons:
1. The configuration options
2. The classic look
3. The chicks! :-D