Where in Mass do you live? I'm a city boy, hang my hat in Southie and work out on Rt. 128 now. I can't wait for the warm weather either. I swear, if we get a 50 degree day I'm taking my hardtop off and going for a quick cruise.
I ordered a 2001 wrangler, wondering if any one with a 2000 or 2001 wrangler can fit HL-4 steel horse hood lock. Is the release back to forth? like 98 and 99 or did they change it? oh ya it is a white sahara with all options except hard top, battery heater, and ABS brakes no name yet, It is only a car do i realy have to name it, is that a little weird?
Nicest thing about a Jeep in the city this time of year is not worrying about parking in thhe snow. After that Nor'easter we had a few weeks back I kept a space in front of my house for 3 days because no one would shovel it out and I just drove in and out of it. It was great.
Still can't wait for Summer though. Spyrodragon, trust me you're better off with snow being an occasional amusement. I'm still shocked that an inch or two of the stuff can cause that much trouble. Hell, up here they don't even start plowing until there's a few inches on the ground. As for New Hampshire, well, let's just say they don't want anybody from the outside coming in anyway, so they ask for extra snow.
Hey, everyone, I am proud of my little Thelma Jane! I checked her gas mileage tonight, and it was 18.0. The last three tanks have been 18.0, 17.9, and 19.0! I'll be very satisfied if she keeps that up.
She was showing exactly 4000 miles on the odometer when I pulled up to the gas pump.
The only trouble so far has been the place on her hard top where the paint peeled off and the minor run in her paint that I'm not even going to have fixed.
Mechanically, she has been perfect, and I have had no leaks or any other kind of problems.
Let's get some posting going around here!
How about you expectant fathers? Anything to report?
Nothing new to report on the order. Still in "D" status with tentative build week of 3/5. If we get on the line that week, maybe we'll have it in a month.
I did get most of my Quadratec order in this week: duravent cover, CatchAll front mats, and wheel locks. The side entry guards are on back order and should be in around the time we're expecting the Jeep.
We're still bumper shopping and looking at the BulletProof line; the wife likes the way they look. Trying to figure out if the Tomken skids are going to be wide enough for steps. I'd prefer to stay with the similar look to the rock bumpers vs. tubular for side steps/protection. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Weather here today was definitley a top down day. Low 60's and sunshine.
Rommel shipped last Tuesday. The fleet manager that ordered it told me the factory line is 6 to 11 days for delivery. That was 10 days ago. He also told me not to get bummed if it did not show up with in that period. Easy for him to say! He said that delivery (at least to Arizona) is the weak link in the order process and 15 days is not uncommon. In the mean time I got my loan approved. So when Rommel shows up it should be a quick pick up.
To any jeepers out there. Did you get an extended warranty and what did you pay for it?
what are all the build statuses D means what? what about the others. i was told it means it is scheduled to go on line in this week, last Monday. I think the dealer knows nothing. how long do you think i will wait. ordered on th 12 of Febuary.
I'm trying to get the status codes as well. I think D is build scheduled, meaning they have assigned a VIN, but not begun production. I think KZ status is shipped, on it's way to the dealer.
If your dealer is unresponsive, try calling the DC Customer Service number 800.992.1997. They are very pleasant and will open a case for tracking your vehicle. It will help if you have the VON (order number) that was provided to the dealer when they submitted the order. My dealer faxed me the order sheet (VON is at the top) right after it was submitted. It includes the invoice as well as the MSRP #'s. It will also show all the "extras" that you dont' see on Edmunds pricing info: 8 gal of gas, DC owner notification (hmmmm, I have to pay for you to keep in touch with me?), plus the biggies... adv. fees for your market.
We ordered 2/9 and I'm not scheduled for build until week of 3/5 (tentative); so a week for build and probably 2 weeks to get to the dealer in ATL. I'm not expecting delivery until 3/23.
Hang in there and get some catalogs (Jeep porn!)to tide you over for the next month.
The skid went on Sparx yesterday. We painted it yellow to match and so that you could see the "Kilby" in the skid plate. It's awesome, except that the bar that holds up my tailpipe is banging against it. Oh well. I can't complain.
If it is still available, would you please let me know what your payments are (if any) and how long they have to go? You may respond privately if you prefer to rcassidy@warwick.net
Hey, brothers and sisters, anybody know of a good cover for a Jeep? I want one that will stay on in the wind and that will keep all the water out in a rain storm.
I think that instead of getting a soft top, I might just get a good cover to put on Thelma in case of rain. I could then just take the hard top and the doors off and keep the cover with me in case of rain.
I wouldn't want anything that would scratch the paint, though.
ORDER STATUS CODES BB - review by fleet department BD - special equipment processing BE - edit error BG - passed edit n/a for schedule BGL - edit ok parts unavailable BX - passed edit available for schedule C - sub firm D - firm schedule - dealer has allocation and all parts available D - 1 gateline schedule - scheduled to be built E - frame F - paint G - trim I - built not ok'd J - built ok'd JB - shipped to body vendor JE - emission check JS - shipped to storage KZ - released by plant , invoiced KZL - released - not shipped KZM - first rail departure KZN - first rail arrival KZO - delayed/recieved KZOA - plant holds KZOB - zone/distribution holds KZOC - carrier delays KZOD - carrier holds KZOE - mis-shipped vehicle KZOF - show/test vehicle KZOG - damaged vehicle KZOH - all other reasons KZT - second rail departure KZU - second rail arrival KZX - delivered to dealer ZA - canceled If your dealer gives you a code you now know what it is.
Well gang after several months of dreaming (and periodically lurking on this Board) I went to a local Seattle dealer yesterday and placed a factory order for a 2001 Wrangler Sport. Yahooooo!
The discussions on this Board have been a tremendous help to me in making my decision. I've committed to the Wrangler, the wonder and warts of it all. Thanks so much everybody for the advice you didn't know you were providing me.
I don't buy a new rig very often - I've been driving my GMC S-15 pickup since 1982. My wife drives a Suburu Outback Wagon which we use for trips and comfort, so the Wrangler will be my toy and daily driver for my (2-mile) work commute.
Here's what I ordered:
Black Sport w/Dual Black Tops Agate Interior Auto transmission 30-inch Canyon Tire and Wheel Group Quick Order Package Sentry Key Bodyside Steps Add-a-trunk CD and subwoofer
congrats on the new order. I see you ordered the auto. I will be asking how you like it. I havent bought a jeep yet. I do like automatics, just not a 3 speed. I may just wait till august and see what the next model year brings. Maybe a 4 speed overdrive.
Thanks for the link, but I have already been there. I even have one of their catalogues. I thought about the cover you mentioned, but I was hoping someone might have some experience with them.
I have some questions about them:
How well do they stay on in the wind? Are they truly waterproof, even in a hard rain? Do they scratch the paint?
Anybody able to answer these questions?
Thanks again, jeepcrewzn, and I hope you are able to survive your waiting.
How's your weather out there now? How close to Seattle are you?
I've had a few car covers and will share my thoughts...
Covers should only be used on clean cars. I only use mine if I have JUST washed it and am not going to be driving it for at least a couple of days. This includes cars in the garage (covers used to keep free range cats from getting paw prints on the clean car. When I take the cover off, I try to remove it such that the inside (touches the car) stays rolled aginst itself. You can do this if you roll the sides up to the center of the vehicle and thenfold into thirds/quarter, whatever works best. After I remove the cover, I usually hit the car with a california duster to take off any dust, etc.
If you put a cover on a dirty car, the rubbing of the fabric will grind the dirt into the clearcoat. Now the inside of the cover will be dirty and even if the car is clean, you will be scratching the paint every time you use it until the cover is washed (I take mine to an industrial sized washer every year or so as it won't fit in my home machine).
As far as waterproofness, I have a custom fit cover for my MG that is tan, heavy, soft fabric. I think it is one of the Evolution line, but dont' remember the exact make. Definitley NOT waterproof, but intended to breath. If I used it and we had rain, it left the pattern of the cover on the car when it was removed. This pattern was similar to what you get with water spots, but came off pretty easily with a light rinse/chamois. My wife has a generic $50 car cover from Target that works pretty well (more similar to the DuraVent in appearance/texture), but is still not waterproof. I just got my DuraVent cover for the TJ we have on order, but haven't tested waterproofness.
As far as their ability to stay on in rain and wind, I have never had mine blow off, and the custom fit are defintely better in terms of how they secure around the car.
What are you going to do if you get caught away from home in a really bad storm? One suggestion... maybe a bikini/windstopper/tonneau with some full soft doors would be a reasonable solution for you. This would allow you to take all this off for full top down, but still allow you to get home in real rain. I would think a trail cover might work but presents its own problems.
As you can guess, I'm pretty AR about taking care of my vehicles. I plan on using the TJ off road, but will do my best to avoid damage caused by negligence. If I scratch it off road, that's a battle scar; if it gets scratched/dented because I park as close to the store as possible, that's avoidable in my book. My '97 Explorer is almost 4.5 years old, 90k miles, and the paint looks new. No door dings, but I park way in the corners of the lot.
A final note about top down driving... If you run long enough without a top, you will get caught in a thunderstorm. Be on the lookout for an overpass if you'r on the interstate, and if on side roads, look for a gas station with the roof over the pumps. I can usually avoid summer downpours without too much rain in the cockpit.
I noticed a couple posts back you said about getting a BulletProof bumber. I've been looking as well. It is a bit hard to find any info about them...have you found or do you know anyone who bought one and how they like it? I would be interested to know. They are a bit pricey...but if it's a good bumper, it is worth it.
Thanks for the info on the cover. That's just the info I was looking for.
I am just as bad as you are about car care. I don't park anywhere near other cars in parking lots, either. I keep my vehicle washed and waxed. When I trade in a vehicle, it looks like it just came from the showroom. (Not that I will be trading in Thelma Jane for a long time.)
That's why I was asking about the cover possibly scratching the paint.
Hope you are holding up under the strain of waiting for your Jeep.
Boy, I have just what you are looking for, BUT I am not sure if they are still available. The now-defunct Savanna Jones aftermarket Jeep catalog sold these waterproof covers for Jeeps that covered the Jeep's interior when you have the top off. Unlike most tops, they covered the space where the doors would be too if you have the doors removed. The name of the company that makes the top is RainGear but to my knowledge only Savanna Jones carried them. I bought one a few years ago for $120.
I have looked at the BP bumper on a built jeep where I work. It really is a first rate piece of work. I've seen comments saying that you can buy 2 or 3 Olympic bumpers for the price of a BP and this is probably true. Our issue is that we want a really strong bumper and like the looks of the FF2, it has a small old-school-style brush guard in the center section, no "safari guard" covers like I see on most of the QX4s and Land Cruisers around Atlanta. I guess the soccer moms never know when a rougue branch will take out a headlamp while cruising down P'Tree. I have a price list from BP and will be glad to forward it if the email in your profile is correct.
In my net surfing, I have found that BP has made a few mistakes in the bumpers they shipped out vs. what was ordered. It appears that this happens more on the rear swing out carrier ones where there are many options. However, in every case I saw on a message board, the poster said BP was good about paying to ship the old one back and make things right. Just the aggrivation factor and wasted time.
goducks1 - that is a neat top. Sounds just like what tsjay wants, and at $75, the price is right.
Hey Wrangler people -- I decided on 'oldjeepguy' as a nickname 'cause I just bought a 2000 Sahara as a 56th birthday present to myself! My '96 Grand Cherokee is running fine, but with summer coming, couldn't wait much longer to do some top-down Jeepin'! Speaking of which, I appreciate Scott's recent info on the cockpit covers. Dumb question, but does this cover work OK with doors either off or on? Also, I'd appreciate someone telling me how to take the doors off to start with-- can't find info in owner's manual. Thanks. If anyone's interested, here's the "goody list"on my new Sahara: Color: Desert Sand (that's why I had to settle for a '00 model) Tranny: 5-speed Options: ABS Trac-Lok Diff Full metal doors Sentry Key A/C Add-a-trunk Cruise control Hi-pressure gas shocks Full spare
Well, that's it for my first post. I'm off to Eastern Offroad to get my new receiver hitch installed! Look forward to hearing from Wrangler owners young AND old.... Oh, and this is a great site!
yes, the cover can be put on with the full doors and/or a bikini top. There is a little space for the mirrors to poke through.
It is a pretty good cover. The fabric is very heavy-duty and it is very easy to throw it on if you are worried about the weather or just want to keep leaves/dust/cats out of it when it is parked. It has clips in the straps that you can quickly attach to the frame and the little loop on the front hood. Very waterproof too, even in Oregon, though I only use it in the summer and it doesn't really rain here that time of year.
You need a 13mm socket wrench to undo the nuts at the bottom of each hinge. There is no way to do this without scratching the paint on the nuts but be careful you don't accidentally scratch the hinge itself. open the door and lift the door-catching loop off the inside of the jeep. Lift up the door carefully (it may take some effort and wiggling) and store it. After you take off the doors the dome light will be stuck on--there is a fuse you can pull labeled "door switch defeat" that will take care of that.
If you are smart, you will make sure that you have some nice blankets to wrap the doors up in so they don't get scratched in the garage, and you will put the nuts and fuse in a little spice container and store it someplace where you won't lose it.
I have been looking at several different safari tops(bikini top that covers the whole roll bar area). Some of them say you need a header bar and some do not. Anyone have any experience with these? I am thinking that when warm weather comes I can have only that top on with the doors on and windows up. If I park somewhere in the rain, will this keep most of the interior pretty dry? Any info would be appreciated!
Hello, Great to see new/old blood. I have a Desert Sand Jeep myself, I like the color very much. I still do not understand why they discontinued it, I have never had anyone tell me they thought it was an ugly color. It sounds like your Jeep has a lot of nice features, I am sure you will enjoy it. Well, again, welcome to the group.
'Appreciate the words of welcome and answers to my questions -- I'll no doubt have more. Look forward to keeping up with all you folks. And tsjay - Thelma Jane is certainly lovely. oldjeepguy
Hey welcome aboard,congrats on the new Jeep. I am still waiting on Hoss to get off the train. Should be here this week. I rearranged my schedule to be in town all week, so I hope it makes it. I have ordered several trucks in the past this one seems like it has taken the longest! Looks like a top down weekend coming up, sunshine with temps in the low 70s.
Welcome to the board oldjeepguy Did you manage to keep your GC also?
BP bumpers I have only heard goods things about BP. I believe they will "buy em if you break em". Good to see someone stand behind their product. I looked at them but went with http://www.younger-bros.com/ I mainly looked into the rear bumper and swing aways. The bp bumpers were too expensive for me and I was also concerned about the weight. I want to keep my Jeep as light as possible. The younger bros look well built but I think they are on the heavy side also. But they were half the price, atleast for what I am getting.
2001wrangler I think all bikini tops on TJs need header channels. One you bolt on each time and the other you drill on and leave. I have the bolt on and like it. I did not want to drill.
Getting interior wet: Depends on how hard it rains. Have you looked at the windjammer and tonneau covers? They will help also. Hope that helps
HOSS has just rode into town!!! Dealer called today said come take alook. he will put lift and tires and wheels on Wed. and Thur. Picking it up on Fri. This has been the longest 4 weeks, 4 days, 10 hours I have ever waited for a vehicle in my life.
I have looked at the toneau cover and windjammer but I really dont like the looks of them that well. I was thinking that with the longer safari cover I could get by with nothing over the back area with the back seat removed
Hey I didnt get to take any pictures. Its pouring down rain, and they have run it through make ready already. Its in the make ready shop which is closed, they had to go in and turn lights on just to take a look. he said it sat in rain all day today before make ready, I checked for leaks couldnt find any water inside or any wet carpet. Hopefully it will stay that away. I did find small paint run on left rear fender flare,I dont think I will say anything as I will have to add wider flares anyway. I forgot to take a camera,I was so excited.Sales mgr. hopes to get lift and tires done tomorrow. I think he wants to get his money tomorrow for end of month. I told him everything would have to be ready before I would allow bank to release funds. I am off on Fri. I will be going to San Antonio (270 miles) to break it in and see what its like to get some windshield time. Will check gas mileage on 1st tank, just to see how much it improves w/ time and miles.
Congrats on getting Hoss to the dealer! I'm with tsjay, burn a couple of vacation days, grab a cooler loaded w/ cold ones and become a spectator while they do the work...
Enjoy the trip to SA in your new ride. I'm jealous. I bet if you try, you can find some nice unpaved side roads to break him in.
We're in D1 which supposedly confirms build for next week. Should be 3/30 at the latest, maybe by 3/23...
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If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what may go on in auto dealerships.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
2001wrangler I don't mind the look of the windjammer and tonneau cover. I am just too cheap and they don't really work for me. I don't really care for the look of the safari cover but it has grown on me some. I run the regular bikini. I think you could do OK with the safari but if it rains hard enough and if the wind is blowing the rain it could get rather wet inside. Make sure you take the carpet out and you probably want to keep the drain plugs pulled to let the water out. The bikini tops can fill up with water on the top. That can be a problem. I don't know if the TJ ones do this or not.
hosstj New vehicle break in: The manual says not to run over 50moh for the first 100 miles and not over 55mph for the first 500 miles. I don't know how much it matters. I went 70mph or so on the first weekend I had my Jeep going to Galveston.
twylie, I wish I could take some time off, we are in the beginning of a refuel (nuclear power plant)so no one gets vacation from now till Apr 1st. I have scheduled mine for that 1st week already. The wait stinks, didnt bother me until last week and a half. My folks farm near SA so there are some good unpaved roads to put it to the test:not to rough though. Once he gets about 1000 miles Ill let it rip.
texasjeep Hey thanks for info on breakin. I will be going 281 instead of I35, Wont be killed going under 75 that way. I will drive at leat 1st 100 miles near or at 55, and take it easy for at least 1000 mi. after.
tsjay, have you had that roof repaired yet? If so how did the job come out? Also, reguarding you question about the top. Have you checked into buying the soft top from your dealer? When I bought my wrangler I got both tops, so I don't know if it would be cost effective for you to buy one from them or not. But that was just a thought.
Day 5 since I ordered the Black Sport and my dealer tells me that we have gone to BX status - "passed edit available for schedule". Keeping my fingers crossed that we get get to D-1 status by end of tomorrow and maybe squeeze into the production line in Toledo while they're operating next week. Otherwise looks like we'll lose at least two weeks on the calendar if we miss production line next week........
Beginning to hit the aftermarket for this and that. Ordered Zaino wax products (never used them, have heard they're the best), a locking gas cap, and a Bestop spare tire cover. I'm debating between Husky floor liners and Catch-all mats. Still on the shopping list are door-sill guards, wrap around bug deflector, a receiver hitch, Bestop bikini package, and a cab cover. Have to spend my allowance wisely. :-)
We are blessed to have survived the earthquake yesterday (I live and work in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle). Life goes on and it's another beautiful topdown day here in the Northwest. Can't wait for my Jeep!
Comments
-cwk.
I ride around with the windows down this time of year even if it is in the 20's.
oh ya it is a white sahara with all options except hard top, battery heater, and ABS brakes no name yet, It is only a car do i realy have to name it, is that a little weird?
Still can't wait for Summer though. Spyrodragon, trust me you're better off with snow being an occasional amusement. I'm still shocked that an inch or two of the stuff can cause that much trouble. Hell, up here they don't even start plowing until there's a few inches on the ground. As for New Hampshire, well, let's just say they don't want anybody from the outside coming in anyway, so they ask for extra snow.
-cwk.
She was showing exactly 4000 miles on the odometer when I pulled up to the gas pump.
The only trouble so far has been the place on her hard top where the paint peeled off and the minor run in her paint that I'm not even going to have fixed.
Mechanically, she has been perfect, and I have had no leaks or any other kind of problems.
Let's get some posting going around here!
How about you expectant fathers? Anything to report?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I did get most of my Quadratec order in this week: duravent cover, CatchAll front mats, and wheel locks. The side entry guards are on back order and should be in around the time we're expecting the Jeep.
We're still bumper shopping and looking at the BulletProof line; the wife likes the way they look. Trying to figure out if the Tomken skids are going to be wide enough for steps. I'd prefer to stay with the similar look to the rock bumpers vs. tubular for side steps/protection. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Weather here today was definitley a top down day. Low 60's and sunshine.
Happy Jeepin' everybody.
-twylie
To any jeepers out there. Did you get an extended warranty and what did you pay for it?
D means what?
what about the others.
i was told it means it is scheduled to go on line in this week, last Monday. I think the dealer knows nothing. how long do you think i will wait. ordered on th 12 of Febuary.
If your dealer is unresponsive, try calling the DC Customer Service number 800.992.1997. They are very pleasant and will open a case for tracking your vehicle. It will help if you have the VON (order number) that was provided to the dealer when they submitted the order. My dealer faxed me the order sheet (VON is at the top) right after it was submitted. It includes the invoice as well as the MSRP #'s. It will also show all the "extras" that you dont' see on Edmunds pricing info: 8 gal of gas, DC owner notification (hmmmm, I have to pay for you to keep in touch with me?), plus the biggies... adv. fees for your market.
We ordered 2/9 and I'm not scheduled for build until week of 3/5 (tentative); so a week for build and probably 2 weeks to get to the dealer in ATL. I'm not expecting delivery until 3/23.
Hang in there and get some catalogs (Jeep porn!)to tide you over for the next month.
-twylie
Alee and Sparx
http://sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com
I think that instead of getting a soft top, I might just get a good cover to put on Thelma in case of rain. I could then just take the hard top and the doors off and keep the cover with me in case of rain.
I wouldn't want anything that would scratch the paint, though.
What do you guys think?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
BB - review by fleet department
BD - special equipment processing
BE - edit error
BG - passed edit n/a for schedule
BGL - edit ok parts unavailable
BX - passed edit available for schedule
C - sub firm
D - firm schedule - dealer has allocation and all parts available
D - 1 gateline schedule - scheduled to be built
E - frame
F - paint
G - trim
I - built not ok'd
J - built ok'd
JB - shipped to body vendor
JE - emission check
JS - shipped to storage
KZ - released by plant , invoiced
KZL - released - not shipped
KZM - first rail departure
KZN - first rail arrival
KZO - delayed/recieved
KZOA - plant holds
KZOB - zone/distribution holds
KZOC - carrier delays
KZOD - carrier holds
KZOE - mis-shipped vehicle
KZOF - show/test vehicle
KZOG - damaged vehicle
KZOH - all other reasons
KZT - second rail departure
KZU - second rail arrival
KZX - delivered to dealer
ZA - canceled
If your dealer gives you a code you now know what it is.
Good Jeep'in
-twylie
The discussions on this Board have been a tremendous help to me in making my decision. I've committed to the Wrangler, the wonder and warts of it all. Thanks so much everybody for the advice you didn't know you were providing me.
I don't buy a new rig very often - I've been driving my GMC S-15 pickup since 1982. My wife drives a Suburu Outback Wagon which we use for trips and comfort, so the Wrangler will be my toy and daily driver for my (2-mile) work commute.
Here's what I ordered:
Black Sport w/Dual Black Tops
Agate Interior
Auto transmission
30-inch Canyon Tire and Wheel Group
Quick Order Package
Sentry Key
Bodyside Steps
Add-a-trunk
CD and subwoofer
So now the wait begins.............
Smile, it's a topdown day!
Sounds like she's gonna be a real beauty.
I hope your wait isn't too long.
You did't mention air conditioning, but maybe you don't need it in the Seattle area?
Keep us posted on how your waiting is going.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Be careful about driving too fast, my friend. You are in a Jeep, and you don't want to have to take any emergency manuevers and roll that puppy.
Besides, the slower you go, the longer it takes to get where you're going and the more time you get to spend in your Jeep!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
try this link to the Quadratec site:
http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgsh0101.exe
the duravent cover may work for you!
May tomorrow be a topdown day!
jeepcrewzn
I have some questions about them:
How well do they stay on in the wind? Are they truly waterproof, even in a hard rain? Do they scratch the paint?
Anybody able to answer these questions?
Thanks again, jeepcrewzn, and I hope you are able to survive your waiting.
How's your weather out there now? How close to Seattle are you?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Covers should only be used on clean cars. I only use mine if I have JUST washed it and am not going to be driving it for at least a couple of days. This includes cars in the garage (covers used to keep free range cats from getting paw prints on the clean car. When I take the cover off, I try to remove it such that the inside (touches the car) stays rolled aginst itself. You can do this if you roll the sides up to the center of the vehicle and thenfold into thirds/quarter, whatever works best. After I remove the cover, I usually hit the car with a california duster to take off any dust, etc.
If you put a cover on a dirty car, the rubbing of the fabric will grind the dirt into the clearcoat. Now the inside of the cover will be dirty and even if the car is clean, you will be scratching the paint every time you use it until the cover is washed (I take mine to an industrial sized washer every year or so as it won't fit in my home machine).
As far as waterproofness, I have a custom fit cover for my MG that is tan, heavy, soft fabric. I think it is one of the Evolution line, but dont' remember the exact make. Definitley NOT waterproof, but intended to breath. If I used it and we had rain, it left the pattern of the cover on the car when it was removed. This pattern was similar to what you get with water spots, but came off pretty easily with a light rinse/chamois. My wife has a generic $50 car cover from Target that works pretty well (more similar to the DuraVent in appearance/texture), but is still not waterproof. I just got my DuraVent cover for the TJ we have on order, but haven't tested waterproofness.
As far as their ability to stay on in rain and wind, I have never had mine blow off, and the custom fit are defintely better in terms of how they secure around the car.
What are you going to do if you get caught away from home in a really bad storm? One suggestion... maybe a bikini/windstopper/tonneau with some full soft doors would be a reasonable solution for you. This would allow you to take all this off for full top down, but still allow you to get home in real rain. I would think a trail cover might work but presents its own problems.
As you can guess, I'm pretty AR about taking care of my vehicles. I plan on using the TJ off road, but will do my best to avoid damage caused by negligence. If I scratch it off road, that's a battle scar; if it gets scratched/dented because I park as close to the store as possible, that's avoidable in my book. My '97 Explorer is almost 4.5 years old, 90k miles, and the paint looks new. No door dings, but I park way in the corners of the lot.
A final note about top down driving... If you run long enough without a top, you will get caught in a thunderstorm. Be on the lookout for an overpass if you'r on the interstate, and if on side roads, look for a gas station with the roof over the pumps. I can usually avoid summer downpours without too much rain in the cockpit.
-twylie
I noticed a couple posts back you said about getting a BulletProof bumber. I've been looking as well. It is a bit hard to find any info about them...have you found or do you know anyone who bought one and how they like it? I would be interested to know. They are a bit pricey...but if it's a good bumper, it is worth it.
thanks,
pizzadude.
I am just as bad as you are about car care. I don't park anywhere near other cars in parking lots, either. I keep my vehicle washed and waxed. When I trade in a vehicle, it looks like it just came from the showroom. (Not that I will be trading in Thelma Jane for a long time.)
That's why I was asking about the cover possibly scratching the paint.
Hope you are holding up under the strain of waiting for your Jeep.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
http://www.hottubtable.com/c2.html
Mine has turned out to be pretty useful though it is getting pretty sun-bleached after 2 years.
Scott
The catalogue lists covers that fit '97 - '99 Wranglers, so the same one should fit an '01, right? The TJ's are the same as they were in '97, right?
tsjay
In my net surfing, I have found that BP has made a few mistakes in the bumpers they shipped out vs. what was ordered. It appears that this happens more on the rear swing out carrier ones where there are many options. However, in every case I saw on a message board, the poster said BP was good about paying to ship the old one back and make things right. Just the aggrivation factor and wasted time.
goducks1 - that is a neat top. Sounds just like what tsjay wants, and at $75, the price is right.
-twylie
If anyone's interested, here's the "goody list"on my new Sahara:
Color: Desert Sand (that's why I had to settle for a '00 model)
Tranny: 5-speed
Options:
ABS
Trac-Lok Diff
Full metal doors
Sentry Key
A/C
Add-a-trunk
Cruise control
Hi-pressure gas shocks
Full spare
Well, that's it for my first post. I'm off to Eastern Offroad to get my new receiver hitch installed! Look forward to hearing from Wrangler owners young AND old.... Oh, and this is a great site!
oldjeepguy
It is a pretty good cover. The fabric is very heavy-duty and it is very easy to throw it on if you are worried about the weather or just want to keep leaves/dust/cats out of it when it is parked. It has clips in the straps that you can quickly attach to the frame and the little loop on the front hood. Very waterproof too, even in Oregon, though I only use it in the summer and it doesn't really rain here that time of year.
If you are smart, you will make sure that you have some nice blankets to wrap the doors up in so they don't get scratched in the garage, and you will put the nuts and fuse in a little spice container and store it someplace where you won't lose it.
Great to see new/old blood. I have a Desert Sand Jeep myself, I like the color very much. I still do not understand why they discontinued it, I have never had anyone tell me they thought it was an ugly color. It sounds like your Jeep has a lot of nice features, I am sure you will enjoy it. Well, again, welcome to the group.
I like that desert sand color, and I don't know why they would dicontinue it.
Welcome to the group.
Check out my Thelma Jane, if you haven't already done so.
http://members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
oldjeepguy
Yall will be the 1st to know when I get Hoss
Later
Did you manage to keep your GC also?
BP bumpers
I have only heard goods things about BP. I believe they will "buy em if you break em". Good to see someone stand behind their product. I looked at them but went with
http://www.younger-bros.com/
I mainly looked into the rear bumper and swing aways. The bp bumpers were too expensive for me and I was also concerned about the weight. I want to keep my Jeep as light as possible. The younger bros look well built but I think they are on the heavy side also. But they were half the price, atleast for what I am getting.
2001wrangler
I think all bikini tops on TJs need header channels. One you bolt on each time and the other you drill on and leave. I have the bolt on and like it. I did not want to drill.
Getting interior wet:
Depends on how hard it rains. Have you looked at the windjammer and tonneau covers? They will help also.
Hope that helps
This has been the longest 4 weeks, 4 days, 10 hours I have ever waited for a vehicle in my life.
I am out the door now.
later
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/brauerchat022701.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Be sure and get pics posted as soon as possible. Did you take any "before" pics today, so you can compare before and after the lift and wheels?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Enjoy the trip to SA in your new ride. I'm jealous. I bet if you try, you can find some nice unpaved side roads to break him in.
We're in D1 which supposedly confirms build for next week. Should be 3/30 at the latest, maybe by 3/23...
-twylie
If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what may go on in auto dealerships.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
I don't mind the look of the windjammer and tonneau cover. I am just too cheap and they don't really work for me. I don't really care for the look of the safari cover but it has grown on me some. I run the regular bikini. I think you could do OK with the safari but if it rains hard enough and if the wind is blowing the rain it could get rather wet inside. Make sure you take the carpet out and you probably want to keep the drain plugs pulled to let the water out. The bikini tops can fill up with water on the top. That can be a problem. I don't know if the TJ ones do this or not.
hosstj
New vehicle break in:
The manual says not to run over 50moh for the first 100 miles and not over 55mph for the first 500 miles. I don't know how much it matters. I went 70mph or so on the first weekend I had my Jeep going to Galveston.
texasjeep Hey thanks for info on breakin. I will be going 281 instead of I35, Wont be killed going under 75 that way. I will drive at leat 1st 100 miles near or at 55, and take it easy for at least 1000 mi. after.
Take care will, be in touch.
Have you heard where he is now????
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Also, reguarding you question about the top. Have you checked into buying the soft top from your dealer? When I bought my wrangler I got both tops, so I don't know if it would be cost effective for you to buy one from them or not. But that was just a thought.
Beginning to hit the aftermarket for this and that. Ordered Zaino wax products (never used them, have heard they're the best), a locking gas cap, and a Bestop spare tire cover. I'm debating between Husky floor liners and Catch-all mats. Still on the shopping list are door-sill guards, wrap around bug deflector, a receiver hitch, Bestop bikini package, and a cab cover. Have to spend my allowance wisely. :-)
We are blessed to have survived the earthquake yesterday (I live and work in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle). Life goes on and it's another beautiful topdown day here in the Northwest. Can't wait for my Jeep!