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Jeep Wrangler

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Comments

  • buckminster3buckminster3 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks Jim! I must admit the white was great on my Cherokee. I went with a mild 4" lift, 31's, and black steel wheels. On a white Cherokee with black trim it looked pretty cool. My dad's Cherokee was green, and the slightest scuff seemed to show really well. He called my white Cherokee "refridgerator"-white, since I could burst through a fallen tree or pile of shrubs and not show a single mark! I always noticed that all the private security Cherokees were the same color. Probably for the durability.

    I have a pretty old digicam, but I'll try to coax a couple decent pics out of it tonight. It's been raining all day, so the light should be pretty good for pics. As I understand it, overcast is better. I'm also lucky enough to live on the edge of a forest/field, so I have somewhere to shoot. Then I'll figure out how to post a small pic. Does everyone here keep a photo in a profile or link or something?
  • It appears folks that post photos use another hosting site. I saw a couple from a site called photobucket.com but haven't checked that out myself. I think there were a few using a personal website they setup on geocities.com. I just used my personal comcast webpage to which I uploaded my photos. I'm trying to learn html and general website stuff so sort of see it as a learning experience for me. I hope to make it as nice as some of the websites I've linked to from members here.

    So far, my Stone White is a week old and up close, you can see it's getting dirty but from a few feet away it just gleems! I love that. I've always gone with darker, richer colors so this white is new for me. So far, I'm really digin' it!

    Good luck posting some photos for us all to see your new Wrangler ride.
  • jtsaulsjtsauls Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the advice. Maybe I'll start with the budget kit and save up for something more off road worthy in the future.
  • embeedueceembeeduece Member Posts: 260
    Others have already chimed in, but I'd thought I'd point out that I think the fuel charge breaks down to like $1.80 a gallon. At those prices, have 'em fill up the tank!!!

    There might be another fee headed your way too. The finace guy at my dealership threw in a $40.00 forms procesisng fee. I was too much of a wuss to fight it. And at the point in the process, I was willing to cut it loose (what they count on I guess).

    -Mike
  • Hey Tom - Just realized my post to you never got listed...not sure why but I did have a network glitch here at work so that may explain it. Anyway, glad you liked my topless story. I hope others aren't groaning when they see how long my posts have been lately...like "oh boy, here we go again with another Jim-story...." ;) This Wrangler fever brings out a religious feeling in me which I haven't felt for a material object since I was a little kid. I feel like I'm seeing an old friend in my own and every Wrangler I pass or walk by now...weird, eh? I definitely want to come down to Turkey Bay. I've got some family function commitments this Summer which are eating my paid-time-off days but I'm still "greasing the rails" with my wife so she knows I've got my sights on heading down your way at some point. I'll let you know how it develops.

    By the way, I'm now working on my wife to give up the minivan to buy her a second Wrangler for her ride. I saw the flicker of the Wrangler fever in one of her eyes that night we went topless. I'm gently blowing those amber coals in her mind and I'm hoping to build it into an inferno which has her draggin' me to the dealer lot to pick out her color Wrangler...believe me, that would be ultimate!!! I think she's seeing the light...or for Star Wars fans..."Barbara, this is your Husband , you now see the power of The Dark Side , give in to your feelings ". :P
  • Regarding those dealer "document fees"...Could be just a line from my dealer to set the tone for any future vehicle purchases I make but here's what he said...

    Dealerships in Michigan are now having to be audited in a way similar to banks due to law changes regarding finance outlets. Therefore, dealerships are being treated like a bank in terms of paperwork and for them to abide by privacy laws, they now need to show auditors special precautions on storing personal information and offsite storage of records, etc. So, my local Jeep dealership is adding a new $170 document processing fee to all transactions...non-negotiable starting soon!

    Now that I've got my Wrangler, I don't plan on having to worry about that for a long time but if I did have to get another vehicle, I'd have to rethink keeping my business in my own little town and consider going South of the Border into Toledo, Ohio where Jeeps are born in hopes of dodging some of those fees.

    Maybe this is the way the dealerships are combating the internet knowledge we "informed" buyers have brought to the table.
  • rp05rp05 Member Posts: 20
    Greetings,

    Nice story Jim, Here's my update, Ordered on 5/12, finally got a vin # assigned today but it's still in pre build status. I see a few people have gotten there jeeps they have ordered. The dealer told me they probably got swamped with orders and I could be looking at 2-3 more weeks :cry:
    Anyone care to share how long your wait was?

    Ron
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Everyone was unanimous in agreeing that while some of the fees I mentioned earlier were "suspect", they were legitimate.

    I've belonged to other forums, but never have I received such prompt help as I have here. I'm very grateful to everyone, because - - primarily based on your assuaging my concerns, I'll take delivery of the X tomorrow!

    And, if you're wondering about the color decision...it was difficult, but am....going....with....RED! (Not that I don't love white, also!)

    Thanks again, everyone.

    Randy
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

    Yeeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!

    Hey, red is NICE. Jeeps really do look good in red. I have thought to myself a few times that my "next Jeep" (there probably ain't gonna be a next one, unless I can get a new one and still keep my baby, Thelma Jane) would be red, partly for a change from white, but mostly because red looks so good.

    We need some pics of that beauty when you take delivery.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Buck:

    WAY TO GO! CONGRATULATIONS!

    Hey, I like that beryl green very much. It is definitely a color that would get some consideration from me, if I were in the market.

    Stick around and be part of the gang. Glad you have found us.

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    "I have a pretty old digicam, but I'll try to coax a couple decent pics out of it tonight. It's been raining all day, so the light should be pretty good for pics. As I understand it, overcast is better. I'm also lucky enough to live on the edge of a forest/field, so I have somewhere to shoot. Then I'll figure out how to post a small pic. Does everyone here keep a photo in a profile or link or something?"

    Buckminster:

    Edmunds is supposed to give us the ability to upload pics directly from our hard drives. Some of us have been given access to this software for testing. I was one of those selected to try out the feature. I thought we were ALL supposed to have it by now, but maybe not???

    If you don't have access to that yet, then you will need to have your pic hosted somewhere on the Net, and then you can link it here in a post. If your host site allows hot links, you can post your pic so that the pic actually shows up in your post instead of just a link. Photobucket.com is a good place to have your pics hosted, since it is free, and they allow hot linking.

    Tomster

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    but am....going....with....RED!

    Xlent choice! :D

    tidester, host
  • jeff62301jeff62301 Member Posts: 310
    buy one of each and let us know which you like better in a month or so..

    I'm partial to Red,, (Nicole is red)
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    Randy, I like your color choice. I think you will be happy with it. :)

    Terry & Red Ryder
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Jeff: "buy one of each and let us know which you like better in a month or so.. "

    yeah...I wish!

    Everyone seems to have a name for their Wrangler. A little poll; what's your preference for my X:

    a) X-Factor
    b) Xavier
    c) Xcellence
    d) Red Rover
    e) Randy's Rangler :confuse:
    f) Definitely none of the above! -- other:________

    Since all of you have helped me immensely the past few days, you have the honor of voting for the name.....how about the first 10 same-name responses?

    Picking "_______" up in the morning....praying it's a sunny day! Thanks, all...

    Randy
  • keatskeats Member Posts: 412
    Jim, I always power wash at the coin op. To me it's much easier than the drive way wash, and though Tom might chuckle, I like to get rid of the all the dirt before using the microfiber towel to get rid of the dirt film. Don't worry about gaps in the soft top, there are none, it is completely water tight, cannot say the same thing about the hard top.
  • mtngalmtngal Member Posts: 1,911
    There's nothing wrong with being a 2 Wrangler family - you can have "one of each" like us. It was so funny trying to decide what to buy for our new car - we kept looking at all kinds of other things but kept going back to the Wrangler. So now we have 2. They are by far the most vehicle I've ever owned.

    I think I would have chosen white - my husband's comment when asked what color he wanted was "not red." I added "not black." The Sport is black and looks really sharp whether it is clean or dirty. However, it is hotter than any other colored vehicle I've ever owned.
  • keatskeats Member Posts: 412
    I never ever use those bristle brushes as the car wash. They will scratch the h*ll out of your clear coat. They are aweful. Power wash, microfiber and then large microfiber to dry.
  • kevinlu6kevinlu6 Member Posts: 1
    I just made it, :)

    the dealer called and said that there will not be any more orders for 2005 as of when mine was ordered 4 weeks ago approx.

    :(
  • keatskeats Member Posts: 412
    Steve and Mac, I agree 100 percent. I only focus on out the door price. I've purchased two new jeeps (Grand Cherokee with Selec Trac 4wd and Rubicon) in the last 2 years and I didn't get bogged down in the details or even look at the invoice. In fact, when they started telling me what was wrong with my trade I told them I know everything that is wrong with it. That's why I'm getting rid of it! I then told them they could give me 1 buck for my trade as long as the price was what I had written on the paper. It worked. That was on the Grand Cherokee.

    On the Rubicon, which they didn't even have, I walked when they tried to pull the doc fee crap. Doc fees are garbage 100 percent profit. Don't pay them. They said everybody has to pay them. I didn't. You shouldn't either.

    I believe dealers should have a reasonable profit. They're in the business to make money and I don't begrudge them that. But to me, $500 to $750 is plenty reasonable.

    On both purchases I didn't spend more than two and a half hours total in the dealership.
  • keatskeats Member Posts: 412
    Tom and Mac,

    I bought a grill hoop for my Rubicon that sits on the frame rails and I need to remove the tow hooks and place them on top of the mounting plates. Easier said than done. I only got one of the 4 free, and it looks like I gouged one of them. I understand they're only supposed to be set to 85 foot pounds of torque, but these things won't budge, and I'm a pretty big feller.

    So what should I do? I'm thinking it might be a good excuse to by and extra long ratchet, but in the last 15 years, I've never needed one. Liquid wrench? I tried WD40 earlier.
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Yeah, torx heads are easy to strip. One important thing is to get a good quality torx socket, not just those insert things. Those torx inserts have too much play in them, and it just makes it easier to strip the bolt head.

    You could try a piece of pipe as a cheater, but be careful and go slow.

    Lots of folks swear by PB Blaster. It's supposed to be much better than WD40 for loosening bolts.

    Tomster

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    'PB Blaster' works very well. Soak well, leave for a day, repeat, continue for several more days then use a quality Torx bit and a breaker bar.

    If the Torx recess in the center of the bolt is completely rounded out then the easiest solution is to weld a large nut to the top, then use a regular socket on it. The heat from the welding will also help with freeing the threads as the factory often uses Loctite on them.

    Edit: Hmmm...........looks like Tom and I have a psychic connection!
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    Randy:

    Not crazy about any of your choices, but I don't have anything better to offer right now. You don't have to be in a hurry. Maybe after having that Jeep a few days something will come to you that will be just a perfect fit.

    I think you were getting closer to a good name when you got away from the notion that the name should start with an X. It would be cool to think of something that uses the X, but it would be really hard to come up with something good. Might be more productive to move on to something "non-Xish."

    Thanks for the honor of allowing us to suggest names, but the name should really come from YOU.

    I'm happy for ya, Randy. You are gonna have so much fun with that Jeep!

    Tom

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?
  • avampiregirlavampiregirl Member Posts: 3
    I just got a 2002 Wrangler Sahara. This is my first jeep and it has been a lot of trouble but working with the dealership we have gotten it all cleared up because it is still under warranty! The CD player is a single cd player that was replaced two weeks ago by the dealership. It plays all store bought cds but it will not play my computer burned cds. Does anyone know if this is this common? Is is just some kinds of files?
    Thank you!!!
    Amanda
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    This is common with the early units unfortunately. Some types of discs will play, but usually not consistantly.

    As we've all been explaining our user names recently, would you like to do the same? ;)
  • keatskeats Member Posts: 412
    Thanks Mac and Tom, I'll look for some PB Blaster. One of the first purchases I made when I bought the Rubi was a good set of Craftsman torx sockets. I love any reason to buy a new tool! As my used one time Makita hand sander will attest. I don't think I totally stripped the one bolt so I'm hoping it's not a complete loss.

    Oh, yeah, on the door rattle front. Turns out is was the wire for the satellite antennae under the door sill. Can you believe it? One little wire made all the racket. Tonight my seven-year-old daughter wanted to confirm that tomorrow when I take her and her friend to the amusement park we would take my Jeep.
  • avampiregirlavampiregirl Member Posts: 3
    Avampiregirl
    Well...A is for Amanda...vampire because at the time it was in October and I had a pair of those fake glue on fangs that I would wear...and girl because i am a girl. Plus it is an easy user name to remember, it is my aol screen name.

    Thanks for the cd info. I was sooo ticked because I had them replace it (under warranty) because I could not get any of my burned cds to work. I really dont buy cds anymore because i just download everything. But a friend and I leave for 7 weeks in the jeep going cross country from atlanta to san fransico so I had to pull together all the 'real' cds i had. :)
    Amanda
  • jeff62301jeff62301 Member Posts: 310
    I've not had any problems with any of the CD's I've burned. I've got an 04 wrangler, stock stereo

    have you tried any CDs that someone else burned using a different program?

    I use Easy CD Creator 5 Basic

    jeff
  • avampiregirlavampiregirl Member Posts: 3
    No, the friend I am traveling with is going to bring a few cds she burned just to try. I have used the Easy Creator 5 and another program too but nothing. We then thought that maybe it cant play mp3s but i converted them to wav files and it did nothing. Its strange but when I was going though my favorite made cds, I am across 2 that will play. Looks like we will be listening to The Cure mix and a work out mix. I will have to play with it more when i get back!
    Amanda :D
  • tsjaytsjay Member Posts: 4,591
    This is an open invitation to all you Jeep Buds. If you can somehow get yourselves over to western KY, I would be honored to serve as your trail guide at Turkey Bay. I would love to see you guys who have never been off road learn what your Jeeps are capable of doing. But, even if you are a seasoned off roader, I would still enjoy meeting you and wheelin' with you at Turkey Bay.

    Turkey Bay is just about the perfect place for people to wheel Jeeps that are stock or near stock. There are some fun obstacles that won't tear up your Jeep, and there is some really nice scenery. The Kentucky Lake area has attractions for the whole family. There is horseback riding, a planetarium, a buffalo and elk range, fishing, camping, and a nice water park to name a few.

    Wherever you go wheelin', a local guide who knows where all the fun spots are and where the places to stay away from are makes all the difference in the world. I'm that guy when it comes to Turkey Bay.

    No, I don't guide for money. It's just something I enjoy. If you have a good time and want to buy my dinner, I might let ya do that. :)

    I firmly believe that if you drove 8 hrs to get there for just one full day of wheelin', you would say it was well worth it.

    Tomster

    Have you hugged your Jeep today?

    This pic shows the Old Tomster and Ross Allen taking Thelma Jane through a fun little spot that flexes the suspension pretty good. All the weight of the Jeep is on the right front and left rear tires, and she was actually teetering. If you could see the left front, you would see that the axle is fully drooped on that side, with the tire off the ground.
  • jeff62301jeff62301 Member Posts: 310
    most of the jeeps I see that have the doors off have no side mirrors, I've heard thats illegal in most states, and besides that I use my side mirrors alot.

    curious of your thoughts on the different "doors off" mirrors.

    jeff
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    Tom:

    Well, I appreciate your frankness! Althought I'm deeply hurt at the thought I have no literary imagination ;) (Kidding, of course).

    I, too, wanted something synomous with the "X", but as you say, choices are limited.

    Now I've come up with "X-Rated" ....and if you want to read anything into that with respect to my, um....choice of fine art films...who am I to stop you???!!!

    By the way....mine is coming with the 7-additional speaker soundbar, which I've not read much about. Any thoughts as to this being a nice/cool option?

    Thanks....Hope everyone's Saturday is safe and tops down!

    Randy
  • buckminster3buckminster3 Member Posts: 16
    Amanda,
    Sounds like you're burning the computer-file-type songs to the CD. What you have to do is burn the CD as an "Audio CD". This will limit you to 12-15 tracks, as that file type takes a BUNCH more space on the disc. Then, your burning program will "finish" the disc out as an audio CD. Newer players can usually handle a "folder"-style CD with a bunch of WMA, MP3, WMV, or whatever on it, but older players are a no-go. Just look in your burning software's help files for "make an audio CD".

    Sorry, I'm a professional nerd, so I couldn't resist... :)
  • buckminster3buckminster3 Member Posts: 16
    OK, this may be weird, but I come from a Navy family...(not myself, as my genetically bad knees prevented any type of service)

    I believe Jeeps, just like Ships, should have female names. I am quite the enlightened guy in all other areas, but male names just sound weird to me for vehicles. In high school, my best friend had a really nice black and chrome Chevy truck that was named "Roxanne". I thought that was the coolest thing ever, but I WAS only 17 at the time. Hasn't anyone seen Gone in Sixty Seconds? Tell me seriously that Eleanor wasn't the coolest name in the world for a Mustang!?

    With these miscellaneous ramblings complete, let me humbly suggest a couple:
    Xandra, Xzandra, Xara, Xena...Any of the Baby-Names sites should have a decent list. I like the old-fashioned type especially. :shades:

    Tomster, I think you might get the nod for coolest name I've seen yet. Thelma Jane is great! I haven't seen them all yet though, as I'm brand new to this board...
  • buckminster3buckminster3 Member Posts: 16
    Randy,
    eXcellent (sorry, couldn't help it...) choice on the 7-speaker system. It's the one option I didn't do that I think I really missed. My center console has the cut-out and fake grille on the side where the subwoofer would be. I just have the four-speaker and CD standard radio. I must admit, I'm already sneaking looks at adding in the better stereo or that MOPAR rear sound kit (does it suck? does anyone have it?). I'm not a hip-hop guy, so huge bass isn't an issue, but I sure would like some more clear sound.
  • randyacerandyace Member Posts: 96
    RoXanne???? Hmmm....Now that's something to mull over. I agree....being retired Air Force, our planes were all named from the feminine persuasion...remember the WWII bombers?

    RoXanne....that has a nice ring to it. (did I say that already??).

    Tom--thanks for the info on the soundbar. I'm not "hip-hop" either, but hey...I still love the Eagles and anything George Harrison....I suppose Hotel California would
    "roX" (heh heh) down the highway (oooohh...Doobie Brothers, too).

    Accessorizing is everything....does anyone have their Wrangler's name in script or block letters anywhere on the vehicle (like on a boat's stern)? I was thinking perhaps unobtrusive vinyl lettering in quotes would look pretty cool. Thoughts, anyone?

    Randy
  • koolbreeze2koolbreeze2 Member Posts: 252
    Hopefully you love the job. It makes life easier. Perhaps you have solved the door problem. You can always take it off(: John
  • koolbreeze2koolbreeze2 Member Posts: 252
    Jim, how do you really feel? After reading your post I want to go out and buy the first Wrangler of any color off any lot of any dealer. Then I remembered that I already own Rosie the Red Devil. You made my heart pound, my mouth water, my toes curl, and my left foot kept pushing while I was reading. Passion is a serious emotion. Stay serious and enjoy the new ride. My palms are still sweating, I need to calm down. Think I'll go for a ride, turn the music up and head to Dairy Queen. Go Easy and thanks for the rapid pulse rate.Perhaps a cold shower first. If I still smoked, I would definately have a cigarette after that post. I'm exhausted!!! John
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I believe Jeeps, just like Ships, should have female names

    That's way old school. Just look at hurricanes.

    hmm, a Jeep named Hurricane; I like it!

    Steve, Host
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    I've not had any problems with any of the CD's I've burned. I've got an 04 wrangler, stock stereo

    You have the later model player Jeff, which came out in '03. The earlier model, '99-'02, even has a TSB detailing the problem.......08-11-00 MAR 00 CD Player - CD Compatibility.
  • jeff62301jeff62301 Member Posts: 310
    You have the later model player Jeff, which came out in '03. The earlier model, '99-'02, even has a TSB detailing the problem.......08-11-00 MAR 00 CD Player - CD Compatibility.

    Mac,, Amanda indicated the put a new one in for her 2 weeks ago,,,, wouldn't it be a new one?

    jeff
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    No, the later model is a different shape (rounded corners) and wouldn't fit.
  • redrocker15redrocker15 Member Posts: 102
    So, you work in a magnetic field? What's the big attraction?
    (Devil made me do it)
    Tom


    Tomster-

    I couldn't help but notice my choice of words either, but figured that it was "magnet industry humor" and would go unnoticed. Shoulda' known better, since you're a Tech Director! I guess I've been playing with magnets so long that my blood's become polarized as well - - could explain my odd tendency to only swim North or South in pools and lakes! Or maybe it's just due to my magnetic personality! (See, I've got a career's worth of bad magnet puns!)

    BTW, nice pic in post 17807. I do think I noticed a spec or two of dirt though - - might want to take care of that soon! ;) Seriously, I hope Randy noticed that the dirt and mud look right at home on a well-loved Jeep!
  • redrocker15redrocker15 Member Posts: 102
    Jeff- they do make some separately mounted mirrors, or adapters to remount your door's mirrors in the hinge holes (I think, or on the windshield hinge bracket). I agree that going without mirrors seems less safe, and may be illegal in certain locales. So far I've just gone mirrorless and taken care to look around me a lot more, but a re-mount solution seems the best and safest way to go.
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    OK, here is one more try at a name. How about Excalibur. You can work all kinds of things around that legend. King Arthur, pulling it out on the stone (rocks) etc...

    Terry ;)
  • redrocker15redrocker15 Member Posts: 102
    I agree about the accessorizing or personalizing idea. I think your Jeep's name is a great thing to do - I plan to do something in the same area usually used for the "Sahara" sticker. Since mine's an SE, that area's open! But the back gate, or along the hood would also work. I have two sons in college, and with plastic windows I didn't have a good place to put the typical window stickers. With the new vinyl transfer approach most colleges use today, I ended up putting both along the rear side of my hood. So I've got an old-style Texas A&M and a New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology stickers adorning Eugene. Looks pretty cool to me.....

    Since my Jeep is Eugene, I have to question the need for female names. I did wrestle with this, but couldn't resist the connection with the mystical, go-anywhere creature from the old Popeye cartoons. Ergo: Eugene!
  • redrocker15redrocker15 Member Posts: 102
    Dang! Great suggestion, Terry - I'm torn between roXanne and eXcalibur now! Either way, you could use the vinyl letter approach and incorporate the name using the eXisting "X" on the side of your Jeep....
  • wheelsdownwheelsdown Member Posts: 250
    Gary, I am a Texas Aggie, '60. I have a simple TEXAS A&M on my back bumber in white letters. Looks pretty good, but I like your back of the hood thing.

    Terry
  • redrocker15redrocker15 Member Posts: 102
    Terry-
    I'll take a picture and post a link. The particular A&M logo I've got has the cannon with crossed sabre and rifle. I really like the design, and the white lettering looks much better on my red Jeep than it would on Tom's white one! ( ;) ) But I suppose Tom would have some sort of blue sticker on Thelma Jane, anyway.....

    Gary
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