Acually, I'd just steal Oceantoad's TJ if I were getting one today. The Sienna/tan combo looks great. One thing about the tan interiors, though, is that they can show dirt pretty easily. I have the older "spice" interior and it's not looking so clean after 4 years of use. I'm sure there is some cleaner I could use to take care of that though.
There go my insurance rates. Guess it is time to buy "The Club" for my steering wheel. Watch out for the attack cat when you come down the drive:)
I have already bought seat covers and Husky floor liners, but I have dust in and on every place that could have dust. I would imagine that the covers for the sport and sound bar will be pretty nasty in a couple of years and they are black.
Coons10 - I just ordered a bikini with the "drill" header. I will be installing it next week, and I'll let you know how it goes. From what I've heard, the drill type is better b/c once it on, you don't have to mess with it again. Also, the drill version is cheaper. I have not drilled into my TJ yet, so this will be a first. But I figure I need to get over that with other mods to come...
I've got the drill header and bought it for the above mentioned reasons (don't have to remove when putting the top back up). Having gone through the drilling and seeing how the soft top clamps now fit, this is definitely a measure, check fit, measure, check clearance, measure, cross fingers, drill procedure. I don't want to scare anyone off, but just make sure you get it right the first time. I seem to have enough stuff and tools I carry in the Jeep, this was one less thing to futz with by going with the drill version. The issues I ran into with the soft top clamps were not a problem at all while we ran the soft top during last winter. My install pics and writeup if you want to review before taking the drill to your Jeep:
Coons10 - Congrats! Sounds like a great Jeep. Sounds like you got a really fantastic deal. I really like the Sienna color as well and I guess I'm second in line (behind goducks) to steal oceantoads!
Oceantoad/markwarren66 - once you drill that first hole in the Jeep, the rest are easy! I remember drilling holes for the TurboCity bars the second day we had the Jeep. While I was working on them, my wife kept wandering through the garage double checking to make sure I knew what I was doing (valid concern on her part!). If you're planning on leaving the bikini on for extended periods, the no drill may make more sense, but we generally just throw ours on for rain clouds or longer drives on super hot days. It rolls up pretty small so I can just toss it in the back. It's nice to be able to add or remove it quickly.
Question: I am interested in a bikini top for my 1997 Wrangler TJ. What is the advantage/disadvantage to the header bikini? Is the safari a header or non-header model? I want simplicity and durability. I mainly want this for some sun protection while on the road, and also to keep the dog cool in back. I like the regular factory top with sides and back removed, but it can be noisy and flutter a lot. If the bikini flutters also, I probably won\'t even bother with it.
Bestop reply:
Hi , Basically there is 2 styles of bikinis and for both styles there is 2 versions. One is the header version or no drill version and then the other is the standard drill in version. The no drill header assembly forms a clamp action on the windshield frame. The other version requires drilling. It drills onto the frame itself. chris bestop inc
Me (followup question): What are the advantages to the drill in version? I'd prefer to not have to drill holes if possible, but if it offers something better, I might consider it. What are advantages to the no-drill version (or is the no drill THE advantage?)? Thanks again
Bestop followup reply:
Hi, they are both good choices and seal well. The main difference being the price. The no drill version is more expensive than the drill in version. The advantage is that the no drill is easier to remove and doesn't require drilling.
I am gonna have to go back and reread a bunch of posts so as not to leave anyone out. I like to congratulate all new Wrangler owners individually, but lately that's been hard to keep up with.
The one I do remember now is Coons10, so, Coons10,
CONGRATULATIONS!
I am a big fan of the Sienna too. I would have to give that color some very serious consideration if I were getting another Jeep. (Hope Thelma Jane doesn't find out I said that!)
Be a regular poster in here and tell all about the fun you are having with that Jeep!
Let me remind all of you new Jeepers that many of us in this group here at Edmunds also congregate in a chat room at www.itsajeep.org (Gill's place). It's a good way to communicate real time with other Jeepers. If you feel at home here, then you will feel at home there. It seems that things don't get too active in there until about 9:00 PM CDST, but I wish we could get the party going earlier, since I'm OLD and need my sleep.
Well, I got suspicious and called Quadratec back today. Sure enough, they have sent me the bikini top that only covers the front passenger area. I told them to send me the safari top that covers the front and rear also, and I will send the first one back after it gets here.
I ordered the no drill header, since I will only put the hard top back on on rare occasions (like if I have to take a trip) until fall. Taking the header off should be no big deal for me.
For those of you that are considering the bikini or safari tops and are wondering about the no drill header, hang tough a few days and I will give you my opinion on the no drill. Yeah, Toady, I will be your guinea pig again.
That top went up from $49.95 to $72.95 since they had me down for the wrong one. The no drill header is $28.95. I will get credit for the $49.95 when I send the short top back to Qtec.
That's interesting about the tan/spice interior. I have the grey and other than the golden dog hair and dirt off of that dripping golden dog from last weekend's hike, it hasn't shown that much wear and tear. I was thinking of tan interior for my next vehicle (Taco's replacement) but maybe I'll re-think that. I'm getting tired of grey and brown - it seems like that's the only 2 colors available in any car anymore...
coons10 - I know you will have loads of fun with that sienna X. Congrats on buying the most fun (if not very practical) vehicle there is@
What you have is a high dollar piece of Texas art that is suitable for framing. Your big city cousins down here get them made with their last name and then put them on a dark background and frame them. Has to be a Kentucky thing. We sent one to my parents (also living in Kentucky) a while back and about a year later I mentioned it to them. They thought "wow a doily" and had not even noticed the monogrammed name.
Besides, I thought it would help you get in touch with your feminine side.:-)
I knew I should have sent you the pictures instead.:-)
Tom, maybe you can incorporate that nice monogrammed doily into an antimacassar and keep your headrests cleaner.
(I didn't think I'd ever get to use "antimacassar" on Town Hall; look it up or ask your grandmother what it means ).
And no, happy birthday and all, but you can't have my '49 Jeep truck grill hanging on my wall! Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I will have to say that I do not know the meaning of antimacassar, but Jean does (she is a lot older than me). For that matter I don't think I can even pronounce the word, but I blame that on my education in the Kentucky public school system (the formative years).:)
I own a 99 Wrangler Sport. The other day I got caught in a freak rain storm while at work. I was inside, but my jeep was outside with the soft top completely down. To make a long story short...everything got soaked and now I have a few electrical problems I'm trying to work through. 1) Car wouldn't idle properly at first, but now it seems to have worked itself out. However, there is a noticeable hesitation when I accelerate(especially while in second and third gears). 2) Check engine light came on after five minutes of initial driving and is still on. 3) Right blinker light comes on and goes off whenever it wants to (especially at lower speeds and while braking). 4) The horn goes off whenever it wants too...even if I am not driving the Jeep. (I disconnected the fuse for the horn to temporarily correct this problem). 5) The last thing that I noticed is that the oil pressure gauge seems to fluctuate sometimes as well.
I assume I have a short in the electrical system caused by the rain...anybody know what actions I should take to troubleshoot these issues?
Any help and/or suggestions? Anything is appreciated.
I think I'm going to wait a couple of weeks before making a decision (to drill or not to drill, that is the ?) on the bikini top.
We desperately need side steps though. My wife is having some problems getting in and out comfortably. Anybody have a recommendation? I think I want something that looks pretty close to the stock steps, but some of the tubular ones look nice too. Any thoughts?...
I suppose I should post a picture soon. I'll see if I can get one this weekend.
I have chrome tube nerfbar steps on my black 97. It looks nice, but that is how I bought it (used) and I doubt I would have done that myself.
I have heard that nerfbar steps can be a hindrance when offroading, or can protect when offroading. There is one company which makes a sill (rocker) protector which is also a step. That sounds like the way to go. Otherwise, the aluminum steelhorse jobs look OK.
Coons, have you seen the Bestop steps? They are similar to stock side steps but have a wider profile, making them look more aggresive (if it's possible for steps to look aggresive) Check them out at http://www.bestop.com
I would STAY AWAY from anything Steel Horse makes... unless you like rust and poor quality.
Tom, congratulations on your new doily! If your not going to use it on the... (not sure what they are used for) you can always tie it around Ross Allen's neck!? Is Gill's back up?
on the bikini tops..I got the NO drill type. Me with power equipment..thats dangerous. I would definaltly loose a finger or 2. the no drill header isnt that hard to deal with. But..i really am glad i have it.. this ALABAMA sun can be HOT on my balding head
Man, if you are gonna do any wheelin' with that Jeep, then side steps are just a disaster waiting to happen. They will hang on something and not only get damaged themselves, but will cause damage to the rocker panel on the Jeep.
If you aren't gonna wheel, then no problem, but your Jeep will hate you for not letting her have any fun. Just kidding, Jim. It's your Jeep, so just enjoy it however you want to. It took me 14 months to finally try offroading with Thelma Jane, and we both loved it! But, I still say she was the most fun vehicle I ever had, even before we started wheelin'.
so far I ain't havin' a lot of luck with that no drill header. I don't think the channel thing is bottoming out on my CB rack, which was my original concern, but it just won't go down far enough to allow the bolt to thread into the hook piece.
It was hot and I didn't feel like fooling with it much after work tonight, so I will try some more tomorrow.
I just got the bikini top so far, which I guess I'll send back. I wanted the safari top that goes all the way to the back, and it should be in early next week. I was gonna go ahead and install the header anyway, so it would be ready when the safari top gets here.
said that JEEP stands for Just Empty Every Pocket? It's not the maintenance that will eat you up, it's all the mods! Mine's still stock but only because I need a new roof, to dump the Taco and do a brake/rotor job on the Wrangler. When those 3 things happen, then we'll see what I can do...
Tom, go buy some bolts that are a bit longer. I remember a few people saying the ones they send are barely long enough, but longer bolts will make it much easier.
Coons, you can probably pick up some factory steps off of one of the BBS pretty cheap. We went with the TurboCity bars which serve as steps and rocker protection. They have worked out well by providing a place to step up on and have done their job while offroad. You give up about 2" of clearance on the sides, but they've paid for themselves already.
I guess I'll get the longer bolts as you suggest, but I still won't feel too comfortable. I'm afraid that the need for the longer bolt indicates that the header isn't seating properly.
Gotta take a little trip up to Illinois, and I should be back late Tuesday afternoon.
Hope I have LOTS of posts to catch up on when I get back.
You guys be good while I'm gone. You new Jeepers, enjoy those babies.
I'm gonna take a real chance and drive Thelma Jane up there topless and doorless! I have a cover for the whole Jeep, so I can cover her up while I am stopped, but that doesn't do me much good while I am traveling. It's a five hour drive, so I am really sticking my neck out. Hey, it's worth the risk for the opportunity to drive topless and doorless. According to the Weather Channel, I should be OK, but you know how that goes.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I have emailed Gill to let him know his site won't come up for people, so he is gonna check it out when he has time. Just keep trying and maybe it will be OK in a day or two.
Boy, you are right about needing Mod Money, everything you want to do seems to take big $$ and then you get to talking with others and they will say things like "well, if you are going to do that, you might as well spend a little more and do this" or " If you do that, you will have to change this, it's only $300.00 more"
I'm not really complaining cuz it's all fun and I love my TJ. It's just my way of saying that the money I was going to spend on your Doilie will probably go towards Tera flex suspension !
Pardon me if this post makes no sense (since it's been years since I've seen the insides of a Jeep up close with a socket wrench in my hand), but I'm wondering if you could "cinch" the header down with the longer bolts (that should seat it pretty good) and then go back and replace the longer bolts one at a time with the shorter ones that come with the kit? Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
That might be a possibility, I guess. But if I do that, I might as well leave the longer ones in. It wasn't the longer bolts that bothered me, it was just that I was afraid that the NEED for longer bolts might be telling me something "ain't right."
Just had to leave my parting thoughts with my Jeep buddies.
JEEPERS ARE ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!
I could take my little S10 pickup to Illinois and get twice the gas mileage, not have to worry about rain or sunburn/windburn, have a real nice after market stereo to listen to, be able to lock the vehicle, and have a smoother, quieter ride.
But.... I'm taking Thelma Jane. What's the matter with us?
I have not seen a reply to your post and have no answer to the problems that you are having. The Jeep Club of North Texas seems to have a bunch of folks that are really up on the mechanical stuff so maybe you could get a fix on the electrical. The address is www.jeepn.org
Lots of luck with your problem and please post back here when you get your baby up and running again. What happened to you seems like a problem that lots of folks here could have if Mother Nature was feeling cranky.
I'm wondering if any of you Wrangler owners have dealt with either extreme heat, using your a/c, or extreme cold, using your heater, and how the Wrangler copes with that. I'm presuming that those of you with the hard top will have the best experiences.
By "extremes" I don't mean like really cruel weather, but something like 90 degree heat and maybe 10 degree cold.
Could your a/c cope? Did the heater work at highway speeds?
thank you!
Shifty
PS: Lady friend and I are shopping for a Wrangler for Colorado climate as an all year round vehicle, so this is why I'm asking. So far the config is: Sport, hard doors, two tops, automatic (you know that's not MY choice), 6C. No plans for off-road beyond a few lumpy fireroads. Any other options worth having?
Didn't expect to see you in this neck of the woods Shifty :-)
By reputation, Wrangler heaters work very well, hard or soft top. No personal experience with cold weather here in Florida though.
However, the other year in mid-summer, at mid-day, we were stationary in a traffic jam on the I10 in Alabama. We sat in the blazing sun from 11am till 3pm with the engine idling and the A/C on 'max'. The engine temp moved up about five degrees, leaving running out of gas as our biggest worry (and not knowing whether the traffic would ever start moving again!).
The direct heat from the sun through the glass was uncomfortable, but the cold air from the vents made it bearable. After an hour or so, as the traffic shuffled a few feet, we were able to creep into the shade alongside a semi-truck and then we felt very comfortable. In fact, we even backed the fan from four to three.
Finally, I've seen and heard plenty of people regretting NOT getting various options, but very few wishing they'd ordered less. With the borderline exception of sound systems, it generally costs more to add something afterwards if you change your mind. (Get everything, but especially the Sentry Key system!)
I have a hard top, and I know a bit about extremes. My '98 needs A/C servicing at the moment, but up until this year, it worked very well. I've driven through Baker California (home of the world's tallest thermometer that often is above 100) a number of times without any discomfort, until I opened the door, that is!
As far as heating, in the winter it does take a bit longer to heat the interior of the Wrangler than the Tacoma xtra cab, but once it warms up I have to turn the thermostat down to stay comfortable (same as on the Taco). Since I live at around 6,000 feet, it is below freezing at night, though rarely below 10 F and I don't think it has ever been below 0 F here. And we can get huge dumps of snow (though not this year). If you don't think that So. California gets snow, I posted a link to some pictures several months ago...
Wow...A four hour traffic jam?!?! That is unbelievable. Living LA, I've experienced lots of traffic jams, and onetime at a concert in Las Vegas I was in a line of cars for nearly 2 hours before finally just parking it there and walking in...But 4 hours? In the heat?!? Whew. I feel for ya!
Not knowing anything was the worst part. They eventually let us off in single file at the next exit. There was no traffic the other way, but we couldn't cross the 'median' as each direction of the highway is built on a seperate low concrete bridge and runs for about twenty miles through the swamp. Couldn't find anything on the radio, except that there had been an 'enviromental incident". Checked the internet a couple of days later when we came home..... nothing.
Hey fellow Jeepers, since Gill's is down I thought I'd give my AOL IM name, in case anyone wants to chat. I am "jeepinkahuna". Had a good chat with Deb, Tom, and Larry last night. If you'd like, leave your AOL IM here for others to see. On to other news, my niece Delaney just bought a new Jeep 2 weeks ago! It seems she caught the Jeep bug from her good ol' Uncle. It's a pink "Barbie" Jeep. (She's 4 years old She can off-road with the best of them! I'll have a pic up at Gill's (if he gets back online) soon.
Oceantoad, great Jeep. I think that I am sold on the Sienna. It will show the Arizona dust, but I have my california duster at the ready.
Gas in Flagstaff runs $1.49 - $1.80 depending on location and grade. I don't mind though. When you factor in inflation, it is about the same price as when I was in high school (1984).
I had the nerf steps on my CJ and loved them. They were pretty easy to remove for rock climbing and they were also a great place to rest my left foot when the dors were off (I have long legs).
Man am I envious of you guys. I still have a couple of months to go before I can order my TJ (gotta get the kids back into public school).
I ran into some guy today with a Sahara and he tells me it takes him "about an hour" to remove his hard top and install his bikini top. Does that sound about right?
Is hard top removal on a Wrangler same as say on most cars...a two person operation?
I bought a '99 Sahara for the summer(MUCH longer if my seven year old has his way), and I can say that the A/C is excellent. The sled is Desert Sand with a tan soft top. The Louisville area has had temperatures of 90+ for the past week or so; I my parking spot at work is in the middle of an unshaded blacktop lot. Within two miles of 25+ mph driving the interior is quite comfortable- to the point that I rarely use the top two settings on the four speed blower. As for the heater, I bought the thing in mid-May so I've only seen temps in the low 30s. The heater seemed quite powerful. The main problem with a Wrangler hardtop is that it's just so bloody big that it is kind of tricky to balance while installing or removing. Lots of Jeepers avoid the problem by using a hoist.
Hoist is the way to go if you have the room ($100+ retail or around $35 DIY). So..... back it under, remove top to body torx fixings, disconnect wiring and washer hose, attach hoist, crank it up, drive out, attach bikini....... ten minutes if you're slick, twenty if you're careful.
Up in Colorado it's good to have all the top options. The weather is so variable you really never know sometimes what you're going to get. I've seen snow on June 10 in Aspen, and T-Shirt weather in October.
I remember hardtop hoists very well from my old Mercedes SL days.
I've pretty much decided the 4 cylinder engine is not going to hack it in the Colorado mountains at 8,000 ft. I had my n/a diesel Benz at 10,000 feet and I swear I punched the gas once and it simply didn't move---lol! Like the reluctant mule!
Now a Turbo Jeep, that would solve a lot of problems except I imagine it would really be awful for serious off-roading.
Has anyone ever broken the 20 mpg barrier in a 4.0, I mean in Real Life?
You might think about a supercharger too. Fully developed kits are available for both turbo and supercharger.
Twenty mpg won't happen, especially with the auto. You might just get sixteen, but that will be before you realise the speedo reads about 8% too fast :-) Not only are you a happier customer because of the mileage, but your odometer shows 36,000 nearly 3000 miles too soon!
However, as alternate speedo gears are available from the dealer it's easy to fix. Alternatively, you could go the other way and give yourself a lower top speed and thirty mpg ;-)
Actually, a genuine thirteen to fifteen mpg would be a realistic expectation from a six cylinder auto.
IN my auto 01 JEEP I get about 16 MPG. not sure about freeway driving. I dont travel much on freeways. Took A day topless & doorless today. Got back home just in time before the Rain came in. Its been raining every afternoon here in BAMA. I have the hardtop hoist too. I having a hard time lowering it. Im not going to worry about that till october/november when I need the hardtop back on.
I am (was) in Colorado Springs. I am currently in Tampa Bay Florida. So I think I've had the experiences to answer your questions.
I have a 2001, with the new "sailcloth" soft top. I arrived in C Springs in September, and spent the winter there. The heater with the soft top is fine. (caveat: I did park it in a non heated garage everynight) There were even some "nice" days during that winter that having a soft top that I could put down in 10 minutes was very nice.
I am now in Tampa. The temps have been ranging from 85 to 95 degrees. The A/C works GREAT with the soft top up (I have the tinted windows), but not so good with the top down.
So the answer your question, unless you live in Alaska, I do not see a need for the hard top, either in cold weather or hot.
I've found the Wrangler A/C to be great - it more than does the job in hot, HUMID NJ!! Works great with either the soft top or hard top. I do have the tinted windows, so that probably helps.
Heat works great, too - but I haven't been in extremely low temps. The air comes out hot in less than 5 minutes from a cold start.
In catching up on messages, someone had asked about repairs. Only big problem I've had was a blown #5 fuel injector. Harley Jane ran well enough to get to the dealer and was fixed under warranty.
Comments
I have already bought seat covers and Husky floor liners, but I have dust in and on every place that could have dust. I would imagine that the covers for the sport and sound bar will be pretty nasty in a couple of years and they are black.
Still a happy camper.
Hope that helps-
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/mods.htm#bikini
Coons10 - Congrats! Sounds like a great Jeep. Sounds like you got a really fantastic deal. I really like the Sienna color as well and I guess I'm second in line (behind goducks) to steal oceantoads!
Oceantoad/markwarren66 - once you drill that first hole in the Jeep, the rest are easy! I remember drilling holes for the TurboCity bars the second day we had the Jeep. While I was working on them, my wife kept wandering through the garage double checking to make sure I knew what I was doing (valid concern on her part!). If you're planning on leaving the bikini on for extended periods, the no drill may make more sense, but we generally just throw ours on for rain clouds or longer drives on super hot days. It rolls up pretty small so I can just toss it in the back. It's nice to be able to add or remove it quickly.
-twylie
Me(original question):
Question: I am interested in a bikini top for my 1997 Wrangler TJ. What is the advantage/disadvantage to the header bikini? Is the safari a header or non-header model? I want simplicity and durability. I mainly want this for some sun protection while on the road, and also to keep the dog cool in back. I like the regular factory top with sides and back removed, but it can be noisy and flutter a lot. If the bikini flutters also, I probably won\'t even bother with it.
Bestop reply:
Hi , Basically there is 2 styles of bikinis and for both styles there is 2 versions. One is the header version or no drill version and then the other is the standard drill in version. The no drill header assembly forms a clamp action on the windshield frame. The other version requires drilling. It drills onto the frame itself. chris bestop inc
Me (followup question):
What are the advantages to the drill in version? I'd prefer to not have to drill holes if possible, but if it offers something better, I might consider it. What are advantages to the no-drill version (or is the no drill THE advantage?)? Thanks again
Bestop followup reply:
Hi, they are both good choices and seal well. The main difference being the price. The no drill version is more expensive than the drill in version. The advantage is that the no drill is easier to remove and doesn't require drilling.
The one I do remember now is Coons10, so, Coons10,
CONGRATULATIONS!
I am a big fan of the Sienna too. I would have to give that color some very serious consideration if I were getting another Jeep. (Hope Thelma Jane doesn't find out I said that!)Be a regular poster in here and tell all about the fun you are having with that Jeep!
Let me remind all of you new Jeepers that many of us in this group here at Edmunds also congregate in a chat room at www.itsajeep.org (Gill's place). It's a good way to communicate real time with other Jeepers. If you feel at home here, then you will feel at home there. It seems that things don't get too active in there until about 9:00 PM CDST, but I wish we could get the party going earlier, since I'm OLD and need my sleep.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I ordered the no drill header, since I will only put the hard top back on on rare occasions (like if I have to take a trip) until fall. Taking the header off should be no big deal for me.
For those of you that are considering the bikini or safari tops and are wondering about the no drill header, hang tough a few days and I will give you my opinion on the no drill. Yeah, Toady, I will be your guinea pig again.
That top went up from $49.95 to $72.95 since they had me down for the wrong one. The no drill header is $28.95. I will get credit for the $49.95 when I send the short top back to Qtec.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hope you don't mind, but I gave it to my wife. Just not really into doilies myslef.
For the rest of you, my surprise from Oceantoad was a doily that his better half made for me with "TSJAY" stitched into the center of it.
Jean, thanks for making it for me.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I LOVE it! That woman of yours has a mind as warped as mine! I think she and I would hit it off real well.
That would be a great name for a Sienna Jeep!
It's sort of like the pet boa constrictor I heard of named Julius Squeezer.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
coons10 - I know you will have loads of fun with that sienna X. Congrats on buying the most fun (if not very practical) vehicle there is@
Besides, I thought it would help you get in touch with your feminine side.:-)
I knew I should have sent you the pictures instead.:-)
Tom
P.S. If my only two choices were the doily or pictures of you naked, then that doily becomes a treasured item!
(I didn't think I'd ever get to use "antimacassar" on Town Hall; look it up or ask your grandmother what it means ).
And no, happy birthday and all, but you can't have my '49 Jeep truck grill hanging on my wall!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
1) Car wouldn't idle properly at first, but now it seems to have worked itself out. However, there is a noticeable hesitation when I accelerate(especially while in second and third gears).
2) Check engine light came on after five minutes of initial driving and is still on.
3) Right blinker light comes on and goes off whenever it wants to (especially at lower speeds and while braking).
4) The horn goes off whenever it wants too...even if I am not driving the Jeep. (I disconnected the fuse for the horn to temporarily correct this problem).
5) The last thing that I noticed is that the oil pressure gauge seems to fluctuate sometimes as well.
I assume I have a short in the electrical system caused by the rain...anybody know what actions I should take to troubleshoot these issues?
Any help and/or suggestions? Anything is appreciated.
I think I'm going to wait a couple of weeks before making a decision (to drill or not to drill, that is the ?) on the bikini top.
We desperately need side steps though. My wife is having some problems getting in and out comfortably. Anybody have a recommendation? I think I want something that looks pretty close to the stock steps, but some of the tubular ones look nice too. Any thoughts?...
I suppose I should post a picture soon. I'll see if I can get one this weekend.
Jim Coons
Coons10
I have heard that nerfbar steps can be a hindrance when offroading, or can protect when offroading. There is one company which makes a sill (rocker) protector which is also a step. That sounds like the way to go. Otherwise, the aluminum steelhorse jobs look OK.
I would STAY AWAY from anything Steel Horse makes... unless you like rust and poor quality.
Tom, congratulations on your new doily! If your not going to use it on the... (not sure what they are used for) you can always tie it around Ross Allen's neck!? Is Gill's back up?
How about it gang ? Shall we all send Doilys to Tom for his collection!?
dewars
on the bikini tops..I got the NO drill type.
Me with power equipment..thats dangerous.
I would definaltly loose a finger or 2.
the no drill header isnt that hard to deal with.
But..i really am glad i have it..
this ALABAMA sun can be HOT on my balding head
Keep jeepin
BAMA
If you aren't gonna wheel, then no problem, but your Jeep will hate you for not letting her have any fun.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
It was hot and I didn't feel like fooling with it much after work tonight, so I will try some more tomorrow.
I just got the bikini top so far, which I guess I'll send back. I wanted the safari top that goes all the way to the back, and it should be in early next week. I was gonna go ahead and install the header anyway, so it would be ready when the safari top gets here.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Coons, you can probably pick up some factory steps off of one of the BBS pretty cheap. We went with the TurboCity bars which serve as steps and rocker protection. They have worked out well by providing a place to step up on and have done their job while offroad. You give up about 2" of clearance on the sides, but they've paid for themselves already.
-twylie
Oh well, I can see how it goes at least.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hope I have LOTS of posts to catch up on when I get back.
You guys be good while I'm gone. You new Jeepers, enjoy those babies.
I'm gonna take a real chance and drive Thelma Jane up there topless and doorless! I have a cover for the whole Jeep, so I can cover her up while I am stopped, but that doesn't do me much good while I am traveling. It's a five hour drive, so I am really sticking my neck out. Hey, it's worth the risk for the opportunity to drive topless and doorless. According to the Weather Channel, I should be OK, but you know how that goes.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S. I have emailed Gill to let him know his site won't come up for people, so he is gonna check it out when he has time. Just keep trying and maybe it will be OK in a day or two.
I'm not really complaining cuz it's all fun and I love my TJ. It's just my way of saying that the money I was going to spend on your Doilie will probably go towards Tera flex suspension !
dewars
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
C ya Tuesday night.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
JEEPERS ARE ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!
I could take my little S10 pickup to Illinois and get twice the gas mileage, not have to worry about rain or sunburn/windburn, have a real nice after market stereo to listen to, be able to lock the vehicle, and have a smoother, quieter ride.
But.... I'm taking Thelma Jane. What's the matter with us?
C you guys Tuesday night.
Tom
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I have not seen a reply to your post and have no answer to the problems that you are having. The Jeep Club of North Texas seems to have a bunch of folks that are really up on the mechanical stuff so maybe you could get a fix on the electrical. The address is www.jeepn.org
Lots of luck with your problem and please post back here when you get your baby up and running again. What happened to you seems like a problem that lots of folks here could have if Mother Nature was feeling cranky.
Host Steve, am I now banned from Edmunds?:)
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
By "extremes" I don't mean like really cruel weather, but something like 90 degree heat and maybe 10 degree cold.
Could your a/c cope?
Did the heater work at highway speeds?
thank you!
Shifty
PS: Lady friend and I are shopping for a Wrangler for Colorado climate as an all year round vehicle, so this is why I'm asking. So far the config is: Sport, hard doors, two tops, automatic (you know that's not MY choice), 6C. No plans for off-road beyond a few lumpy fireroads. Any other options worth having?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
By reputation, Wrangler heaters work very well, hard or soft top. No personal experience with cold weather here in Florida though.
However, the other year in mid-summer, at mid-day, we were stationary in a traffic jam on the I10 in Alabama. We sat in the blazing sun from 11am till 3pm with the engine idling and the A/C on 'max'. The engine temp moved up about five degrees, leaving running out of gas as our biggest worry (and not knowing whether the traffic would ever start moving again!).
The direct heat from the sun through the glass was uncomfortable, but the cold air from the vents made it bearable. After an hour or so, as the traffic shuffled a few feet, we were able to creep into the shade alongside a semi-truck and then we felt very comfortable. In fact, we even backed the fan from four to three.
Finally, I've seen and heard plenty of people regretting NOT getting various options, but very few wishing they'd ordered less. With the borderline exception of sound systems, it generally costs more to add something afterwards if you change your mind. (Get everything, but especially the Sentry Key system!)
HTH
As far as heating, in the winter it does take a bit longer to heat the interior of the Wrangler than the Tacoma xtra cab, but once it warms up I have to turn the thermostat down to stay comfortable (same as on the Taco). Since I live at around 6,000 feet, it is below freezing at night, though rarely below 10 F and I don't think it has ever been below 0 F here. And we can get huge dumps of snow (though not this year). If you don't think that So. California gets snow, I posted a link to some pictures several months ago...
yellowman
Couldn't find anything on the radio, except that there had been an 'enviromental incident". Checked the internet a couple of days later when we came home..... nothing.
On to other news, my niece Delaney just bought a new Jeep 2 weeks ago! It seems she caught the Jeep bug from her good ol' Uncle. It's a pink "Barbie" Jeep. (She's 4 years old
Gas in Flagstaff runs $1.49 - $1.80 depending on location and grade. I don't mind though. When you factor in inflation, it is about the same price as when I was in high school (1984).
I had the nerf steps on my CJ and loved them. They were pretty easy to remove for rock climbing and they were also a great place to rest my left foot when the dors were off (I have long legs).
Man am I envious of you guys. I still have a couple of months to go before I can order my TJ (gotta get the kids back into public school).
I ran into some guy today with a Sahara and he tells me it takes him "about an hour" to remove his hard top and install his bikini top. Does that sound about right?
Is hard top removal on a Wrangler same as say on most cars...a two person operation?
So..... back it under, remove top to body torx fixings, disconnect wiring and washer hose, attach hoist, crank it up, drive out, attach bikini....... ten minutes if you're slick, twenty if you're careful.
I finally got mine on..
BamaTazz01
Seee ya
BAMA
I remember hardtop hoists very well from my old Mercedes SL days.
I've pretty much decided the 4 cylinder engine is not going to hack it in the Colorado mountains at 8,000 ft. I had my n/a diesel Benz at 10,000 feet and I swear I punched the gas once and it simply didn't move---lol! Like the reluctant mule!
Now a Turbo Jeep, that would solve a lot of problems except I imagine it would really be awful for serious off-roading.
Has anyone ever broken the 20 mpg barrier in a 4.0, I mean in Real Life?
Twenty mpg won't happen, especially with the auto. You might just get sixteen, but that will be before you realise the speedo reads about 8% too fast :-)
Not only are you a happier customer because of the mileage, but your odometer shows 36,000 nearly 3000 miles too soon!
However, as alternate speedo gears are available from the dealer it's easy to fix. Alternatively, you could go the other way and give yourself a lower top speed and thirty mpg ;-)
Actually, a genuine thirteen to fifteen mpg would be a realistic expectation from a six cylinder auto.
HTH
not sure about freeway driving. I dont travel much on freeways.
Took A day topless & doorless today. Got back home just in time before the Rain came in.
Its been raining every afternoon here in BAMA.
I have the hardtop hoist too.
I having a hard time lowering it.
Im not going to worry about that till october/november when I need the hardtop back on.
KEEP JEEPIN!
BAMA
I am (was) in Colorado Springs. I am currently in Tampa Bay Florida. So I think I've had the experiences to answer your questions.
I have a 2001, with the new "sailcloth" soft top. I arrived in C Springs in September, and spent the winter there. The heater with the soft top is fine. (caveat: I did park it in a non heated garage everynight) There were even some "nice" days during that winter that having a soft top that I could put down in 10 minutes was very nice.
I am now in Tampa. The temps have been ranging from 85 to 95 degrees. The A/C works GREAT with the soft top up (I have the tinted windows), but not so good with the top down.
So the answer your question, unless you live in Alaska, I do not see a need for the hard top, either in cold weather or hot.
madman
Heat works great, too - but I haven't been in extremely low temps. The air comes out hot in less than 5 minutes from a cold start.
In catching up on messages, someone had asked about repairs. Only big problem I've had was a blown #5 fuel injector. Harley Jane ran well enough to get to the dealer and was fixed under warranty.