Char-Broil
November 1st, 2008, 12:29
So recently I took my XJ off the road in an effort to save money by not paying car insurance on a vehicle I drive 3-4 times a month. My dad just bought a 7k lb car hauler and has a WJ V8 so provided I am a good son I will have that available when I am itching to get to Rausch Creek. That being said, I have some plans for my XJ. For now these plans are to keep the vehicle road worthy, so that someday I can get to driving it again. Plans include:
Finish front and rear bumpers: Enough said.
Rag top mod: I know some of you have seen this, and if anyone has pics, please post or link to them! I have only seen it once in JP magazine, it was a yellow XJ that had a rectangle cut out of the roof, much like an old VW bus or the new liberty rag tops. It looked like he just had a pickup tonneau cover rolled up at the back of the opening. It seems like an S-10 tonneau cover for a shortbed, possibly a stepside (if a regular bed is too wide) would work well and be very cheap. I don't like the idea of a cheromanchee or a complete chop because I like the usability of a wagon.
Cage: Starting with an internal cage for stiffness and safety with the roof mod, and if I happen to get good at working with tubing, maybe I'll make an exo.
Rock rails: Built in 2x4 or 2x6 box tube rock rails replacing my damaged rockers.
Belly skid. High clearance belly skid. Maybe I'll buy a TNT kit. who knows.
Rear seat delete: Possibly get rid of the rear seat, or at least make an alternate setup when it is removed. I've always wanted to re-locate teh battery under the rear seat area and custom build a tray for it in that area. Maybe this is a dumb idea - thoughts? I'd also like to build in a tool area under there.
Everything pretty and useless delete: Remove all interior stuff that is not necessary...headliner, sound bar, plastic, (except center console) carpet.
Second gas door: Since I have OBA now, I'd like to add a gas door on the passenger side for use as a storage area for an air hose. I would either make the hose coil up inside or just have a quick connect fitting inside the door so i have air to the rear.
New trans: I'd love to get a NV3550 in there or maybe even a 6 speed.
Crawl box: If I do the trans I want to do a doubler...either 2 NP231's or a 300 and a 231.
Tires: 35 maxxis bighorns.
Lockers: Aussie rear for starters
Also toying with the idea of a diesel swap. This probably wouldn't be for another 1-3 years...
Thoughts, comments, ideas? I'm open to suggestions.
Finish front and rear bumpers: Enough said.
Rag top mod: I know some of you have seen this, and if anyone has pics, please post or link to them! I have only seen it once in JP magazine, it was a yellow XJ that had a rectangle cut out of the roof, much like an old VW bus or the new liberty rag tops. It looked like he just had a pickup tonneau cover rolled up at the back of the opening. It seems like an S-10 tonneau cover for a shortbed, possibly a stepside (if a regular bed is too wide) would work well and be very cheap. I don't like the idea of a cheromanchee or a complete chop because I like the usability of a wagon.
Cage: Starting with an internal cage for stiffness and safety with the roof mod, and if I happen to get good at working with tubing, maybe I'll make an exo.
Rock rails: Built in 2x4 or 2x6 box tube rock rails replacing my damaged rockers.
Belly skid. High clearance belly skid. Maybe I'll buy a TNT kit. who knows.
Rear seat delete: Possibly get rid of the rear seat, or at least make an alternate setup when it is removed. I've always wanted to re-locate teh battery under the rear seat area and custom build a tray for it in that area. Maybe this is a dumb idea - thoughts? I'd also like to build in a tool area under there.
Everything pretty and useless delete: Remove all interior stuff that is not necessary...headliner, sound bar, plastic, (except center console) carpet.
Second gas door: Since I have OBA now, I'd like to add a gas door on the passenger side for use as a storage area for an air hose. I would either make the hose coil up inside or just have a quick connect fitting inside the door so i have air to the rear.
New trans: I'd love to get a NV3550 in there or maybe even a 6 speed.
Crawl box: If I do the trans I want to do a doubler...either 2 NP231's or a 300 and a 231.
Tires: 35 maxxis bighorns.
Lockers: Aussie rear for starters
Also toying with the idea of a diesel swap. This probably wouldn't be for another 1-3 years...
Thoughts, comments, ideas? I'm open to suggestions.