SouthSeaPirate
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Florida
Suppose I get to finally start my own build thread after all these years on car forums.
Think Ill start at the beginning; which will hopefully explain the project name
So way back I decided I wanted to get back into a Jeep. Something about the 4.0 and good ol' simple, practical, and modular Jeeps.
I also decided I wanted the best; so it was 4.0, 4x4, NBS, and MANUAL!
Turns out that is VERY hard to find!!!
So during a year of searching (yes really, I had to get rides to get about or borrow the better half's Firebird), I gave up and started looking for other cheap SUV's with the same drivetrain; manual, 4x4, etc. Sometimes I would bend and go look at XJ's with autos or 2.5l but would always come home empty handed. Buddy told me to give up as I was "destined for a pink tricycle with rainbow tassels". So I did when I came across a 97 Rodeo; V6, 4x4, manual for only $1k. After much debate with the owner I found out he had just left for college the week prior and would still have to unpack to find the title. The truck was still only a couple hours away at his fathers home, so I could still see it, buy it , get it. After a couple of weeks he determines the title is lost and applies for lost title. Few weeks later his father gets the title and then he mails to the son. So after much time has past we finally get all situated; father now has signed title in hand! I am determined to get this thing, I am committed! Out of just random curiosity, I decide to check Craigslist one more time before heading out. Mind you this is over a year of searching on CL across the state on nearly an everyday basis. And the literal minute before stepping out of the office door to get another vehicle, I finally see my Unicorn!
Two hours later and $1400 poorer;
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, keyless entry, full power moonroof, Chrysler 8.25, and coil over plugs ignition. Even harder to find – Zero rust!
Think Ill start at the beginning; which will hopefully explain the project name
So way back I decided I wanted to get back into a Jeep. Something about the 4.0 and good ol' simple, practical, and modular Jeeps.
I also decided I wanted the best; so it was 4.0, 4x4, NBS, and MANUAL!
Turns out that is VERY hard to find!!!
So during a year of searching (yes really, I had to get rides to get about or borrow the better half's Firebird), I gave up and started looking for other cheap SUV's with the same drivetrain; manual, 4x4, etc. Sometimes I would bend and go look at XJ's with autos or 2.5l but would always come home empty handed. Buddy told me to give up as I was "destined for a pink tricycle with rainbow tassels". So I did when I came across a 97 Rodeo; V6, 4x4, manual for only $1k. After much debate with the owner I found out he had just left for college the week prior and would still have to unpack to find the title. The truck was still only a couple hours away at his fathers home, so I could still see it, buy it , get it. After a couple of weeks he determines the title is lost and applies for lost title. Few weeks later his father gets the title and then he mails to the son. So after much time has past we finally get all situated; father now has signed title in hand! I am determined to get this thing, I am committed! Out of just random curiosity, I decide to check Craigslist one more time before heading out. Mind you this is over a year of searching on CL across the state on nearly an everyday basis. And the literal minute before stepping out of the office door to get another vehicle, I finally see my Unicorn!
Two hours later and $1400 poorer;
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, keyless entry, full power moonroof, Chrysler 8.25, and coil over plugs ignition. Even harder to find – Zero rust!
