My Jeeps new name

[alteredxj]

Heres the story As many of you know i rolled my 88 XJ last summer totaling it. So i picked up a rusty 97 XJ sport to build. After many hours of fabricating and getting new parts Like a new hatch for one. The first mishap happened while welding on the drivers side rocker it caught on fire. The damage was to the wiring harness dash and carpet. After a few choice words and a few phone call i bought its twin a rolled over 98 XJ. A few hours of work and it was better than before then the roll cage was installed and some more fabricating. Every thing was going fine until today. I am still waiting on a few parts so i temperately put the gas tank back in so i could move the Jeep out side thats when my 8 year old son said dad I will help you. I have had him help me before and he listens to instruction very well so I said ok. He got in and started the Jeep all he had to do was pull it 10 feet out the door. I was watching the fuel leak out of it from the bad sending unit that I am waiting for. well he found reverse instead of drive. It hit my steel welding bench and the wood stove. He then got it into drive and tore out of the shop. At least no one was hurt. So now I think the jeep may have its new name (JINXED) if it lives to see even one trail ride. Maybe i will go look at the 88 again......



http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w...redxj/97%20XJ/

 

[CJ]

Unfreakin believable! I'm very happy no one was injured but - now more damage and more work? Crazy! I looked at you album... I'm sure glad Vermont is a LONG way away from GA. I sure don't need any of your luck!

Well, look at it this way, hopefully you have now got all the bad luck behind you and it will be smooth sailing from here on out!

 

[spacer]

A good one. Thanks for sharing that to us

 

[alteredxj]

well thanks to good friends and a few quick emails I now have parts rig #2 its a totaled 01 sport (even Black) every thing from the wind shield back is good

 

[CJ]

WOW! That was fast! Can you send some of those friends down South?

 

[Old Dog]

I think we could all use some friends that work that fast.

 

[alteredxj]

Updates I know it has been a while since I have posted but the Jeep is coming along well and living up to its name. with the purchase of the 01 XJ for parts the hatch has been changed. I then finished the roll cage and Rino lined the floors then the 01 interior was installed. Next I made front and rear bumpers. The body work was done again. Next I made a new cowl induction hood. Then came the paint where more problems came. The auto parts store gave me the wrong color. The only thing we can think of is when I was pointing at a chip in the book they gave me the one above it. Yes I know I could have stopped but I was painting on the weekend and they were not open so I decided the color was not that bad and went for it. Next problem.
the Reducer that they gave me was fast dry and was causing Fish eyes. I am no pro but can spray ok so I was able to fix almost all of them. I did wind up with some orange peel. But its a Jeep that is going off road so it will be fine
(NEXT TIME I WILL USE RUSTOLIUM)

I pulled the axles and lift from my wrecked 88 added a front truss and started the lift. the rear lift was easy it only took about an hour. the front was a little longer first I swapped in my 88s T case then the long arm from BDS and thats where I am at now hopefully it will be drivable today

more later but here are my build pictures (not in order)

97 XJ pictures by alteredxj - Photobucket

 

[CJ]

Thanks for the update alteredxj! Sounds like you have made a bunch of progress and had a little trouble too... We all know that's usual for Jeep projects.

 

[Jerseygirl]

Even you have to do much twice because of your accident destroying the front, I still find you Jeep is growing slowly but better than before.

And the wrongs color looks good too.

Seems you are moving straight forward with your project and I am crossing fingers that nothing will stop you this time to finish your Jeep.

(why is there no thumb up-smiley?)

 

[sigrid]

hopefully this kind of thing don't happen any more.

 

[alteredxj]

Well my last Jeep lasted me 9 years. Hopefully this one lives up to that reputation. Now that I am home from a week trip for work I hope today to get my steering done and mount the swampers.

 

[alteredxj]

Well I got a chance to test drive it tonight. It drives way better than I thought it would the steering is very crisp and responsive. the ride is as good as my stock 98 5.9 Limited . I do mis the power of my stroker motor but this on only has 38000 miles on it.

heres the picture link 97 XJ pictures by alteredxj - Photobucket

 

[CJ]

That thing came along fast! Looks great!

 

[alteredxj]

Update I went to the 4 wheel nationals at the Essex fairgrounds Lots of very nice Jeeps at least 20 XJ and even more CJ's Grands and a few odd balls it was a good time. My XJ was judged and won First place as the best Modified Mopar/Jeep I got a nice plague and a very nice jacket. the best part is I didn't know I was even in the running

 

[coldwater]

They gave you the plague???!!! Just kidding! Congratson the win.

 

[CJ]

Congrats man!!! That's a great Jeep thing!!! God job!