Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee Forum (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/)
-   Jeep Builds (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/)
-   -   '96 2 Door (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/96-2-door-215238/)

kylemason 10-16-2015 08:55 AM

'96 2 Door
 
Okay, new to this forum, but not new to forums in general so I'll try and keep you all entertained.

A little background on me - I have been redoing motorcycles but this is my first car rebuild. I am starting with a black 1996 2 door Cherokee Sport, we will see what I end with. Back in the day I have a blue 4.0L 1994 Wrangler and this reminded me a lot of it so I felt inclined - plus a friend sold it to me for dirt cheap!

I also have a maroon 4.7L 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has '06 Commander rims PC'd black, after market grille, 20% tint around, Ironman tires, used to have a halos in a black housing for headlights but tried removing them at -20 degree and the plastic shattered.. Oh I also upgraded the stereo to a stock Chrysler Town & Country with the navigation screen.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c970b5cdf0.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...30e3901d33.jpg

So here is the project, a bone stock 2 door 5 speed manual. A "little" rusty but that's the first item on the long list of things to fix/upgrade.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...6b36a0e4a4.jpg



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...13fa4a72f6.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...47dadbb216.jpg


Drivers side floor pans


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7214561177.jpg


Passenger side floor pans

So here is the list:
  • dye the interior a dark gray
  • repair floor pans
  • repair rocker panels
  • repair misc exterior rust
  • '97+ front fenders, bumpers, front clip
  • rhino liner
  • tint windows
  • bigger tires
  • 2-3" lift
  • paint exterior gray/charcoal/black

Here is my eBay page for parts I'm interested in buying and here is my Pinerest board for jeep/modifications inspirations.

kylemason 10-16-2015 09:16 AM

So primarily started this thread to get feedback and ask questions - so those that are reading this, definitely give feedback and feel free to answer questions to the best of your abilities!

Questions:
  1. Can I use '97+ bumper caps (plastic corners) on this '96 bumper?
  2. What overhead consoles can I wire into the '96 (I haven't looked to see if there is any wiring currently) I know the '97+ models almost all have the wiring preexisting
  3. How easy is it to scrapyard find a cruise control and install it onto one without?

kylemason 10-16-2015 06:34 PM

Found a '97 in a town a couple over that I am going to end up buying and then scrapping after harvesting my parts that I want from it and heading home. IF YOU WANT A SPECIFIC PART FROM THIS RIG >> pm me and I will snag it for you for a fraction of what it is worth if you pay for shipping, as long as I can take it off in a driveway and it will fit in my car on the drive home.

Edit: not going now because it'd be too spendy after gas and the parts and as nice as I'd like.. Keep your eyes out for '97+ all power doors for me if you guys would!

kylemason 10-17-2015 06:34 PM

Here are the parks I'm looking for from a 97-01 XJ because the online prices are ridiculous and these are often just take offs for builds:
  • front fenders
  • OEM fender flares
  • bumper caps
  • rear bumper cap brackets ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-01-Jeep-Cherokee-XJ-Rear-Bumper-Quarter-Panel-Endcap-Brackets-L-R-/181766637088?&_trksid=p2056016.m2518.l4276 )


Also, here is the cheapest I could find parts to do the '97+ front panel swap - there are a lot of "bundles" out there but I figured out which is the best deal, I'll be going with the second least expensive one because of the parking lights not being an obnoxious yellow.

As always - feedback welcome.

kylemason 10-19-2015 09:32 PM

Interior Upgrades
 
Taking out the interior so that I can dye it a dark grey. Took out all but a few pieces, stupid stripped torx screws. Cleaned all of the pieces really well and will dye them tomorrow.

I removed the badging and tint. I got really hate 19 year old tint...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...36938470c1.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...9ee8358df8.jpg

I also got bored and sprayed a panel on my car with some spray paint I had laying around. This color isn't quite what I want, its too green, I want a more blue/grey.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...72ef96bf85.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...0f390465e5.jpg

This is the color that I think I will go with, I like the near pastel-ness of it, while still being grey. (turns out this is an OEM color for a wrangler/cherokee, paint code: PDS)

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b42149bf18.jpg

Anyway, more pictures tomorrow when I dye the interior panels and carpet.

kylemason 10-20-2015 04:42 PM

Dye Interior pt 2
 
So today I went to the auto store and got some Duplicolor Vinyl and Fabric Dye.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...fc23b6bad0.jpg

Here it is on the left compared to the OEM color (on the right), is a little bit darker which is good. I wasn't fond of the light grey.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...45f5ee4f42.jpg


OEM is on the right, this picture was taken in the shade


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c0db9af02a.jpg


OEM is on the right, this picture was taken in direct sunlight

I also dyed the center console and the carpet, sorry no beforehand picture on the center console.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...2679cfc600.jpg


Left side 1st coat sprayed, right side OEM


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...e291fe17d7.jpg


Close up of rust stains


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...02e67c7d66.jpg


Sprayed black


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a41647e322.jpg


Took a can and a half total to dye 2 coats just the front half


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8fa1d78646.jpg


Just set it on there to see what it looked like together


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...df07906760.jpg

kylemason 10-21-2015 06:48 PM

Interior Upgrades part 3
 
Here is what I got done for the day - wish it had been a little more but it is what it is I suppose.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1c04e16e53.jpg


Painted the underlay , kinda like the nice glossy look under the **** looking upper piece.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7daf74b835.jpg


On the left is the painted rear panel, decided to make it two-tone for a little more detail, the oh **** handles will be black as well


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...bf5abf852a.jpg


picked up some paint to test out if I like the Anvil EOM Wrangler color mentioned above, keep in mine this was just for color test - don't judge too hard on the quality it is painted - I sanded it the hood for a couple of hours to get as much clear and black as I could, also there is no clear coat on there to buff it to a shine.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a64b2e5260.jpg


Paint while it was wet


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b3694d2e04.jpg


Paint after about an hour of drying

Found the '97+ conversion pieces I need on craigslist in my home town, I'll let you know what I get for price on them.

UPDATE: $75 for the fenders, $50 for the front clip (includes everything but the headlights), and $50 for the bumpers: $150 for everything. I'll need a rear passenger side fender flare and bumper cap as that's where the vehicle was t boned, but all in all a fraction the price of any other deals I found.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...357c19b514.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1f6db38f49.jpg

kylemason 10-21-2015 09:59 PM

Wasn't sure about the color but I went back to the garage and painted a little more any I'm set now, this is the color.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...acdc609aeb.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...d205b5fd6f.jpg

zrace 10-21-2015 10:09 PM

My god, that rust is insane.

kylemason 10-22-2015 08:48 AM


Originally Posted by zrace (Post 3159978)
My god, that rust is insane.

Yeah it is a Minnesota vehicle - that's what they all look like with the salt they smear all over the roads.. by the time she is painted the whole tub will be rust free. Hoping I'll be able to get it as tidy as evguy's build: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/20...blacky-205238/

Very clean and coated for future protection.

The PO had the carpets in and needed wood to hold the driver's seat mounts from falling through the floor pans... said the carpet got a little wet when it rained - I had looked under and knew that it needed a lot of work prior to purchasing it, but I got it for super cheap so I'm not complaining if I need to pay a couple hundred to weld in new pans etc.

kylemason 10-22-2015 09:57 PM

Kind of bummed the only feedback I've gotten is about the rust and not any progress I've made. Other forums have like buttons. It surprises me that this one does not.

zeecherokeeman 10-22-2015 10:43 PM

I have same jeep..96, 5 speed, black...check out my pictures

kylemason 10-28-2015 07:23 AM

Moved the Jeep out of the garage to get it to my welder's to find a dead battery, whoops.. and some of the interior dye didn't adhere like it should have, I think there may have been some cleaning product left on those two panels since I didn't let them dry overnight, I'll respray them soon.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...696f1401fa.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...253c06cbde.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...538dda793b.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7534ce51a1.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...da3e4ee373.jpg

kylemason 10-31-2015 04:37 PM

Picture of the jeep outside, got the battery all charged up and runs like a champ.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ed44863396.jpg

Took the roof rack off and found more rust, no surprise.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5688939812.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...2a11715aa1.jpg

kylemason 11-12-2015 10:08 PM

Finally got the 97+ front clip, fenders, and bumpers. The guy gave me a 97+ center console.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...06c612e403.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4fa2a4f601.jpg

rockosocko 11-17-2015 10:30 AM

I'll jump in!
Looks nice! I've got a 96 2dr also but it's 2wd and I'm going lower.
and I've also got a front end from a '99 4.0.
PLEASE SAVE YOUR WIRING ROUTING/SPLICING in some sort of diagram if ya don't mind..

The pig tail for the '96 is like 8 pin and the harness for the '99 looks to be like 12..?
Don't know why on the '99 they have 2 separate lights and wires for each turn signal.
I really don't like wiring and could use the help and or instruction on how you come out.

I've had good luck in painting plastic by hitting it with quick blast of Brake-Kleen and then hit it with FUZION paint from Walmart or others. It seems to start to melt or make tacky the very surface and holds the top coat better.
Been doing it with Hondas interior for years.

Errol

kylemason 02-01-2016 02:01 PM


Originally Posted by rockosocko (Post 3172526)
PLEASE SAVE YOUR WIRING ROUTING/SPLICING in some sort of diagram if ya don't mind..
I really don't like wiring and could use the help and or instruction on how you come out.

Errol

I will try and document that next time I am out at the Jeep, I have heard it is best to just splice in another bulb to accommodate - not sure how I will approach it yet, long ways off yet!

As for the build the rockers are cut out and I am buying materials for the new inner rockers that match up to the pinch seam.

kylemason 02-08-2016 09:00 AM

To Do List:
  • Fix rocker panels
  • Drivers door swing*/search for '97+ doors
  • Exterior rust
  • Remove rear windows to reseal
  • Get new grille
  • Repair îoor boards
  • Fix gas tank leak/get new gas tank
  • Rhino liner?
  • Roof spoiler?
  • Prep for paint
  • Remove rear windows
  • Remove door handles
  • Remove Badging
  • Remove Fenders
  • Remove side mirrors
  • Remove bumpers
  • Mask jams, wheels, etc
  • Sand, bondo, etc
  • Paint exterior
  • Door handles ($30)
  • Badging
  • Tint windows ($70)
  • Dye last interior pieces
  • Spray driver side mirror
  • New speakers?
  • Rewire speakers
  • Reposition rear view mirror ($5)
  • Led dash kit?($25)
  • Shifter knob ($13)
  • Fix clock thing on dash*
  • Shifter bevel and sleeve
  • Defrost button
  • Fix rear wiper
  • Battery draining?
  • Paint rims ($15)
  • New lug nuts ($25)
  • Taillights ($90)
  • Headlights ($63)
  • Fine tune clutch
  • Autostart?
  • Cruise control buttons and mech
  • Full size spare tire
  • Oil leaks
  • 3" lift kit
  • 31 in tires
  • New front and rear bumpers.
  • Heated driver seat

Anyone know where to get window seals? Mine leak so I plan on taking the windows out while I paint so I dont have to tape them off.

kylemason 02-08-2016 08:20 PM

Here is what she looks like now, have a lot planned for Friday and Saturday. I want to get the rockers done and start on some rust treatment for the underbody. Then onto the floor pans. While my welder does all of the that I will be sanding, removing windows, removing the gas tank, etc. I'll try and post while I do work.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...e7a34f55fb.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8f893a276a.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f57d70ad1a.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7a8d76b7ff.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...61116a2d20.jpg

I also have a lead on some 97+ doors with power everything. I found some, in a town 5 hours away, and thought I would have my work cut out for me finding some more but guess what is parked outside of my welder friend's place - the exact car I'm looking for '97-'01 2 door cherokee - it's even black so the owner maybe more apt to switch with me.

JeepXstreme 02-08-2016 08:47 PM

Alot of work to do!!! Keep going at it and congratz! That 97 up conversion will look sweet!

kylemason 02-09-2016 11:35 AM


Originally Posted by JeepXstreme (Post 3210643)
Alot of work to do!!! Keep going at it and congratz! That 97 up conversion will look sweet!

Just looked at your build and you think I have a lot of work? A complete engine rebuilt is a daunting task, I know enough about body work to get by but an engine would be new grounds. I'll be looking at your build from time to time!

I plan on someday getting an engine from the scrap yard and building it up while the jeep is still alive and running so that when it dies I will just have to pluck it out and put it in there.

kylemason 02-11-2016 10:35 AM

When I paint my jeep I will be removing the windows and the stock seals as they are leaking, so I found replacements but I am pretty sure these cargo window seals are made for the 4 door and not the 2 door..
Rear hatch: http://www.quadratec.com/products/55014_8102.htm
Here is the chat with Quadratec about the cargo windows...
Thanks for your patience, a Quadratec Team Member will be with you shortly.
info: You are now chatting with 'Jacki T'
Jacki T: Hello. Welcome to the Quadratec Live Chat Service. How may I assist you?
Kyle: I am looking for the window seal for the two cargo windows on my 2 door cherokee - 1996
Jacki T: Let me take a look for you. One moment please.
Jacki T: These should work for you
Jacki T: http://www.quadratec.com/products/55014_8100.htm
Jacki T: http://www.quadratec.com/products/55014_8101.htm
Kyle: The parts don't specify they are for the 2 door - and the 4 door (the more common of the 2 models) has smaller cargo windows - are you sure these will fit my jeep
Jacki T: These should work for you Kyle. I have no indication that it will not work for a 2 door model
Thoughts? Like I said in the chat, I'm pretty certain they wont's work.

And I just found this, which specifies that is is for the 4 door model: http://www.quadratec.com/products/55014_8112.htm

EDIT - none of the cargo seals will work; anyone have success finding new window seals?

kylemason 02-22-2016 02:33 PM

I found what I want for paint after seeing this Ducati

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4ff33507ce.jpg

This website has really affordable paint kits: The Coating Store

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...82b4bdbe19.jpg

Here is a guy that painted his with paint from that same website:

kylemason 02-25-2016 02:07 PM

Trying to decide whether I want the original Cherokee logo my 1996 (located on fender) or upgrade to newer body style and have the separate letter style on the doors... At that point I would but the new 2015 cherokee lettering - I can't really tell the difference, maybe a little longer but I have the 2 door so it shouldn't look strange at all.. hmm, opinions?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4da9dd98e7.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f307858600.jpg
Graphite Grey "Cherokee" Badge



Older Style Badge (couldn't source a place to purchase...)

kylemason 02-27-2016 05:36 PM

So I'm pretty sure I will be buying this Jeep. The body has next to no rust on it and the engine is shot. do and engine swap. Replace the fenders and front clip with the maroon ones I got off a 2001 XJ since these are all dented up, figure out how to accommodate the manual conversion. Paint her up and call it good for now. If I come ahead after scrapping the one that started this thread them by a lift and bigger tires etc. otherwise piece it together over a year or so. I would hate to see this one wasted but the body is rough to say the best and parts are adding up with stuff not coming off when I turn wrench.

This is a 1997 2 door XJ, needs an interior panel or two and drivers side glass. The engine is garbage but the is only a drop of rust about a palm size in about 3 places. The roof has what appears a really ****ty rhino liner on it and would be ground off when I painted it. Just little things here and there and I'd be done.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5a4df15a97.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...12acf2f0c3.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1c55438e58.jpg

On a side note I have the misfortune of swapping out my maroon WJ's radiator as that broke - whats that saying about Jeep's, just empty every pocket?

88whitecomanche 02-27-2016 06:24 PM

Nice!!!!!
2 doors rule!

kylemason 02-27-2016 08:08 PM

So if anyone needs any parts before I take it the the scrap yard PM me!

Oh, almost forgot, the 1997 is an automatic - I would be swapping in the engine and transmission from mine - what should I be aware when making this swap, I should have all of the parts since I'll have a jeep that runs the set up as is, just relocating it to the 1997 model.

kylemason 02-28-2016 04:12 PM

Engine Swap Thread & Modifications for Manual Trans

kylemason 03-04-2016 08:48 PM

This Jeep is now giving it's live to a better cause: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/2-...ke-2-a-222961/
Let me know if you need anything off of this Cherokee. As long as you pay shipping from Fargo, ND and a little money to make it worth my while it's yours. Our scrap yards here suck to sell to so I'd get more parting it out little by little then selling the chassis.

kylemason 03-20-2016 08:10 PM

Every time I leave the shop this thing looks more and more barren. Tonight I sold the drive shaft, and took out the cargo windows and taillights to sell next weekend.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...2e8800d417.jpg

kylemason 03-20-2016 08:12 PM

Next week I will be taking out the parts for the manual transmission - pedal, master cylinder, computer, etc

kylemason 08-03-2016 11:21 AM

This will be headed to the scrapyard August 22nd. Let me know if you need any parts, I'd rather sell it than have it fill a landfill or what have you.

kylemason 09-19-2016 09:22 PM

I still have all of the interior pieces. They are free!! you just need to pay shipping!
Not keeping them for long because I have no use for them.

The rest of this jeep is gone, but the drive train lives on in my 1999 2 door.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:47 AM.


© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands