How much was it to get the valve cover powder coated?

 

I paid $100. I opted for a fancier coating though, so I assume it would've been cheaper had I not.

 

I finally installed the oil pump, pan gasket, and pan over the weekend, but I still need to prime the pump. Dropping the oil pan was a pain in the ***. Not looking forward to ever doing that again.

I ordered the Bilsteins as well as the Napier fender flares. Bilsteins should be here tomorrow and Wednesday. It's getting hot here and riding a motorcycle everyday in 100 degree temperatures can get a little old. I'm hoping to get the Jeep all done soon.

 

Bilsteins are installed. I think I'm in the home stretch now.

What's left to get back on the road:
-Trim fenders and install Napier flares
-Install SYE and rear driveshaft
-Add oil and prime pump
-Alignment

Other things I need to do at some point are the transmission pan gasket and filter, transmission mount, and motor mounts.

 

did you get the 5100? curious as to how those ride?

 

Yes, but I won't know how they ride until my Jeep is driveable. I'll post an update when I find out.

 

It's been a while since I've updated this. I was in need of a break from the Jeep, especially due to the hot weather.

I trimmed the front fenders and semi-installed the Napier flares two nights ago with a friend. Still have to do the rear. It was a pretty simple process and my first time cutting metal, so that was an awesome learning experience. The first fender took a while as I was getting used to operating an angle grinder, but the second side was done in maybe 10 minutes or so. I also added oil and primed the pump. I used an 8" flathead screwdriver from HF, broke the handle off, cut off the awkward end, and threw the shaft into my drill. Officially my first made tool.

I'm waiting on matching touch-up paint to come in the mail so I can paint the cut edge of the fenders to prevent rust. Matching paint doesn't really matter in the front since you'll never see it, but you will see the rear cuts when the doors are open.

Progress!

 

Please post with how well the touch up paint matches. I have the same coller on my 2000 Sport and can't find a color match anywhere.

 

Will do. You can find the factory paint code on the door jam sticker. Then you just look for that paint. There are several companies out there that sell matching automotive touch up paint.

 

Hey man do you have any pictures off your Jeep yet?

 

Still slowly making progress. I'll have better pictures once she's out of the garage.

 

I finally reinstalled the starter a few days ago after priming the oil pump (I had to remove the starter to drop the oil pan a while back). When I went to start her up, she wouldn't fire. Starter is working and you can hear it trying, but the engine never fires and completely starts up. I think I know what the problem is though. When I took out the distributor-like camshaft position sensor to prime the pump, I didn't think it mattered how I put it back in. I was following a YouTube video where the guy seemed to just reinsert the camshaft position sensor without caring about any specific positioning.

Well I came across another video last night from the same guy on how to reinstall the damn thing and it certainly matters how you insert it. I'm guessing that's the source of my problem.

 

I used to hate flares but those Napier flares have made me change my opinion, definitely on the to do list when I get back. Nice looking jeep.

 

I agree those Napier flares are awesome!

 

SHE'S ALIVE.

I finished the fender flares today and also corrected the ignition timing. Now she starts up and idles really well. I think she might even idle better now than before. I'm pretty stoked. I have a few annoyances I need to take care of before I can drive her though. I'm planning on getting an alignment on Friday. Hopefully she'll be drivable by Saturday!

I am still going to do the SYE. I'll get that done sometime soon after the alignment. I don't plan on wheeling until that's done.