BaileyXJ

First off, I'm a total greenhorn when it comes to anything 4x4. I had a choice and went with classic cars over 'go anywhere' but I finally got a reasonable project that a mid-recession college grad could afford on a decent budget.
Anyways, I hope to use this as a way to keep my planning organized and keep detailed records of the build.

I recently got a $300 1991 XJ that was a police K9 unit (gotta love police auctions "we don't know if it runs..."). The jeep has low mileage but clutch needs a lot of revs to shift (normal?). No leaks and local garage said "salright!"

Now this vehicle is raw, rear doors have sheet metal interior panels and if the was a console it is long gone. Instead of a rear bench there is just a carpeted bedliner. Lets just call this the super base model as far as interior and trim goes.

I played around window shopping on various websites for awhile ('let's make a $3k wishlist!') then I decided to be realistic and found these forums.

Here goes:
*a daily-driver with boosted hps/mpgs that can handle cross country trips (intake, plugs, exhaust, ?)
*2 inch lift (spacers or proper sized springs and shocks?) just to get some super wide tires on (29x11.5 or 30x12.5)
*fab tube bumpers, skid plates, sliders, center console, make rear interior a camper (its just my girl and our golden retriever who was way stoked on all the new dog smells

The sky is the limit with this thing cause all the tough sacrifices, scratches and everything else has sorta been made already. Pics of the jeep and monastery-bare interior to come.

BaileyXJ

So nothing has happened yet. Registration and title issues... I guess service vehicles didn't need registration or something. "Suspensed" was the word. I can only make it to the DMV once a week because I have to bum a ride. Good thing (?) I don't have a job right now...

Oh and the XJ is in a lot on the other side of town, hence the lack of pictures.

But first planned mod is to heat/soundproof the cabin. I really like to hear my music and I live in the desert.
I've read about spraying bedliner and then dropping adhesive mylar or putting the reflective-foamy sunshades under the headliner. I even saw (though heat/soundproofing wasn't the intended application) someone use the industrial foam that dovetails together like puzzle pieces.

The plan is: bedliner everywhere, then make headliner and carpet pattern out of sunshade and foam pad respectively, 3M sunshade pattern to pan/roof, 3M foam same way, tack down new carpet. Should add about 3/4" of padding all around.

Of course this all would be an exercise in futility without a decent stereo and even better speakers since the cabin will now ideally have the acoustics of a pillow.

BaileyXJ

And so it begins...


So.... this is the first time I've seen the interior in the daylight and 'broken in' does not begin to describe the driver's seat.

Look at that swagged out lean, seat bottom has classic dip towards door but i have never seen a seat back that effed.

Constant a/c on the right wheel well to keep dog refreshed.

Big Gulp cupholder that is totally in the way of e-brake... fatty security guards...



Sheet metal interior panels ftw!

Every jam and window seal have at least one major leak (discovered while giving it a bath) so prognosis: cancer .

Ripping out interior today .

98CherokeeLimit4x4

Looks like its worth every bit of $300

BaileyXJ

Remove floor, expose rust...

Butt Cancer!


Stiffened frame?



Wire cluster****. It appears the engineering method was to just clip existing wires, leave them hanging and just add more wires.

Bonus amp..

Negative leaf springs

Transfer case skid!

Front skid!

Found some cool stuff and some big projects. Seats are first.

98CherokeeLimit4x4

Get a 4.5 inch lift youll regret it if you dont go half way big

BaileyXJ

First mod ever! So the gangster lean on the driver's seat is comfortable till about the end of the block.

How do I make the driver's seat as good as the passenger's?

*making magic*


Presto change-o

Driver's seat is super great but somehow in the process the passenger side is now the raggedy worn out one.

BaileyXJ

Oh big time and especially since the leafs are a 'lil worn out' .. If its not broken don't replace it, but if it is then make it better.

98CherokeeLimit4x4

Yep better go ahead and make it a long arm kit so it rides smoother lol

BaileyXJ

I'm totally gonna do it!!! One thing though, can I borrow your credit card?

98CherokeeLimit4x4

Your Request has been canceled haha.

BaileyXJ

New plan: "crowdsource" funds, build awesome Jeep with the fast money, drive expensively bad*** Jeep... far far away

BaileyXJ

Gotta give props to the one who inspired us to get the XJ


Her Fluffy Duchess, Baileyton von Doggypants of Wooften a.k.a. "Lil b," "Bot," "Boozers," "Chuckle-face," "Skuger," "Sharikov," "Roo," etc.

Needless to say, Bailey is the best Golden Retriever ever... that I know, that is named Bailey, that is female, that is sitting next to me right now, that isn't compared to any other Goldens...

cf1k1

Whats with the lights in the back of the hatch?

smilen724

thats a killer jeep for $300!! go for the 4.5" lift and a set of 33s. you might as well make it a wheeler for 300 bucks haha