While I will admit to casually looking at a Hemi conversion, it's not on my immediate radar. However, if I sold the new Golen stroker for $3500 or more, that might change things.
DO IT!
A lesson learnedākeep it light and nimble!
- Thread starter Irun
- Start date
DO IT!
OP
DO IT!
Every time I think about a Hemi conversion, I kick myself in the ass. Just before Covid I passed on a really nice Red LJ that was stock, except for a recent Hemi conversion. I didn't want to spend $20K at that time. Stupid me!
Every time I think about a Hemi conversion, I kick myself in the ass. Just before Covid I passed on a really nice Red LJ that was stock, except for a recent Hemi conversion. I didn't want to spend $20K at that time. Stupid me!
One thing I've found in Virginia, is there are a boatload of rusted out Rams with hemis. Not trying to influence you one way or the other.
I dunno. If she didn't clearly say no.......
Better to kick yourself for not buying a Jeep then for selling one you should have kept. Wish I would have held onto the black LJ I had. It would be nice to have a clean street Jeep to compliment my trail Jeep at this stage of my life.Every time I think about a Hemi conversion, I kick myself in the ass. Just before Covid I passed on a really nice Red LJ that was stock, except for a recent Hemi conversion. I didn't want to spend $20K at that time. Stupid me!
UKTJ
TJ Addict
Every time I think about a Hemi conversion, I kick myself in the ass. Just before Covid I passed on a really nice Red LJ that was stock, except for a recent Hemi conversion. I didn't want to spend $20K at that time. Stupid me!
Buying that would have been just selfish. Think of the rest of us who want to read the excellent write up you would do on the swap. Some people, just "me, me, me..."
OP
While I miss the Jeep, it was time to let it go. It was with me during a part of my life where I was going through some rough times and somehow served as a constant reminder of that.
Plus, I've learned a lot about building a Jeep over the years and realized all the mistakes I made with it. Moving on gave me a clean slate all the way around.
UKTJ
TJ Addict
That makes a lot of sense, if something keeps reminding you of bad times then good to move on. I'd be interested on what those mistakes were though.
OP
I haven't touched the TJ in a while, other than to drive it. I've got a week of wheeling scheduled in June, so it's time to get a few things done before then. On the list is:
1. Change the oil
2. Install the Barnett diff cover
3. Install my wheeling tires/wheels
4. Check steering and suspension
5. Diagnose a1494 Leak Detection Pump code
6. Paint my factory 1/2 doors
For #5, I'm not going to waste a bunch of time on this one. Largely, because I'll need to spend time researching how to diagnose it and not just throw parts at it.
For #6, I just ordered a quart each of ready to spray Bright Silver Metallic (PSB) paint and clear from https://www.automotivetouchup.com/. This will be an experiment with their paint in preparation for painting both the TJ and LJ armor.
1. Change the oil
2. Install the Barnett diff cover
3. Install my wheeling tires/wheels
4. Check steering and suspension
5. Diagnose a1494 Leak Detection Pump code
6. Paint my factory 1/2 doors
For #5, I'm not going to waste a bunch of time on this one. Largely, because I'll need to spend time researching how to diagnose it and not just throw parts at it.
For #6, I just ordered a quart each of ready to spray Bright Silver Metallic (PSB) paint and clear from https://www.automotivetouchup.com/. This will be an experiment with their paint in preparation for painting both the TJ and LJ armor.
Be sure to check the boots for tears on the steering while you're checking. On my stock & ZJ I was finding torn OEM-style boots every couple years. Replaced them with Energy Suspension (913101G). Those were good and didn't tear anywhere near as often.
I bought some of their paint sometime back. It matched well and is fine for a small area. On a larger surface itās hard to get a consistent finish without getting āstripesā in the appearance. I found that an inexpensive Harbor Freight hvlp spray gun and a pint/quart of paint produced a much better result.
Silver and gold are 2 of the toughest colors to lay out right in my short time experience in the paint world. Painters typically use several techniques with the gun to get the metallic to lay out without tiger stripping it. This is why I love white, lol!
OP
I've done silver before and had good luck. While everything else is pretty good, the hood and cowl are faded, with clear gone, so I'm considering an all over paint job. This will be a test to see how the paint and clear lays down. If I'm happy with the 1/2 doors, using HVLP, I'll make a call then. Since this is a driver/wheeler, I don't want to make it look too pretty though!
Is that Deep Amethyst Pearl / PCN? Thats the color of mine which needs paint but I'm afraid of the metallic. Looks like yours went well.
I understand that. To do half doors wouldnāt be bad , but itās not economical to rattle can a panel or armor. Not very much material in a can.