Alright, so here I am. The name’s Ron, and this is my wife Liz’s 1999 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Sport, with just 165K on the clock. 
Hello from Wilmington, NC!
At first glance, it might not seem all that special—3-speed automatic, Dana 30 front/35 rear, soft top, full doors, and a set of 31x10.50R15 Atturo Trail Blade A/Ts on stock rims. Basically, “bone stock.”
But here’s what makes this one special to us: Liz and her late father, Steve, bought it together back in March 2000. Steve passed away from complications with COVID-19 on Thanksgiving Day, 2020, and to say this Jeep holds a special place in her heart is an understatement.
A Rough Road Before the Comeback
Now, let’s talk about how this poor Jeep ended up off the road. Liz’s ex-husband—who had the mechanical know-how of a rotting mushroom—managed to put it out of commission just before their divorce in 2015. (Don’t even ask what he did. It’s a horror story.
)
Fast forward to 2018: Liz and I met in an MS support group (we both have MS), and little by little, we’ve been bringing the TJ back to life. Between our physical challenges, time constraints, and the fact that we have three other vehicles—including my daily driver, a 1991 Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E 2.6) that demands its own fair share of wrenching—progress has been slow but steady.
The Big Milestone!
That brings us to today: for the first time since 2016, the TJ is finally ready for its safety inspection and registration!
What’s Been Done So Far:
New fuel tank
New fuel sender
New spark plugs + wires
Oil + filter change
New air filter
New TPS
New idler pulley
New radiator + coolant reservoir
New front brake pads, rotors, calipers
New headlamp switch
New door limiting straps + footman loops
New windshield wiper motor, control stalk, and wipers
Full LED lighting upgrade (headlamps, tail/brake, side markers, signals, CHMSL)
New OEM-style fender flares
New 31x10.50R15 Atturo Trail Blade A/T tires
New LED off-road lamps
What’s Next?
Audio Upgrade:
Cosmetics & Maintenance:
I’ve been lurking for a while and have already found tons of helpful info here—so thanks to everyone for that!
I’ll try to post more pics and videos along the way. (I’m an avid photographer and drone pilot, so expect some decent action shots.
) The photos below are from last weekend, after installing the flares, lights, and third brake light. Heck, I even got the LED signal lights and side markers to work correctly on the first attempt! 
Looking forward to sharing the journey with y’all!
Cheers,
Liz & Ron
*** BEFORE ***
*** AFTER ***
*** VIDEO OF THE FUNCTIONING HEADLAMPS, MARKER LAMPS + SIGNAL LAMPS! ***
Hello from Wilmington, NC!At first glance, it might not seem all that special—3-speed automatic, Dana 30 front/35 rear, soft top, full doors, and a set of 31x10.50R15 Atturo Trail Blade A/Ts on stock rims. Basically, “bone stock.”
But here’s what makes this one special to us: Liz and her late father, Steve, bought it together back in March 2000. Steve passed away from complications with COVID-19 on Thanksgiving Day, 2020, and to say this Jeep holds a special place in her heart is an understatement.
A Rough Road Before the Comeback
Now, let’s talk about how this poor Jeep ended up off the road. Liz’s ex-husband—who had the mechanical know-how of a rotting mushroom—managed to put it out of commission just before their divorce in 2015. (Don’t even ask what he did. It’s a horror story.
)Fast forward to 2018: Liz and I met in an MS support group (we both have MS), and little by little, we’ve been bringing the TJ back to life. Between our physical challenges, time constraints, and the fact that we have three other vehicles—including my daily driver, a 1991 Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E 2.6) that demands its own fair share of wrenching—progress has been slow but steady.
The Big Milestone!
That brings us to today: for the first time since 2016, the TJ is finally ready for its safety inspection and registration!
What’s Been Done So Far:
New fuel tank New fuel sender New spark plugs + wires Oil + filter change New air filter New TPS New idler pulley New radiator + coolant reservoir New front brake pads, rotors, calipers New headlamp switch New door limiting straps + footman loops New windshield wiper motor, control stalk, and wipers Full LED lighting upgrade (headlamps, tail/brake, side markers, signals, CHMSL) New OEM-style fender flares New 31x10.50R15 Atturo Trail Blade A/T tires New LED off-road lampsWhat’s Next?
Audio Upgrade:- New double DIN head unit (TJ gets my 7” Atoto S8 since my Merc is getting a 9” Atoto X10)
- New dash + soundbar speakers (Recoil RCX46 + REM525 components)
- Dash tweeters (leftovers from my Merc build)
- Under-seat subwoofer (Recoil SL1789 – same as in my Merc)
Cosmetics & Maintenance:- Refurbish bumper end caps
- New spare tire cover
- Neoprene seat covers (open to recommendations!)
- Clean + polish stock ‘Canyon’ alloys (or powder coat if needed—again, open to suggestions!)
- Thorough wash, wax, and interior detailing
- Possibly new front + rear bumpers (if Liz decides to veer from the stock look)
I’ve been lurking for a while and have already found tons of helpful info here—so thanks to everyone for that!
I’ll try to post more pics and videos along the way. (I’m an avid photographer and drone pilot, so expect some decent action shots.
) The photos below are from last weekend, after installing the flares, lights, and third brake light. Heck, I even got the LED signal lights and side markers to work correctly on the first attempt! Looking forward to sharing the journey with y’all!
Cheers,
Liz & Ron
*** BEFORE ***
*** AFTER ***
*** VIDEO OF THE FUNCTIONING HEADLAMPS, MARKER LAMPS + SIGNAL LAMPS! ***
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I find that they have some great products available and their return policies are better than most other retailers, never mind the price and shipping speeds.
