Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

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Flivver250

Flivver250

TJ Addict
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Jun 3, 2018
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Location
Dubai/Florida
Hello Folks,

Art here. I have been TJ-free for a couple years when I left the UAE. I was in Japan and Iraq for a while, now home in Florida. Picked up a 2002 Sport yesterday. 100% rust free, one owner, zero accidents, absolutely bone stock. Red rag top(one year old) with half doors. I'll start wrench twisting by addressing the exhaust manifold and RMS. No surprises there. Drives tight. I got this with the intent to restore it to perfection and give it to my Granddaughter in six years. Interior superb, awesome original pain, but the 80 year old PO used bed liner on the hood, cowl, and windshield frame (may he rot in hell!) It is probably easier to just buy new pieces rather than try to strip that crap off. Gut instinct is to keep it stock but the devil on my shoulder wants a 2" lift and 31's. I'll post pictures soon. Good to be back!
 
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Flivver250 said:
Hello Folks,

Art here. I have been TJ-free for a couple years when I left the UAE. I was in Japan and Iraq for a while, now home in Florida. Picked up a 2002 Sport yesterday. 100% rust free, one owner, zero accidents, absolutely bone stock. Red rag top(one year old) with half doors. I'll start wrench twisting by addressing the exhaust manifold and RMS. No surprises there. Drives tight. I got this with the intent to restore it to perfection and give it to my Granddaughter in six years. Interior superb, awesome original pain, but the 80 year old PO used bed liner on the hood, cowl, and windshield frame (may he rot in hell!) It is probably easier to just buy new pieces rather than try to strip that crap off. Gut instinct is to keep it stock but the devil on my shoulder wants a 2" lift and 31's. I'll post pictures soon. Good to be back!
Click to expand...

Welcome back. Sounds like you picked up a decent rig.
 
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Flivver250 said:
Hello Folks,

Art here. I have been TJ-free for a couple years when I left the UAE. I was in Japan and Iraq for a while, now home in Florida. Picked up a 2002 Sport yesterday. 100% rust free, one owner, zero accidents, absolutely bone stock. Red rag top(one year old) with half doors. I'll start wrench twisting by addressing the exhaust manifold and RMS. No surprises there. Drives tight. I got this with the intent to restore it to perfection and give it to my Granddaughter in six years. Interior superb, awesome original pain, but the 80 year old PO used bed liner on the hood, cowl, and windshield frame (may he rot in hell!) It is probably easier to just buy new pieces rather than try to strip that crap off. Gut instinct is to keep it stock but the devil on my shoulder wants a 2" lift and 31's. I'll post pictures soon. Good to be back!
Click to expand...

Welcome back! Long time no see. Great plan for your grandaughter. I like the sound of a 2" + 31's. Pics or it didn't happen! You know the rules. LOL
 
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Sneak Peek.

IMG_5093.JPG


IMG_5092.JPG


IMG_5091.JPG
 
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Flivver250 said:
And yes, the bed liner atrocity is an affront to everything I hold dear. It is like a "Claymation" version of paint.
Click to expand...

Probably was done to cover up a failing clear coat, but gosh that looks worse! Best of luck fighting the ghosts of owners past!
 
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Flivver250 said:
And yes, the bed liner atrocity is an affront to everything I hold dear. It is like a "Claymation" version of paint.
Click to expand...

I'd check with a local body/paint guy and see if there's a relatively easy way to strip that. From what I see, it looks like the roll-on at home stuff. You might get lucky and be able to strip it off and buff what's left under, or maybe do a scuff-n-shoot.
 
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I'd get a bottle of nitrous and give it a couple of squirts...or a dry ice bath... betcha it comes off in sheets and the original paint is good.

-Mac
 
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Welcome back to the US of A!!
Cool Jeep, and it's the right color. If I was giving to my grand-daughter, I'd think again about a lift, at least at the get-go. Make sure all the safety stuff is good.
I don't knoe about bed liner, but acetone will dissolve a lot of stuff.
 
welcome back! Looks like you got some nice bones to start with. GrandDaughter is gonna be one happy girl! Get her helping now and she;ll maybe build an attachment to it, so she's less likely to smash it up.
 
Flivver250 said:
Hello Folks,
I got this with the intent to restore it to perfection and give it to my Granddaughter in six years.
Click to expand...

Not to rain on your parade, but her parents might have something to say about their inexperienced (driver) daughter driving a 28 year old vehicle that doesn't have the modern safety features available today.
 

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