Red Dog's Revival Thread

[Red Dog]

My rig came with Canyons, so I have a special place in my heart for them.
View attachment 95771

Just noticed the running boards. I'd love to find ones like that. Looked into the iBoards and noticed a consistent comment in reviews was "sag" in the middle due to only using the forward and rear most body mount bolts. May give them a try next summer depending on how this year goes.

 

[Red Dog]

28May2019

Buddy from work who bent the brackets on my Off Camber light bar/grille guard started work on repairing them today. I like his idea for reinforcing the horizontal areas that for some reason weren't at the factory. Tempting to reinstall the part after they're fixed due to being so used to the look I'm having issues recognizing my own Jeep from the front. At the same time though, I really like the look of the bumper mounted KC's with the KC light bar and a second set of KC's. So much so that I'm definitely sticking with that plan for the time being. Still not sure how to explain why I like it better other than simply I do.

Had time at work to look into ideas for mounting my fishing rod holder to the rear of the TJ. Came across a lot of ideas to use as beginnings to build something. Whatever I end up making I'm 100% certain I will paint it black (1). Seeing so many ideas on Jeeps at beaches had me California dreaming (2). Would be nice to throw the rods and tackle in the TJ, drive to the lake or maybe the river, cast a line and just soak up the sun (3). Combined with photos I've seen of TJ's with actual running boards and yeah I think I found the parts for the look (4) the TJ has been trying to tell me she wants.

Then I came across what is one of the coolest (to me) posts I've ever seen on a Jeep forum: wood half doors.

Sent a link to the post showing the wood doors to a few friends that do wood working. Two of the three said it looked like a do-able project if I paid for the materials. I MIGHT give it a try. IF I do, they'd primarily be for the nicer days, which there hasn't been many of this year. Definitely want some type of door latch on the outside of them, maybe mounts for soft uppers. I'm sure I will over-think it all before things are said and done. Might be something for the 2020 list and work on them during the winter. I don't know, just kicking the idea around right now due to nostalgia and a ill-conceived idea of what a tropical/beach/surfer/summer look should be. Be sweet, but right now still have higher priority things to do with the TJ.

 

[Red Dog]

31May2019

Why do I have some of the views/opinions that I do? Because it's what I know:

KC lights:

(Also why I see even lifted Jeeps as "tiny"... just sayin')


Red top AGM/non-spill-able batteries:

...and why I feel Jeeps are utilitarian at heart (that's my grandfather driving):

I may be out of date on some views, but at least for the time being I tend to stick with what I know/am familiar with. Still young enough to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things though

 

[Red Dog]

31May2019

KC Light Restoration Project Part 1

After installing a newer condition bumper it didn't feel right to re-install the KC's given the amount of rust on them. Decided to attempt to de-rust, prime, paint at least the nuts/bolts/brackets that attach the lights to the bumper. Not sure how I will clean up the built-in portion of the brackets or the various spots of rust on the back housings. Also want to attempt to clean up the area around the KC logo on the bumper bar mount.

Did some searches for rust remover and Evaporust popped up in quite a few of them so I will at least for now be using that. May use the wire brush on the grinder to try to remove the rust on the built-in brackets and then take a rag soaked in the Evaporust to see of that works and then paint them. May try similar to the bumper bracket mount, or may try it on that first.

Here's what things looked like at the start of this project:

This will be a learn-as-I-go process. Closest I've ever done to this was painting parts on the CJ-5 and sealing it with shellac. Ideally I can have the lights re-installed by next weekend. Realistically will probably be another week or so after that. Not just because of 12-hour shifts at work on the horizon but wanting to make sure I take the time to do things right. Half tempted to remove the KC logo on the bar and paint it red... possibly PR4 Flame Red. Unsure how I would reattach it though, so another area to research into. Time will tell and hopefully I will be able to post updates on the process as things move along.

 

[Red Dog]

05June2019

KC's back on the bumper... forgot to take pics before re-assembling them tho. Stepped outside my normal comfort zone to try something new and installed dark red stone guards. Not quite sure how I feel about them at the moment for two reasons: 1) newer KC logo is a lot bigger than the old ones that came with the fog lights when I bought them and 2) I'm very, very used to them being black.

Going to leave them like this for at least a couple weeks and see if they grow on me:

Either way I go it feels better than having a mostly-naked front bumper:

If all goes well this weekend I will be able to start restoring the KC two-tab bumper mount. Originally was considering painting the logo in PR4 Flame Red, but after seeing the stone guards I think that might be a tad too much red at this time given the lights on the mount will have the red guards as well.

Either way, another step closer to getting my Jeep back to feeling like my Jeep as well as having the look I'm going for at least for this summer.

 

[Red Dog]

06June2019

National Weather Service is forecasting around 4-5 good days in row not counting today. First thing I did after work was completely remove my doors and install my Olympic Safari mirrors. I set out this year to go door-less as much as possible and want to make sure I stick to that. Even around town I have noticed a difference in air flow with the Alien shade with the windjammer removed. May try out using an Alien for a windjammer to see what it would be like, but not sure at this time.

I'm looking forward to getting the last KC light (for now) for the front end. Still not sure what I think of the red stone guards but has only been about 24 hours. Threw a coat of rust convert on the light bar. Going to run with it all black for this summer, if I like it I will look into getting a new one and possibly painting the logo red.

Also took the opportunity to do a very quick, very sloppy mock-up to see if having four KC's up front is still something I'd like. No complaints about the idea (other than the pita for wiring install) so far.

Definitely need to work Die-tech mirror brackets into the to-buy list soon. Bit more involved than the Olympics for installation/removal, but I still prefer my Bestop factory-style mirrors. Does feel nice having no doors and no springs on the dome light switch

 

[Red Dog]

07June2019

Think I need mental help. The two and half hours my Jeep was at the shop for wheel balancing while I was at work is possibly the most stressful I've ever experienced... and that includes deployments, kids, and grandkids.

Other than those tense couple hours it has been a good day. Wheels are balanced, last KC light (for now) is purchased and will be here Monday, found an OEM take-off fog light rocker switch with pigtail that is tentatively scheduled to be here Thursday, and the next two days look to be near-perfect weather-wise allowing me to possibly install the wiring harness for the driving lights. Over all, quiet day.

 

[Red Dog]

08June2019

Installed the wiring harness for center KC's as far as under the hood, through the firewall, and into the cab. Going to wait until OEM switch is here to route wires behind the dash and work involving removing the center bezel. Confirmed that either light plug works using the single KC I have at the moment. Second KC still on schedule for Monday delivery and USPS claims the OEM switch is on track to be delivered Monday as well. Hopefully won't be working past Noon, both for weather/light installation reasons as well as being scheduled to be back at work at Midnight.

Having the center lights work independent of what position the headlights are in has me wondering if I'd like to have the factory fog lights do the same. Will have to look into how involved the process is and base a decision on that.

So far a good and productive day

 

[Red Dog]

10June2019

After an extended shift at work took a few minutes to take advantage of the weather while waiting on USPS. As I was putting tools away the postal carrier arrived and dropped off the parts I'd been waiting on.

I like the four lights on front look (Not a hood scratch, forgot to clean the camera lens again.)

Going to give the look until the weekend, then probably going to put the original black stone guards on the outer two lights. Next weekend will most likely paint the tow hooks PR4 Flame Red to break up all the black on the bumper and accent the center two lights having red stone guards.

For now though, the TJ hasn't whispered about wanting new parts for a good 24 hours.

 

[Red Dog]

15June2019

Finally able to collect all the pieces I needed to get the new driving lights wired into a factory fog light switch and install the switch into the rocker panel next to the original one. Before installing completely I tested out the connections to confirm everything worked as it should. Once that passed went ahead and tightened everything up, re-installed the center bezel and top trim, tidied up the the wires behind the dash, and called it good. Center switch operates the center/drive lights, outer (original) switch operates the outer (OEM) fog lights. Also took the opportunity to see if a USB port would work on the top passenger corner of the center bezel. Looks like it should, will find out for sure in one of the up-coming weekends when I take a day to tidy up all the wiring behind the dash and get around to the numerous smaller projects that have been on the list since January.

Another item off the list

 

[Chris]

You need some of those KC Daylighters yellow smiley face covers. Those things look really classic (and cool).

 

[Red Dog]

You need some of those KC Daylighters yellow smiley face covers. Those things look really classic (and cool).

LOL, I already have enough smiley faces with my spare tire cover

Have been considering a set of vinyl covers in black with the red brushed lettering for the two center lights.

 

[Red Dog]

30June2019

Oy, what a week.

Started as a nice, slow vacation. Then later Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning I lost my brakes. Didn't notice until Wednesday night when I was going to pick up tacos. Fortunately I was just driving slowly down the back alley from my driveway and was able to get stopped, drive the block backwards, and get parked. Initial cursory look suggested front driver flex line/hose had a leak. Spent Thursday looking into what shops in the area had what parts available and decided that I might as well replace the rotors and pads while I was at it. Wanted to go with Black Magics and Centrics, but did not have the emergency funds for that (still on the plan for 2020 though). Got the old parts removed and new ones installed Friday. Saturday was able to get a hold of a vacuum pump to bleed the lines. That's when I realized what looked like an old drip was actually a leak. Removed the inner liners on the wheel well and discovered the hard line going to the passenger side had blown as well. By that point it was almost 7pm, still in the mid 90's F and I decided to call it a day. Talked with my neighbor who's an ASE mechanic and he not only had the tools but know-how and experience replacing hard lines. Cost me parts and a pack of cigarettes for him. Pulled the old line this morning, measured out how much we'd need, went to the auto parts shop (third time in three days) and bought new lines. Couple hours later we had the new lines in, brakes bled, short drive around an empty lot down the street and new brakes were set. Happy Red Dog

OK, between having everything bled and the test/set drive I took the top off entirely. Too nice out not to.

Couple picks of the old lines. Not the best between the sun angle and me not being entirely awake when I took them:

So on the one-hand I got a few items marked off the to-do list (replace brakes), on the other hand I wish it had been better timed/expected. Either way at least the TJ is safely drive-able (and stoppable) again

 

[Red Dog]

13July2019

I have definitely revised my opinion/view of the Bestop Trektop NX. Trying to install it in the rain is a pain (rhymed that on purpose). Past couple months I've started being able to baby-sit my granddaughter on weekends. During the week the weather has been nice so the top has been off. Given the lil' one is only around 14 months I've been putting the top on when I have her to keep the wind away from her. The Trektop is a great top if you only install/remove it occasionally. For regularly putting top on/off usage it doesn't seem like a good fit. Never thought I'd say it but I miss the factory top. Windows attached quicker (especially the rear one), the back corners being part of the top, and the hardware being attached full time allowing a simple up/down really came in handy. First opportunity that I have to obtain a the OEM-style (considering a Sunrider as I do enjoy the flip-back "sun roof" during the Spring/Fall months) I am taking it.

Have also taken the past couple weeks to spend some time on one of my other non-jeep hobbies. Had forgotten how much more expensive (at times) rifle parts are compared to Jeep parts. Figured now that I have the Jeep back "up" so to speak it was time to give the range a bit of TLC. Range hasn't seen use at all this year, mowing is going to be a pain. Kinda' wish had access to an old MB with a mower/thresher attachment Way too much OT lately at work, so funding both projects (TJ and range/rifle) is actually do-able for a while... silver lining there. If I'm able to stay on track I should be able to use the TJ to make some semi-regular visits to farm the rest of the summer. Here's hoping

 

[Red Dog]

28September2019

Finally back from summer hiatus, so a quick recap of what I've been up to.

Been a busy three or so months due to some lower management changes. As a result I found myself being assigned some more responsibilities than my official position would normally have as well as putting in my hours than usual. On the up-side a number of things waiting years to be done have finally gotten finished and I've broadened my horizons in a variety of new areas. I've gotten a lot of practice in soldering, wiring, cable/circuit building, general electronics, and building/repairing TV transmitters. Supervisor has me working on an unofficial "test" using spare rack parts and (conveniently) off-road vehicle rocker switches. Been a nice challenge so far incorporating 12V components from a vehicle into an computer system... although a tiny part of me is concerned I might accidentally create some sort of unintended frankenstien system that morphs into a human-killing AI that takes over the world... sorry in advance if that happens.

Had my grand daughter about every other weekend each month at a minimum. As soon as she sees the TJ she bounces up and down, points, and hollers "eep eep!!". She also gives me the angry eyebrows look if the ride doesn't meet her standards for length. The other day when I had her she continuously re-buckled herself into her car seat while I tried to unbuckle her in an attempt to get a bit more distance for a ride. I figure at the rate she's figuring things out I should be able to have her start handing me tools and turning wrenches in another couple years at the latest. Time will tell

Build for my other hobby is 90% done, so I figured it was a good time to get back to the 2019 To-Do list for the TJ. Have some parts on order for hopefully installing next week. New department head at work has a long list of OT tasks for me to do at my convenience so funding shouldn't be an issue for future parts. He also told me if I didn't take advantage of the two garages at work once the weather gets colder he'll be disappointed. So I guess I will just have to continue to work on the TJ at "the office" as it is. The 2020 To-Do list is changing. New soft top is definitely top of the list. Trektop is nice but just not practical for as often as I like to have the top down but need it up/on for when the grand daughter is with me. As much as I like the look of the Trektop, thinking a Supertop or even factory style is on the horizon. The old bow system and full zip rear window are missed more than I ever thought they'd be. Pretty sure at the moment the second list item is going to be Die-Tech mirror brackets. One of my 2019 goals was having the top (or at least windows) off as much as possible. For 2020 the goal is having the top down and doors off as much as possible. So far the Die-Tech brackets using the OEM mirrors seem to be the easiest/simplest/closest to OEM position system to me. Worked a bit into refining the woody-style half door idea as well, hoping to have them built in the next two years. Latest "big idea" is an idea for a vehicle mounted amplifier/charger/power source for hand held radios similar to what we used in our semis overseas with the Harris Falcon III's we were issued. At first thought it was a pipe dream to try to figure out from scratch but with the work I've done the past few months and the current boss being a member of the program that designed a few generations of the military radios the idea has become much more possible.

Hopefully anyone reading this has had a good summer as well.

 

[Moab]

Sounds like you've had a great summer!!!!!

 

[Red Dog]

20October2019

Still alive.

Work has kept me busy the past month. Between covering for vacations in my sub-department and being the only one willing to work on tasks that need done by winter the OT has been adding up quickly. I admit I'm not as young as I used to be. Given the number of new aches/soreness I can't deny that fact... however I wouldn't trade it for the world because as odd as it may sound... it makes me happy. Feel like I'm accomplishing something with visible results as well as building toward a future I've been chasing for over a decade. Hopefully that makes sense to at least one other person somewhere.

Due to weather changing I've put the other hobby project on the back burner for the time being. Only two or three parts away from completion but I'm also quite a few months ahead of schedule. Still refining the plans for how to make a vehicle mounted amplifier/charger for hand held communication radios. I'm sure there's probably something already out there on the market, but this "project" is letting me use what I've been learning at work in a practical real world application.

If the day goes well should be able to get a few fixes made on the TJ. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Red Dog]

22October2019

Got my KC drive lights working again

Nobody tell @Chris but I might be considering his recommendation to use classic smiley KC covers... might... still undecided.

 

[Chris]

22October2019

Got my KC drive lights working again

Nobody tell @Chris but I might be considering his recommendation to use classic smiley KC covers... might... still undecided.

I think they look old school and classic personally

 

[Red Dog]

23October2019

Lights.

I never realized just how much something simple like a light can affect the look/feel of a vehicle like lights do. I had a feeling about them but this afternoon it really sunk in. I think they may have a bigger effect than tops and lifts to be honest. Costing relatively less (depending on brand, size, purpose) than lifts, rims, and most tops I think the reason they are some of the first modifications some people make might be price. For me lights were a change I made due to often driving poorly or not lit country roads between towns. The amount we had on our trucks in Iraq factor in as well. Lockers are on my To-Do list, but at least for the time being new/more lights get used more often.

Had to make a run to the hardware store across town after work today. The parking lot usually has at least a random couple of modified Jeeps in it. Between the parking lot and drive to the store I saw multiple Jeeps. What stuck out most is the three red TJ's. Each one had different styles of extra lights, which to me made them look different from each other. One had a white LED bar across the front bumper (personally I'm not a fan of square-ish lights with round head lights), one had extra lights on the windshield hinges and across the top of the windshield, and then one... well, it had round red LED fog lights and red halo headlights. I'm not sure how to explain the reaction that gave me other than to say it is extremely unlikely I will ever use the halo style lights. Also saw a few Wranglers with vinyl KC covers. The black with the red brushed logo has some potential in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, I know my tastes aren't the only way to do something or that I'm "right" and everyone else is "wrong". As the better half and I were discussing the other day Jeeps and motorcycles are fun in part because they tend to give a hint of the owner's personality reflected in the changes and choices made. Not everything appeals to everyone, but as long as the owner likes it is the important thing.