White_Comanche

Here's the result. The bumper pads and keys successfully extracted from the molds. No cure inhibition with the silicone occurred... Cure Inhibition refers to contaminates either being on the surface of the part or embedded into the actual material that prevents silicone from curing properly. Instead of dry and tack-free, you would get very sticky results. The business I'm working with in Denver says I'm on the right track. Next are creating the other mold parts, along with establishing pour mouths and vent tubes.

Much has been accomplished in the past several months. Sure has been a real journey learning about large scale reproductions. It's been both Fun & Very challenging. Every step has been met with one roadblock or another, workaround, or re-thinking. Just poured the largest pieces of the mold blocks today. Really hoping that these cure completely fine — and without any sort of reaction involving the silicone. I borrowed my work building to mix the product. I'll know in the morning if it all went well.

Shoot guys, before these replies get too deep on on AW4... my question was looking for positives of the idea of buying a ZJ. However, mucho appreciato to Pete and derf on that info. Great to know, because that Gold 99 XJ from earlier is still available. To be more clearer, could/would a ZJ such as this be a good vehicle to drive... daily

I see 'AW4' a lot on CC. I don't have much knowledge with the overall history or progression of this model. Or even knowing much from one transmission to another. Is what's in it prone to failure?

Whether your MJ is a sole daily driver — or garage princess — you will always need (and) want to spend money on it — It's all about the love bro

Great thought, and I agree. Randomly a black 2002 2nd gen CRV EX popped up on this same site. The ad seems a little suspect... but for $2,350 perhaps this one is a really good copy. Mine has almost 190,000 and is still very reliable. This one is is not 'low miles' with 176,100 — but it's a start. These vehicles are generally inexpensive and "forgotten" these days. 2nd Gen CRV EX are fantastic vehicles. You wording this simple question back has got me thinkin' now... Thanks a alot

Here's perhaps another reason to keep this thread going... to see if a modern classic vehicle is worth their purchase... for a DAILY DRIVER. A local guy known brought in another decent Jeep. I've entertained getting into a ZJ before as well. Older vehicles sure are intriguing to consider buying, but they also come with their expense. $7,990.00 QUOTE: 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 4.0 liter inline 6 with only 130k miles. Garage kept all of its life from older couple that was recently handed down to a family member that didn’t want or have a use for it. Power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control, ice cold ac, warm heat, good tires, freshly tinted windows all the way around, cloth interior, runs and drives perfect, everything works 100%, the underneath is in amazing shape with no rust, as well as the engine bay is showroom condition, towing package has never been used, and clean clear title in hand. This Jeep is in amazing shape and these are getting harder and harder to find not rusted and cobbled up. Everything is 100% stock and interior is immaculate as pictures speak for themselves. Come see and drive for yourself, won’t be disappointed with this one.

When I first got on board on CC, Cruser54 had me replace the cap, rotor, wires and plugs. The truck ran much better after, but more work got done since then to improve engine performance and startup reliability. Now it runs pretty well after those projects got tackled. I've not inspected my new cap and rotor since installing. Wires all look fine.

Greatly appreciate the insight. You guys must know how to read the subtle differences in plugs quite well. It's somewhat reassuring to know the 2.5L was not a high compression engine. Yes, I agree my results seem a bit low, however. Ultimately this would be a project for way down the road... or even fit for my mechanic. The engine itself runs quite well. Don't think it lags in performance much either. Of course, I don't have a rebuilt 2.5L to compare it to. Will look into the noise further to narrow it down to valvetrain or exhaust leak. IN SUMMARY, the knocking sound is audible at startup on cold days / cold starts. After warmup, the knocking sound calms down... and the only way to hear the tick-tick-ticks is to use a stethoscope. What I'm gonna do later this year is buy a new set of plugs. And after sometime I'll pull them, do another compression test, and document how they look again. My current plugs were removed initially about 1 year ago and I may have got them mixed up between cylinders. Plus, they received the torment of a terribly running engine as I was sorting out the issues one at a time.

Somewhat recently I began noticing a knocking sound on cold starts (during cold months). After warmup, the sound always has subsided. I used this excuse to buy a compression test kit and stethoscope. The plugs are semi-new 3yo NGKs. Cruiser54 suggested them. Guess by now some condition of the engine is now present. KNOCKING SOUND: Upon startup, the sound/vibration is a strong "knock-knock-knock" and after a little warming it drops down to just a "tick-tick-tick". Probe of this tool pinpoints the general area the sound is loudest (top half/front of engine). BELOW: those are snaps of my current plugs along with their compression test results. Numbers may be not be totally accurate... it took much too long taking plug #1 out. So the engine was fairly cold when finally testing.

SWEET 40th !!! Cannot wait 'til my white 1986 starts to identify as one of those cute new jeeps

Go to eBay for your mini console. Don't bother to 3D print this, go for the real deal. Grey ones should be common. Someone on here might even have a grey part just waiting.

SO LOOOL But honestly guys, I'm having fun on here. Bet we got a few "chiming " on some bottles tonight

FUDGE YEA DAWG. Didn't realize I have been driving around all these years in perhaps the best generation. Might be worthwhile considering going backwards with a CRV purchase as well.

https://www.redlinegoods.com/ is where I would point you to. Don't mean to disrupt any fun project going on... but this felt appropriate for the best alternative. There's zero pressure applied because it's leather. If you throw them some money bet they'll fabricate your transfer case boot. Heck, ask them for a custom one for your actual stick shift. It would look tight for shoo

This is not what I expected for Honda CRVs +15 years. I've been driving a 2002 since 2012 and it drives and behaves like nothing else. Good acceleration, handling, 4WD and MPG. I'd say mine even drives far more comfortably than yours. I am seriously considering this XJ. "It's just an automobile" ...says watchamakalit There's lots to consider here. If I'm to pursue this Gold XJ I'll be keeping in touch with you guys.

I'm totally in the same boat as you are. For this kind of money I could easily get into a newer Honda CRV that I've had in mind for a few years now. Agreed, it probably wouldn't be as practical as a modern vehicle. I've been entertaining going backwards with how overly-computerized new vehicles have become. I've been envious seeing really nice XJs running around town... then this gold one came about locally.

It's honestly a very clean XJ inside and out with zero rust nowhere. The only immediate thing to do is replace the tires. The left front strut will need to be fixed down the near future as well. To answer your question, it would still be fairly low miles and be in good shape in 5 years if I was the new owner. Clearly the seller didn't need to get 17k for this since he lowered the listing price after a short period of time. The ad is not getting very many clicks either. It's a neat older vehicle. But for now I'm liking the money I have in the bank more.

Yeah... there's this. I'm NOT 100% Out on this yet. I've been keeping an eye on it. Has dropped 1k since I last drove it. I understand overpaying for something you want... but I also understand the fee of convenience.

Appreciate the words of encouragement. Team Comanche Club helped me decide not to act on buying this XJ. Think I still want one sometime in the future, but for now my baby is the 1986 MJ that's nestled in the garage. A few nights ago I linked the seller this thread to illustrate that he's got it listed at an absurd price. Probably didn't like the push back from researching its honest value. Bet he's hoping some dope will hook with its inflated price.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me better understand what an old XJ like this is all about. Definitely had rose tinted glasses yesterday, and even while I posted this topic. Thinking that my insurance would NOT go all-in on coverage for this was not even on the radar.

Subtle wear indicates to me it has been driven on a somewhat routine basis. Don't think it was covered in a thick mat of dust like you see on Discover+ shows. Yes, tires need replaced. Wish I took a few shots of the engine compartment. The vehicle is very clean throughout. The plastic bits and hoses look supple. Engine mounts look like new. Intake manifold and rest of engine was free of any oil and dirt grime. Also, it didn't look like it had detail job. Dude is already texting me of similar XJs being sold recently online for 17k. If I get a good feeling at the right time I may offer 12k for this one.

WORD

I appreciate the honest insight guys. Unfortunately I doubt the guy will go any lower than 17k, he is known for not budging on price. When driving yesterday, it did feel quite solid — but it still is 26 year old Jeep. It's mine if I wanna take the dive, but this would deplete my saved nest eggs. I'm afraid this might turn into another project vehicle, rather than a care-free daily driver.