Project Scuzzy

[jeff351]

On 7/31/2024 at 9:52 PM, jeff351 said:

 

3. windshield wipers don't work now. They did recently, so I need to dig and see if I blew a fuse.

 

On 7/31/2024 at 9:52 PM, jeff351 said:

 

I'm really good at over-thinking stuff. Pulled the cowl off today...wipers weren't even plugged in. That was a hard fix. 

 

Took it to the fuel pump for the 1st time since the conversion. Funny using the 'new' gas door location. Then ran some errands making a run of scrap metal to the local recycler, and later took it for late night for a cruise - those HF lights up front are very impressive. 

Next week I have an appointment with a local shop to check the alignment and charge the A/C system. Not much left to wrap up on this!

[jeff351]

With the newly rebuilt engine, I was good on oil pressure but wanted a better way to keep an eye on temps besides popping open the hood and checking things out with an IR thermometer gun. I looked around at options where to mount a gauge and decided on this Autometer pod. Its a little overpriced as it required a little sanding to get the gauges to fit, and I ended up using some adhesive to hold them in.  I used these for the oil temp gauge and transmission temp gauge.

 

Really simple to install; Mock up where you want it, drill a few holes, paint, and then install your gauges and run the wiring. For the oil temp, I used an old brass tee I've had kicking around at the oil pressure sensor, and for the transmission temp I installed a tee in the transmission cooler outlet line.  Connection-wise, I previously installed a dedicated ignition-on fuse block under the hood for the daytime running lights, so I ran the power wire from gauges to that.

 

 

[jeff351]

Hard to get my phone to focus on the gauges, but it looks pretty sharp at night. Temps right where they need to be, so just a piece of mind nothing is amiss 

[jeff351]

From the Department of Unnecessary Projects:

 The donor 98 XJ came with a Kenwood stereo, which I assumed was good enough, but I could never get it to sound right. Now I have a new Pioneer head unit with 3 sets of pre-outs,and literally about 1/8" of clearance to fit a 10" sub centered behind the console and the 6x9 speakers on either side. Plus just a hair clearance to mount the amps. Now it sounds pretty stout. Funny thing is, I'm way too old for super-loud music...but whatever. I already have hearing loss from the military 

While at it, I also installed a phone holder on the dash. 

[Drahcir495]

the gauge pod looks so good - especially with choice of color 

[jeff351]

I posted on this thread here but figured I'd tie it into my build thread also now that its done.

 

I got a welded up trailer hitch from @krustyballer16. This part fits perfect, if you need a hitch, this is the one to get.

The challenge was "Will it fit with a Gladiator bumper".

Answer, yes. Minor work involved.

Step 1, fit it up. Yes, the bumper was in the way a little, so I weighed my options and decided in the end that I'd rather make the hitch fit the bumper and not vice versa. So a little modifying was in order.

 

Then tack weld, and check fit. A little trim via Dremel of the bumper was required, but not much. 

 

Once I was happy, then final weld. To reinforce where I cut it, I plated it with a section of 1/4" steel. 

 

Then hit with a coat of paint, and install. 

 

Couldn't be happier with the end result. Not a ton of work and it looks great. Now if I get stuck, there's a legit tow-point. 

 

 

[89 MJ]

Looks good!