EugeneTheTJ's 2000 XJ Build Thread
- Thread starter EugeneTheTJ
- Start date
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
I'm sure its the exact same as the Curt but I actually got it from Cabelas. Its their basket and I actually have two extensions on there. No complaints other than the powdercoat sucks (just like every other powdercoat I've ever seen). I plan on removing the coating at some point and just painting it.
The carrier is the Detours Knucklebone.
The carrier is the Detours Knucklebone.
screwball48
Explorer
Looking good. How do you like the detours carrier? I have thought about going with one, but I am worried that lifting the tire every time I want to open the back will get old quick.
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
For the price you absolutely cannot beat it. I have a swing-away style carrier on my TJ and honestly this one isn't much different. Slightly more inconvenient but having the spare out of the Jeep (and not on the roof) well outweighs having to lift the tire. It's only a 31 and I am a big guy, too, so for me it's a non-issue. I looked at numerous tire carrier bumpers and to me they are all overpriced and most look like cheap junk. Additionally, I don't really think the XJ body was designed to have much torsion on it from a big *** spare swinging off of one corner of it. Seems like a lot of them sag (even the $1200-1500 ones) and end up wrecking the unibody. Therefore, this carrier was a no-brainer for me.
Plus, Mark is great to deal with. Definitely an old-school Jeeper who knows his stuff.
Plus, Mark is great to deal with. Definitely an old-school Jeeper who knows his stuff.
screwball48
Explorer
Thank you for the reply. I have one of the Detours bumper brow light bars. It is defiantly overbuilt (in a good way) for its intended purpose.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
Been busy this week. First, this:
Beautiful
Before and after (low beam). I need to adjust the aiming but I am incredibly happy with these. I can actually see at night!
Beautiful
Before and after (low beam). I need to adjust the aiming but I am incredibly happy with these. I can actually see at night!
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EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
Then I made it to the junkyard to source some parts for projects. This is the first step in my DIY sPod
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
Finally, I have been wanting to add some safety for rear seat passengers. I picked up the seatback from a 98 ZJ to source some headrests for my XJ.
Before:
This is the headrest bracket from inside the ZJ seat. I cut this off at the bottom and cut the tube straight through about 2 inches from the bracket on each side
This is inside of the XJ foam. Interesting that it already had a recessed area for headrests. From what I read, they came standard on European and Australian models.
Then I welded the tube/bracket to the XJ seatback. Once done, reinstall foam and cutout small areas for the headrest tube to pass through. Finally, reinstall cover and cut slits for the top of the headrest tubes to pass through. Here it is finished:
Color isn't 100% matching but it doesn't look bad at all. In the future I am planning on swapping the front seats for WJ seats. I may have everything reupholstered once I do that to match but I can definitely live with these!
Before:
This is the headrest bracket from inside the ZJ seat. I cut this off at the bottom and cut the tube straight through about 2 inches from the bracket on each side
This is inside of the XJ foam. Interesting that it already had a recessed area for headrests. From what I read, they came standard on European and Australian models.
Then I welded the tube/bracket to the XJ seatback. Once done, reinstall foam and cutout small areas for the headrest tube to pass through. Finally, reinstall cover and cut slits for the top of the headrest tubes to pass through. Here it is finished:
Color isn't 100% matching but it doesn't look bad at all. In the future I am planning on swapping the front seats for WJ seats. I may have everything reupholstered once I do that to match but I can definitely live with these!
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
After months of building I am finally done with my drawer system. Still need to add tie-down points and a cooler slide but the main structure is finally complete. Total investment (not including too much labor) is about $200. That's a hell of a lot better than a generic pre-fab unit for $1,200-$1,500.
IndyRubicon
Globetrotter
Your storage system came out great. Congrats on a clean and very usable system.
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
Thanks! Pretty happy with it.
EugeneTheTJ
Tar Heel
I've got Delta Quadbar H4s on my TJ and I've been pleased with them. LEDs are definitely better but I haven't been dissatisfied with them at all.
Thanks! Took long enough to build! Haha
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