CraftsmanCollaborative
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This is an open forum thread relating to the build, travel, and concepts of the Pop Top XJ.
Full Details & Content: craftsmancollab.com
IG: @craftsmancollaborative
Youtube: @craftsmancollaborative
This thread, and build, has been some years in the making.
Reference the updated page directory:
Page 1 --- Intro, History, Early Build
Page 2 --- One Ton Steering, Initial Westfalia Roof Chop & Mounting
Page 3 --- AC Repair, Engine Failure
Page 4 --- 4.0 Engine Replacement, Engine Bay, Break In
Page 5 --- Viper Coil, Cowl Intake, Engine Catastrophe
Page 6 --- Engine Catastrophe
Page 7 --- Fuel Pump, Quarter Trim, Intake & Fried PCM
Page 8 --- PCM Driver Replacement, HP Dana 30 Truss & Build
Page 9 --- Dana 30, Glass Replacement, Exhaust, Trackbar Brace
Page 10 -- Mold Making: Measurements & Prep
Page 11 -- Mold Making: Foam Plug & Hotwire, Gibson Header, Soft Top
Page 12 -- Mold Making: Plug Body Work; Flange
Page 13 -- Mold Making: Primer, Wet Sanding
Page 14 -- Mold Making: Top Coat; PVA; Gelcoat & Wax Failure
Page 15 -- Mold Making: Mold Gelcoat & Lamination, Suitcase Diesel Heater
Page 16 -- Mold Making: Mold "ExoCage" Supports; Mold Release
Page 17 -- Mold Making: Pop Top Gelcoat; Lamination; Final Product, Tail Light Housing
Page 17 -- (Continued) Cedar & Epoxy Headliner, AX15 Rebuild, Fender Repair
Page 18 -- Custom Pop Top Hinges, Insulated Undercoating, AX15 Swap, Crossmember
Page 19 -- DIY Lizard Skin, Bed Liner, Unibody Plating
Page 20 -- Frame Stiffeners, Hidden Winch Bumper
Page 21-23 -- Finished Camper Coverage & Jeep Camping
The poptop conversion/top is not currently for sale, but...
Follow @expeditiontops to stay in the know.
V1 "Jeepagon" - Jeep Camper Build W/ Upcycled Westfalia Roof
V2 "Pop Top XJ" - Fully rebuilt with a production grade custom camper top.
Stealthier and more functional than a rooftop tent for Jeep Camping, commuting and building a livable area in the Jeep.
The Build:
A 2000 Cherokee with a custom molded fiberglass pop top (previously a retrofitted westfalia camper top from a mid model VW bus). All custom fit and fabricated. Eight-Point Roll Cage. Drivetrain overhaul and countless other modifications. Interior camper and fabrication is currently a work in progress. Built to be the perfect set up for Jeep Camping and extended time living out of the Jeep on the road.
History behind the build (skip down for actual ongoing content):
Introduction:
I bought my 2nd (and current) Jeep, A 2000 Jeep XJ Cherokee, back in March of 2017.
The XJ was bone stock, never offroaded, and a Daily Driver.
I drove up to LA from San Diego and bought it within a few hours of the ad going live, they go like hotcakes down here.
It was a fair price for the age and had just passed smog with 214k miles on the clock.
All ran well other than a covered up overheating issue.
Factory Specs:
4.0 liter high output I6 Jeep engine (0331 head)
AW4 4-speed automatic transmission
NP231 Transfer Case
Low Pinion Dana 30 front differential (open)
Chrysler 8.25 Rear (Factory limited slip)
3.55 Gear Ratio / 225-75-15 tires
The first month I owned it I swapped over some 30" BFG K02 tires, which made the rig capable enough to make it up to most of the Jeep Camping trails in the area. I started onto some refurbishing and upkeep while waiting to sell my '94 2wd I had previously built.
At the moment of creating this thread I've done a good amount of modifications, fixes, and have learned a lot to share with all.
I will do category specific posts when I have the chances to and as upgrades occur but until then am happy to answer any questions on my set up.
See more write-ups & in-depth content here: craftsmancollab.com
Youtube Content - Covering The full Pop Top Build & Jeep Build/Adventures
This is an open forum thread relating to the build, travel, and concepts of the Pop Top XJ.
Full Details & Content: craftsmancollab.com
IG: @craftsmancollaborative
Youtube: @craftsmancollaborative
This thread, and build, has been some years in the making.
Reference the updated page directory:
Page 1 --- Intro, History, Early Build
Page 2 --- One Ton Steering, Initial Westfalia Roof Chop & Mounting
Page 3 --- AC Repair, Engine Failure
Page 4 --- 4.0 Engine Replacement, Engine Bay, Break In
Page 5 --- Viper Coil, Cowl Intake, Engine Catastrophe
Page 6 --- Engine Catastrophe
Page 7 --- Fuel Pump, Quarter Trim, Intake & Fried PCM
Page 8 --- PCM Driver Replacement, HP Dana 30 Truss & Build
Page 9 --- Dana 30, Glass Replacement, Exhaust, Trackbar Brace
Page 10 -- Mold Making: Measurements & Prep
Page 11 -- Mold Making: Foam Plug & Hotwire, Gibson Header, Soft Top
Page 12 -- Mold Making: Plug Body Work; Flange
Page 13 -- Mold Making: Primer, Wet Sanding
Page 14 -- Mold Making: Top Coat; PVA; Gelcoat & Wax Failure
Page 15 -- Mold Making: Mold Gelcoat & Lamination, Suitcase Diesel Heater
Page 16 -- Mold Making: Mold "ExoCage" Supports; Mold Release
Page 17 -- Mold Making: Pop Top Gelcoat; Lamination; Final Product, Tail Light Housing
Page 17 -- (Continued) Cedar & Epoxy Headliner, AX15 Rebuild, Fender Repair
Page 18 -- Custom Pop Top Hinges, Insulated Undercoating, AX15 Swap, Crossmember
Page 19 -- DIY Lizard Skin, Bed Liner, Unibody Plating
Page 20 -- Frame Stiffeners, Hidden Winch Bumper
Page 21-23 -- Finished Camper Coverage & Jeep Camping
The poptop conversion/top is not currently for sale, but...
Follow @expeditiontops to stay in the know.
V1 "Jeepagon" - Jeep Camper Build W/ Upcycled Westfalia Roof
V2 "Pop Top XJ" - Fully rebuilt with a production grade custom camper top.
Stealthier and more functional than a rooftop tent for Jeep Camping, commuting and building a livable area in the Jeep.
The Build:
A 2000 Cherokee with a custom molded fiberglass pop top (previously a retrofitted westfalia camper top from a mid model VW bus). All custom fit and fabricated. Eight-Point Roll Cage. Drivetrain overhaul and countless other modifications. Interior camper and fabrication is currently a work in progress. Built to be the perfect set up for Jeep Camping and extended time living out of the Jeep on the road.
History behind the build (skip down for actual ongoing content):
Introduction:
I bought my 2nd (and current) Jeep, A 2000 Jeep XJ Cherokee, back in March of 2017.
The XJ was bone stock, never offroaded, and a Daily Driver.
I drove up to LA from San Diego and bought it within a few hours of the ad going live, they go like hotcakes down here.
It was a fair price for the age and had just passed smog with 214k miles on the clock.
All ran well other than a covered up overheating issue.
Factory Specs:
4.0 liter high output I6 Jeep engine (0331 head)
AW4 4-speed automatic transmission
NP231 Transfer Case
Low Pinion Dana 30 front differential (open)
Chrysler 8.25 Rear (Factory limited slip)
3.55 Gear Ratio / 225-75-15 tires
The first month I owned it I swapped over some 30" BFG K02 tires, which made the rig capable enough to make it up to most of the Jeep Camping trails in the area. I started onto some refurbishing and upkeep while waiting to sell my '94 2wd I had previously built.
At the moment of creating this thread I've done a good amount of modifications, fixes, and have learned a lot to share with all.
I will do category specific posts when I have the chances to and as upgrades occur but until then am happy to answer any questions on my set up.
See more write-ups & in-depth content here: craftsmancollab.com
Youtube Content - Covering The full Pop Top Build & Jeep Build/Adventures
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