I Bought My Dream Car and it's an Old Jeep!

[@vincentevans2286]

The Jeep TJ really is a "dream car". I purchased my 2003 TJ new. It has over 260,000 miles now and does not use a drop of oil nor leak as drop of oil. It is my daily driver. Great around town and OK on the hwy. It converts to "motorhome" configuration when I go camping. I remove the passenger seat, add a shelf that extends from the dash to the rear window. Cover it with 4" foam and I have a 6'2" long comfortable bed. All camping gear fits under the shelf. During a 26 day vacation last year, a friend in another TJ and I did 20 high mountain passes in Colorado. The TJ's worked much better on the narrow high mountain passes than the newer wider Jeep models. Hate Gladiators on narrow trails.😠

[@ProjectBilld]

That's awesome! At one time I was trying to figure out how to sleep in mine without taking out the passenger seat... Never did come up with anything haha

[@robinhanscom1882]

I also have a 2003 tj . I love it,has no rust ,no death wobble,(fixed that with an adjustable castor) easy to fix,and just fun to drive.

[@evyam.gooberhere]

These are some quality mods. I had no idea about steaming old foam 👍

[@chriscarpenter5139]

You bought the best one ever those model years and 4.0 inline 6 is the best engine ever

[@kidcompany]

Just picked up my first jeep - 1979 CJ5 V8. Love it!

[@ProjectBilld]

Awesome! Love the CJs

[@mistrotech]

Great professionally done and informative video. As an owner of a 2001 Sport Wrangler, I look forward to more of your videos!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I've been taking time off after having my first kid but I'm back at it now, should have a new video out in the next few days and looking to make some jeep related videos soon

[@jake-hy2zb]

I just found your channel and I'm glad I did. My Jeeps are all CJ and YJ that I am building for my grandsons. They are about to finish college so they will have a fun toy, not a driver and far from stock but fun. Even though our goals are different I can appreciate the time and effort you put into your projects. Clean and thought out. Congratulations. You have a new sub.

[@Wrangzilla]

Right on man. Back in 1996 I bought my first Jeep while stationed in San Diego. A 1997 Jeep TJ. Since then , I’ve owned 3 TJ’s, 2 JK’s, and my current Jeep, a heavily built 2020 JLUR. My next and probably last Wrangler will be a project TJ

[@zacharywhitted1590]

I’ve done car audio for years, u did a really clean install and used excellent gear! Nice job

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! If I'm going to put the time in might as well make what gear I install worth it!

[@JBrau4321RC]

Love the video! I bought my dream car last fall...a 2004 TJ Rubicon :-) Mine is red.

[@vigilantemotors]

Sweet rig I am sure of that!

[@ArtbyPatrickPetruccello]

Love how 20 plus years later they used the seat cover attachment system for the soft top on the JL

[@haroldbastow6385]

Upgraded my 2006 TJ a year ago. Did the exact stereo upgrade as you did and for the same reasons. The thing I did do in addition was buy a mono amp for the new 8” subwoofer mounted in the center console. The amp fit right under the steering column where it’s easily accessible to make adjustments. Since then, I built subwoofer enclosure and mounted it above where the back seat would be if it were installed. It’s attached to the roll-bar and doesn’t obstruct my vision. You made a great video for others. Great job!!

[@robc.5745]

I agree about Crutchfield ,They have what you need.I have used them since 1980.

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thanks for a great video. I agree, love my jeeps. I currently have three different models, YJ, TJ, and JK unlimited. They all have a different drive feel.

[@ProjectBilld]

Oh that's awesome! Which one do you like best?

[@autotrimmers6353]

I have an 08 and want to add a tj 2000 4.0L heard those are nearly bulletproof

[@ProjectBilld]

They are. But if I were going to go through the trouble and cost of swapping engines I'd opt for an LS or similar

[@motivationmoneywellness]

You are good at showing and explaining the small stuff as you move along

[@ProjectBilld]

Appreciate that!

[@wolframokeefe6044]

I have a 97 TJ i got in 05. Love it immensely. 4" lift, 37 swampers, 360 magnum/nv4500/241tc/5.13 gears/hp44 front/8.8 rear/3 link fr, 4 link rear(long arms), 8274 winch, anti rock swaybar, currie currectlync steering, procar seats, etc. Theres not much i havent tried over the years as far as mods. Yer off to a very good start with a rubicon! I look forward to more of yer vids 😊

[@ProjectBilld]

That's a serious list of mods. Did you do all of them at once or were they spread out over the years?

[@wolframokeefe6044]

@@ProjectBilld Over the years. It was totally stock when i got it(4.0/ax15/231tc/dana 35, 30 axles)I had a mercedes diesel in it before the magnum as well lol. Great economy but wayy too slow. Very first thing i learned when i got my jeep was the jeep wave lol. I couldnt figure out why i was being waved at. I thought only motorcycles n truckers waved at each other. Found out at a jeep camping we also wave. Good times lol

[@jaycastillo9313]

I built so many cars with my dad growing up. So glad you mad this video. Just bought my first Jeep (2001 wrangler) and I hope my son loves it too

[@ProjectBilld]

I'm sure he will as you build memories together with it!

[@flyingfoxfilms]

omg, I just got a 2001 wrangler!!

[@your2nd]

Going to steal the stirrup idea, love it ! Getty up little TJ !

[@8054x4]

That is a great Jeep to have as a dream car. I have owned a 04 Jeep rubicon since new and still love it. Mine only has a 2” JKS lift on it. Keep the video coming.

[@thomasmorris2852]

Excellent choice! I owned an 04 rubicon for 11 years, bought it 4 years old. BEST jeep of the 6 I’ve owned including yj’s tj’s and a jk! Both tj’s I owned were amazing and never had any serious problems, well built and durable! My 2000 sport 4.0L manual got sold to my brother in virtually as good of shape as it was when I bought it 6 years earlier and he drove it another 9 or 10 years with no major mechanical issues. The 04 rubicon held up just as well if not better! Hope you have the same luck with yours!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! The 4.0s are awesome engines and I hope I can keep mone going for a long long time

[@jjtt7408]

good luck young man / happy for you that you got what you wanted / enjoy

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@TheTrump]

Great video and an excellent narrative.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@kriztineBee1428]

Great video! I too have always wanted an older jeep and you gave some great tutorials on simple upgrade.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! Do you have plans to get that older jeep?

[@indridcold8433]

The only goal I have ever accomplished in my life was to obtain my dream vehicle, the last classic Jeep. When I started my life with her back in late 1996, I had no idea she was going to be the last model of the traditional Jeeps. She was labeled a 1997 but it was late 1996. The TJ proved to be the last model of the traditional Jeep. Today, I still have my dream vehicle. I will never part with her.

[@markdavis2803]

Same here. 2005 model. #TJforlife

[@indridcold8433]

@@markdavis2803 There was a fire this year. The Engine wiring loom caught fire. I emptied two fire extinguishers and cut the battery cable with a bolt cutter to stop the current. The engine compartment was scorched with many burnt parts. The bonnet was scorched with holes on it. The grill was black and the headlights broken. For anybody else, my dear RMS Stargazer would have been committed to the salvage yard so that other old Jeeps may continue forward using her parts. But this was my childhood dream. The only goal I have ever accomplished in my life. I had my beloved taken home, much to the confusion of he tow truck operator. I let her stay in her bay, quietly for about three months, then the collecting of old parts and aftermarket parts were all ready to install. It was a labour of love. But she runs again! However, she got the AMC rattle that the AMC 242ci I6 is infamous for. She did not have that before the fire. But she is running. Love will conquer the eventual engine failure, as well. The AMC rattle usually means only 200.000 more miles until engine failure.

[@ProjectBilld]

Sorry to hear about the fire but glad you got her running again!

[@momohanakai2430]

I have a 1987 YJ, love her to death. She is my lovely girl.

[@indridcold8433]

@@momohanakai2430 That engine will take a direct bolt-on of the 4.0 cylinder head with the direct fuel injection configuration making a more powerful engine than the 4.0 and the 4.2! I had a YJ made out of pieces. But it became such a confusing thing to work with thst I parted with her. That is why I got her so affordably. She had a 93 4.0 for the engine, an AX-5 transmission, the serial numbers did not match on the doors, tub, and engine. Parts were so hard to find until I pulled the old part first. But the bug was spreading throughout my body! I got my current RMS Stargazer because of Murphy, my "1990?" YJ Wrangler. I had Murphy nine years.

[@Lutzboater]

I would love to own a 1956 Chevy 2 Door Nomad Station Wagon. Had one when I was in the service but sold it. Congratulations on you Jeep and look forward to future renovations you're goin to do to it.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's a neat car! Is it a wagon version of the bel air? That hatch/tailgate combo is very unique too

[@pb7133]

Loved my jeep when I had it. Didn’t realize how much I appreciate driving on the highway with cruise control, auto transmission, and no road noise. Would consider getting another one but I need to have my daily and use the jeep for fun or weekends

[@ProjectBilld]

I agree with you. We have a family car with lots of features that make it great for daily driving, and I use my jeep mostly for fun

[@LVROULETTE]

That was a really good video. Honestly, one of the best videos I have watched in a long time. Great job!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you! Your comment means a lot

[@p47rr]

I bought a stock head unit off of eBay that was upgraded to blue tooth. Wife said she likes jeeps. Back in 2012. I noticed a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport at a local dealership that had only 30,000 on it. We lived in Michigan at the time. But the prior owner didn’t drive it in the winter. So I bought it. It’s a soft top. Only options that came on it are air conditioning, automatic transmission and larger tires. It now has 95,000 miles. We moved to Florida in 2013 and then Alabama in 2021. We have all ways stored it in our garage. But it needed a good detail. Just got it back from a professional detailer. He spent over twenty hours on it. It looks amazing. Before that I found a local mechanic that only works on Jeeps. And he works out of his home. Had him go through everything. Before the detail. He only charges $80 per hour. So rear main, oil pan gasket, fuel pump,valve cover gasket, pion seals, reseal differential covers, brake booster, master cylinder, slotted front disks, pads, drums and pads, thermostat, heater hoses, radiator hoses and serpentine belt. And five new BF Goodrich TA K2 tires. Found a local company that repairs automotive interiors. And they repair hard plastics, leather and vinyl. Like yours my door panel is cracked. So I’m going to have that done next. Some of the items above I installed or replaced myself. But I make a good living. And it’s easier on the back having someone else do some of the work. Congratulations on yours.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I can tell you love your jeep. Still haven't gotten around to fixing my door panels ha

[@thefrugaljeeper4054]

I remember when I bought mine two years old and now it’s a 25 year old. Still runs with no issues.

[@Chardister70]

I hope you will film more updates to your jeep. I really like seeing what you've done and will do in the future.

[@ProjectBilld]

I definitely will! First kid on the way so other projects are taking priority right now

[@Chardister70]

@@ProjectBilld totally understand, congratulations!

[@---rg1gb]

Great job with this. I'm thinking about buying a TJ myself. Trying to learn what to look for and what to look out for.

[@ProjectBilld]

There are some great guides on what to look for on the wrangler tj forum

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

My parents used to have a 2002 Jeep. My mother sold it towards a really good friend. The Jeep has a plow with it. I remembered driving it w/o them around. It was an automatic which I can drive it. My father had a 1983 CJ-7 Jeep that he got in the early 90’s. It had less rust on it when he first got it. He gave it away towards another friend for clearing the front of the house. It had rust around the Jeep. It was an automatic,too.

[@beachteesh38]

Great video. Love your new ride!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! 2 years have gone by somehow. Still love it

[@robertthrem3382]

I just put hundreds of hours in mine. Torque box to floor sections back sill torque bushing for body ground the paint down to the bare bone epoxy primer sand able primer. Paint and clearcoat about 4 coats. It’s a two hour everyday project. And front fenders everything painted under everything and back bumper.😅

[@hunterphfr]

I bought mine in ‘98. It’s been my daily driver ever since.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's awesome! Glad to hear it's still going

[@relmdrifter]

3:19 yeeuup I :heart: my 2000 TJ I've had since '06

[@rookeemaglipon1298]

I like it, keep sharing your ideas for your jeep, good luck and can’t wait for your next video.👌

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I'm trying really hard to get house stuff out of the way so I can make another jeep video or two this year

[@allmycarsisbroke]

So you posted this video a year ago--how much have you learned about cars in the time since? I had wanted a Jeep for a long time when my my car got wrecked about 6 years ago, so I bit the bullet and just replaced it with a 99 TJ (4.0, 5-speed manual). It was already lifted and had 35" mud tires when I got it. I've learned a LOT about fixing cars since then, and also bought a lot of tools, many of which I never even knew existed.

[@ProjectBilld]

Honestly, not much to this point. Been busy with house projects and my first kid was born a few months ago. Haven't been able to make much time for the Jeep yet

[@allmycarsisbroke]

@@ProjectBilld Ah, totally understand. My Jeep has at times been my primary focus with most of my free time for extended periods, and also sat completely ignored for extended periods (particularly when something was broken that felt too expensive or complicated to fully invest in addressing while other important stuff was going on). Congrats on the kid! Perhaps once the dust settles and you're comfortable with the day to day routine, you'll find more time to devote to the jeep. A bit of advice until then: 1.) look into picking up a very slow (~1 amp or less) battery maintainer for $30-40 off amazon and leave that plugged in, use an extension cord of necessary to keep the device and connections out of the rain. That will help preserve the battery, and you'll need that for the other advice 2.) Try to ensure you get out there and at least run the engine and drive it around the block once a week, or two weeks at most. This should include running the engine for at least 20 minutes, or 30 minutes if you're not actually driving it around. The reason for this is that gasoline combustion produces a lot of hydrogen as a byproduct, and that hydrogen combines with the carbon dioxide and monoxide in the exhaust to create water. That water gets deposited into the engine oil and also accumulates in the exhaust system, in particular the muffler, as the engine exhaust is expelled. Once the engine reaches full operating temp (including the oil, which takes longer than waiting just for the temp gauge to say the jeep is warm), the oil will be hot enough that any water byproducts will be vaporized and fully expelled along with the exhaust leaving the tailpipe. You'll need to keep running for at least a few minutes at that point so that the exhaust system and muffler are hot enough to vaporize and expel the water that has accumulated in the muffler. That's all a very long-winded way to say that you need to run the engine occasionally to keep the engine seals healthy, and then if you run the engine only rarely, each time you run it, you need to do so for a good 30 minutes or so to prevent excess water accumulation in the oil and exhaust system, which will cause the exhaust to rot very quickly. Driving even a little bit will help keep the bushings and joints in the steering and suspension from getting seized up or failing prematurely as well (be sure to add some grease to any grease fittings you can find underneath). Anyway, take care and best of luck with everything, whether you end up sticking with the Jeep or not.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you for the excellent comment, lots of great info in there. Some I knew, lots I didn't! I've finally started to get back to working on some things over the last few weeks and it feels great. Going to finish up a few house projects first, but I do have plans for some jeep projects that are starting to come together!

[@sirimewan1038]

It's not old it's getting younger day by day ❤❤💯💯

[@howdy90]

Love this ! I miss my 2005 Jeep TJ Rubicon(Treky) I lost it in a car accident on August . Got rear ended really bad. I miss the adventures , going to Moab with it, Death Valley, the Mojave Desert off roading. Plus , the memories with my family and friends , taking the top down and driving through the pacific coast highway. 😢 I got a TJ 05 Willys now :) TJs are my all time favorite

[@ProjectBilld]

So glad you got another! Accidents suck so much

[@Cosmic-vl8uw]

I was wondering, when are you gonna make your next video on the jeep? I loved watching the first one gave me some ideas for mine.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's a good question that I wish I had an exact answer to. Becoming a dad changed life way more than I expected and I've had a hard time figuring out routines and being motivated to make videos since. I am working on a new video right now (not jeep related) and I'm hopeful I'll finish that by the end of October. I still have lots of things I want to do with my jeep so content is planned, it's just me getting back into the swing of things.

[@BS-em8or]

It's nice to see someone doing such good work. Nice job

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you!

[@JasonDiggs]

That stirrup strap idea is clever. I have a 5-year-old that has trouble getting in my jeep with factory suspension. I might give this a try.

[@ProjectBilld]

Let me know if you do, I'm curious how well it would work for a kid

[@ArrowDoesNature]

Was thinking the same thing...

[@zacharygracey2407]

Great video! Wish there were more to watch!

[@ProjectBilld]

So do I! There will be eventually, just so many things going on right now

[@Derick_Mn]

great video ! excellent narration ! As a TJ owner, i am also looking to upgrade my radio. you showed dash speaker pod, but no link. Would appreciate a link. I look forward to seeing more TJ build content.

[@ProjectBilld]

I added a link just now. If you buy a head unit from Crutchfield, they'll let you know all the additional materials that you would need like the dash pods for your car. Let me know if you need a link to anything else specific

[@lstruggy]

Bro I just hit 220K mark from my wk jgc 07 4wd limited still runs amazing love her!

[@ProjectBilld]

Nice! Keep her going!

[@ccryder4881]

I'm amazed at your natural project ability...I'm a bit of a clutz so it was great to watch. I'm worried that when I take the driver side seat out I will find the cushion is not salvageable. I almost thought you would put in new foam. Also, your segment on the new "head unit" and speaker replacement was interesting. Please send an update on any new projects with the TJ. 🤙

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! If I could get a new seat cushion, I'd replace it. Haven't found a source for a new one. I'll likely have an upholstery shop repair the cushion eventually.

[@jeffbeitinger6565]

those bolts that hold the seats in are NO JOKE. I had a 93 yj with the same setup, and I herniated two discs in my lower back trying to remove them!

[@ProjectBilld]

You aren't kidding! That's rough

[@joaquinwarren7204]

Noticed when you disconnected the negative terminal the batter moved a bit. I'd suggest making sure the battery is as snug as possible. When I first got my (new to me) TJ the battery was secured pretty loose and would wiggle its way to touching the wall of the car and shorting out the battery, alternator, and some sensors. Back in high school I was getting stranded all the time until I figured it out. Jeep looks great!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I'll check on that and make sure it's secure!

[@cuh720]

I’m looking to buy one from Davis auto sports. They have a TJ and LJ that are as close to new as possible. Hopefully I’ll join you in owning a jeep soon

[@321jono]

Her grunt while getting in made me literally laugh and spit out my coffee.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

adding the stirrup was hilarious.

[@jaredsears7138]

Also any idea what backup camera can be easily wired into that head unit? I think there was a wire or connector for one. I know the head unit has a camera function.

[@ProjectBilld]

Sorry for the late reply, missed your comment. I'm actually looking into this right now as I want to add one to mine. I think any backup camera with a power wire to tap into the reverse lights would work. It looks like where to mount the camera is the hard part. Using a license plate mount camera would be easiest but it would be off center. I'm trying to find a way to mount mine behind/through the spare tire. I pretty sure the JLs do something like that

[@jeepinwithjulia]

I have a 2015 JKU but really want a TJ some day too!

[@johnorr8094]

I love my 2004 Jeep TJ. The only mechanical issue was a worn clutch. I still drive it.

[@johnorr8094]

I kept a maintenance log for my beloved Jeep since I bought it in 2004.

[@ProjectBilld]

How many miles have you put on it?

[@johnorr8094]

@@ProjectBilld It has about 206,000 miles on it.

[@ChefjustCheffin]

This is exactly what I've been wanting to do to my dash/audio when I'm done with my LS swap, Great video!! Love the attention to detail

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! An LS swap sounds sweet, I'd love to one day

[@kentserig1495]

I share your love for old school JEEPS I have a 1975 CJ5, and a 1999 CJ7 and 2004 LJ. GOOD LUCK

[@ProjectBilld]

Those are some sweet jeeps. 99 CJ7? Guessing it's actually a 79

[@Mark622111]

I'm sure we all know the meaning behind the hand V as you pass another Jeep down the road. But for those that don't know, back in WW11 the vets coming home loved the Jeep so much they bought up the surplus from GOV sales. One vet passing another vet both in military surplus Jeeps would give the hand V as they passed. The V means victory..... As for the seat bolts...crawl under the Jeep and hit the exposed bolt side with some PB Blaster, and then remove the following day.

[@MixingGBP]

I had a 1997 TJ from new. I replaced the stock plastic center console with an all metal one with a nice vinyl armrest. Way more secure and very easy to install. I sold that TJ with only 77k on the odometer because it became a money sucking nightmare. Loved that jeep, though and still think about getting another one.

[@behshadsamimi3180]

I definitely need that step for mt wrangler

[@jforeign254]

Just bought a 1997 tj myself I'm loving it and can't wait to modify it

[@ProjectBilld]

Congrats on your tj!

[@tomowens1111]

Rocker slider works better and a solid grab handle on the windshield pillar works good My wife is short an she gets in my 06 TJ with ease

[@robertszocinski1675]

I learned a lot, and enjoy the video. Will be following your tube, THANKS

[@willwilliams141]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I'm looking for the same thing. I bought a 2004 new but let it go. Now that the kid is off the collage, and i have permission from the wife, i'm on the hunt for another one.

[@ProjectBilld]

Best of luck! Hope you find a good one soon

[@chipmunkhunt]

I'm still driving my 05 Ruby that I bought new in December of 04

[@ProjectBilld]

Love it!

[@nitromoose]

Had a little TJ back in 04/05 (ish) and I loved it. Thoroughly regret ever selling it back when things got tight. I'd love to get my hands on a little Rubicon like you did. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I did with mine.

[@ProjectBilld]

Sorry that you had to sell it. Hope things are better now and you'll be able to find another one!

[@indridcold8433]

I have had mine TJ since 1996, bought as a 1997. It was the demonstration TJ with a few aftermarket additions and a nonstandard paint job, which actually was popular enough that Jeep started offering it in 2000 as solar yellow. I got it for a very good price because it had been titled to the dealership. Although, she had only 11 miles on the odometer. I will never part with her. We have been through way too much to ever end our journey together. I love my RMS Stargazer. She is my love, my life, my dream come true.

[@TimTea1]

brilliatn video. I wasnt planning on buying a jeep but I might now.

[@PointBeing]

My 99 TJ Sahara is my dream car. Bought it back in 16'. Completely stock; previous owner "tried" to touch up chips with spray paint...yuck. Had a local detailing outfit remove all spray paint and then detail the exterior...looks almost new! Oh by the way, if your carpet is old and you wanna swap it out, bedrug makes an awesome tj kit. This was my first Mod, best first mod in my opinion! ( my carpet stunk...) Great Video, looking forward to more updates.

[@ProjectBilld]

Previous owner stories are always special haha. Thanks for the tip about the floor liner!

[@chriscraft77022]

your TJ STORY is so close to mine... very cool

[@danielgodfrey4415]

I bought a 74 cj5 i6 Trying to restore it as close to stock as possible.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's awesome! I believe my dad's green cj5 was a 74 as well, though he had the 304 v8 instead of the i6

[@DesertGeezers]

Nicely done. Excellent explanations.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@charlesgreer7245]

I bought a 1989 yj about 6 months ago. It's very clean and low mile. I got the yj for a few reasons. I graduated high school in 1993, so these were the jeeps of my teen years. The price of nice cj's are sky high. And the yj answered all of the safety issues of the cj. The wider axles made them more stable. And those square head lights were also a safety improvement. Anyone who knows anything about sealed beam headlights knows the square sealed beams are brighter than round ones. By the time the tj came along, technology of headlights had improved so they could safely return the traditional round lights. That said, the yj was a cj with wider axles and square lights. From the windshield back, it was a cj. Even the back wheel cutouts. If you look under the squared off flairs, it's the same round wheel cut outs the cj had. So the yj was the last jeep designed by AMC and the last one with root connections to the original jeeps. So for as much hate as the yj's get, they have more original connections than the newer jeeps. Yes, they have improved the jeeps' comfort and abilities, but it's those old connections that I love about my yj.

[@ProjectBilld]

I like YJs as well. The galvanized tub was a big upgrade from the CJ and I know a lot of people swap the YJ tub onto cjs because of that

[@charlesgreer7245]

@ProjectBilld you just threw some AMC Jeep knowledge on me. That's one thing that I didn't know. You made me one more thing smarter in my Jeep knowledge. Thanks, when you stop learning, you stop living.

[@terryhetherington3364]

TJ torx bolts have loctite.Heating the bolts releases the loctite.

[@lweleven3423]

I’ve had 3 each time I’ve sold them because of gas mileage though I’d love another I doubt it will happen , oh first was a YJ , can’t help but love them

[@ProjectBilld]

Yes the gas mileage has me not driving as much as I'd like to. But I do enjoy every minute

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

Dude that is an awesome T-shirt and a good Jeep choice.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@toyotafj40daddy-o19]

The door panels have been changed at some time, this Jeep had Agate (charcoal) door panels from the factory just like the original interior panels in all other areas.

[@ProjectBilld]

Yep the full doors are not the originals. The original owner sold them for some reason and the guy I bought the jeep from bought those that you see in the video. I rekeyed the locks in the last year to match the ignition

[@nicholascullum4971]

Congratulations on getting your dream Jeep

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you!

[@mwinner101]

Awesome Jeep. That’s going to be a lot fun. 👍

[@ProjectBilld]

Loving it so far!

[@marksween761]

I think the doors look cool , two tone, matches the top.

[@Indyjeeplover]

Beautiful job

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@dan-fr9dn]

I have a 2005 rubicon and just put a wheel chair seat gel cushion to get me out of the sink hole ha ha . mine's an automatic 109 thousand miles. do you lknow anything about factory jeeps that they put a little surprise on each one? I've looked but never found anything. my buddies got a pair of sandals on the frame right above the wipers.

[@ProjectBilld]

I've never heard that before but now I'm curious. I'll have to keep an eye out for anything like that

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

My son when he got out in 2020 wanted a Jeep, hed wanted one when he was young, when he saw the elevated shortage prices in 2021 he lost hope. Now 2023 he found a 2020 Rubicon with a blown motor, he scooped up for cheap, and is about half way done with his 5.3L LTX v8 swap haha.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's awesome! Gonna be an awesome jeep when he's done

[@nihuyiohc]

Thank you for sharing .

[@donaldgeezer]

Great video. I just purchased a 05 Wrangler X. The first thing I want to do is change the tires and wheels. I want a set up that is 80-90% street /highway riding. I like the way yours looks. What are the sizes of your wheels and tires and how are they on the road? Thanks

[@ProjectBilld]

My jeep has the 16 inch moab wheels that came on the tj Rubicons. I'm not sure of the exact tire size, I'll have to go check, but they are approximately 33 inches. If I were you and getting new wheels I'd go for 15s or 17s. The 16s arent a very common wheel size so you'll have lots more tire options with those

[@brianhayes7153]

Great job! Just a hint though…get ready to not have any money for the foreseeable future. Jeeps do that to a person. I’ve been building on my 08 JK for years and having found a stopping point yet! Good fun though! Can’t wait to see what you do next.

[@ProjectBilld]

Just Empty Every Pocket

[@zombieheadsyndicate]

I'm wondering if you're going to have a Jeep only channel in the future. If so I'd like to follow along.

[@ProjectBilld]

Not a bad idea to separate. I'm not going to create another channel but I did just make a Jeep playlist that you can save to your playlists. Any new Jeep content will show up there.

[@Kori114]

Ahh.... Top and doors off.... You must live up north sir. It's 104 in Houston TX today. Maybe I'll try that in January.

[@ProjectBilld]

NC. Probably 2 months in both the spring and fall that are really top off weather

[@jeffkernen1554]

Wow, it only took you three weeks to find your Jeep. It took me a year and a half to find a Jeep TJ that wasn't modified and didn't have rust. I was pretty picky though. Had to be red, 2000-2002, manual, with a 6 cylinder. Found it in Florida and drove it home to Wisconsin. This is my third TJ.

[@ProjectBilld]

I feel pretty lucky, that's for sure! I wasn't picky about color since I want to repaint it eventually. Mostly just Rubicon, manual, no rust and minimal mods. Why do you prefer the 00-02 years?

[@jeffkernen1554]

@@ProjectBilld I wanted a Jeep TJ like I had (2000 and a 2001) and in 2003 they changed some of the design elements.

[@ProjectBilld]

Ah gotcha. Makes sense that you'd want one like you had before

[@FrameRot]

Can I buy it from you Jeff? Lol

[@jeffkernen1554]

@@FrameRot Sorry, after that much work finding it, it's a keeper. Haha.

[@gamrkidd]

I have a TJ ! Love my 2003 wrangler X - when you bought out that SOWING MACHINE to work on it oknow you are serious hahaha

[@jaredsears7138]

Thanks! I just put in the same head unit. Everything works fine but the USBs. I connected a lightening charger to the USBs to run Apple Car Play and it says the USB can’t be recognized. Any recommendations? Thanks again!

[@ProjectBilld]

You try both ports? One is for carplay and the other is for firmware/flash drives I believe

[@jaredsears7138]

K. I will try.

[@atombomb6719]

I'm sold on the CGI dinosaur 🦕 ❤ Great video

[@ProjectBilld]

Blew the whole budget on it. Worth it!

[@RentgeL]

My dream car is the same Jeep as the one you have now. In my country Jeeps are not so common, and way to expensive, so it is a dream

[@ProjectBilld]

Over here they're super common but still very expensive! Hope you can find one someday!

[@Sarge0311]

I have a 2004 Wrangler LJ have had it for 15 yrs

[@ProjectBilld]

That's a sweet jeep. Hope you have it for many more years

[@bayside6207]

I feel like I got pretty lucky when I purchased a 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport manual with a new engine & professional lift so the lift was done right, that new engine only had 15,000 miles on it when I bought it last year 2022, also lucky in the sense that this Jeep did not have any rust issues(no surface either) probably has something to do with being a Northern New Mexico vehicle it's entire life. I was very Lucky that I purchased this Jeep from an old army vet and that old guy took really good care of his Jeep. I bought it for only $6,000, original paint still clean looking, there's about $3,000 worth of add-ons- Craiger rims, new high quality soft top, body armor, the doors that have the windows slide open sideways, custom vents in the hood to cool down the engine which actually work as intended & a snorkel which isn't useful in Northern New Mexico. I was stupid when I purchased this Jeep, I didn't take a screwdriver to bang around the undercarriage, didn't watch any videos prior like I should have. I'm glad I met an Honest person when buying.

[@ProjectBilld]

I'll say! Sounds like a sweet jeep. Always good to meet honest people, glad you met one!

[@christopherfoote1284]

Great video young man. Would you mind telling me how tall you are? I have a son who wants a Jeep. He is 6’3”, and I’m worried if he will fit in the drivers seat?

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I'm 6'2“ so I don't think he'd have much issue with a CJ7 or newer.

[@christopherfoote1284]

@@ProjectBilld thank you young man!!!

[@daveunderwood6498]

My daily driver last summer was a '53 m38a1. This summer an '81 Scrambler or '72 cj5. Might have to flip a coin on that one. :)

[@ProjectBilld]

Those are some awesome options!

[@daveunderwood6498]

@@ProjectBilld I've being collecting these for the past 20 years, when they were a little more affordable. Looking forward to the coin toss. :)

[@nestorriera]

I ALSO JUST BOUGHT MY DREAM VEHICLE: JEEP🤩. Mine's 2023 though lol. I almost paid it all off at the dealership, but ended up financing all the packages and little add ons(~$15K for LEDs, 8.1" screen, Alpine subwoofer and other couple things). Took a long time to save. Said my name on the window sticker too btw. Incredible feeling,

[@ProjectBilld]

Congratulations! That is awesome

[@seanblanck819]

I was always curious how double din radios fit. I have a 2003 TJ X model but with a 2" lift and my brothers old rubicon wheels and tires.

[@MrKey-mn5ji]

That's quite a find! Nice work. Just curious what you paid for the jeep? People want a small fortune these days.

[@ProjectBilld]

A small fortune! I paid right in the middle of the kbb private party range. It was certainly pricey but I fair given what they are going for

[@teop7887]

Awesome! Congratulations : )

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you!