Chili Pepper TJ Build

Awesome buddy, sorry I couldn't go out with you on Friday. The one week I think I will have the entire week open, it turns to chaos. Figures.

The new box looks sweet. I'm glad to hear it works better than the stock one.

Got a free AntennaX stubby. Looks good, but the reception isn't spot on. My classic rock stations weren't always coming through clearly when I was up in Lowell today. Either way, rig is happy. It's got a squeek somewhere that I've got to find, but other than that all is well with the two of us!

I realize I post on here all the time, but since not all of you follow my JeepForum build thread, I figured I'd update on everything recent.

- Obviously the TNTs have been worked on
- Buick Air Box Intake
- Firestik MatchMaker

The match maker allows the CB antenna to double as an AM/FM antenna in order to get better reception. It's certainly made it a lot better versus the AntennaX stubby. The box takes the CB antenna coax, and then splits it out to another CB coax line, and a radio antenna cable. The Buick box is to ditch the stock one and allow the TNTs a better installation... it also raised my air intake up about 5" from the stock location. Then those damn TNTs being sexy and all.

MatchMaker:









Buick Box:





And the sexy things:

I figured this "build thread" deserved a picture of the TJ as it stands now, since from this point on it'll be a whole different beast with the TNTs.

When will the tube fenders be slapped on? Will def look sick!

janesy wrote:When will the tube fenders be slapped on? Will def look sick!

Either tomorrow or Thursday. Just waiting for the lacquer to cure.

I'm literally sitting here watching paint dry.

Haha I bet, I'm so impatient with mods, it would be hard for me to wait, but certainly worth it in the end for a great finish.

janesy wrote:Haha I bet, I'm so impatient with mods, it would be hard for me to wait, but certainly worth it in the end for a great finish.

Ideally yes! Duplicolor wants 24-48 hours before installation, which should put me somewhere around tomorrow afternoon..... Just in time for fireworks on the 4th! I've also been doing some touchup work, since the body is fully assembled by the time it gets painted in the factory, so removing the fenders exposes a giant primer section. I took some of the touchup paint and hit that area to make it less noticeable once the fenders are installed.

Simple before/after. It doesn't match perfectly but whatever, it's a lot better in person than it is with the camera flash having gone off. I'll just know it's not primer

A clean engine is a happy engine RYAN.
Now is your chance to clean it.

Markmmaark wrote:A clean engine is a happy engine RYAN.
Now is your chance to clean it.

I've been cleaning it all week haha I'll post some pictures later

Shazam. Color isn't perfect, but the Jeep has had 13 years to fade.

Nice work, came out great!

friggin sweet dude! love them fenders!!

ol'blue wrote:friggin sweet dude! love them fenders!!

Thanks Matt!!

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Forgot to update this, but my rear track bar snapped at the heiom joint and needed to be replaced. Rough Country offered to mail me a new one, but Steve's Jeep Country stepped up to the plate and replaced it no questions asked. Awesome guys, be sure to send them your business if you can.

Here are a few more poser shots from after finishing the install. Heep was washed and waxed then taken for a photo shoot.

New wheels! Wanted to get away from the black steelies look after 5 years.

Looks good!

nice wheels...those sure look familiar.....

Looks Great! Its Different!

Ordered a few new parts for the Jeep... Currie double adjustable rear uppers, and 3" rear tube flares, to even out the look of the TNTs.

Are you planning on color matching the rears at any point? Or will they stay black?

CrawlingForward wrote:Are you planning on color matching the rears at any point? Or will they stay black?

Flares will stay black. If I get around to corner armor, that will probably be matched. I think the back half needs the contrast of the black on the flares.

New flares got installed on Friday with the help of Geoff. Relatively smooth installation, and the look is 1,000x better than the stock flares.

Looks great Ryan.
What brand are they.

Markmmaark wrote:Looks great Ryan.
What brand are they.

Smittybilt 3" tube flares.