1/4/13
I have a little update. With the holidays, time was a little limited and to add to that my MIL unexpectedly passed away xmas morning. It's been a little rough around here.
First, on the cargo floor, after sitting on it and working around I decided to remove one of the slats. It is much better with the luan and just one of the cardboard slats.
In anticipation of my BIL coming to help with the stereo wiring, I removed the headliner and installed the tweeters. It was a pretty simple process using the provided template and since they are only about 3/4" thick there was plenty of room. The wires were run down the B pillar where they will meet up with the crossovers and other speakers going on the panel behind the b-pillar. Because of the passing of his mom it will be a few weeks before we get the streo completed.
We also polished and installed the roof rack and slats. I could not get the aluminum to polish as good as I hoped but it turned out ok. I also made sure all screws and luggage rack nuts were sealed.
With the headliner down I ran the wires for the compass/temp rear view mirror. I ran the wires across the headliner and down the B pillar. Once all that was done the headliner was re installed along with the visors. I opted not to have those recovered. They are in great condition so I didn't think it was necessary.
I had hoped to show pics of the windshield trim installed but I ran into a snag with the upper trim and moved on. I did get the screen installed on the cowl. I used some leftover window screen and secured it with hot glue. I didn't do a great job of cutting but it will be hidden and further secured by the cowl cover. This picture makes it look pathetic but I promise it lays smooth and not as wavy as the pic.
We did finish the rear driver side cargo panel. Recovered and installed.
We also got the wiring and cables installed for the rear view camera. It worked out good and I just had to make cut in the rear tailgate jamb like the factory one on the opposite side. There was a plug on the rear inside quarter panel next to the plug hole for the lights so I used it to run the cables into the interior of the quarter panel and then up to the front.
I cleaned and painted the headlight buckets and got it all in working order and then installed the new housings for the HID lights. I have not installed the wiring or bulbs yet but mocked everything up to be sure it worked out. I had to buy a bezel from someone on the board since one of mine only had three tabs and that was not enough to pull the bezel down. It is really tight with these new housings.
We also finished the rear lighting harness and wired in the trailer lighting. We installed this and the harness with no issues. Everything in the rear is wired with the exception of making the connections for the wires coming out of the tailgate.
We are moving along and getting little things added here and there. It will not be long before we get electrical started. I should be able to get the seats prepped and sent to upholstery in the next couple of weeks.
Brad, I believe I got the ac kit from this place.
http://www.uacparts.com/login.aspx?ReloginCode=0
The name is on a box but I have not found my receipt. The guy I called knew what I was doing and sent a complete kit with compressor, dryer, fittings and evaporator, hoses and conversion bracket. I believe I got the original info from Rick (Serehill). I changed over mainly because that york unit is a monstrosity, the clutch was going bad on my stock one and a I just could not verify how good a cheap replacement I bought from someone on the board was. Since I was doing the conversion I figured I would just start over fresh.
I bought some led from TGW. I am going to use a link Serehill have me to purchase the others. I will try to find that for you. He advised not to change the blinker lights in the panel but everything else was ok to do. He also suggested an electronic blinker relay too. Edit: Here is the link Rick sent me
http://www.ledbrightlight.com/
I was al Lowes this am getting containers for the xmas stuff and checked out some swatches of the screen. My concern is getting to to lay flat and stay put under pressure. It is a good idea but I think I will just paint over the pearl.
I hope Jared doesn't want to drive it long. Then I can have it back. Funny story about cars around here. My wife's Volvo finally bit the dust and dropped a cylinder Friday. It was coming, it was a 99. We don't buy cars around here and do not keep car payments so everything we own has to get run until death. Anyway, We decide to go to the dealership Saturday to check out a few she wanted. My 03 Suburban crapped the alternator on the way. So we are broke down on the side of the road on the way to buy a new car. My nephew came and jumped us enough to get back home and I had to take the only working car to the parts house to get an alternator. Our most reliable vehicle right now? A 72 CJ5. Pathetic. LOL