1990 Wrangler YJ Islander - Dream Come True!

Hi there,

Been loving scrolling through the forum so I decided to join.

I've been driving Jeeps since I was 16 (Liberty/Patriot/Compass) but have always wanted a Wrangler. This year, I turned that dream into a reality when I bought my 1990 Jeep Wrangler YJ Islander. I found it on Facebook Marketplace, talked to the owner, flew out to San Diego, and drove it home to Phoenix. Runs great (for the most part) and I absolutely love it.

I've made a few modifications (updated the window crank handles, replaced some parts under the hood, etc.) but nothing too crazy... yet.

One piece I can't seem to find is the cold air intake duct adapter—the piece that fits the hose onto the front/grill area of the Jeep... It's piece number 26 on the diagram linked here. It looks like the piece doesn't exist anywhere, but I've seen some restoration places using them.

Anyway, I know next to nothing about cars (I wanted to get a '90 Wrangler to introduce me into auto-mechanics, etc.), so go easy on me. Any help, advice, insight is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to browsing through this forum. Thanks!

 

Welcome @sammyj5290 …saving another square is fun. There may be some jeepers that don’t know what a “real” Islander Jeep is. Post a pic or 2

 

Thanks @aggrex ! Attached some photos from the original Facebook Marketplace listing (not my own and not including the updates I mentioned in my original post). I've also been curious what makes it an "Islander." The seller told me that's what was on the original registration though so I'm hoping it's true!

 

Nice restored YJ! Islanders had trim options including your running board step and the sunset graphics on the sides and hood.
Intake tube adapter is going to be hard to find online. Doesn't appear that any of the aftermarket companies made them and of course discontinued and out of stock at Chrystler. Search Jeep salvage in Arizona. Looks like theres yards in Phoenix and Glendale that might have what you're looking for.

 

Thanks @Groundfault! I've been loving it. I've thought about putting some Islander-esque decals, but not sure it'll look good on the black.

You're right about the intake adapter. Discontinued everywhere I've looked online. I'll definitely check out some Jeep salvage yards. Found a few websites with online inventory which is super helpful. Really appreciate the elp!

 

1. For anyone looking, someone on another Jeep Forum found the CAD files. You can sign up for an account, download, and send to someone with a 3D printer. I found one online who can print it and ship it for $30. Not bad and worth it in my book. Here's the link!

 

Not sure that's a real Islander, has none of the graphics, Wikipedia doesn't list Black as an optional color, and should have a Grey interior. Islander was an option group, don't know if that would show up on registration.

 

Dang... I'll look into it, @gufnstin ... Although, I do know that the owner before me repainted it to all black. Someone mentioned the running board was an indicator of it being an Islander. I do agree about the graphics though... I also know the previous owner did a ton of research on other previous owners, so I'm guessing that's where he saw "Islander". Really hoping it is though, because I just ordered customer Islander graphics lol.