New To Me YJ Wrangler - New Member

Hello Everyone,

I joined the forums today - thanks for having me!

Long story short, this was my grandpa's jeep - he passed away a few weeks ago, so it was time to get this out of storage. While this is my dad's vehicle, I am storing it for the time being. I'm sure I'll be spending plenty of time behind wrenches and the wheel. There are a lot of memories associated with this little Jeepster, it is near and dear to our heart. Not the best circumstances, but it'll be a fun way to remember Grandpa.

The Jeep: it's a 1990 Islander with 11,700 original miles (decals were removed). This particular example has the carbureted 4.2L with a 5-speed manual. The mileage is cool and all, but it means it needs work. The last oil change was done in 2010, but that was only 465 miles ago . Needless to say, she needs all new fluids and a carb job. Whatever it needs, it'll get because the top and doors are coming off to cruise in the summer sunshine!

My dad and I don't really have any plans - we want to keep it as is for the most part. It already has custom bumpers, a small lift, bigger tires, jerry cans & mounts, and a winch. So far I have done a basic hand wash, some engine bay detailing (needs a lot more work), and some new wheels and tires. Not 100% sold on the wheels, but it needed new tires as they were 32 years old (31 x 10.5 x 15). This is now a summer cruiser (maybe some light off-roading), so a bikini top and tube doors will be added. I will add some auxiliary lighting and maybe convert the headlights to LED. Ultimately, the end goal is to preserve the Jeep, keep it period correct and have fun with it!

After its first wash with the original wheels:


New Wheels/Tires:






Engine Bay pre-cleaning:


Engine bay after 3 hours+ behind a steam cleaner (it needs another 3 hours):

 

Thank you!

I didn't install any bumpers, these were done shortly after the Jeep was purchased by my Grandpa in 91'.

The front bumper appears to be the stock Islander bumper with a cattle pusher that was bolted on after the fact. The rear bumper was custom made after my dad and uncle designed it.

Here is a bonus picture of it in its element back before I was even born:

 

Wow. Nice Jeep. Yeah the low miles are cool but it also means work. Seals dry up and other things rot out. But once going you’ll have a true jewel. Have fun and try a few of those passes up your way (red cone and Webster are two fun ones).

 

Exactly. Luckily, these are basically tractors - simple machines!

Unfortunately I’m in MN, CO is where we pulled it from storage. Not as much off-roading up here!

 

Yeah kinda flat. But you’ll alway find fun in the YJ either wheeling or riding down the road with a bikini top and the stereo going