Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice find!! 
Hope this is a relatively easy flip.
Hope this is a relatively easy flip.
Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Roboto's Garage
- Thread starter Mr. Roboto
- Start date
Workspaces between 705 and 1200 squarefeet.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Nice find!!
Thanks, I hope so too!! After digging into it a little more, ants actually an SE (lowest trim level) and not a Sport. Someone added the sport decals at some point, but it’s very highly optioned for an SE.
It has the tow package, skid plate package, OEM tow hooks, full gauge cluster, automatic transmission, full power locks/windows and ABS. Essentially, everything the sport would have come with and then some. So, kind of odd.
Also, here is a cool shot of my XJ I thought you guys would like from our little getaway this week:
nicholam77
Well-known member
Ha, cool, another Jeep adventure. Good luck on the new project and hopefully you get some good "side money" for your efforts. A good way to get some wiggle room on the parts fund for Jeep #1. 
I like the look of the roof rack / roof box on your main XJ.
I like the look of the roof rack / roof box on your main XJ.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Ha, cool, another Jeep adventure. Good luck on the new project and hopefully you get some good "side money" for your efforts. A good way to get some wiggle room on the parts fund for Jeep #1.
I like the look of the roof rack / roof box on your main XJ.
Thanks! Hoping for a relatively easy flip on it. Getting my parts list together now. Need to get it up on the lift still too, to give it a proper once-over. I've always talked about trying to flip a car here and there. I figured a vehicle I'm familiar with was a good start, and anything 1999 or older in NH does not require a title, so it makes the transfer of ownership much easier.
And thanks, anything that makes the Jeep look taller is a win in my book! Hahaha.
amkluttz
Well-known member
I was never a fan of the Wrangler wheels, I preferred the XJ wheels on it. I also am not a huge lover of wheels spacers and changing bolt patterns. The last couple pics of the XJ with them wrapped in the new BFG's has changed my mind on the look. I think it fits your XJ well. I'm sure it's easier to find decent rubber with a 17" wheel.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
You're not wrong. I was not originally a huge fan of the 17" wheels either. I'd prefer a little more sidewall and a little less wheel. The 16" TJ Wrangler wheels you see on the white XJ I picked up are actually the "dream" wheel for me. They have the same bolt pattern as the XJ, so they do not require wheel spacers, and give a more aggressive look overall. I looked for a while to find a set before committing to buy tires for the 17s I already had, but could not find a reasonably priced set. Now that I've already bought 17" tires, the wheels I always wanted fell into my lap haha.
I am going to keep the 16s off the white one. They'll stay tucked away until I either decide to buy tires for them to get the look I wanted, or until I need to replace the KO2s, which will probably be a very long time from now. Regardless, the 17s have really grown on me over time as well, so I am not too sad about being "stuck" with them.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Back to some mudroom/office updates. Got the door mostly wrapped up. Trimmed out the casing, got the last riser and threshold in place, paint, stain, etc etc...
Had to extend the door jamb on the mudroom side. There is an extra bit of depth to that wall, since what was the old exterior sheathing is still under the drywall. I was worried this would look like an afterthought, but it came together pretty well.
For some reason, the photos make things look proportionately weird, but it looks OK in person.
Last up, is installing the door casing on the other side of the door. Had to pick up some 3-1/2 casing (instead of the standard 2-1/2) since the drywall is a bit damaged around the door. This was easier than patching up the drywall.
Had to extend the door jamb on the mudroom side. There is an extra bit of depth to that wall, since what was the old exterior sheathing is still under the drywall. I was worried this would look like an afterthought, but it came together pretty well.
For some reason, the photos make things look proportionately weird, but it looks OK in person.
Last up, is installing the door casing on the other side of the door. Had to pick up some 3-1/2 casing (instead of the standard 2-1/2) since the drywall is a bit damaged around the door. This was easier than patching up the drywall.
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Design and build out a great garage with functionality and attention to details. Check!
Tackle DIY projects, from basic to complex, with excellent results. Check!
Use the great garage for its intended purpose with vision, purpose and quality. Check!
Keep up the great work, Roboto!
Tackle DIY projects, from basic to complex, with excellent results. Check!
Use the great garage for its intended purpose with vision, purpose and quality. Check!
Keep up the great work, Roboto!
nicholam77
Well-known member
The mudroom and stairs turned out really nice!
I've removed casing on about 10+ doors and passageways in our house and every time I've patched up the drywall. I had to because I intended to replace it all with identical product which happened to be 2 1/4" and usually skinnier that what I was removing. But it certainly is a chore!!
I've removed casing on about 10+ doors and passageways in our house and every time I've patched up the drywall. I had to because I intended to replace it all with identical product which happened to be 2 1/4" and usually skinnier that what I was removing. But it certainly is a chore!!
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Thank you very much!
Yeah, that get's old for sure. In this instance, there was a massive bow in the wall above the door. I had always noticed the old casing never sat flush but I never really investigated it. That, coupled with the fact that I installed the new door so the hinge side was flush against the stud, meant a slightly larger gap on the knob side. The wider casing sort of bothers me on this door since it doesn't quite match, but it will probably just become part of the scenery eventually and I will forget all about it hopefully haha. Also, as you can see, I'm not great at matching stain colors hahaha.
Here is the interior side of the door, all trimmed out finally:
And here is the (mostly) finished mudroom/office. I finished getting the coat hooks up, just need to paint the screw caps white still. What a long journey this project has been, considering this room didn't even exist when I bought the house. But I am really happy with how it came together. The house really needed an overflow space like this (especially with a second baby coming) and having the garage attached is HUGE.
I also finally started working on that white Jeep I am flipping. Got it into the garage. I like this view!!
Didn't take too many photos, but I got the water pump replaced, flushed and bled the cooling system, and the engine came up to temp and idled well. That's the major issue fixed now. When I bought this, I could tell that the jeep had been in a front end collision, but it's worse that I thought. The front "frame rails" were pulled back into place and plated. The inner fenders were also bent back into shape, but are still fairly wavy and ugly. Everything seems to line up reasonably well though, so I won't mess with it any further. Probably won't get as much for it as I had hoped due to this but that's OK, I'll still make some money.
I decided to fill up the washer fluid up while the engine was coming up to temp, and then saw fluid pouring out everywhere, so I got worried that there was a coolant leak somewhere. I then realized it was blue, and pulled the fender liner. Turns out, the washer fluid tank was also cracked in the accident, but never replaced. Add it to the list!
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Progress on the white Jeep is slow, since I haven’t really been making it a priority. But, I’m hoping to get it listed in September sometime. I repaired the washer tank, got the wheel adapters in, and mounted the 17” wheels with new tires I had from the black Jeep before I lifted it. She’s looking pretty good! Drove it about 20 miles too without issue. Still need to do the headliner, swap the broken passenger mirror, remove a few additional parts I’m keeping, and paint the front/rear bumpers. Then I think it will be ready for sale. 
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OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
I took this week off, and have been chipping away at finishing up the flip Jeep.
I reupholstered thheadliner:
Ended up doing a cap/rotor/plugs too. It ran a bit rough until warming up. Plugs were definitely due. look at that gap:
I also painted the front and rear bumpers and end caps, and gave it a good wash. She cleaned up really well I’d honestly love to keep this one too, but I can only have so many. I’ll take some photos outside tomorrow and get it listed for sale:
Took some time for myself this week too. Kind of my calm before the storm before baby number 2 comes.
Some hiking in the white mountains:
Some biking too:
Put about 230 miles on the Jeep this day. The farthest taken it so far. Didn’t skip a beat!
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading along as always!
I reupholstered thheadliner:
Ended up doing a cap/rotor/plugs too. It ran a bit rough until warming up. Plugs were definitely due. look at that gap:
I also painted the front and rear bumpers and end caps, and gave it a good wash. She cleaned up really well I’d honestly love to keep this one too, but I can only have so many. I’ll take some photos outside tomorrow and get it listed for sale:
Took some time for myself this week too. Kind of my calm before the storm before baby number 2 comes.
Some hiking in the white mountains:
Some biking too:
Put about 230 miles on the Jeep this day. The farthest taken it so far. Didn’t skip a beat!
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading along as always!
Kriesel
Well-known member
If I was closer to New Hampshire, I think I'd buy that jeep from you. Cleaned up super nice!
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Thank you! I posted it yesterday and got 35+ messages on it. Someone is (allegedly) on their way now to buy it for over asking price, but I’ll wait until the cash is in my hands to call it a victory.
When I first bought my black 99 I took this photo on the drive home when I gassed it up. This was New Year’s Eve 2020. I returned to the same pump on my way to another hike yesterday and took an updated photo. It’s come a long way! Kind of cool to see the before and after knowing all the work I’ve put in.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Well, the flip Jeep has been sold. It really grew on me, and I was happy with the finished product, but I can’t keep them all. Grabbed one pic with the 2 Jeeps side by side this morning.
I was $800 bucks all into it. A little more if you count some parts I used that I had in my stockpile. Listed it for $5,200 and it sold for $5,700 in less than 24 hours after 45 total messages. I honestly probably could have gotten more for it, but It’s still an almost 5k profit. I definitely don’t think I’ll stumble across another success like this one again if I try to flip another vehicle.
I’m a little torn about where it’s going. There is a local rally school about 2 hours away in NH. They use XJ Cherokees as recovery vehicles, as well as instructor/student vehicles. The Jeep I spent time making look brand new will get a 2” lift, 30” tires, steel front and rear bumpers, and will be used as a recovery rig. Eventually, it will also get 5 speed swapped and used as a rally instructor vehicle. I didn’t know that’s who was coming to buy it until they came with the trailer to pick it up, but it is what it is I guess. Money is money, and I’ll never hear from the buyer again with regards to any mechanical issues, title issues etc. He showed up, looked underneath it, started it up, and then handed me an envelope full of cash. At least the Jeep will live out the rest of its life doing badass Jeep stuff!
I was $800 bucks all into it. A little more if you count some parts I used that I had in my stockpile. Listed it for $5,200 and it sold for $5,700 in less than 24 hours after 45 total messages. I honestly probably could have gotten more for it, but It’s still an almost 5k profit. I definitely don’t think I’ll stumble across another success like this one again if I try to flip another vehicle.
I’m a little torn about where it’s going. There is a local rally school about 2 hours away in NH. They use XJ Cherokees as recovery vehicles, as well as instructor/student vehicles. The Jeep I spent time making look brand new will get a 2” lift, 30” tires, steel front and rear bumpers, and will be used as a recovery rig. Eventually, it will also get 5 speed swapped and used as a rally instructor vehicle. I didn’t know that’s who was coming to buy it until they came with the trailer to pick it up, but it is what it is I guess. Money is money, and I’ll never hear from the buyer again with regards to any mechanical issues, title issues etc. He showed up, looked underneath it, started it up, and then handed me an envelope full of cash. At least the Jeep will live out the rest of its life doing badass Jeep stuff!
Thank you! I posted it yesterday and got 35+ messages on it. Someone is (allegedly) on their way now to buy it for over asking price, but I’ll wait until the cash is in my hands to call it a victory.
When I first bought my black 99 I took this photo on the drive home when I gassed it up. This was New Year’s Eve 2020. I returned to the same pump on my way to another hike yesterday and took an updated photo. It’s come a long way! Kind of cool to see the before and after knowing all the work I’ve put in.
What is the carrier on top of the 99?
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
It’s a cheap basket from Amazon, and I made a custom mount for the spare. I don’t love the tire on the roof, but it was a quick cheap solution for now.
hardtop5000
Well-known member
Mixed feelings, I bet. But any future is a good future for a 23-year-old car. Congrats on the very successful flip.
nicholam77
Well-known member
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
This is true. While I would have liked to have seen it preserved, as clean examples are getting hard to come by, at least it will be used as a Jeep should be.
Thanks! I was very satisfied with it too. The whole process of buying super low, repairs being cheap and easy, and a super quick sale for a hefty profit is not something I think I'll stumble across again if I try and flip more vehicles. Beginners luck!
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice work on the white Jeep and the black '99 is looking sharp. Glad to hear it ran well during your trip.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Did a little “off roading” in the Jeep this weekend. In reality, it was just some dirt roads through one of the state parks in the area, but my daughter was all about it! A few sections were pretty rocky/rutted/washed out, but I never even had to engage the 4 wheel drive. Need to find something a bit more challenging next time around.
bigsteve2011
Well-known member
Looking great!
Is your daughter still in a car seat?
How do you strap the car seat down? Seat belt or does the XJ have a latch system.
Been debating picking up an XJ but have two little ones.
Have a good one.
Is your daughter still in a car seat?
How do you strap the car seat down? Seat belt or does the XJ have a latch system.
Been debating picking up an XJ but have two little ones.
Have a good one.
amkluttz
Well-known member
I believe anything from 2001 (maybe 2003?) up is required to have the latch system. While I agree and love the latch system it usually is rated up to a 40lb. child. After that it is recommended to use the seat belt. I don't quite understand it but supposedly the seat belt is the safer of the two options. There are so many ways a seatbelt installation can be screwed up and my wife doesn't have enough heft or strength to properly install a car seat either way.
Mr. Roboto,
What wheels did the white XJ leave on? I'm assuming you kept the original wheels that came on it but it appears you had two set of Wrangler wheels?
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
She is still in a car seat. The XJ does not have a latch system, and it also does not have seatbelts that ratchet-lock when you pull the belt out al the way. It's kind of hard to explain, but it has a slip joint in the buckle that locks when folded back over on itself as it passes through the carseat. It works, but I also use one of these as well to be extra safe:
Also, I attach the rear tether anchor to one of the d rings in the rear cargo area. I was unsure myslef at first, but I had it inspected at the police station and they gave it the OK. I'll be honest, I don't think I'll put my newborn in there for a while. Not that I don't think it's necessarily UNsafe, but I do think newer cars have come a long way.
Yes, I had 2 sets of wrangler wheels. They're a dime a dozen these days and can be bought for super cheap. The XJ got sold with one set of 17" JK wrangler wheels. The 16" TJ wrangler wheels that it came with are tucked away in the shed for now. They're the wheels I really wanted for my black one, but I already bought the KO2s for the 17"s I had. I'll just hang on to them if I decide to sell my current wheel/tire setup, or if by some miracle I put 40K miles on this jeep and I'm due for another set of tires.
bigsteve2011
Well-known member
Gotcha, ok I remember seeing those clips for the non-racheting seat belts. Thanks for the heads up on those. I've got my 3 month old daughter sitting right next to my 3 year old son and that keeps her entertained and from screaming in the car.
Thanks for the info on the latch system. Same here with my wife. Usually I'm lazy (aka efficient) and I sit in the seat enough to tighten it down, I can't really get it tight otherwise since I am hitting my head on roof and hunched way over trying to tighten.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Awesome pictures. Glad you were able to get your daughter out and she enjoys it. I love hearing of families enjoying the outdoors together and especially seeing Jeeps in their natural habitat.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Thanks man! Hopefully lots more in the years to come. I’ve been tossing around the idea of doing a daddy daughter camping trip just the 2 of us, but I think I’ll wait until next year.
Nothing much to update around here. The garage did get a TV upgrade. Some of you may remember, but the tv I had out there was a freebie that was broken… the top 1/3rd of the picture was severely distorted, and getting worse over time. A co-worker of mine just upgraded his tv and asked if I wanted his old 58” plasma for $50 bucks. Couldn’t pass that up. He even delivered it and helped me get it on the wall. Good thing, those old plasmas are damn heavy.
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SuitorsGarage
Well-known member
Small world.
I live just 2 or 3 minutes from Tim O'neil.
I also work up the road from the notch.
I live just 2 or 3 minutes from Tim O'neil.
I also work up the road from the notch.
Some hiking in the white mountains:
amkluttz
Well-known member
That's no joke! I found a 2005 model Pioneer plasma sitting out for trash. I took it just to see if it could be salvaged. I about threw my back out trying to get it in my truck bed.
How tall are your ceilings? I have that same HF 44" setup and have been curious about how much room I'd have above the box, with the lid open, to mount either cabinets or something else. I also see your cabinets next to the box. Do you have a rough idea of how tall the cabinet is and what height it is mounted at? Thanks!
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
No kidding! Sounds like you live in the general area I hope to either retire to someday, or own a second home.
Hey, the ceilings are about 10.5 feet. The cabinets are 42" tall, and the base of them is 58" above the floor.
nicholam77
Well-known member
TV looks good. Now you can throw Peppa Pig on the big screen for your daughter while you build jeeps! 
Camping sounds fun. I'm looking forward to that in a couple years as well.
Camping sounds fun. I'm looking forward to that in a couple years as well.
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
TV looks good. Now you can throw Peppa Pig on the big screen for your daughter while you build jeeps!
Camping sounds fun. I'm looking forward to that in a couple years as well.
Thanks! Now I can throw Peppa pig up there for my TWO girls because we welcomed the latest addition to our family Wednesday night. The labor/delivery was insane. We literately made it to the hospital with minutes to spare. If you’ve ever wondered what the top speed of a 2008 Toyota Tundra is, the answer is 120MPH. I really thought we’d be delivering this baby on the side of the highway… my wife is a rockstar. And our oldest is super excited to finally be a big sister
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Congratulations on the new addition to the family. The doctor who delivered our second warned Liane that the first one takes a few hours of labor but the second may only take a few minutes.
nicholam77
Well-known member
Congrats man, that’s amazing news!! That sounds super stressful but glad you made it just in time! Your daughter looks a lot more excited than mine was!
JJC
Well-known member
Congratulations on the new Addition
bigsteve2011
Well-known member
Congratulations!!!!
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Congrats!!!
OP
Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Thanks Bob! That was certainly true for us. Our first daughter was about 12 hours of labor. The second one was delivered somewhere between the wheelchair and the hospital bed!!
Thank you! She has her moments honestly. She’s very excited at the idea of being a big sister, and for the photo ops, but the minute our attention shifts away from her to tend to the baby’s needs, she does get jealous and tries to steal the limelight back. She’s getting better with time.
Thank you all!