🚙 1998 Jeep Wrangler – Off-Road Rebuild
Status: In Progress
Type: Car Restoration + Custom Rewire
Vehicle: 1998 Jeep Wrangler (Soft Top)
Built by: Eric Flesher
🔧 Overview
After finishing major work on my Celica, I picked up this 1998 Jeep Wrangler as my next car project. I bought it in North Carolina and drove it all the way home. It’s powered by the less-desirable 4-cylinder engine — which I plan to replace in the future — but it made the trip without issue, aside from burning a little oil.
This one’s still early in its transformation, but it’s already gutted and underway.
🛠️ Initial Condition
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4-cylinder engine (runs fine but burns some oil)
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Loose side mirrors — hard to see while driving
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Soft top — very noisy on the highway
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Interior intact but worn and ready for teardown
🔧 Progress So Far
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✅ Drove home from NC without mechanical failure
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✅ Interior completely stripped
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✅ Protective coating applied to interior tub
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✅ Full interior rewire in progress
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✅ Radiator replaced
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✅ AC system fully rebuilt
⚙️ Next Steps
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Engine swap planned (future phase)
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Reassembly and rewiring completion
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Suspension and soundproofing upgrades
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Awaiting lift space after Celica project clears
💬 Notes from Eric
This Jeep might not be pretty right now, but it’s going to be a beast. I’ve always wanted a rugged off-roader I could completely tear down and rebuild my way. Once it’s done, it’ll have the durability of a trail rig with the tech and comfort I expect from any build I put my name on.
Stay tuned — this one’s just getting started.