First step into Jeep life.

    First step into Jeep life: realizing how much work and money your Jeep needs.

    Finally having my ''new'' Jeep in my possession, it was time to put hands on the work.

    My dad was on board for the project. Thank the Force. Because I may be an Engineer, but I'm not savvy in car mechanics. He had a construction business so he owns a lot of tools. Every tool I could possibly need to rebuild my Jeep. Since I was a kid, there has been something peculiar that, at this point in time, I've come to realize my dad has it also: we don't like anyone repairing our stuff. If we cannot repair it, it's because it cannot be repaired. Pretty rude/bold thing to say, but that's what we feel. And we cannot give anything to anyone to repair because we know for sure that person will not solve the problem and make it even worse. So, we transported the Jeep to his place, parked it in the backyard and started assessing it in depth. Obviously we did a general assessment before buying it. It was in good general condition. But one thing was not in my original plans or dreams: it's been engine swapped.

 

Jeep CJ7 overland build. Project codename: Nautilus.

    Long have I dreamt about a vehicle Off Road capable. I was 11 years of age when my dad explained to me the difference between our 2WD Ford Bronco and a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser. I saw this Land Cruiser and it was beautiful. It was partially covered in dry mud, with big tyres and a long flexible whip antenna. I asked my dad why was it covered in mud and what was that antenna doing there if it already had its stock radio antenna. He told me that vehicle was used to race in a former national competition called Fun Race 4x4.