2006 Rubicon revival

[Wingman]

Just after Christmas, a member from years ago posted on the FLX FB page. He is getting out of the off-roading hobby after some years of dormancy and wished to sell his '06 Rubicon and a '06 International MDT. The Rubicon hadn't run for months and hadn't been on the road for even more. The International needed some love too.

Hesitant to start a project while others were afoot, I took inspiration from MikeMike and contacted the owner. After some discussion on the known issues list, I made an offer and he accepted. While I certainly don't need another wheeler, I hate to see a good rig get parked and forgotten. I've got time for a fix and flip.

Issues:
- burnt electrical wire(s)
- no battery
- no battery terminals
- dirty from storage
- hole in soft top
- some rust crust
- front wheel bearing(?)
- seized alternator(?)

[Wingman]

sMike was kind enough to drag it onto his trailer and transport it for me. Rolled it right into the garage.

The following day, Keith and I pulled the serpentine belt off, removed the burnt charging wire from the alternator to the battery, and hooked up a battery. After a few minutes of "fire check" with the eyes and nose, we hit the key and it turned over with no issue. Cycled the key a few times to verify fuel pump function and prime the system, and then went for it.

It started right up!

[Wingman]

Friday, I went to Auto Value and grabbed a fresh alternator and belt and installed.

Saturday, Joe and I hit J&J (junkyard) in Manchester. I was able to harvest a charging wire and some battery terminals for cheap. Got those installed and hooked up the battery again for more "fire testing" while I started the interior cleaning. Ordered wipers and battery hold-down from Amazon.

Monday was DMV day. Thought it was going to be super busy but I think I waited a whopping 30 seconds. The clerks really do love it when you come in prepared.



Time for a test drive! Sure did bring back memories! Hit the power wash and gave it a decent scrub.

[Wingman]

The test drive didn't kill me but I did find a rear caliper dragging. Ordered the caliper and pads from Amazon too. In the meantime, I've been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Sitting really takes a toll on vehicles. Descaled rust, deflaked peeling powder coat, and generally took inventory. The frame is 100% solid. The body is starting to show some surface rust on the underside. The corner armor, fender flares, and sliders are also beginning to show rust. The control arms and belly skid powder coating is terrible but cleaned up OK. Sprayed some paint on the visible areas to make it presentable but the next owner should have it fluid filmed if it's going to get driven year-round.

[Wingman]

New caliper and pads installed and it's officially daily driver status.

...For Sale (when the title arrives)...

[M]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[cracker]

Nice to see an old rig brought back!

[dubt]

I'm glad someone in the club was able to grab this.

[mr.mindless]

nice n quick! wow

[etk300ex]

Nice!  I was contemplating this when I saw it posted but quickly talked myself out of it haha.