The Jeep Wave...
The Jeep Wave: An honor bestowed upon those drivers with the superior intelligence, taste, class, and discomfort tolerance to own the ultimate vehicle - the Jeep. Generally consists of vigorous side-to-side motion of one or both hands, but may be modified to suit circumstances and locally accepted etiquette. Examples of commonly accepted modifications:
  • Top off: One handed wave above windshield or outside body tub
  • Top off during blizzard: Shiver and nod, hands may remain frozen to steering wheel
  • Southern/rural locations: Raise fingers from steering wheel, nod

It's not what you buy, it's what you build and what you do with it.

In keeping with this cardinal rule of Jeeping, categories have been established to account for each part of the equation.

These categories are:

  • The Jeep Waving Hierarchy: Based on the vehicle itself. Takes into account the nostalgia factor, the discomfort tolerance quotient, and the amount of owner dedication required to maintain the steed.
  • The Modifying Sub-categories: Based on what you do with your Jeep.
  • Equipment Adjustments: What you build.


General Rules:

1. All Jeepers are responsible for upholding the tradition of the Wave. Upon contact with a higher scoring Jeep, a Jeeper is required to initiate the Wave, and continue the Wave until:
  1. The Wave is returned
  2. The Wave is blatantly disregarded
  3. The higher scoring vehicle has passed by and is out of sight
2. All Jeepers are required to return the Wave, unless the initiating vehicle is clearly has a negative (below 0) score.

3. All Jeepers are encouraged, but not required, to return the Wave to negative balance vehicles, and take any opportunity presented to guide and mentor them about their responsibilities to their Jeeps in the hopes that they can correct the error of their ways.

4. When unsure of status or wave requirements of a particular encounter or unable to completely assess the other Jeep's score quickly enough to ensure that the proper Jeep Wave Etiquette rules are followed, immediately initiate wave.

"When in doubt, WHIP IT OUT!"
  
A frame up Restoration / Buildup
 
The idea behind this project is to build a well equipped CJ-7 from the frame up, paying attention to every system while being ever so mindful of the limited budget.  Being on a limited budget helps force one to think of creative ways to re-design things and be resourceful. 
 
For my project most parts were acquired through some means of bartering or bargaining which included several trips to swap meets.  Keep in mind as you read this project that this Jeep never started out as a whole Jeep.  It wasn't a "frame off" restoration.  It started as parts from all over and from many vehicles, some not even Jeep parts.  The first part I bought was a Jeep tub, followed by a CJ-7 frame. 
 
From there I just kept finding and buying the parts I wanted to use.  Many parts like the Centerforce II clutch and the T-18A rebuild kit as well as seats, Bestop softtop, 3 core radiator, engine parts for the tune up, drive shafts were purchased new but items like the AMC 360, T-18 Transmission, Dana 44 axles were all bought piece by piece as  came across lucky finds at bargain prices.

 
 
You Know You Have A Real Jeep (Are A Real Jeeper) If . . .

Top Ten Reasons
                              
10. A low-rider Jeep pulls up next to you, and you want to get out and slap the driver
 
9. You get custom pin-striping from trail brush
 
8. You feel nauseous when you see a RAV-4 or a Chevy Tracker
 
7. You judge every hill you see by how much fun it would be to climb
 
6. Your Mom or your sister can't get in without help
 
5. You roll it over and don't get upset
 
4. You call a scratch or a dent, a beauty mark
 
3. You determine that the best route from Point A to Point B is through a rock pile or over a mountain
 
2. You take your date home early on a Saturday night so you can work on your Jeep
 
1. You use a hose to clean the inside and the outside