I decided to make a JP18 by rebuilding my old 1989 Laredo
There are few reasons why I choose for nr 18. For me,one of the most iconic scenes in Jurassic Park is when the 2 Jeeps encounter the Brachiosaurus. I love Jeep 18 and 29 in the wide open setting (trivia,it's at the Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Hawai) where they can be seen in full glory (and daylight). Jeep 18 also was the vehicle of one of my favorite characters,Alan Grant and Ian Malcolm.
Second (smaller) reason is the building cost,we all know Jeep 12 is a bit more expensive to make with the Jabsco Lights,and I prefer the look of the jeep without the softtop (although needed in the summer when it rains)
After a few months of collecting jeep parts,I finally started dismantling the car. I have no experience in car mechanics and dismantling them, at all,but removing the body parts and interior is surprisingly easy with a jeep.
I don't have a garage,and leaving a dismantled car outside...probably not a good idea
The Jeep is in pretty good condition after 26 years of belgian rainy weather,but there are obviously some minor paint damages,scratches and a dent in the hood,nothing I can't fix myself.
The full doors have some rust at the typical places around the windows,and most rubbers needs to be replaced.
The hood latches are rusted (but still works) and needs be replaced as wel
Removing the torx bolts from the windshield frame are a pain in the ass because of the Loctite used to fasten them. Someone I know decided to use a blowtorch (a flamethrower if you ask me) to make them glowing hot,hence the surrounding damage. Not a pretty sight,but it needs to be repainted anyway. Most of the old bolts will be replaced with new stainless steel ones. The windshield has a small crack in the corner (not visible on this picture) and needs to be replaced,the original windshields are not easy to find where I live and are expensive,so this will have to wait.
The carpet looks ok but is actually in bad condition as it tears very easily. After removing the carpet I noticed some minor surface rust spots in front and behind the driver seat and some behind the passenger seat,not too much to worry about.
In the coming days I will grind the rust away and put on a primer.
Removing the seats was easy,only 1 bolt wouldn't budge until I heated it with a heating pistol (paint remover).
I also removed the old black padding of the rollcage,the zippers were stuck so I had to cut them open. The padding will not be thrown away,I will sew new zippers onto them and the will be used during the winter when I put on the hardtop (not to damage the spice padding I bought on ebay for 120$ (50$ shipping + import tax).
