This weekend I learned that removing the doors from our 2007 Jeep Wrangler is actually easier than lowering or raising its top. Each door simply pops off after the removal of two bolts (I had to go buy a T-50 Torx head socket) and the unplugging of an electrical connection. Total operation took about 10 minutes.
Trouble is, I now have four huge doors taking up my back porch and of course there's no way to lock the vehicle...
Side mirrors aren't a problem, because there aren't any. They went with the doors. We're also getting a hard lesson in aerodynamics. Anything above 60 mph now requires goggles and a tucked in shirt.
Whatever. Sometimes you've just got to go for it. Just don't expect any of us to take the Jeep on any long trips until I put her back together.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 13,481 miles
joefrompa says:
03:39 PM, 03/10/08
Scott....if you lived across the street from me, I would camp-out in your driveway and bug you every single day.
I just wanted you to know that, so you could realize how lucky you are to have me live far away from yom :)
jriz says:
03:44 PM, 03/10/08
When I pulled into the garage this morning, it looked like street toughs had broken in and stripped our Wrangler.
I'm used to seeing the odd Wrangler with the front doors gone, but the missing rear ones looks really strange.
That lack of driver-side mirror has got to be a problem too. If I ever get around to driving the Wrangler like this, I think I'll duct tape my girlfriend's make-up compact to A-pillar. That should do the trick of providing rear visibility and not getting pulled over.
-James Riswick
genius163 says:
03:57 PM, 03/10/08
How'd you manage to get both the Ferrari and the Jeep home?
estreka says:
04:08 PM, 03/10/08
Scott, if you had a white picket fence, you'd be the ideal American dream.
SubyTrojan says:
04:28 PM, 03/10/08
He needs another 1/2 to 3/4 kid, too, estreka.
joefrompa says:
04:34 PM, 03/10/08
He's even got a flag flying (albeit, a flowery flag...)...
Oh to be Scott Oldham....
:)
Joe
cap811 says:
04:53 PM, 03/10/08
That's why I like the Wrangler, a real get out there vehicle.But I'm curious. Knew a guy who had an old CJ. Left the top and doors off. Claimed even a heavy downpour wouldn't hurt it. Is this true of this gen. or would the seats stay damp and smelly, electrics short out etc?
ahightower says:
05:04 PM, 03/10/08
Awesome. My kids would flip out if they got to ride in that thing!
dadoftay says:
05:33 PM, 03/10/08
I remember the first time I removed the doors on my CJ(hard top/metal doors). They popped right out...then I had to put them back in. Just wait until you see how much fun it is trying to line up those pins in those little holes on the body.
But it is the only vehicle I've ever owned (out of 12) that I miss!
prndlol says:
06:05 PM, 03/10/08
I predict fit and finish issues in your future.
opfreak says:
06:53 PM, 03/10/08
arent side mirrors required? and wouldn't driving without them be against the law?
Old jeeps had mirrors that stayed with the body didnt day?
now you can buy aftermarket mounts or mirrors to keep it legal.
firstwagon says:
07:24 PM, 03/10/08
You have to go back to the CJ to have mirrors that stay with the body. Yes you can buy aftermarket one and they are required (at least where I live)
ptmeyer says:
08:11 PM, 03/10/08
Its about time someone took those doors off! Now lets see a pic with the windsheild down as well!!
daytona_500 says:
08:21 PM, 03/10/08
That is so cool, really. The FJ, H3 and Xterra cant touch that.
stingray454 says:
07:16 AM, 03/11/08
The only way to go with a Jeep - the doors off. Really brings new meaning to open air driving. Lots of fun! Reminds me of my high school days cruising around in my friend's CJ7 with the top down and the doors off. Good times.
Next you should try folding the windshield down when you go offroading - that REALLY brings open air driving in your face! Nothing quite like bugs and mud in your teeth.
noflash1 says:
09:29 AM, 03/11/08
I guess it'll at least be a quick death in a side-impact.
jriz says:
09:53 AM, 03/11/08
"The FJ, H3 and Xterra cant touch that."
Give me a back hoe and a heavy-duty chain, and I'll get'er done.
greenpony says:
11:00 AM, 03/11/08
"How'd you manage to get both the Ferrari and the Jeep home?"
Ditto.
firstwagon says:
01:02 PM, 03/11/08
"I guess it'll at least be a quick death in a side-impact:
Actually they do quite well in a side impact. Behind those rocker panels and silly side steps is a nice hefty steel frame.
Sure would be unnerving though.
ibjeepr says:
11:38 AM, 03/12/08
AHH, nothing better. I used to leave the top on (hard top) and just take the doors off of my CJ7. Quick and easy. I can't wait to take the top and door off of my 08 Sahara for the first time and put my leg out on the nerf bar. There is nothing better, except my motorcycle.
"quick death in a side impact..." If you're that scared you should stay home and pray a meteor doesn't fall on you.