And now for something completely different* . . . A fun change in the garage!!

[JonMN]

This morning the garage looked like this:

This afternoon it looked like this:

Time for a change! The Vette was nice, but only 11,000 miles in about 4 years. It's a short season here in MN, has low ground clearance, fragile wheels, limited storage . . . Just taking up space too much. Went to a few car shows, but found them kind of boring. But it was pretty.

The Gladiator is blast to drive, all-season here in MN, not at all fragile, and is a truck too. I happen to have a nice utility trailer here at home for lumber runs or ATV service, so box size is not a big deal. After much thought on the color decision, very happy with Sarge! Interior is two-tone black and a subtle green.

A Jeep has always been on my wish list, and finally have one. Expect some rookie questions, but I promise to try search first.

[*Monty Python's Flying Circus, FYI]

Sponsored

 

[Silverator]

Congrats!!! I like the Vette, but if I had to choose......you absolutely made the right choice!!

 

[Rahkmalla]

C7 was the best corvette generation, must be sad to see it go. But like you said 2700 miles a year isn't exactly putting smiles on your face all year round like a gladiator.

As for searching the forums first: don't bother. If you want to find something here just use google jeepgladiatorforum [terms of your choice]. The search function on this forum leaves something to be desired. Alternatively, just make a post. Sure we've probably heard your questions a bunch of times, but it's a forum, we're all here to chat.

 

[Jteakus]

Jeep is the perfect "sports car". It looks as good dirty as it does clean, you won't mind driving it in bad weather and you will drive it down all roads not just the smooth ones.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

C7 was the best corvette generation, must be sad to see it go. But like you said 2700 miles a year isn't exactly putting smiles on your face all year round like a gladiator.

As for searching the forums first: don't bother. If you want to find something here just use google jeepgladiatorforum [terms of your choice]. The search function on this forum leaves something to be desired. Alternatively, just make a post. Sure we've probably heard your questions a bunch of times, but it's a forum, we're all here to chat.

Nah, the C8 is orders of magnitude better than the C7, but the 7 was absolutely the best of the bunch before the mid engine revolution.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

This morning the garage looked like this:

This afternoon it looked like this:

Time for a change! The Vette was nice, but only 11,000 miles in about 4 years. It's a short season here in MN, has low ground clearance, fragile wheels, limited storage . . . Just taking up space too much. Went to a few car shows, but found them kind of boring. But it was pretty.

The Gladiator is blast to drive, all-season here in MN, not at all fragile, and is a truck too. I happen to have a nice utility trailer here at home for lumber runs or ATV service, so box size is not a big deal. After much thought on the color decision, very happy with Sarge! Interior is two-tone black and a subtle green.

A Jeep has always been on my wish list, and finally have one. Expect some rookie questions, but I promise to try search first.

[*Monty Python's Flying Circus, FYI]

Welcome to the club. And you're welcome to come see the violence inherent in the system!

 

[Rahkmalla]

Nah, the C8 is orders of magnitude better than the C7, but the 7 was absolutely the best of the bunch before the mid engine revolution.

no clutchy, no likey

 

[WestwallNF104A]

no clutchy, no likey

I care about performance. The C8 is every bit as quick as a 458 Italia.

That means a lot considering the cost difference, but I do understand where you are coming from.

 

[Rahkmalla]

I care about performance

I care about being engaging to drive, and you can buy a manual C7 Z06 for less than a new C8 2LT Z51. Alternatively manual C6 ZR1s are also out there for 2lt z51 money as well

 

[ArchEtech]

Why no 392 wrangler you speed demon?

 

[JonMN]

OP here--thanks for the comments and support! Again, my first Jeep but I'm pretty psyched. Looking underneath, I'm wondering what I am going to do about rust here in the salt world of MN--either try something to resist it or just give in to the inevitable. Open to suggestions (but I will use search too)

[Off topic, but I agree that the C8 is a performance leap. If I was on the track again I would really appreciate paddle shifting to keep both hands on the wheel and protect from overrev. However . . . driving around town the rev-matched manual in the C7 was magical. Automatically matching the revs as you downshift was addicting. Also, for a Vert, the C7 has an open rear view when the top is down. The C8 Vert has a couple burial mounds behind the seats . . .]

 

[starrskream]

Welcome to the club. And you're welcome to come see the violence inherent in the system!

help help he’s being repressed!

 

[Olivia2023]

Hey Jon,

Cool switch with the vehicles. My wife had a Corvette when I met her (1983), and it was fun to drive... but absolutely not practical like a Jeep is. I also have a Sarge Green Mojave, but mine is a 2023 and I didn't have the option of your Mantis green interior. When I saw those in the 2024's, I actually considered trading my 2023 in for one (I LOVE green) but couldn't justify the $$$ loss.

As far as the rustproofing goes, I did A LOT of research on this topic when I bought ours and it seemed that the #1 product out there was Krown Rust Control. This is a company that started out of Canada and has branched down into the United States. I had to drive to St. Louis to find a vendor (a 4-hour drive), but I am SUPER satisfied with the product.

It was under $200 for the first application, and to maintain their warranty you have to take it back and have it done again on a yearly basis. They lock the price in on that (forever), at your initial purchase price. In an environment such as yours, I would recommend that you look at this product.
Again, I think it's the best option out there right now.

Be safe,

Steven

 

[ArchEtech]

Wool wax and Fluid Film. Fluid film is super easy but drips with heat and must be applied every year. Wool wax is a standard. Both come in rattle cans. Fluid film is great for trouble spots as it’s clear and won’t cover it up. I’ll have to look into Krown but first look, it’s similar to fluid film and has to be frequently reapplied.

 

[JonMN]

Wool wax and Fluid Film. Fluid film is super easy but drips with heat and must be applied every year. Wool wax is a standard. Both come in rattle cans. Fluid film is great for trouble spots as it’s clear and won’t cover it up. I’ll have to look into Krown but first look, it’s similar to fluid film and has to be frequently reapplied.

Hmmm, interesting. I have a decent shop at home, so I am really tempted to try Woolwax myself. Not a fan of having others working on my vehicles if I can possibly do it myself.

Sponsored