gorilla tape has a chance of doing a decent job. Whoever "built" my classic when they put on TJ flares rather than notch the flare they cut the door so i covered the whole with gorilla tape over a year ago and it's still on there holding strong.

Thanks guys. I'm hoping this will be our last real rain storm for quite a while. While I love seeing our lakes full again, I think we've had enough rain for this year.

So as I thought about it more after we chatted, I think it is possible this is the alpine windows with what I saw around them. Sorry, you caught me when i still had desert on the brain and didn’t recall the state of those.

And as I have a few moments to think clearly, I’d say- regardless of rain- priority needs to be to pull the headliner and inspect. I know we talked about the drains, but if I’m thinking correctly, and looking at the headliner, it could very well be coming from there.

Now, to keep from diving headlong into the whole headliner dance (not just pulling it, but recovering and blah blah blah) perhaps just get to where you clean the drains and go from there, but I’m thinking more this is the alpine windows.

Thanks. I'll run a bead of silicone around them tonight (assuming this damn rain stops). My goal is to flush the coolant this Saturday at which point she should be mechanically sound and able to move under her own power. We're going to get a quote to fix the rust round the alpine window and paint the roof and hood (and remove the cracking clear bra). Given then leaks, this will take priority over the lift and tires. But those will be next. And fixing up the special project which you know about. At least that will be a fun project.

Paint quote will make your head hurt for just the roof and hood. I resprayed the hood on my green one with automotive rattle can and it turned out great. Can order paint matched online or find a local shop to purchase from. I prefer local as they mix the cans and you can use them before they sit too long..and I'd do the same for the roof since no one can see up that high and if it's not perfect no one will ever know so long as it looks good above the windshield haha.

The problem I have for the roof is that there is rust around the passenger side alpine window which needs to be repaired. If you zoom in on the picture you can see it. I think it's bad enough that it's causing leaks. The drivers side alpine window has what appears to be surface rust, but may be a little deeper too. Repairing rust is not in my wheelhouse so it'll need to be done by a pro. On the hood, many many years ago one of the prior owners installed a clear bra on the front edge of the hood and it is going to be a bitch to remove and the clear coat is flaking. If it was just spraying, I'd be inclined to do it myself, especially on the roof where people won't really see it.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...5a7182af9f.jpg

Well today was the big day. Time to flush out the Satan's Nectar (Dexcool), finish up the coolant system, and refill with nice green coolant. It went very smoothly which was a shock. I can usually be counted on for at least one good F-up. (***knocks on wood***)

I flushed it twice using hose water and then twice with distilled water. I did not have the thermostat in and I had the heater turned up full. I would fill it, run it for about a minute, top off the "coolant" while running it, and then shut it down. I drained the "coolant" out by removing the lower right water pump bolt (11mm) and the bottom radiator hose. Putting a worm-drive clamp on the lower hose made removing it much easier.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...5fc3b6b5cd.jpg

After the fourth flush, I installed the thermostat with the hole up and torqued the water pump bolt to spec. I then installed the Hayden 2991 severe duty clutch fan with the Doorman 620-112 fan. Everything fit perfectly. I know some folks feel the severe duty fan is too loud and sucks too much power from the already anemic engine, we'll see. I live in San Diego where it gets stupid hot during the summers so I'll probably need it. If I decide it's too loud and sucks too much power, I'll swap for the 2781. (My stock fan clutch appears to be shot.)

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...65f9a4299c.jpg

And here's everything buttoned up:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...8b3081cb40.jpg

After bleeding it per Extinct's instructions, I took her for a drive. It was weird because I have a small hill I have to drive up to get out of my neighborhood and the temperature quickly went up to 206° so I immediately turned around. It kept climbing and hit 212° as I pulled into my driveway. I figured I must have screwed something up and was about to shut her down when the temps started dropping and eventually came down to 176°. I shrugged, put it in reverse, and went for a drive. (Ambient temp is about 72°) As I drove around the temps would get to about 186-188° and then immediately drop down to 176°. I putted around for about 5 miles, going up and down little hills and it kept doing that, never going above 188° even with stops at stop lights. The only thing I can figure is that the thermostat initially stuck closed and then finally popped loose. Fwiw, I did not notice the fan clutch noise at all and I had the windows down.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...0ec8a5f19f.jpg

I am so stoked everything seems to be working with no leaks. I'm going to start driving it to work once or twice a week to make sure everything is good before I do any weekend trips.

Next, gotta stop that leak . . .

You get that water leak sorted, and that thing is ready for total regular DD and trip action. Like I mentioned on the phone, you still have a bubble in there, but the temps are FAR from the danger zone, so that will work itself out over time during your trips to the office.

In prep of needing the AC, get in there and clean out the HVAC fan- I remember it was making some extra noise. After that, start diagnosing the cruise control, and it will be darn near perfect.

Otherwise, you’re just about set for suspension. It’s looking great and keep up the great work! BTW, the kiddie pool looked to be the definite game changer on keeping the mess to a minimum.

until it gets hot hot out leave the coolant res cap a turn or two loose and that bubble will work itself right out, just check fluid levels as once it works through you might be way low all of a sudden one day haha. Keep it up!

Thanks, that's what I'm doing. When I got back from my short drive yesterday I needed to add a couple of cm of coolant. It'll probably be the same again today. We're taking her to the Padres game, well at least to the trolley station. Today is military opening Sunday, gotta rep!