Howler_GT

The center cowl section (removable) is made of plastic.
I would HIGHLY suggest NOT getting it sandblasted.

That is, unless you like having huge holes in it.

TruckD

I figured i shouldnt sandblast it, but it CAN be chromed,right?

Howler_GT

You can paint it yourself with a good quality "chrome-like" paint.

-OR-

If you are serious about getting it chrome-plated. Contact a chrome-plater and see what it would cost. Chrome-plating for plastic items differs slightly than that for metal parts. IIRC the underlying layers are of a different compound.


Personally, I would just leave it the way it is and concentrate on something else. Headlight upgrade, brighter taillights (4 bulb conversion), modding your airbox, etc...etc...

TruckD

Not to stray off topic, but are those HID headlight upgrades worth the $$? And what exactly is an "airbox"?

okcjeeper

You mean the H4 conversions? If so it all depends on how bright you want..Basic H4 is about $35 a light plus the new bulb cost. If you want to go super bright then the lenses, bulbs and about $90 for the wiring upgrade.

Howler_GT

I never used the HID's. Perhaps someone else could chime in here.


My 94 uses sealed beams and I switched them to the Sylvania SilverStar.
They are extremely bright...But IIRC your 01 should have "elements" and not sealed beams.

I suggest not wasting the money on the SilverStar elements as they are not as bright as thier sealed beam counterparts.


"AirBox"=air cleaner. There are alot of aftermarket air filters, cold air intakes, and such that I believe are well worth the money spent.
I, personally am quite frugal (a.k.a. Cheap bastard) I look for the cheapest mods out there. There are MANY "inexpensive" mods discussed in this forum.
Check out the Tech Articles...very helpful.

TruckD

Im quite "frugal" myself!lol But i believe my 01 uses sealed beams too
And okcjeeper, im talking about those xenon lights that burn at like 8000K. (the benz ones) I was told i have to buy a conversion kit thats like $300

BlueXJ

TruckD the ones you are refering to are the HID ones and yes a conversion kit is required and they start at $300 -600 for the different kits and are not worth that much to my way of thinking. You can buy a set and let us know what you think.

COSXJFAN

IDK, I see fine with the stock lights. You may want to replace your bulbs if you're having trouble seeing, they do dim over time before they go out completetly. Good luck!!

TruckD

I didnt think they were worth it either! For $300+ im sure i could buy a much better upgrade than some headlights

BlueXJ

Much less money and very bright lighting can be had with a wiring harness that draws headlight power straight from the battery. There are numerous DIY instructions for building the harness to upgrade the lighting on your XJ.

COSXJFAN

Blue, my boy, do tell!! Where are said write ups?? Thanks!!

BlueXJ

So much stuff on this guys website that I have his site bookmarked and refer to it often. He is in Australia and he refers to parts for many vehicles we don't have here but he often will give a US equivalent. So COS Bookmark this site which will take hours if not days to read everything that he has made or done to his and his buddies rigs.
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/

COSXJFAN

Done!! You take such good care of me!! Thanks!!

XJ?2010

The chrome grille is fine if you like chrome i like more rugged look so i would prefer a black or white one to match my jeep but i dont care that much and its not worth buying a new one just for looks.