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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 9, 2016)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016 7 B C AR C HRONICLES — Jeeps — Part 2: New Jeeps B Y C AL A PPLEBEE Special to the Siuslaw News BJ’s Christmas Trees Fresh Cut Christmas Trees will arrive the week of November 21st! Happy Holidays from Along with the post-war success of the legendary CJ up through the decades, AMC (American Motors Company), the parent company of the marquee at the time, found itself under pressure in the late ’70s and early ’80s to do something about the safety concerns of the CJ platform from roll-overs. That attempt was a depar- ture from referring to the pop- ular little vehicle as a”'CJ” and coming out with a new model known as the Wrangler in 1987. Technically called the “YJ” platform, it resulted in a more stable chassis and sus- pension — let’s face it — the CJ suspension was designed in the 1940s from components out of the 1930s. The YJ still had leaf springs at all four corners, but a wider stance and lower center of gravity. Gone was the V8 option and power only came from a four-banger or the work-horse in-line six cylin- der. This all helped address the safety issues of the earlier CJ versions and sales once again were brisk. There was at least one area of concern with the new design: the square headlights, which were so prevalent on American designed cars in the 1980s. One time, I spotted a bumper sticker on a CJ-7 that proclaimed “real Jeeps have round headlights”, summing up that owner’s disdain for the new styling. Despite that, it became a very popular model and still holds its value today, particu- larly with serious off-road enthusiasts. Meanwhile, 1995 saw the last production of the Bj’s Christmas Trees 29th & Hwy. 101 KRAB KETTLE YJ platform Wrangler, and with the production of 632,231 at that time, nearly the same as all WWII jeeps, I’d say it was a success despite its square headlights. In 1996, it was actually a void production year for Jeep Wrangler, with the introduc- tion of the TJ platform Wrangler starting in 1997. Finally, gone were the square headlights, as well as leaf springs; coil springs now graced all four corners enhanc- ing handling even more — but the ride was still stiff as a Jeep! This platform, like its prede- cessor, was very popular and continues so with off-road users past its production end in 2006. It was followed by the current platform designated the KJ, which now comes in the “Unlimited” four-door model as well. I’ve owned one of these and while there were many posi- tive features, such as enhanced towing and cargo capacity, the six-speed manual wore out my clutch leg in Eugene traffic. Plus, I felt the gear ratios in between the six speeds weren’t spaced well. With that Jeep, plus several of both YJ and TJ models that I’ve owned and driven over the years, I think my favorite was my first YJ — a 1995 soft-top with half doors. It was extremely fun and had a very comfortable cockpit. I get warm thoughts every time I see one on the road. (and my wife gets nervous). Hopefully, this edition has provided a little understanding of the “Jeep thing.” By the way, since the last edition on Old Jeeps ran, I have hit that century mark having recently brought home a 1946 CJ2A, a very early civilian production model with features that only appeared in the first two percent of produc- tion. Watch for it to make its debut next summer on a road way near you. Travel safe! H OLIDAY O PEN H OUSE 280 Hwy. 101 M 541-997-8996 Mon.-Sun., 10-6 Fresh CRAB Garage Doors Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor sales • installation • repair We sell and install all types of garage doors, as well as garage door openers. alumium • steel • wood • fi berglass • vinyl Give us a call today for a free estimate. We promise fast, friendly service and great rates! MIKE BARRETT’S GARAGE DOORS Florence • 541-991-0367 CCB# 79598 WE ARE BOOKING HOLIDAY APPOINTMENTS NOW! MODEL TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS BUY - SELL - TRADE 541-255-9822 - Larry Over ars 50 Ye ce! rien Expe landl316@live.com Flore n Locat ce ion. COURTESY PHOTO Come join Dan Garbe and Sue Jackson of Laurel Bay Gardens for the annual Holiday Open House on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be fresh cookies and hot apple cider, along with a raf- fle drawing for special prizes throughout the day. Everything holiday-themed will be on sale for your holiday decorating and gift giving. The Pink Parlor Salon ...need a friend? Think Pink-Be Pink Next door to Oregon Coast Tatoo! 1379 Rhododendrom Drive 541-999-5678 541-902-5158 Simplify your financial life. Let’s talk. Meet Raider Licensed Bonded Insured (541) 997-6977 (541) 999-0896 P.O. Box 31,000 P.O. Box 31,000 • Florence, OR 97439 Get Results...List With Brian. Andy Baber, AAMS® Financial Advisor Brian Jagoe Principal Broker 541 999-1314 . 1010 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8755 www.edwardjones.com If you would like to meet Raider or any of her friends, please visit us at: OREGON COAST HUMANE SOCIETY 2840 Rhododendron Drive • Florence • 541-997-4277 www.oregoncoasthumane.org This message brought to you by: 82864 S Canary Rd – Location, Location! 40 acres of land, ap- prox 13 miles down South Ca- nary. How much more privacy can you get? Build your dream home here and get all the views you can ask for; ocean, lake and mountain. $175,000. #2181- 13278114 Member SIPC I am looking for an awesome family to call my own. I’ve also been told I’m a very smart boy. I know many tricks...sit, down, shake, high fi ve, roll over and the cutest sit pretty you have ever seen. And don’t get me started on tug of war, because I will win... I will need to be an only pet. 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Cold Beverages, Snacks & Hot coffee Available here! Non-Ethanol Fuel, Diesel, Propane and snacks Check out our lounge and Growler Station! 85039 Hwy 101 S. Florence, OR 541-997-3242 Onestopmarket.info One Stop Market CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK “It’s a Jeep thing — you wouldn’t understand” is a slo- gan that has been around for at least a couple decades now, in an attempt to explain society’s fascination with Jeeps that has contributed to it become such a success. Having now owned 26 dif- ferent Jeep brand vehicles over the years myself, including ten different “new” Jeeps, even I have a hard time explaining it. I just do it.