Reader: OK, I'm a longtime subscriber and big fan of your magazine. I respect Pw and those guys, but I'm all about Tim Hardy. This guy is everything that is perfect about the off-road hobby (well, perfect except for the fact that he doesn't drive a Jeep). I try to be just like him all the time. I had a YJ, and after reading an article about his Sammy, I took the top off my Jeep and sold it. Winter, spring, summer, or fall-rain or shine-I drove my YJ topless. I would still be today if it weren't for the baby. Babies do not like rain. Don't ask.
Anyway, to my point. Is there any way I could get Tim's autograph? I would love to meet him or take him wheeling, but I'm sure Ohio doesn't have hard-core enough trails for the likes of Hardy. Plus, he'd probably spit on my XJ for not being up to snuff. Next time you see him, tell him my buddies and I have even invented a phrase because of him, "Tim Hardy Hard." Like if we see something really hard-core or someone living the life, we'll say "That's Tim Hardy Hard." Examples of things that would qualify are topless Jeeps in February, sleeping in a Sammy (there is a guy in our club who does this, I swear), and '70s snowsuits on a trail ride in December.
Jaime Lee
Top Notch Motorsports
ohio4x4.com
Editor: And I thought Tim was nuts-now he has a posse! I swear, next time I drag Tim to Ohio I'll look you up and get him to sign your '70s snowsuit!
Reader: I love your magazine and love all the articles, but I must say I am disappointed with your choice of the Ultimate Adventure vehicle, the Wrangler JK Rubi Wagon. Your past vehicles-FJ, Chevy pickup, and Avalanche-are all vehicles we could build. But this one is a Frankenstein. Not all of us can afford to buy a two-wheel-drive, four-door Jeep JK and cut it up to put on a diesel truck frame. This is not a real-world vehicle. It's great that you have time and money to create this monster and I would love to drive it, but it should not be an Ultimate Adventure vehicle. Why? In your vehicle requirements you state that all vehicles must have current registration and insurance, and you don't mention anything about state inspection, nor do I see inspection stickers on your windshield or any other vehicle windshield. How were you able to have this vehicle inspected, knowing that it is not original and has a cut and spliced frame? I live in Pennsylvania and I know some guys cannot get their Jeeps inspected because they install V-8 engines that are not original.
Also, I would like to know how you can allow a vehicle, which would not pass inspection in my state, to be on your Adventure. I also noticed that many vehicles on the Adventure do not have turn signals, headlights, or fenders. I know for a fact that bead locks are not legal for street use, nor is full hydraulic steering. Sorry to be such a downer. If I struck a nerve, feel free to send me a 4WOR license plate. I will wear if proudly on my Jeep YJ.
Longhair Joe
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Editor: You raised some good points. The UAJK was built as a dream machine, and we sure couldn't personally afford to build it either! Maybe next year we'll build a real-world rig like this year's Danger Ranger. As for inspections, you'll notice we didn't go to Pennsylvania. All the other vehicles are registered in their home states. All vehicles on the trip had headlights, and they had fenders and turn signals if the vehicle needed it. For instance, the '51 flattie was built with one taillight and no turn signals, so it is legal with just that system. Now you mentioned that you know bead locks and full hydraulic steering are not legal for street use, but I have yet to have anyone show me chapter and verse where that is stated and is applicable to our situation. You aren't a downer, and thanks for the questions. Send us your address for a plate!