Had to post an update here at the 3FE discussion section:
My 1991, rust free, 124k mile, one owner, California sourced 3FE "preservation" is done. The wife wanted a Wagoneer (like all wife's do) but we stumbled upon this sad 1991 looking for a kid car. We loved the patina on the desert-baked paint. I was convinced I could get the interior and other bits back in shape while hand polishing that paint. Thank goodness I was correct. We think it looks pretty good. The paint is like a skin.
I ended up buying a second vehicle (1992) for the bumpers, dash, and other bits I needed which ended up much cheaper than buying the individual parts used, salvage, or OEM new. The "parts" rig ended up being a great "driver" quality for my Kid so I spent two months getting it ready for his 16th birthday surprise. (another build thread) This 1991 was just too original and nice to risk a fender bender with a kid driving it so he gets to start with the 1992 with a little rust.
Now that I think I am finished with this 91 "preservation" We are just going to enjoy it for a while. I would still consider a trade for a nice similar condition Grand Wagoneer. I think I will wait and see what the new 2022 Grand Wagoneer looks like. If Jeep hits a home run then maybe momma gets a new Wagoneer instead of another LX570 next time.
I know I am forgetting something here on the list but here is what I remember sorting over the last year and a half:
Dash swap due to cracks (Thanks to my Toyota Master Tech buddy)
seat swap and thorough cleaning
front seat bottom replacement with OEM material (SOR parts are expensive but good)
New retro brown floor mats. (originals just don't exist anymore)
New taillights lenses and bulbs,
New turn signal lenses
Running board removal
Air cleaner swap with the 92 as it was perfect
front and rear bumper swap and stainless polish with parts truck (another good reason to buy it)
repainted the mudflap letters white
Replaced and refinished front valance with salvage part (pleased with my paint match)
front metal bumper swap and repaint
New OEM front bumper corners
Thorough interior detailing job
New Pioneer thin mount speakers (custom fabricated under door panels)
New Sony Apple Car Play Receiver (mainly for the wife)
New BFG tires (came with the part car)
$2,000 worth of oil leak repairs top and bottom at my favorite tech's shop (ouch)
Conquered the dreaded manual antenna mast repair with OEM parts (I am an expert now) What a job that was
underbody clean up (in process) it an oily mess. NO rust so it looks new under here.
New mirrors
new paint for the flares with new pads/welting
new wiper blades/mounts
more hand rubbing on that old paint
Before