Why You Shouldn't Buy a Classic Off-Road Vehicle
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- I've had this 1974 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 for a year now and it's finally road-worthy after putting in a lot of time, work, and money. In this video I'll take you on a tour of this old classic off-road rig, talk about all the repair and restoration work that I've done so far, share what I still have left to do, and take you along on a short drive.
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That “spoiler” in the back is actually called an “Air Deflector”. We installed these quite often in the 79’s & 80’s. Mostly for keeping the back glass clear of dust buildup & such from dusty dirt roads. It also kept the exhaust fumes from entering the inside while the window was rolled down while driving.
Guess I should of read yours before I added my comment 🙃.
Wrong instrument panel
Probably the best upgrade I did on my 66 bronco was installing a Holley fuel injection. Completely changes the drivability, especially off road. FYI I got it when I was 13, I’m 54 now
My buddy is doing a full LS erod conversion in his 200 series Landcruiser, can’t wait to see how it performs.
@@chrismak4859 we did one in a FJ60 in San Diego for a customer. Turned out amazing.
I owned a 1956 Dodge Power Wagon. I really liked that vehicle. It had three levers on the floor; one for the selection of the gears forward and reverse, one for the range selection, high, low, low-low, and one for four wheel and two wheel drive. These levers allowed you choices according to the conditions in which the truck was made to work. It had a steel dash board, no padding here. It stood quite high off the ground. It had an in-line flathead 6 cylinder engine and an oil bath air cleaner. The only curved glass in the cab was at the rear corners to reduce the blind spots. Because the truck had virtually no creature comforts, save a heater, it was a real man's truck and required thought to use properly. That made it fun to use and the foibles made it endearing and memorable for me.
Hi Brad, I like your Jeep Cherokee!
I drove one like yours as a New Mexico State Police Unit for a couple of years in the early 1980’s. It wasn’t fast but very dependable. It was in great demand ( I worked in the mountainous area) in the Santa Fe /Pecos Canyon patrol and we had very few 4x4s in service at that time.
The two doors made rear access very difficult especially when trying to load a none too cooperative arrestee, but I loved the truck.
We transferred the vehicle to one of our Native American law enforcement agencies at the end of its service with us; boy I wanted that truck for me, but you know how much in demand these were back then.
Thanks for the memories!
Oh, and it had a four speed standard transmission with part time four by four.
That's awesome, what a great experience it must have been patrolling the mountains, well except for squeezing folks in the back!
Thanks! This has to be the most sensible, hyperbole-free video on CZcams on the subject of classic 4X4s. My Uncle had an Ambassador with the 401 engine back in the 70s and 9 mpg sounds about right. Even with 70s gas prices, that mpg was painful😁
Have my 77 Scout ll International 4w 345 since 82. Daily driver and 4 wheel every week. Just have simple repairs but maintained well. Like you and other viewers, love old school. Good job.
I have been using my '77 Cherokee and old Colman stove on my CZcams adventures for 5 years now. Probably as reliable and more capable than 95 percent of new 4x4's. Thanks for the video! George.
Jim from Temecula here! Absolutely dig this vehicle man! Glad to see your sticking with it and getting her up and running! Totally love my 392 but having a vehicle to tinker with no and then is awesome! Great video bro!
Nice to see the old Cherokee out on the road! Funny, true it has no “creature comforts,” but people back in the day - before overland travel was a thing, just called camping - used to travel the same trails you and many others do, but in vehicles just like the Cherokee or perhaps with even less! Ah, the “good old days!” Growing up we used to have an International Travelall that had the same tail gate/window system. Keeping it maintained is key. But, the drop gate was always nice. When dropped it turned into a bench seat, or workbench, or kitchen, and wasn’t something extra you had to carry. Most everything today is a swing gate, except for pickup trucks, though. Nice video!
If you want a classic, you need to have the skills, the time and the motivation to work on it. Too many people get one tear it down and give up. Otherwise you need plenty of spare money to throw at it.
Pro tip: When rebuilding drum brakes, leave one side intact until you complete the 1st side. You WILL need the reference.
I wish that top came off like the older bronco’s and blazers
And the Ramcharger/Trailduster
And the Scouts!
i've been thinking about that for a while. i only have my 76 chief but once i get it tip top and get another chief/cherokee i think i'm gonna try to fabricate one. it'll be a dream project i may never get to but doable/ make a mold of the top and make from fiberglass and the copy the bronco connections.
Great video, Brad! I graduated from high school in '74, and I thought vehicles like this Cherokee were unattainable, because I was working full time and putting myself through college back then. Hope you keep this classic for a long time, and that you provide us viewers with frequent updates!
I’ve been waiting for this video for one year. It’s a beautiful rig and you will have lots of fun with it, as you say. Just the sense of preserving a classic makes you feel great. One more thing, love seeing you drive with the elbow out or the window. Now you’ll understand why some of us have different colored arms.
The good old days. Looking good. I’ve had 74 and a 76 they are a tank . I thank I may be getting one more some day. Thank you for Sharing your
Awesome Cherokee Brad. 100% agree with you about driving an old vintage vehicle - there's just something about it.
I remember my 74 Cherokee… I bought used in 78 I was in high school. It took a lot of money to operate, even with all the parts still available and on the cheap…back in the day. AMC conglomerate of parts that came together for the ultimate off road machine. Miss that Jeep so much!
Cool Rig Brad!
FYI...The device you removed from the rear of the roof rack is a exhaust fume/dust deflector for when the rear window is down, works quite well actually.
Also locking hubs in the front would also help your gas mileage some what.
Love those old jeeps!
Had the deflector on my ‘80 golden eagle Cherokee, it was perfect to keep the dirt out while the windows were down on dirt roads. Open the wind wing in the front, window down in the back, and no need for ac! 😂
I was a Scout fanatic back in the 70's, 80's and 90's and miss everyone of them I had. Did some pretty wild things with suspension and drive line mods back then, most every thing had to be fabricated to work with a lot of trial and error involved. I guess I still love the classics as my 95 Tacoma which is my daily driver is now considered a classic as well. Enjoy your 74 Cherokee Brad it is a true classic. Great video!
Oh no, don't start Brad down the International Harvester path - his wallet will never survive!
Love my binders! But like you said trial and error for everything. Now theres a couple small shops that have kits to update em, but still theres alot of things they dont cover yet.
Love the old 4x4s! Brings back memories of being a kid. Nice job Brad.
Gorgeous! Such a classic Jeep! Love to see people fixing them up instead of junking them! I think it’s worth it in the end!
So cool. Absolutely nothing better than an old Cherokee, circa 1974-2001. Love it!
If you need a shop for your AC I highly recommend Tom's Radiator and AC in Orange - they were able to deal with my old R12 system in my 92 YJ (looks similar to yours with the two dials) and rebuild it. Kept us alive in 120 degree desert heat with only a soft top and on a 90 degree day it's actually too cold hehe. They have all the tools to do a complete rebuild or custom work if you need so I highly recommend them.
Love it Brad! Good call keeping the wheels, they looks great. I got 5-slot mags custom made by US Mags for my 2021 392, I wanted that classic look inspired by rigs like yours 😎
Thank you! More to come!
I had a 72 Wagoneer with the engine out of a 74. I put a Howell Fuel Injection Conversion on it. Worth the costs.
I would also recommend swapping out the wiring for a modern system. I did mine, but after the entire harness melted together and I needed to use speaker wires to rig up something to limp back home.
All and all, I spent maybe 20k modernizing it, but making sure to keep the old look. In the end you have something reliable, fun to drive and does not go down in value.
I sold it for a good profit a few years later. It was my biggest automotive related mistake.
I hope to do several "hidden" modern upgrades, but just been trying to get it road worthy at this point. I'm sure selling yours was tough.
Patiently waiting for that Retro Overlanding video.
Working on it, but looking like it will be after the summer heat has died down.
@@TrailRecon for style open the video in black and white, maybe some wing collared shirt and go all in on the retro. also no modern cars. go all-in
The pros to buying an older vehicle like this is as time goes by, you still will be able to work on it, maintain it. No circuit boards...No computer chips...
I love it! Recently bought a 1973 F100 and I’m in the process of working through headache after headache! This video motivated me to make a work list to stick to the garage wall.
50 shades of green! Love the classic rides!
Through all your videos I've drooled at that jeep. Glad you finally made a video on it. I'm a sucker for classics too. Look forward to seeing this in your future overlanding videos.
I agree with you, driving classic vehicle is a TRUE driving experience. I still have my 1974 right-hand drive MG roadster which is an absolute blast, but requires constant tinkering. Let the fun begin and continue. Cheers-
Good point. I purchased a rust free, mildly modified 74 Bronco back in 2010 for $15k. I owned it for 5 years and wheeled it in Colorado. Shocks, bumpers, convert 351W to EFI, axles, radiator, heater upgrades, steering upgrades..and on and on. I was able to do most of the upgrade within in a 2 month timespan so I enjoyed the upgrades for most of the 5 years I owned it. I don't regret a single penny I spent on it, I DO regret selling it.
Love love love this rig! More before, after and process shots please!
Those jeeps are just the bomb! I have been many miles in one of those and in the exact color you are showing. They still turn my head whenever I see one they should still be building them today just like that! 😃
My Dad had a 74 Cherokee. Was awesome to drive.
The rear spoiler is so that you can open the rear window while driving without getting exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. For your tail gate, is it missing the torsion bars that help make it lighter? Just from the video, it looks like it might be. Also, Hell Creek does sell a suspension lift for 74-75 with the post mount rear springs. They also offer an FSJN discount. You have a solid FSJ though. Sure it needs some work, but its a great survivor!
Also, the rear "spoiler" directs air down over the rear window to help keep it clean as you don't have a rear wiper blade.
@@garyleibitzke4166 agreed. My 88 s10 blazer has it's factory spoiler and thats exactly what it's designed for. Also helps blow raindrops away since there's no rear wiper
Does Hall creek offer rear brakes as Disks not drum?
@@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258 Hell Creek only sells suspension parts. However, BJs Offroad sells a rear disc brake conversion kit.
I had a 76 blazer with rear exit exhaust and no spoiler and you always smelled the exhaust because the window regulator had two teeth broken off. If you want to run the exhaust out the back and open the window you will probably want that spoiler. Also the back was always filthy during the winter die to the way the air swirls behind the truck.
A fantastic Video, Brad. I love the "old iron." The lines on that Cherokee are just fantastic. Good on you to consider yourself the custodian of this classic Cherokee, and care for it for a future generation!
I love the vintage vehicles. Vintage camping is the best way. Old school.
My Father bought a 1980 Jeep Cherokee with 1978 grill, also a Arizona vehicle, it was totally stripped down and repainted with new seals on the glass, my brother and I did most of the rebuild had to swap the 258ci in-line six, works pretty good. love the old jeeps, my Father had a 1978 when we were kids and had it all through my childhood. Great vehicles with lots of personality
That's more interesting than any modern vehicle
Agree!
Love the Jeep. I learned how to drive in a 1976 Jeep Cherokee S. It was a darker green and tan interior but basically the same as yours, same wheels too. It only had the 304 in it. My parents had it to tow the camper that we had at the time. Around the same time, my uncle had a 79 baby blue Cherokee Chief similar to your previous one. Brings back the memories. Can’t wait to see what you do to this one as you bring it back to life. For myself, I had a 76 CJ5 and then a 76 CJ7 that I did a frame off on but have an LJ now. Love the old iron!!
Great rig & awesome video Classics are the Best! I have a collection that keeps me more than busy, 51 Ford F1, 69 Chevy C10, 88 Dodge Raider, & 01 Dodge 2500 4X4 with a truck camper. Thank you for sharing your Awesome Cherokee with us!
Brad, I am a retired refrigeration mechanic. I have a partial jug of R-12 , if you ever come through Santa Barbara county , it's yours.
Appreciate that, thank you!
AMAZING Rig so nice !
My first vehicle 13 years ago was a 1988 Chevy Blazer. It had the same back window/hatch setup. One of my biggest regrets is selling that rig after only a year and a half. The prices on that era of square bodies has since gone way up. I love the old Cherokees. Thanks for all the awesome content!
Love it Brad. Beautiful old Cherokee.
Worth every penny.
Great video, and the Cherokee looks great. I recently purchased a Jeep CJ5 as a retirement present from my military service and am greatly enjoying the process of restoration. It is not cheap but the satisfaction is immense. S/F
brings back a lot of memories. Friends had one like that in New Mexico. It was GREAT off road. What a beast.
Really nice looking Cherokee. I love that color combination. My dad had an old Ford Fairlane station wagon. The tailgate worked just like yours, You had to manually crank down the window and then reach inside to open the tailgate.
Love the Cherokee, Brad! Keep up the great work, love the channel.
I always look forward to your videos and wish I could get out there and get on those trails you have out there they look breathtaking
Dear Brad, I think that you need to move to Valley County Idaho and make that Cherokee your daily driver. Your adventures would never end and you would get nothing but smiles and thumbs up all day every day. You should see all of the vintage 4 x 4's come out every summer. I bought a 79 wide track chief for $400 about 25 years ago in Tahoe that the selling family had given up on trying to remedy smog problems on. I gave up too and parked it. Moved to Idaho and registered it for $17! I made a deal with my kid that we would fix it up as her first car if she made Eagle Scout. She's close and we are enjoying working on it every week. Can't wait to have her drive it in the wilderness where it belongs. Happy trails.
Love the classics. I had a '74 Travelall, 4 door, same style tailgate, twin tanks (one on the front passenger side just in front of the door and the other in a typical stock location rear driver side.) It was a beast to drive but oh so much fun. Nowdays, vehicles like that and yours are head turners to us old gear heads. Great looking Cherokee. Until next time... Travel safe.
love your videos and this old truck and camping gear keep doing u we all love it
She's an eye catcher! I can relate with owning a classic...$$$$$ and constant maintenance and repair or replacing parts. I'd definitely get back into a classic Jeep! Fun vid. Thanks!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE THE OLD GRAND WAGONEER!!!! THE PERFECT FAMILY HAULER!!!! GREAT VIDEO AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!
I have a 76 Cherokee that I have rebuilt almost entirely by myself. They are a constant project but worth it if you ask me. The four wheel drive in these is amazing especially with the low range and emergency drive. I have had so many fun adventures in mine. I used to have a J4000 in that fairway green. Awesome color, looks great on the Cherokee. Nice video
Some of us didn't start out with a brand new vehicle to play with. These old classics are amazing! Simple and easy to work on.
Brad - I've been waiting a year for this great video. A couple comments, the chrome "spoiler" that you had on the back of the Cherokee above the rear window was actually used to help keep the dust/rain off of the rear window. Also - if you replace the headliner, I'd recommend white (light) vs black (dark) to help keep the heat down. I don't think the clocks ever worked on these vehicles (lol). I'm curious, have you weighed it yet? I'd be interesting in what the weights is (front vs back vs overall). I'd recommend replacing the drum breaks with disk as when they get wet, you'll be saying hi to any vehicle in front of you 😕. I also seem to remember a "fix" to make the fuel spout flush with the rear side panel (helps if/when you take it off-road). Thank you so much for sharing this experience with all of us. I can't wait to see more from this vehicle.
You’ve had some great rigs since I’ve been watching but this is the first that’s made me “green” with envy! Love that thing. You are the caretaker of a piece of Americana. Glad you can do it Justice.
"I love old classics!" The same applied to me and to a certain degree, it still does. I started driving with a Series IIA Land Rover 88" station wagon in 1964. Except for my time in the Navy (when I wanted my then wife to have a car she could easily get serviced), I drove nothing but Land Rovers and Rover cars from 1964 to 1994. Bought a new 1972 Series III 88" deluxe hardtop in August 1972. I've been driving a Jeep JK Unlimited Rubicon since April 2012. Someday I may buy an old Series IIA or III Land Rover I can restore myself. But if I have half a brain, I'll eventually look for and buy a WWII Jeep. You have another great video here! I'd been anxiously waiting for an update on your Cherokee. All your videos have been well worth our time to watch. Thank you very much! Andy McKane, a.k.a. Pearl Harbor McKane, 26 July 2022.
SO looking forward to a classic period camping video. Luv this rig, thanks for sharing, DZ
Welcome to the world of owning a 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon! That's how I felt for 13 years, but I loved it. At least until I got tired of all of the little things that kept creeping in, so I sold it and got my Gladiator. Love it and love all the new stuff. The 1974 for you is especially nice because it's smog exempt and that's a huge deal here in CA, leaves you with so many more options.
That Borg Warner transfer case is truly unique for the era. It actually has a limited slip differential in the lower sprocket which works just like clutch type limited slip differentials.
Make sure that the “Emergency Drive” switch in the glove box works like it should. That seems to be the most common neglected piece of the 4WD system.
Really fun to drive, especially with the wing windows. I miss those.
Great video and analysis of pro and cons of an old vehicle. All ist correct reflected, I drove a 86 CJ and Love the driving and maintenance. Totally enjoy it.
Great vid. Cant wait to see the classic camping gear.
Dude, that thing is beast. I too love the classics and you've done a fantastic job staying true to that. Keep it mechanically sound but more or less stock. So awesome. Driving it must be an incredible experience. Keep on enjoying it and keep on truckin'
Thank you! I love driving it!
Brad, when you do the a/c conversion, make sure to replace the compressor for one that is r134 compatible. The r12 compressor will leak r135 because of the size of the molecules being different. And also a proper orifice tube/expansion valve made for r134. The condenser should also be updated to a proper modern one instead of the old tube and fin. It will work far better for you especially in the heat that you see out there.
This was a fun watch, so much space in those older vehicles. High five on slowly restoring it Brad.
Why own, drive, maintain an old 4x4? Because they have a soul. Sweet truck. 401 goodness. I drove a 360 Wagoneer for my 1st 4x4. Great truck. Dual tanks and the biggest Barrecrafters ski rack I could find on the factory roof rack it was the ski bus for me and all my buddies. Full time 4 wheel drive,, Quadra trac was awesome in the snow.. The little button on the floor to turn on your high beams is a "diimmer switch." The triangular windows that you note are "wing windows," You're the keeper of the fire with a cool truck like that. People will see you driving that and will want to be you! Get that radio fixed and rock on my brother!
Similar story here. I bought a 1973 International Scout II and over 2 years did a full mechanical restoration. Runs like a champ and like you I love driving my vintage 4x4. My body is rotten and you definitely scored with an AZ car. Bodywork will double my restoration costs. For radios look at RetroSound. They make nice looking, period correct looking, radios that have some modern features like BlueTooth. There's also Retro Radio Restoration that you can ship your radio to and they will add BlueTooth to it and get it working again. Enjoy your rig!
Lots of cool features I’m sure it’s a blast to drive. Be safe
I had a 74 Wagoneer in the uk with rhd and it had seen too many winters, tin worm had a firm grip of the body work, and was far beyond restoration but I loved every mile in it and still regret the day I let it go, what a joy to own, good look with yours
This is a great summation of the pros and cons of ownership.
Sweet ride, thank you for sharing.
This has been the same story as my 1997 Ranger. I found it already V8 swapped on 31"s, extended cab, 4x4 model. Had no front diff or axle shafts, but the engine was already there and running so I jumped on it for 2 grand. New tires, another engine, all new wiring, finally tracked down a front diff and parts, changing the tcase...needless to say it has not gone according to plan. But it's finally coming together and I can't wait to wheel her. Cheers from Florida, Doc!
Really nice video on one of my favorite classic vehicles. I am very envious.
She is a beautiful Cherokee. Love the stock wheels and the tires look great on them. The dashboard came out better than new. The stock 401 never was an economical engine, you will get better mileage and power out of a fuel injection swap. Looking forward to seeing some overland camping adventures with this classic time piece.
A nice classic Jeep Cherokee. Good bones. Like you said, camping trips and some off-road fun with something that will get you there and back.
I have the complete IDENTICAL Jeep!
1974 S, Z code (401), Fairway green with the green “desert flower” vinyl!
Bought 2 yrs ago. 95% survivor (unmolested and little rust).
Engine just rebuilt, body painted, etc…
Just moved to Tucson, gonna have to get these two together!!
Great video and commentary! Mine’s a passion purchase as well. Searched 5 years for a decent one (condition w/i budget). Never thought I would get a 1st yr Cherokee w/ a 401!
Hope to get in touch soon.
That desert flower vinyl is super nice and unique
I have a 1974 wagoneer, farway green as well. Looking for a 401 engine to get her back running
One of your coolest videos ever, she's beautiful Brad!! The crack in the dash usually happens with vehicles with AM radio. When the radio doesn't want to work everyone pounds on the dash to rattle the radio awake. We had a 1975 Olds Delta 88 (this was about 1990 in High school) and my dad couldn't figure out why the dash cracked like that 😊. I still don't think he ever figured out what caused it, I think it's time to tell him. Can't wait to see more on this build/rebuild.
Looking forward to camping in the old jeep and gear,great video
Love the classics.
What a cool ride! Love it!
Part of the joy of a classic 4x4 is the rebuild; remod; I loved my 72 international scout 2, first thing I did was pull all the mechanical and go thru; make sure it was 100%, great fun during and after👌👌👌😎😎😎👍👍👌👌
Pretty excited to follow this journey with the rebuild of this classic vehicle. Interested in seeing the drum brake work.
I love your '74 Cherokee! The color, the slotted mags with the white lettering...those were the days. I'm 75 and have owned more than 60 cars and motorcycles since age 17. I miss those days when cars and pick ups were metal. You could reach into the engine bay to repair or replace parts. You actually felt one with the road and if you fell asleep you were drunk. Thanks for sharing your classic Jeep Cherokee, Brad. The one classic I miss dearly is the 1963 Chevy Impala Convertible I found hidden under tarps in a barn in Coos Bay, Oregon. It was filthy and my wife said, "You're not going to buy that, are you?!" I said wait and you'll see why. A month later I had to fight her for the keys...lol.
On my first 71 Bronco my kid who was 6 at the time came out and were asking what the handles in the door do. I showed the 6 year old how you crank up the window. He ran into the house yelling for his little brother to "come check this out!" They had never seen manual windows before.
Love it, sweet ride
My SJ Cherokee’s drivers seat did fold forward but mine was a Laredo so it had more toys.
The air deflector from above the rear back glass took clean air from above the roof and kept mud and dirt water from swirling up from the road. It’s very handy to help keep your window cleaner when you have no wiper.
That rig is SWEEEEEET! I had a 1967 Chrysler VC Valiant (Australian-made version of the Dodge Dart) and I wish I had never sold it. Hang on to the Jeep. You'll always regret selling it if you don't have to.
When you get ready too redo the carpeting, build a custom center console carpeted to match. You could make the lower part a subwoofer box and then do cup holders in the upper, along with all sorts of cool stuff- like a stealth wireless phone charger, beverage cooler, etc.
And to think that in 1974 those WERE creature comforts! Thanks for the tour Brad! Cheers.
Waited forever for this Brad lol. Such a sweet ride, hope you keep it around. Need to do that "classic overlanding trip" with some more vintage rides.
Great truck. I love the 2 door body style. It's nice to go old school with a newer rig standing by for reliability. I have several old land rovers to tinker with but my daily driver is a gladiator.
Loved this video. Being a bit of a vintage classic myself, it was wonderful seeing this rig. In future videos can you explain the low range function? Look forward to seeing more on this classic!
Hi Brad, I am enjoying your interest in the older JEEP Cherokee, it brings back many many memories for me. I bought a brand new 1978 Cherokee with the bullet proof 6 cylinder and 3 speed manual transmission. I loaded my wife and 2 kids in the JEEP with a canoe on top, pulled a Datsun 510 station wagon, and drove from Illinois to Alaska. The Alaska Highway was NOT mostly paved then, intact it was still mostly narrow, 11/2 vehicles wide with steep grades and switchbacks. A couple of construction areas were so muddy that they had a CAT pull you through from one side to the other. I had that Jeep for many years, put over 150K miles, Alaska miles, on it before the engine finally gave up the ghost and I sold it to buy a Suburban.
Enjoy your Cherokee, keep it simple as you have said, and drive down roads in a simpler vehicle that will not let you down it you maintain it. Thanks for the memories.
Definitely sounds like you have some great memories. Thanks for watching!
I have a 75 Cherokee im starting the build soon so excited
It's definitely not for everyone.
I've always said that there's a second part to the saying, "They don't make'm like they used to".
And that is, "Thank God"! Hahaha.
I've been waiting for this video for far too long, thanks Brad!! What a beautiful classic!! !! If I ever have to paint (or do a full wrap) on my Sarge Green Gladiator Mojave, that Fairway Green might just be the colour.