Hot in the Lot
Move Over! Alex Reynoso's 1992 Jeep Wrangler
NEIRAD enilno edition
Load printer friendly version
Looking through the parking lot you’re sure to see dozens of Jeeps. The American SUV seems to be the ‘typical’ Darien High School car. From Libertys, to Grand Cherokees, to Wranglers, DHS seems to have them all. There’s one that stands out: Senior Alex Reynoso’s 1992 Jeep Wrangler, which is Hot in the Lot this month.
Lifted on a spring and shock combo, and riding on huge mud tires, Reynoso’s red Jeep Wrangler sticks out like a sore thumb among others in the lot. The lift ensures Alex to be able to get out of any situation on just about any terrain. It’s so high, in fact, “my grandmother needs a step-stool to get into it” Reynoso said. He also claimed that to be the only flaw with the vehicle. Riding that high sure can’t be very comfortable for highway driving.
The DHS parking lot isn’t the only place Reynoso’s Jeep is a standout. He said, “I was unaware of the ‘Wrangler wave’ before I started driving it.” The ‘Wrangler wave’ is what Alex calls it when other Jeep drivers wave at him when they notice his highly modified Wrangler.
Now we all know that Wranglers aren’t the fastest things on the road coming straight from the factory. With a 4.0L in-line six-cylinder engine, a stock, heavy Wrangler is a pretty big slug off the line. Reynoso explained that the previous owner installed a turbocharger, front mount intercooler, and exhaust in order to overcome the issue of lack of acceleration. “My car is meant for the terrain, not the speed. However, it does have good acceleration if I need it,” Reynoso said.
Riding with no doors has got to be great in the summer. Alex claimed that to be his favorite part of his Jeep. His least favorite you may ask? Understandably, getting caught in the rain with no top. For that, Alex installed bright red neoproline covers in order for the seats to not get soaked and stinky when wet.
In the winter, Alex throws on the hard top in order to keep that cabin warm. That is the number one complaint from most Wrangler owners. “Driving around with a soft top in the winter is usually a huge mistake,” one owner said. Owners claim that often times the cold winter breeze catches them off guard and makes winter driving a hassle; despite the Jeeps capabilities in the snow.
Everyone knows the ‘typical’ thing to do with a Jeep is to climb over huge rocks, conquer three-foot deep mud bowls, and be able to overcome pretty much any terrain. However, Alex hasn’t ever been able to take his Jeep off-roading. “I don't have any current plans to go off-roading, but you never know,” Reynoso said. For now though, you’re sure to see Reynoso’s standout of a car all around Darien. And for my advice, if you see him in your rearview, get out of the way!
