Doors Off
One of the coolest things you can see is a Jeep rolling down the road with its doors removed. One of my earliest memories of being in a jeep goes all the way back to my days working at a Boy Scout camp in Tennessee. Some of my fondest memories come from my time at that camp. I went there for several years as a camper and then began to work there when I was 15 as a counselor. It was then that I would get to ride in a jeep for the first time. My mom would deliver me to a little roadside restaurant and my boss, Andy, would deliver me to camp. Andy truly was an adventurous appearing soul.
Andy had a CJ. And this jeep was the coolest thing I could think of at the time. The jeep was a cool light sky blue that seemed like it had sat out in the sun and faded even further. It was so barebones. There was a long gear shifter and a couple of round dials in the dash. It had a radio in it but even by 1985 standards it was crude. I am not sure he had ever put a top on that thing. It had a set of roll bars in the back (unpadded, of course). I don't believe I ever saw doors on that thing.
The first time that I rode into camp with Andy was the most terrifying and exciting automobile ride that I had ever been on. From where he picked me up to camp was 50% country roads and 50% gravel/dirt roads. Andy took both at the exact same speed. It was awesome. All I had was a lap belt and a handle on the dash. He knew how that thing handled on every inch of those roads. Exactly how the rear end would slide a little in the gravel. The open top, the lack of doors and the wind ripping over e windshield was so liberating and exciting. Every Sunday for 7 weeks for two summers was the same thrilling ride.
I have only had the doors off on my jeep twice. Last night was the most recent. It was a perfect evening to have them off. I picked up my friend, Dave, and were like two high school kids on our own for the evening. It is still quite exciting to have the doors off. It completely changes how the jeep looks and feels from behind the wheel. I need to purchase or find some mirrors so that I can feel more confident with the doors off.
Do you drive with your doors off? Let us know.