You couldn't wait to start driving, right?
I started driving when I was nine years old and I've been a passionate lover of cars since then. My first car was a 1990 Fiat 1100D, which I still possess in India. I am currently rebuilding a Civilian Jeep there which is nearing completion and I am sure it will become a rock crawler.
Here, in the UAE, I have had a variety of cars including a BMW 320i, Opel Omega and a Land Cruiser. Currently, in addition to my Jeep, I own a 2010 Infiniti G37.
Tell us about your Jeep Cherokee…
I was looking for one of these in particular, and fortunately a friend from Abu Dhabi managed to source this ride for me back in 2007. It used to be blue and had a snorkel, steel bumpers and a winch. It belonged to a South African lady who had kept it in very good condition and absolutely stock. It has a 4.0-litre V8 and an automatic gearbox.
They're a pain to get right once they go wrong…
It was very important for me to get a car with a clean history and no mechanical issues. This was the only criterion I had at that time because I knew I would gear it up with the right modifications for off-roading.
You need a very reliable ride to have a successful project, especially if it's a used 4x4.
It's been modified to the max. Tell us what you've done…
Well, I am currently running a Rubicon Express complete suspension system with remote reservoir shocks. I have a Tom Woods extended driveshaft with slip york eliminator, 4.56 R&P ratio with OX front and rear differential lockers.
It has Dick Cepek rims with Cooper STT 33in tyres and a Currie heavy duty tie rod system.
Something tells us there's more…
I improved the brakes by equipping it with a Teraflex disc brake conversion kit for the rear wheels and added a Borla catback exhaust and K&N air filter.
Next, I decided to improve the handling and opted for a PSC performance steering box and a performance steering pump with oil cooler.
The rear bumper holds the spare tyre with jerry cans and a high lift jack. It also has an on-board air compressor to inflate the tyres after I've had my fun on the dunes.
As you'll have noticed, it isn't blue any more. That's a metallic candy yellow paint which I ordered specially from the US. It turns heads wherever it goes.
You haven't touched the engine?
These Jeeps have enough power already. My upgrades focus more on improving its reliability, not making it faster. And since my family joins me on my off-road trips every weekend, safety takes precedence.
What have you done to the interior?
It has custom fabric seats with extra gauges including a tyre pressure monitoring system and safety items like a seatbelt cutter and a fire extinguisher.
What plans do you have for it?
I would like to add bigger tyres. I love my Jeep, so I am always looking out for ways to improve it.
Are you a member of any club?
Yes I belong to a club called ‘Fury'. We're actually a group of friends who share similar interests in off-roading. We also have a 4x4 rally team that actively participates in all the rallies here in the UAE.
What is your dream car?
I'd love a Bugatti Veyron.
Bio
Name Vikram Dhar
Job Managing sales in a communication and networking company
From India
Wheels 2000 Jeep Cherokee
In the UAE Nine years
