Jeep Grand Cherokee

A version of the Grand Cherokee with DaimlerChrysler's BlueTec Diesel V6 from the E320 is expected in 2006. This philosophy continues to permeate the glass beadmaking world today, resulting in a huge diversity of approaches, styles and beads. Powered by a 415 hp (310 kW) version of the 6.1 L Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, a special transfer case, and interior and exterior updates. Techniques diffused through the population, via early books such as Cindy Jenkins' You can make Glass Beads; the SGB's annual conference and their online forum; and just generally the philosophy of sharing ideas, tips and techniques. An SRT-8 version of the Grand Cherokee debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. This group eventually formed basis for the Society of Glass Beadmakers, which recently changed its name to the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. Notable features are a GPS navigation system, rear seat DVD player (both available on Limited and Overland trims), and Quadra-Drive II AWD (std on 5.7 L Hemi available on 4.7 L). The "stump shaper" a popular shaped paddle, is named after Loren Stump, for example.

The exterior is a slight departure from the other Grand Cherokees, but maintains a luxurious feel of the interior. However, they shared their information, and some of them started small businesses developing tools, torches and other equipment. An all-new WK Grand Cherokee debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year. Their early efforts, by today's standards, were crude-not surprising when there was almost no documentation, and none of the modern tools. V8 as well as a wealth of standard features such as front and side-curtain airbags, an Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer, heated/power front seats, sidestep rails, power sunroof, wood/leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels. Thirty or so years ago, some American artists started experimenting with the form. The Overland (appropriated after the former Jeep parent, Willys-Overland) is top-of-the-line of the WJ brand boasting the 4.7 L H.O. Lampworked beads (with the exception of Asian and African beadmaking) have pretty much strictly been the provenance of Italian, and, later, Bohemian lampworkers for the last four hundred years or so who kept the techniques secret.

The Special Edition was introduced offering the same quality of the Limited, differences include 4.7 L V8 engine and slightly revised front grille were standard issue on the Special Edition. It should be noted that as torches get bigger and more powerful, the cross-over between lampworking and furnace glass continues to increase. These specialty models appeared for a brief time, The Sport was slightly more equipped than the Laredo and offered a two-tone black trim interior for style. Chevron beads are multi-layer beads once exclusively made using hot-shop techniques to produce the original tubing; but now some lampworkers make similar designs on their torches (using borosilicate,--Kevin O'Grady, demonstration, 2004 Gathering) before lapping the ends to reveal the various layered colors. Specialty models:. "Furnace glass" beads, more elaborate versions of the old seed bead technique described above, are also being made. The Laredo and luxurious Limited trim levels were standard models. Beads can be sandblasted; they can be faceted, using lapidary techniques.

Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it a "4-speed automatic". Lampwork (and other) beads can be painted with glass paints. Four were used for upshifts, with a different second gear for downshifts. African beads, such as the famed Kiffa beads, are made using ground glass.) Molded ground glass, if painted into the mold, is called pate de verre, and the technique can be used to make beads, though pendants and cabochons are more typical. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would have been the first six-speed transmission ever produced in volume, but it was programmed to only use five of these ratios. (Soda lime glass can be blown at the end of a metal tube, or, more commonly wound on the mandrel to make a hollow bead, but the former is unusual and the latter not a true mouth-blown technique.) In addition, beads can be fused from sheet glass or using ground glass (e.g. It included 3 planetary gearsets rather than the two normally used in a 4-speed automatic. Lead glass (for neon signs) and, especially borosilicate is available in tubing, making true blown beads possible.

The 45RFE automatic transmission in the WJ cherokee was notable. Large or complex beads go into an annealing kiln immediately; smaller ones may be allowed to cool slowly, as with a fiber blanket or by being plunged into vermiculite, and then "batch annealed" at a later time. With three viscous clutches, it was the only truck all wheel drive system on the time with triple difs, as Toyota had removed the front locker from their Land Cruiser. Good quality glass beads, like any warm or hot-glass item, are then annealed. A notable feature that was available this generation is the automatic AWD option called Quadra-Drive. These are typically applied as very fine leaf, slightly thicker foil, as fine wire, as fine mesh, or even as a metallic deposit (fuming.). Although this engine produced less torque than both previous V8s, it was lighter and got much better fuel economy. Thomspson enamels) in which the bead can be rolled; it can also be decorated with metals---silver, gold, copper, palladium, and platinum.

The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by a single aluminum SOHC unit, Chrysler's new PowerTech. Glass can also be broken into very small chunks (frit) or even finely ground powders (e.g. The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor to great relief of owners. Another very old, traditional design involves sagging one part of a striped bead by heating it more, or rubbing it with the paddle to shift the design into waves. The structure was stiffened (by Porsche Engineering) for sharper steering and lighter weight. Additionally, a sharp pointed object---for example, a tungsten rake (or pick) or stringer of glass can be dragged through the surface design to make feathers, hearts or other designs. The redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor. Dots are particularly versatile and can be piled on top of each other in many intriguing ways.

The Grand Cherokee V8 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1993. One is to draw with a stringer, or fiber (a small thread, usually 3mm or less in diameter) of glass on the surface, making dots, lines, or combinations. Two-wheel-drive models were sold though only for "Laredo" trims in late 1993, it wasn't until 1994 when 2WD was available for Limited; and in 1997 5.2 L V8 engines were sold along with 2WD. There are many ways to decorate a bead. Exclusive to the Grand Cherokee was the introduction of Quadra-Trac having all-time four-wheel assistance only, this was standard on all Limited and specialty trims and optional for Laredo models alike. Other common tools for shaping beads are mashers, tweezers, picks, and even the rod of glass itself. Select-Trac had the option of either full-time or part-time operation; Both shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac and Select-Trac were already avaliable for the Cherokee XJ lineup, and were adopted to the ZJ platform. Some beadmakers rely solely upon heat and gravity to shape their beads; most at least use a graphite paddle to coax the bead into the shape they want.

4WD systems included Command-Trac, a part-time unit offering temporary 4-wheel asistance; Command-Trac was dropped from lineup in conjunction with the SE trim in 1996. Getting a good shape is quite often the longest part of the process, though onlookers tend to be most impressed with surface decoration. For 1993 alone, Jeep resurrected the Grand Wagoneer name for a special luxury version of the Grand Cherokee with the 5.2 L V8, this marked the last appearance for the Grand Wagoneer from the Jeep lineup. Czech beadmakers, who can produce up to 1200 (identical) lampwound beads in 2--3 days, are particularly known for their use of jigs to help rapidly shape the bead into the desired silhouette. Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model, such as mesh grille insert, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, improved premium stereo, and softer leather trim. The beadmaker can use a paddle, a small slab of graphite or brass to shape the glass in different ways---long thin barrels, bicones, tabs, and so on. It housed a powerful 5.9 L V8 engine with an output of 245 hp and 345 foot-pounds of torque, going from zero to 60 mph in only 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest SUV available that year. The usual beginner bead is a simple donut shape.

The 5.9 Limited was produced only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury than that of the regular Limited. When both glass and mandrel are sufficiently warm, the beadmaker starts rotating the mandrel (usually with the non-dominant hand) while allowing the glass to wind upon it---sort of like pulling out a strand of cotton candy, or wool batt while spinning. TSi packages came equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, 225/70R16 tires, leather seats and premium sound system. The mandrel must also be heated, or the glass will not stick. A sporty TSi model (1997-1998) briefly debuted, exterior features included single color body paneling, with a light blue striping accent. The flameworker then selects rods of glass which she heats in the flame of her torch. Specialty models included the Orvis (1995-1997); a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured a exterior color scheme of deep hunter green with red and gold strip accents (1995), 96-97 Orvis exteriors were of hunter green tone with basic gold striping; the interior was a two-tone green and champagne seats complimented with red accents and "Orvis" company badging. Some brands allow for drying in the flame.

Limited models that year and on had more luxury items such as driver placement memory, remote radio control from the steering wheel, and varible assist while driving and parking. In any case, the beadmaker starts by dipping a mandrel, or wire (stainless steel welding wire, cut into 9 or 12inch lengths is typical, at least in the USA) into a clay based substance similar to kiln wash and letting it dry. The AMC 4.0 L I6 engine was also refined, though receiving slightly less horsepower but gained more torque and presented quieter operation. At one time, soft (soda lime and lead) and hard (boro) glasses had distinctly different looking palettes, but demand on the part of soft-glass artists for the silver strike colors on the one hand, and the development of the bright, cadmium based `crayon colors' in the boro line on the other, has softened the distinctions between them considerably. 1996 brought cosmetic changes ranging from improved body modeling (grille, bumpers), better wind aerodynamics, and intergrated foglights; Interior features added dual-airbags and increased farbic quality for seating. Donald Schneider (personal conversation, late 1990s) recalls how years ago he had to make all of his own borosilicate colors (he still makes a tin white.) Northstar, and new Glass Alchemy (started by a former chemist at Northstar) now offer many colors, introducing several new ones every year. The Limited also boasts features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels. Sue Ellen Fowler is credited for developing many of the original recipes for colored borosilicate glasses, which became the basis for the Northstar company's first products.

The Limited is the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. This is laboratory glass, such as Pyrex. The Laredo is the mid-scale model, features included added body cladding, fancier seats, power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features display a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five star spoke aluminum wheels. Finally, beadmakers can and do use borosilicate glass, a very hard glass requiring greater heat. The Base model (also known as SE) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, and a five-speed manual transmission; The SE model was dropped in 1996 in favor of the Laredo. Satake, Czech and German glasses (the latter being marketed primarily to glassblowers) all come in lead versions. The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited. Lead glasses are distinguished by their lower viscosity, heavier weight, and somewhat greater tolerance for coe mismatches.

Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan and has remained there since. In addition to soda lime glass, lampworkers can use lead glass. Then-Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. New firms seem to be springing up like weeds to serve the glass beadmaking market, which in the USA has grown from "about 30" to 70,000 people (Kate Drew Wilkerson, interview, Dale Smeltzer's internet-only glass talk radio). The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Japanese Satake, Czech (Ornela) and even Indian (PIG) soda lime glasses are also known. The first generation (ZJ) was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product since AMC came up with the concept; the AMC engineers/designers behind the project, later Chrysler employees (after the 1987 buyout) were pushing for a late 1980s release date; however, then-CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, delaying the ZJ's release until late 1992. Spectrum, Uroboros make 96coe glasses.

Based on the Jeep Concept 1 (1989), the Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors engineers were designing an XJ Cherokee successor. Perhaps the second most popular soda-lime glass (in the USA) is made by Bullseye, which markets their product as being particularly compatible (find/link/write article about glass coe/compatibility). The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. Effetre is a soda-lime glass, and, again is the type most commonly used by lampworkers. . Confusing matters is that a cousin started a rival company; their product is called Vetrofond, and is very similar. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. Before it was sold, it was called Moretti, and some people still call it that.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV made by Jeep, a division of Daimler-Chrysler. The most popular lampworking glass comes from Italy and is currently made by the Effetre company. Car and Driver (August 1998): 69–70.. Window glass can actually be used, but usually isn't, because it's not formulated for flameworking (it's shocky, that is, cracks and shatters in the flame) and there is little in the way of color available. Jeep Grand Cherokee Preview. (Glass also comes in particles of various sizes, but these are typically surface decorations in lampworked beads.) Many manufacturers who once only sold their glass in sheet or very thick rod now provide rods for lampworking use. Phil Berg. Most lampworkers use rods of glass 7--8mm in diameter, though premade stringers come in 1, 2 and 3mm sizes (depending on the brand), and some brands come in very thick diameters (15mm or more.) Sheet glass can be cut with tools into strips, though they're easier to manipulate if attached to a rod first.

2006–present – SRT-8. Their high lead content makes them sparkle more than other glass, but also makes them inherently fragile. 2006–present – Overland. Lead crystal beads are machine cut and polished. 2005–present – Limited. These beads require a large scale glass furnace and annealing kiln for manufacture. 2005–present – Laredo. No air is blown into the glass.

2002–2004 — Overland. Furnace glass uses large decorated canes built up out of smaller canes, encased in clear glass and then extruded to form the beads with liner and twisting stripe patterns. 2002–2004 — Special Edition. Italian glass blowing techniques such as latticinio and zanfirico are adapted here to make beads. 2002–2003 — Sport. Beads can be pressed, or made with traditional lampworking techniques. 1993 – Grand Wagoneer. Dichroic glass has a thin film of metal fused to the surface of the glass, resulting in a surface that has a metallic sheen that changes between two colors when viewed at different angles.

1998 – 5.9 Limited. Increasingly, dichroic glass is being used to produce high-end art beads. 1997–1998 – TSi. American torches are usually mounted at about a 45 degree angle, a result of scientific glassblowing heritage; Japanese torches are recessed, and have flames coming straight up, like a large bunson burner; Czech production torches tend to be positioned nearly horizontally. 1995–1997 – Orvis "Limited Edition". Also unlike metalworking, the torch is fixed, and the bead and glass move in the flame. 1993–1998 – Limited. Unlike a metalworking torch, or burner as some people in the trade prefer to call them, a flameworking torch is usually "surface mix"; that is, the oxygen and fuel (typically propane, though natural gas is also common) is mixed after it comes out of the torch, resulting in a quieter tool and less dirty flame.

1993–1998 – Laredo. Modern beadmakers use single or duel fuel torches, so `flameworked' is replacing the older term. 1993–1996 – Base "SE". After this initial stage of the beadmaking process, the bead can be further fired in a kiln to make it more durable. When the base bead has been formed, other colors of glass can be added to the surface to create many designs. Lampwork beads are made by using a torch to heat a rod of glass and spinning the resulting thread around a metal rod covered in bead release.

A third technique, the most labor intensive, is traditionally called lampworking, because once upon a time the beadmaker used an oil lamp to create lampwork beads. One `feed' of a hot rod might result in 10--20 beads, and a single operator can make thousands in a day. By making canes (the glass rods fed into the machine) striped or otherwise patterned, the resulting beads can be more elaborately colored than seed beads. The beads again are rolled in hot sand to remove flashing and soften seam lines.

Thick rods (20cm?) are heated to molten and fed into a rube goldbergian contraption that stamps the glass, including a needle that pierces a hole. These were (and are) made in the Czech republic, in what was once called Bohemia. Increasing in labor costs are pressed or molded beads. Modern seed beads are extruded by machine and some, (Miyuki delicas) look like little tubes.

The tube was then chopped, the resulting beads rolled in hot sand to round the edges, sieved into sizes, and, usually, strung onto hanks. Once upon a time, these beads were made by puntying up a gather of glass, blowing a bubble, attaching a second puntile and pulling molten glass in opposite directions, reportedly in lengths up to 200 feet long. The most common type of modern glass bead is the seed bead, a small type of bead typically less than 6mm, traditionally monochrome, and manufactured in very large quantities. .

Perhaps the earliest glass-like beads were Egyptian faience beads, a form of clay bead with a self-forming vitreous coating. Glass beads have been dated back to at least Roman times. Beads are amongst the oldest human art and technology, dating back 30,000 years (Dubin, 1987).