Shag,
first off I think your forum is going to be a hit once it gets active and more members. And I really haven't posted on here much. But I spend alot of time on jeepforum.com. I'm sure you've been there.
So here's what I was thinking. To up the activity/ membership. Have a few contests and give away membership upgrades as prizes. Easy stuff like maybe jeep trivia or something goofy. That way the new "members" will be more active, add more topics draw more attention etc
The main reason I use jeep forum more is I already have a membership and that makes it way easier to do things.
Another thing. Sorry for the rant. But profiles more like myspace where members can post info on multiple rigs, and maybe have a gallery section where you can just hot link photo bucket pics. To save you server space.
If you read this far I'm impressed. But just thought I would bounce some ideas off of you. I'd really like to see this forum take off.
Later
Wade