Sorry, I sold the Jeep and never got this documented.
Sep 19
Modification #15 (trek top)
Today I installed the “Bestop Trektop NX Soft Top with Tinted Side & Rear Windows – Black Diamond (SKU 56823-35)” that I obtained, as usual, from Morris 4X4 Center. The installation took me longer than the quoted 2 hours. It took me more like 4. And then it really isn’t complete, as the fabric is too tight for me to completely close the window and the tailgate bar won’t lock into position fully. But then again I did a lot of it in the dark. I’m sure that added some time. Also, it was cool and cloudy even when I did start in the daylight. I never got the opportunity to put the top in the sun as recommended. Also, the printed instructions pointed you to video tutorials on the Bestop web site. There were no instructions for the “NX” on the site. Fortunately their official tutorial was among the first to be returned in a search of YouTube. The correct video for the NX install is here.
Update: The pictures below are from two days later. The fabric has stretched enough that the zippers are all fully closed and the tailgate bar snaps in properly. The day was sunny and by the end of the day the wrinkles that show a couple places in the fabric had all stretched out. The top is smooth, the zippers all open and close easily, and it latches into position without any difficulty.
Mod’ the Mod’:
But I do think I’m going to need to make a mod’ on this mod’. I want to be able to roll up the rear window while it is still on the Jeep. For this I’ll need to install some straps that will hold the rolled up window in place at the top.
Sep 15
Modification #14 (tailgate organizer)
Today I also got the Bestop RoughRider Tailgate Organizer (Black, #54136-35) installed. As with much of my purchases I ordered through Morris 4X4 Center. I absolutely love these bags. The installation was simple and straight forward. No drilling on the Jeep was required, the assembly simply replaces the plastic access panel on the tailgate. The bags snap on easily and securely, yet they come off easily when you want to use them. The bags are very well made with a heavy nylon and plastic inserts to help them keep their shape. The top of the bags overlap the bottom, so if you are going about with your roof off they will protect the contents of the bags from water, mud, dirt, or whatever you throw at them.
Sep 15
Modification #13 (hi-lift jack)
The 36″ Hi-Lift Jack (HL364), with the Hi-Lift Handle Keeper (HL-HKB), was installed using Rugged Ridge Off Road Jack Mounting Bracket (Textured Black, #11586.01) from Morris 4X4 Center. The jack is, obviously, the high quality you would expect from Hi-Lift. The Rugged Ridge (RR) mounting bracket is likewise the high quality you would expect from Rugged Ridge. However, the instructions provided by RR stink. They give step-by-step instructions, including pictures, that provide a great level of detail. Yet they totally forgot to illustrate how the plastic OEM hinge guards fit into the steps. They provide a template for drilling the proper holes in them, so they can be refitted, but neglect to say or show in any pictures how this is to be accomplished. I spent quite a bit of time with the various bolts, washers, and spacers trying to figure out how the jack mount could be attached with the original hinge covers reinstalled. I’m still not totally sure if I have it as it was intended. But the door and mount are both very secure and the installation looks good. Now I just need to get a good padlock on the mount, so the jack doesn’t grow legs and walk off. I imagine I’ll spray the lock with matte black Plasti-Dip.
Sep 14
Savage Race Results, Dallas 2015 (Grandview, TX)
Simply an excellent race.
The linked Excel file contains the race results scraped from the source PDF provided by Savage. You can now sort the standings however you wish.
Link to Excel file: 2015-09-12 Savage Race Results
Sep 06
Modification #12 (blind spot mirror)
A simple stick-on mirror from Auto Zone, but it works and gives easy visibility. I’ve had the smaller mirror before and while it worked you had to look closely, which took more time and effort than just turning your head. This larger mirror works with just a glance. I like it.
Sep 05
Modification #11 (rear head rest spring removal)
Short story: The rear head rests will lay back and out of sight unless needed. The modification provides a tremendous increase in rearward visibility. When there are passengers in the back seat then simply raise the head rests into position where they will lock in place and work as normal.
Details: The video (see link to YouTube below) describes the process that allows the rear headrests in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited to remain flipped back and out of the rear view field of vision when there are no passengers in the rear seats. When there are passengers in the rear seat then the headrests can simply be flipped back up. They will remain locked in proper upright position until the seats are released and flipped flat, at which point the headrests are released backwards normally. But when the seat is raised, the headrests will remain flipped backwards until manually lifted back into the upright position.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Video Instructions and Demonstration (hosted on YouTube)
Sep 05
Modification #10 (trailer hitch)
It’s nice that Jeep has a steel framework right behind the bumper. It makes installing a hitch simple. The hitch from Rugged Ridge came with the wiring harness that tapped into the nearby tail light. Can’t beat easy.
Sep 05
Modification #9 (floor mats)
Okay, so not really a “modification”, but an addition nevertheless. The cloth floor mats were nice, but plain. Being black they also showed everything. I’m not sure these will be any better, but at least I can easily take them out and spray them off after getting in all muddy. They were about 4 inches too wide, but were designed with lines along which you can trim to make them smaller. A minute each with a box cutter and they fit perfectly. I got them at Auto Zone.
