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- Modification #21 (trektop rear window hold) - I was looking for an easy way to roll up and hold the rear window of my TrekTop NX up while driving. I thought about using Velcro, but that meant stitching and or gluing to the top. Then I thought of what’s shown in the pictures. It works great. The ‘hook’ just passes through the …
- Modification #20 (mirrors on tube doors) - I finally finished the finish 🙂 for the tube door mirrors. They came in chrome, but I sprayed them with the black ‘hammered finish’ Rust-Oleum. Since only one bold was used to affix the mirror to the door, I used QuikSteel Steel Reinforced Epoxy Putty to reinforce the attachment. I also cut the excess bolt …
- Modification #19 (front grill inserts) - I’ve been wanting to add some mesh behind the front grill, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day for the DIY project. Since I had a discount I could apply I purchased the “Perforated Mesh Grille” (sku 11401.32) from Morris 4×4 Center. It was easy to install and looks great.
- Modification #18 (tube doors) - I ended up getting the “Steinjager Front and Rear Tube Doors“, Gloss Black, Set of 4, from Morris 4×4 Center. These are inexpensive doors and for the most part serve me well. Following are some notes and observations you may find helpful if you are looking for tube doors for your Wrangler. They are inexpensive, …
- Modification #17 (locking fuel door cover) - I finally got on the “Rugged Ridge Locking Fuel Door Cover, Steel – Black” (SKU 11229.03) from Morris 4X4 Center. The steel is hard. They supply four self tapping screws (not enough) with which you are to simply screw the cover over and onto the existing ring. I don’t see how the self tapping screws …
- Modification #16 (fuse box and wiring) - Sorry, I sold the Jeep and never got this documented.
- 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 …
- 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 …
- 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 …
- 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.
- 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 …
- 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.
- 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 …
- Modification #8 (door guards) - Today I placed on the edge trim on the doors. Now if/when the doors blow or swing open into another vehicle then hopefully this will prevent any damage. Plus, it looks nice. I purchased the strips at Auto Zone. It took two packages to get all four doors and the rear gate.
- Modifications #6 & #7 (strong box & cover) - Today I received the strong box in the mail and got it installed. The installation was straight forward and without any issues. I believe I’m going to like it. Bestop 42640-01 HighRock 4×4 Under Seat Lock Box for Wrangler JK, Driver side I received the cover the other day, but didn’t give it a trial …
- Modification #3, #4, & #5 (steps, tank, undercoat) - Today I got a few more tasks completed. I installed “Rugged Ridge 11591.08 Textured Black 4.25″ Round Side Tube Steps“. They went on with relative ease. It was easy, but there were a lot of bolts to tighten. I spray painted the muffler matte black. I can’t stand nice looking vehicles that show an ugly …
- Modification #2 (keys) - I absolutely can’t stand huge keys, so I made the following mod’ to my basic key. Use an blade to make a slice through the rubber key cover, going from the base to the top. Pull off the cover, using the blade to trim away some rubber that will be sticking through perforations on the …
- Modification #1 (mirror) - While the dealer was still in the vehicle giving me “the tour”, I turned the rear view mirror upside down. This vastly improves visibility through the front windshield.
- Wabbit Killer - I just picked up my Jeep today. Whoohoo! Some would call this a “mid-life crisis”, but if that were so then it would be red, two door, and look incredibly like a Miata. No, this is “delayed gratification”. I’ve only wanted one since I was 11. (Possibly earlier, but the first I recall wanting one …