Looks fantastic. I'm curious how easily it is scrape it though? Also, did you clear coat it as well?
What wheels are those? The appear to be the Mopar Beadlocks minus the ring.Some little things done over the past few days.
- replaced back glass (already posted this)
- added @mopar reinforcement kit
- @mopar 3rd brake light reallocation kit
- added 5th spare tire and wheels
- @ruggedridge entry guard kit
You are correct. They are the Mopar Performance wheels without the ring. I’m having the rings powder coated white but I’m sure if I will install them, I know of like the current look.
Those are the wheels I really want, but they are really....really proud of them.
That looks awesome! Is this available for sale or can you provide info on how I can obtain this?Designed, 3D Printed and installed my custom Wireless (Qi) iPhone charger.
The microUSB cable is routed behind the dash and taps into the 12V cigarette lighter.
I use a thin magnetic case on my iPhone and it attaches securely to the charger.
Thanks for the detailed post.Sorry for the delay, but here is my write up on the recently released Smittybilt SRC Side Armor with Steps ( https://www.smittybilt.com/JL_SRC_SideArmor )
When I purchased my 2015 JKU Sport, it had a similar steps on it, so I've been waiting (not so patiently!) for these to finally be released!
The steps arrived in an appropriately sized large box. The UPS driver may not have been excited about it, but I sure was! The steps seemed to be packaged well. They were wrapped in bubble wrap which was then covered in sheets of foam. Smittybilt used chunks of styrofoam to act as filler. Overall, the powder coat seemed well done and there were no scratches or blemishes. You'll probably notice a few white specs in the pictures, but that's actually just sand. I am in Florida after all!
Also included with the steps is a box of hardware which contains the instructions and torque specs. The steps also come with pinch seam cover plates. More on those later.
Before I could install the new steps, I had to remove the my Rubicon Rock Slider Take-Offs. Those will be for sale in the member marketplace shortly btw. Please PM me if interested. After removing the rock sliders I cleaned as much of the area around the pinch seam as possible to provide a nice clean base.
Smittybilt first has you remove the two body colored pinch seam bolts from either side of the Jeep, then install the pinch seam cover plates using the provided matching hardware. I like how the plates trim out the pinch seam, however because of their length, thickness, and location of the attachment bolts the portion of the seam nearest the rear tire, which also features their logo, doesn't rest flat against the seam. It isn't obvious and doesn't seem to flap or vibrate at all, but for a perfectionist like me I notice it every time I look at it. I also wonder if dirt will get trapped in the cutouts causing friction and eventually paint damage.
*Note - I don't always capture images with the steadiest hand, so while the plate or steps may look crooked, they're actually level with the pinch seam and vehicle.
After attaching the seam cover plates it's on to mounting the steps. Unlike some solutions on the market, you don't have to remove the main body bolts themselves (which can land you with a broken bolt if you're not careful). I've had both the Mopar tubular side steps and the rock sliders on my JL and to be honest really hadn't looked at the body bolts very closely until this project. After seeing the bolts and how Smittybilt designed the steps, most of my fears of ripping off one of my new steps have gone away. You remove the nuts on either side of the rear most body bolts (two on each side) and drop the provided nut plates into the front portion of the frame rail on either side of the Jeep. Then you place the steps onto the Jeep using the rear body bolts as a guide. After that you hand tighten the nuts and new bolts that match the nut plates.
Finally, it's on the last and worst part of the entire install: inserting a nut plate into the sidewall of the frame rail. Smittybilt provides you with two nut plates (one for each side) that have basically a straightened coat hangar wire welded to them. You're expected to bend the wire in the correct fashion and at the correct spots so that you can "easily" insert and place the nut plate into the appropriate location. Even with their picture, this was MUCH more difficult than the instructions made it seem. Granted, I don't do that kind of work on a regular basis so a mechanic who has used this technique before may be able to place the plate much faster than I, but it was still a pain. After a few choice words, a stiff neck and twisting my body into positions that would make a Cirque Du Soleil performer squeamish, I was able to move the plates into the correct position and thread the bolts in. Then I tightened everything to spec.
One thing Smittybilt doesn't mention in the instructions is to trim the coat hanger-esque wire so that it won't vibrate and rattle while you go down the road. I snipped and pushed mine enough so it wouldn't make contact with the fame rail, but I could snag it with my needle nose pliers if I ever have the need. I think if I had it to do over I may just install a rivet nut instead and save some time.
Overall I'm very happy with the way the steps turned out. It does add some additional weight to the Jeep (around 70 lbs.) but it doesn't seem to drive any different. We'll see how it affects mileage. I like the look and functionality these provide. Not only do they protect your sides out on the trail but they provide a good platform when washing the top of the Jeep. My wife even says that getting in and out is a lot easier for her!
Some final notes:
-These steps are made in China. I don't know why I was surprised by that, I just assumed that Smittybilt had a large shop somewhere in the midwest where they hired a bunch of veterans to fabricate, weld, and powder coat these up.
-Smittybilt includes a heavy duty decal for each step. Luckily they give you the option of whether or not you want to apply them. I'm not fond of any advertising on my Jeep other than my Jeep Performance Parts badge and maybe the Falcon or Fox stickers on a set of shocks. If I had my druthers, I wouldn't want the Smity logo on the pinch seam plates or cut into the steps either.
If you've been waiting on this style of step/side armor, I hope this helps you make a decision!
Used the tether that came attached to it. May have to play with the clips a bit, feels tight but isn't aligned straight.
Ok, mine did not come with a tether. As for alignment, I played with the adjustment screws until I got it right, then locked'em in with some blue Loctite.
Yes I clear coated.. I liked the matte look at first but was afraid of how easily it would get scratched, so I clear coated... glad I did because the pearl comes out after clear coat and looks much better..
Thanks for sharing the details!!Sure. This is the bike rack I have Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XLKVLYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UAMoCb34X0B14
I found a Barrac ski rack adapter for a bike rack brand new on Facebook marketplace but I imagine a Thule or Yakima one would work just fine too, since they just attach to the two arms of the bike rack
EAMR-Y02418 * Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Mounted Bike Racks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076QHT6C3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0GMoCb8203KK8 or
Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AVRMYC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EIMoCb91CCB3G
I found mine on Facebook marketplace for $60.
Here are some close up pictures and a video of me "moving" it. It's secure, doesn't block the camera, and I can open the back. I had the Jeep up to 80 on the highway and no issues so I think I'm good.
