Opus' Purple People Eater Build Thread

[TheNewGuy]

Yep. It hooks in using the same channels as the windows do. The cross bar for the rear window gets reused for the tonneau to let it seal well when the tailgate is closed.

Can you just release the tonneau from the channels and keep it in place for easy install when the windows come out again?

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[Opus]

Can you just release the tonneau from the channels and keep it in place for easy install when the windows come out again?

You could for the side windows in theory, but the tonneau cover uses the rear window's crossbar. The tonneau was hard to get on the first time, but after it got some sun and had a chance to stretch a bit, it's really not that hard to remove and reinstall.

At some point in the future I'd like to look into a solid shelf that could bolt in to serve as a tonneau when the windows are off and an upper storage shelf when the windows are on. So far, I haven't found one that fits a 2-door with the rear seat removed that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I may have to DIY something but until then the fabric tonneau keeps things from flying out of the back on the highway

 

[Opus]

Installed a set of Nilight LED exterior lights. This was my first foray into tying into the AUX switch in the Jeep. Beforehand, I watched a few YouTube videos that made the process seem pretty straightforward. I also started a thread here to ask about basic wiring. Both were helpful.

To connect the wiring, I used 14-16 gauge butt connectors, a crimper and a heat gun. This kept me from having to mess with soldering anything which I appreciate.

Overall the process went pretty smoothly. I took my time and tried to think each step through before I cut or connected anything. I'm not entirely happy with how the lights are mounted to the brackets, but to get them how I want I'll need to pick up a low profile, offset screwdriver. But for now they're on there solidly.

The lights are nice and bright and should come in handy if I need extra lighting in an emergency... or just really want to piss someone off...

 

[Opus]

I've been thoroughly enjoying the windows-out / tube doors-on run with the Jeep. Unfortunately, the doors and windows will have to go back on tomorrow. Too many errands with too many chances for rain over the next week.

Having said that, I know that as soon as I put the doors and windows back on we'll be rain free... but some of these errands involve running my 75 year old mother to some doctor's appointments. She's done great so far with the tube doors and open air (as long as we stay off the highway), but driving through a rain shower would be a bridge too far...

 

[Opus]

Ordered a set of seat belt pads to attach behind the seat belts to hopefully put an end to the annoying flap you get when the windows are down or the doors are off. I'll post an update once I know how they work.

 

[TheNewGuy]

Ordered a set of seat belt pads to attach behind the seat belts to hopefully put an end to the annoying flap you get when the windows are down or the doors are off. I'll post an update once I know how they work.

I bought a set from SpiderwebShade and they work perfectly

 

[Deleted User 38384]

@Opus

Everytime I see your gorgeous purple reign I think...

...and everytime I see your user name I think...

Grimace, Opus... ? ?

 

[Opus]

Today is officially my Jeepiversary! I picked it up from the dealer lot one year ago today. 7674 miles this year, which is a lot more than I normally would have. The Grand Canyon road trip this summer was 3000 miles of that. No problems. I still look forward to driving it and I still look back at it every time I walk away.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Today is officially my Jeepiversary! I picked it up from the dealer lot one year ago today. 7674 miles this year, which is a lot more than I normally would have. The Grand Canyon road trip this summer was 3000 miles of that. No problems. I still look forward to driving it and I still look back at it every time I walk away.

Happy Birthday Jeep!!!! ???

 

[Opus]

The comprehensive list of add-ons I've done over the year:

JeCar fuel door
Stubby antenna
Screen protector for the 8.4" head unit
Visor reinforcement brackets
Passenger handle tray
Transmission tunnel tray
Center console trays
Redline hood struts
Nilight ditch lights wired to AUX 4
Rear left side tray
Rubber license plate covers
Tube doors for summer
Tonneau cover for summer
Seat jackers
Seat belt pads - didn't work, but found an alternative to prevent the seatbelt slapping...
Black plastic covers for the strike plates
Threedom key lock covers
Weathertech mud flaps (front) and floor mats (front)
Alien grab handle (passenger side)
Velcro storage bags above doors
Extended the tether for the gas cap to let it clear the pump handle
Dead pedal
Quad Lock phone mount
Hitch extender
Fire extinguisher
MOPAR (knockoff) grab handle (passenger side)
Spare tire circular brake light yes, I heard the siren song of the Amazons... no, I'm not proud of it...


Got a set of black plastic covers for the lug nuts... ultimately decided not to use them, just because of the potential pain in the butt if I needed to change a tire.

Lots of little mods. The only thing on the horizon is to maybe replace the Michelin all-seasons with some AT tires in a few years when it's time for new shoes. If I can afford different wheels by then, that also might happen (black or bronze). Otherwise, I'll live with the Granite-Crystal Metallic. Still no desire/plans to do any lifting. I like the height the way it is.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

The comprehensive list of mods I've done over the year:

JeCar fuel door
Stubby antenna
Passenger handle tray
Transmission tunnel tray
Center console trays
Redline hood struts
Nilight ditch lights wired to AUX 4
Rear left side tray
Tube doors for summer
Tonneau cover for summer
Seat jackers
Seat belt pads - didn't work, but found an alternative to prevent the seatbelt slapping...
Black plastic covers for the strike plates
Threedom key lock covers
Weathertech mud flaps (front) and floor mats (front)
Alien grab handle (passenger side) and storage bags above doors
Extended the tether for the gas cap to let it clear the pump handle
Dead pedal
Quad Lock phone mount
Hitch extender

Got a set of black plastic covers for the lug nuts... ultimately decided not to use them, just because of the potential pain in the butt if I needed to change a tire.

Lots of little mods. The only thing on the horizon is to maybe replace the Michelin all-seasons with some AT tires in a few years when it's time for new shoes. If I can afford different wheels by then, that also might happen (black or bronze). Otherwise, I'll live with the Granite-Crystal Metallic. Still no desire/plans to do any lifting. I like the height the way it is.

Inspirational. Preciate the sum up!

 

[Opus]

First mod of the New Year... Just installed some BeamTech LED bulbs. They are significantly brighter than the halogens (which will come as a shock to no one). We'll see how long they last.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

First mod of the New Year... Just installed some BeamTech LED bulbs. They are significantly brighter than the halogens (which will come as a shock to no one). We'll see how long they last.

My BeamTech's have been good for the last 5 years, still running strong across two different vehicles, both Jeeps. In fact the only reason I'm currently not running them is because I've been messing around with all of these less expensive AliExpress headlights. In fact I just ordered another pair with a four-sided bulb so there's no need to factor in polarity when installing the bulb.

That being said, I do plan on going back to my BeamTech's at some point in the future. Who knows I might even buy a second pair of those just in case they do eventually die. ?

 

[Opus]

Added the CheroCar tailgate table today. Installation went well

Got a few bags to attach to the underside for some extra storage. $35 total from Amazon.

 

[Opus]

Not much new to report... Just passed 11K miles and all is well. For the Memorial Day weekend I have pulled the windows and doors. I remember last year the process took me forever. I was watching YouTube videos and planning each step, scared that I was going to break something or scratch something. This time, the window pull took a few minutes and removing both doors took less than 20.

I was getting ready to install the tube doors, but seeing it like this, I think I'll leave it doorless for a while.

Sad to say... I'm kind of at a stopping point as far as mods or changes to the Jeep are concerned until it's time for new tires (that is, unless there's a must-have gizmo or doo-dad I haven't seen yet). Then, I'd like to look at some KO3s or similar tires... and maybe some black or bronze wheels.

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