PROJECT PARTNERS

XPEL Paint Protection Film

Check out that giant piece of XPEL Ultimate with Fusion Plus getting applied to the hood. This film is 8 mils thick with the first 0.5 mils being a self-healing layer. It’s super impressive and interesting to watch the Lingenfelter Auto Spa install pros work on these huge pieces of film.

The crew at Lingenfelter Auto Spa did a killer job of installing the XPEL PPF, XPEL XR window tint, and Fusion Plus ceramic coating.

They even did the 392 a solid by adding an extra 10 mil layer of Ultimate Plus over the front of the rear fenders to protect against rock hits and sandblasting and put XPEL's matte Stealth film over my touchscreen. Not only is it protected from dirt scratches, but now no more fingerprints! 

Man does this thing shine in the sun. Sooooo Red!!!

American Adventure Lab

This may be an unpopular opinion, but some people really overdo the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels on their builds.

On the latest round of functional upgrades to the 392, I was trying to figure out where to mount my ARB fridge plug and the Redarc Electronics solar input and BM Zero suggested I take a look at the American Adventure Lab modular MOLLE side panels. These aluminum panels can be mounted as just a lower (like this one), or a lower and an upper to expand the size. This lower was exactly the right piece, it fills a void and makes it functional without getting in the way of other things. It was the perfect way to mount the plugs, and I might just have to get another one for the other side. Great for those off shapes items that need to be in reach, like a first aid kit or small ready bag that stays with the Jeep. And for those of you that want to go MOLLE crazy, well they got you covered too. Yet another great product from American Adventure Lab.

I might be partial because I may have had a little tiny involvement in this one, but one of my favorite new Americana Adventure Lab upgrades is this incredible under-seat ARB4x4 CKMTA12 compressor setup, which is one of the few on the market that allows for either passenger or driver side mounting. It also mounts much deeper under the seat, and the controls are right on the side of the seat, with exactly enough clearance for the door.

I also love the kicker plate that protects the compressor from damage and being kicked by rear passenger feet.

Plus, you can use the passenger bracket to mount other things, in my case the Midland USA MXT575 GMRS radio brain.

Rock Blokz

Another easy upgrade for the Jeep 392 in the form of quick release Rok Blokz front mud flaps. Took all of about 15 minutes to install and because we have Evo Mfg sliders with more clearance, we went with the versions that don’t have the factory rail cutouts. These are a nice compliment to the AEV rear mud flaps, and are easily removed when more clearance is needed. Again, trying to keep the hinges and fenders from being sandblasted on the trail. 

Black Vue Dash Cam

I recently picked up a one-channel Black Vue dashcam for the 392. When it arrived, I had trouble figuring out where to place it m. I wanted to make sure that it was out of the way and still had a good field of view. Thanks to the internet (because it always wins), I found a 3D-printed mount available from a forum user on Shapeways and picked it up. It holds the camera and mounts it to the bottom of the adaptive cruise camera housing.

From the drivers seat, it barely pokes down below the rear view mirror and the picture is just about perfect. Pretty stoked how clean the install is and how the whole install ended up.

 

Overland Kitted Spare Tire Bracket

I installed the new Overland Kitted Spare Tire Accessory Bracket for externally carrying Maxtrax Recovery Boards. 

The Overland Kitted bracket is made in the USA from aluminum (and is powder coated) and interfaces with the Maxtrax full-size or mini board mounts. 

It also comes with a high-quality Mac's Tie Downs ratcheting strap for easy installation and removal. This design is nice because it doesn’t block the rear camera and sill allows easy access to the rear tailgate. Looking forward to testing it out on the trail.

Redline Tuning Hood Struts

Prop rods suck, especially on a really heavy hood like the Jeep 392 with the Hydroguide system, so I grabbed a set of Redline Tuning hood struts. Super easy install, even with having to Dremel some bracket clearance on the passenger side, it only took about 25 minutes and now my hood holds itself up.

Z Automotive Tazer JL Mini

The Tazer JL Mini aims to be an essential tool for owners of the 2018+ Wrangler JL and Jeep Gladiator. 

Simply unplug the serial gateway module and plug the Tazer JL Mini in its place. Located above the OBD-II diagnostic connector. Features are all accessed using the dash display, using steering wheel buttons to navigate the menus.

Tazer JL Mini features:

Vehicle Settings are accessed with the engine OFF and the ignition in the “RUN” position. These are changes made to the Jeep such as tire size, gear ratios or settings which accommodate other upgrades. These changes will continue to operate after the Tazer JL Mini is unplugged.

Live Functions are accessed with the engine ON. These are operations the Tazer JL Mini performs live, only while it is physically connected.
plugged in.

Factor 55

Next mod? How about a fancy new Factor 55 UltraHook to replace the stock hook that came on the Warn Industries Zeon 10s. The install is pretty easy if you have snap ring pliers and not only does the UltraHook look good, but it features a number of safety innovations. While it can be used as a traditional hook, it features a hole for Closed System Shackle Mount techniques, has a titanium double shear pin, and the ability to lock the latch in to place. EPDM rubber pads in the back of the UltraHook allow you to safely store your hook against the fairlead. This hook is machined from billet for incredible strength and is made in the USA. Oh yeah, and the optional rope guard will protect your synthetic rope from UV damage.

Sound Skins

I came across this great, young company called Sound Skins, based in So Cal. They make a really cool triple-later sound deadening product that is aluminum, rubber butyl, and foam. The killer part is that they offer kits that are CNC-cut for your application, saving on time and waste. After spending the last couple days with their product, I learned a lot about how to form it. I would say the templates are about 90% right-on and the rest you have to massage or trim a little. I also realized that it was a lot easier to work with when I cut the bigger sheets down to more manageable sizes.

So far, I am really impressed with the product and can’t wait to see how much of a difference it makes to the ambient noise of the Jeep. Having three materials, it should be great for heat and noise. So now that the floor is done, the next step is to do the doors. After that, time to enjoy a little less road noise and a little more road-trip solitude

Hothead Headliners

Wrapped up the Hothead Headliners install yesterday. Went with the black fabric and their Sound Assassin strips, and rear window panels. Again, I have to compliment the incredible fit and finish and I just can’t believe how great the interior looks. Now I can be like the cool kids and stick all those Velcro patches to something.

I used a decibel meter to record the interior sound at 55, 65, 70, 75 and 80 and not only do the #hotheadheadliners panels work, but they make a fairly significant difference. I recorded an average of a 2-3 decibel drop across the board. In addition to the noise reduction, they also help to insulate the interior from heat and cold.

If you are on the fence or wanted some feedback before you pulled the trigger, I’m telling you to do it. You won’t be disappointed.