redbeard719's 392 build...

Thanks ordered as well as a quart of Mopar ATF +4
You bet!

Somehow I ended up ordering 2 qts. 😆 I figure I'll have enough to drain and refill the T-case sometime in the future. For only about $12/qt, it wasn't worth the headache of returning the second qt.
 
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I have to warn you though - the cost is not insignificant. Cost will vary greatly depending on the levels of coverage you choose to go with.
Living in an area without much in the way of options, I’m curious as to what you’re going to pay for the PPF.

Might be worth a road trip to Colorado.
 
A few updates to share...

I was waiting to see how big the OEM key fob really was. And it's huge - so it decided to change it to a Threedom M fob.. Swapping was straight forward and it's much smaller. If I end up hating it I can swap everything back to the OEM fob too easily enough.

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Moving onto a more substantial install - I spent time last night getting the AWE Switchpath Exhaust installed. It's such a work of art, IMHO. I know some don't like the stainless though and wanted black, but that stainless just looks great to me.

Install was easy enough, though a little time consuming getting things lined up just right. Some of the spaces are a little tight room to work within and squeeze your hands into, but it's manageable and not a difficult install at all.

Not only does it look great, but the sound is soooo good! Quiet mode is louder, maybe even close to performance mode with the OEM exhaust though I don't feel quite as loud. Performance mode now is obviously louder, but it's a deep tone. Not raspy at all!

Out with the old!

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The AWE Switchpath parts, all laid out...

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Final install - it's a nice and clean look, very tight looking.

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And the last update - With the OEM exhaust out of the way, I completed the Diode Dynamics HitchPod light install. It couldn't have been any easier of a 'project'. Simply unplug the factory 7-pin harness from the back of the 7-pin connector, insert the included T harness, connect the pod, and you're all set. I did relocate the OEM wire harness tree fastener from the 7/4 pin bracket into a hole in the frame crossrail, and added a few zip ties to keep the wires tidy, but that's all.

I opted for the model that includes brake function. The brakes strobe 3-4 times then go solid and the strobe feature can be disabled if desired. It also does reverse and operates as a red running light too.

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Looking great man! I believe the exhaust sound gets even better after it has some miles on it!
 
If you plan to have PPF, tint, or ceramic coating done in Colorado Springs, I highly recommend Auto Film Solutions. They're located in SE Colorado Springs, and really do excellent work. They have done extensive work on my truck and my wife's car. 2+ years with nearly full PPF on each car and ceramic coating, and ceramic tint, and I can still say it was one of the best investments we've made into each car. Ceramic tint really does wonders to cut down on the interior heat.


For my 392 though, I am taking it to a shop in Denver that one of the other members here used for his 2023 AEV conversion 392. He posted about his experience there, and the shop also wrote up a project page about it.

The shop I'm using this time is Denver Auto Shield. Here's a link to their page and the AEV 392 project.


I have to warn you though - the cost is not insignificant. Cost will vary greatly depending on the levels of coverage you choose to go with.

For me, I'm entirely convinced of the benefits of PPF. Having seen how well it's protected my truck and my wife's car, there is no way I would not consider doing it.

Now, as far as interior space with the half doors in the Jeep - The back seats will be useless. You'll have room to squeeze a small backpack or duffel bag in the very back on top of the rearmost boxes. Driver seat will accommodate an average-sized person. I'm 5' 10" and 185#. I fit well enough, but there isn't much room at all for stretching out. Passenger seating will be far more limited as that seat will be pushed up and the seat back will be near vertical. I wouldn't want to ride in that seat for hours in that position.

You can see here, it's not very roomy.

View attachment 20899
If you plan to have PPF, tint, or ceramic coating done in Colorado Springs, I highly recommend Auto Film Solutions. They're located in SE Colorado Springs, and really do excellent work. They have done extensive work on my truck and my wife's car. 2+ years with nearly full PPF on each car and ceramic coating, and ceramic tint, and I can still say it was one of the best investments we've made into each car. Ceramic tint really does wonders to cut down on the interior heat.


For my 392 though, I am taking it to a shop in Denver that one of the other members here used for his 2023 AEV conversion 392. He posted about his experience there, and the shop also wrote up a project page about it.

The shop I'm using this time is Denver Auto Shield. Here's a link to their page and the AEV 392 project.


I have to warn you though - the cost is not insignificant. Cost will vary greatly depending on the levels of coverage you choose to go with.

For me, I'm entirely convinced of the benefits of PPF. Having seen how well it's protected my truck and my wife's car, there is no way I would not consider doing it.

Now, as far as interior space with the half doors in the Jeep - The back seats will be useless. You'll have room to squeeze a small backpack or duffel bag in the very back on top of the rearmost boxes. Driver seat will accommodate an average-sized person. I'm 5' 10" and 185#. I fit well enough, but there isn't much room at all for stretching out. Passenger seating will be far more limited as that seat will be pushed up and the seat back will be near vertical. I wouldn't want to ride in that seat for hours in that position.

You can see here, it's not very roomy.

View attachment 20899
Tanks for the info. I guess the good thing is I now have a 6-9 moth wait (Per the peeps at Granger) so I can shop around
 
I was finally able to get the the American Brother Designs catch can installed. The supplied mounting nut was the wrong size but a trip to Ace Hardware took care of that.

I also dressed up the hoses with braided cable sleeve as it gives it a nicer finish than the plain rubber.

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Not much lately, but did install these brackets from Topsy Products.

These were posted on their Facebook page for Jeep Beach. Not sure if they’ve been added to their website yet though. I called and spoke to them on Monday, asking if they could get me set up with the top hoist kit and these bronze/392 brackets.

They arrived today and 10 minutes later, we’re on the 392!

Just be careful when you install - the hinge to top screws only are tightened to 90 INCH/lbs.

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I made small changes to the front. PPF/Tint/Ceramic happens a week from today. I decided to pop off the end caps from the front bumper and add the Maximus-3 JL XLP Hoop.

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I'm undecided on skids, so in the meantime I took advantage of the sale that Yamkum Ropes is running for Memorial Day and picked up some recovery gear essentials.

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I made small changes to the front. PPF/Tint/Ceramic happens a week from today. I decided to pop off the end caps from the front bumper and add the Maximus-3 JL XLP Hoop.

View attachment 21587

I'm undecided on skids, so in the meantime I took advantage of the sale that Yamkum Ropes is running for Memorial Day and picked up some recovery gear essentials.

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Untill mine comes in (whenever that will be) I have to live through you!!!!!!
 
Haha, I know the feeling! I really haven’t driven it yet, but from what I hear the wait is worth it!
I've only driven the purple one Castle rock Jeep had, and the sales man was like nope you need to baby it since it has 3 miles on the odometer LOL but MAN it was WAY better than my sons 3.6 HA HA
 
RSE step sliders installed, Teraflex Alpha Hinge and Tire carrier installed, and 37 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

None of it was overly difficult, but taking my time proved worthwhile. The body bolts didn’t put up any fight at all, and the tailgate alignment was a bit of trial and error, but not difficult at all.

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Love it!!!
How was the PPF install? I'm still looking at two or three local in the springs, but I want it done RIGHT for that amount $$$$
 
Love it!!!
How was the PPF install? I'm still looking at two or three local in the springs, but I want it done RIGHT for that amount $$$$
Thank you!

PPF/tint/ceramic turned out great. I'm very happy with the workmanship and the shop's attention to detail. Once I get my headlights swapped, it will be going back to have the new headlights done as well, and give the shop a chance to check over its work, but so far I'm really happy with it.

They did all the way down into the pinch welds, into the door sills, etc, etc. The Xpel Stealth film was a perfect choice as well for the satin black grill too, you can't even tell it's on there.

They also did my half doors, which turned out great too.
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Thank you!

PPF/tint/ceramic turned out great. I'm very happy with the workmanship and the shop's attention to detail. Once I get my headlights swapped, it will be going back to have the new headlights done as well, and give the shop a chance to check over its work, but so far I'm really happy with it.

They did all the way down into the pinch welds, into the door sills, etc, etc. The Xpel Stealth film was a perfect choice as well for the satin black grill too, you can't even tell it's on there.

They also did my half doors, which turned out great too.View attachment 22538
Glad to hear it was worth it. I will be doing that as soon as I bring mine back too!!!! and I love your half door hangers
 
Glad to hear it was worth it. I will be doing that as soon as I bring mine back too!!!! and I love your half door hangers

Thanks! Pm me if you want to talk specifics, or I don’t mind sharing here either if the others on thew forum have any interest.

As for the hangers, I had found them on Quadratec, but Amazon had them for less and faster shipping.

Here’s a link:
Surco DH1002 Deluxe Wall Mount Door Hanger

 
I spoke with Artec this morning - their 392 oil/trans only skids are showing backorder. They are expecting shipments to go out in the next 2-2.5 weeks. So I ordered that skid, the front and rear differential covers, and rear lower control arm/shock mount skid pieces. The 20% off sale pushed me over the edge! 🤣

In prep for the winch install, I cut and drilled out a piece of 1/8" aluminum angle to mount the Warn power interrupt kit. It fits perfectly on the passenger side fender, right next to the fuse block. The OEM aux wires should also reach, but if not quite it'll be easy enough to extend.

Here's a crude mock up with it installed. No clearance issues with closing the hood either. I've since wet-sanded it with 400grit, and as soon as the weather cooperates, it'll be shot with some black Rust-o-leum paint. I also have some adhesive-backed rubber that I'll put on the bottom of it so it doesn't damage the Jeep's paint.

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