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Giving back a bit (SoCal jeep owner)

1K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  mjg94 
#1 ·
Hey everyone, I've had my 07 Wrangler X JK now for over nine months and have turned to this site for plenty of intel. Thanks to everyone for your help and guidance for a new kid like me. Now for a few things I've learned about my ride that might help others somewhere.

Audio:
I replaced every speaker with Alpines and put a subwoofer in the trunk. The MacGyvers at the place that installed it (Pacific 1 in Inglewood, CA) managed to fasten some hinges to it with some high-speed bolts so I could lock it to the car with an Akita security cord and a padlock. The sound is perfect, but had to drop the bass to -7 so my Jeep didn't shake to pieces. Installation with equipment ran about $600. I can actually hear it on the highway now.

Lights:
The KC HiLites H4 conversion kit worked out well, better than the little candlelit stock headlamps. They're bright and not too expensive (around $120).

Hold downs:
I picked up the Drake hood hold downs and yeah they look cool and they work, but pricey. I hated seeing the hood flutter and jump on the highway, felt like it was going to pop open any second. It never would of course but still, didn't care for it. A bit expensive but improved the curb appeal of the regular hood.

Soft top:
I have the original MOPAR top (at least what came with it when I bought it) but took it off completely. I live in SoCal so I take my chances with the rain, but with the Bestop bikini top and neoprene seat covers, it can handle lighter rain just fine. Even with the windows up and the air on, the bikini top kept it cool enough on a trip to Pismo a few weeks ago when the temperature topped 100. My girlfriend, who whines about the heat constantly, didn't make a sound. Not too bad. I've had some equipment issues with the Bestop bikini top, but Quadratec has been good about replacements. I picked up a Bestop emergency car cover which helps in a pinch when parked for a few days at a time. I don't like the stock windows, especially driving around LA. The plastic is annoying, I can't see a damn thing. Too many idiots to look after, so I took it off. The less between me and the road, the better.

Seat covers:
I went with Rugged Ridge neoprene seat covers which work great, they really keep you from sliding around all over the place. They get a bit hot, but keep your ass in one spot. They do really fade however, just like a wetsuit. The black ones will be brownish in no time. They sell a spray that helps protect it from fading, but I haven't tried it.

Off-roading:
The Adventure Pass for $30 a year gets you into most California State parks in SoCal. Google it and you'll see it pop up. They mail you a few stickers/placards. I can't believe it took so long to find online. California is just effing weird when it comes to where and when with permits, passes and maps. They hide everything.
Rowher Flats: Picturesque but bumpy as hell, it's a long trip with some sketchy narrow passes, but fun enough. There are a few trails on the outer edges of Angeles that are super cool and usually empty, but again narrow and pretty dangerous with some serious drop-offs. They follow the power lines.
Pismo Beach: I went to Pismo a few weekends ago and most of the information I found was buried either on a map or on some obscure website. Plenty about not running over native birds, but not much in the way of practical info. In a nutshell, Google Grover beach, it's the northern most place to enter. You'll need a whip and flag (for the dunes, if you go that far), which you can buy at a couple places right there at the beach, or at a few places on it (you don't need a hitch etc, you can fasten them on with zip ties). Drop your tires to around 10 PSI (or lower) if you plan to hit the sand (there's a guy there that'll reinflate your tires for like $1/tire on your way out). I had fun, but the dunes (which are past the camping area) are no joke. They change quickly and you can find yourself driving off a 5-10 ft cliff in no time if you're not careful. It was $5 to get on, not bad. I hear weekends can be tough, they might not let you on if it's too packed.

I'm definitely not a mechanic, nor do I know too much about any real crazy stuff like lifts and huge wheels and such. But there are plenty of posts here for stuff like that, which I'm sure I'll check out when the time comes. Happy Jeeping and stay safe.

mjg94
 
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#3 ·
Audio:
I replaced every speaker with Alpines and put a subwoofer in the trunk. The MacGyvers at the place that installed it (Pacific 1 in Inglewood, CA) managed to fasten some hinges to it with some high-speed bolts so I could lock it to the car with an Akita security cord and a padlock. The sound is perfect, but had to drop the bass to -7 so my Jeep didn't shake to pieces. Installation with equipment ran about $600. I can actually hear it on the highway now.

mjg94
Nice post, thanks. Couple questions:

A) can you hear it on the highway with the roof off?

B) did you keep the factory head unit?
 
#4 ·
600. I can actually hear it on the highway now.

Lights:
The KC HiLites H4 conversion kit worked out well, better than the little candlelit stock headlamps. They're bright and not too expensive (around $120).


I'm definitely not a mechanic, nor do I know too much about any real crazy stuff like lifts and huge wheels and such. But there are plenty of posts here for stuff like that, which I'm sure I'll check out when the time comes. Happy Jeeping and stay safe.

mjg94
Was the light install difficult? I need to change mine and am hesitant as the price of some of the other options are pretty high.
 
#6 ·
Yes MossyOaf that's exactly why I got it ha, the stock speakers with highway noise and the top off were impossible to hear. It depends on the road you're on, wind conditions, traffic, etc, but yes the Alpines have been a wonderful addition and most def loud enough. With the windows up and a simple bikini top they're perfect.
 
#7 ·
Hey CT_White_SRT, no the install was actually quite easy, a few YouTube videos were great in showing me how to do it. The toughest part was getting to a few nuts/bolts in tough places, so make sure to pick up the wrench you'll need to do so, as mentioned in the instructions. Having tiny baby hands helps reach into a few tight corners, but the required wrench with an extender does help. They're definitely brighter than the stock, but not LED quality. All in all worth the price for an upgrade.
 
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