[Elarson]

Hey Guys/Girls,

Just wanted to start a thread where I intend to document the build up of my Black 2012 JKU Sahara over the coming weeks, months, and hopefully years. My intention is to start literally with the window sticker, and then document things I have already done and add the new changes as they occur. All of this in the hopes I may be able to answer questions or spur someone elses ideas as all of you have done for me since April when I first picked up my new Jeep!

I've nicknamed it "Project Black Widow" because I am moving towards a blacked out look and with the time I have spent my wife now refers to herself as a "Jeep Widow"!

I started this project after selling my highly customized 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T. I spent a couple years building it into a show car and eventually got board with it and moved on to a new project. Note that both the Challenger and my Jeep are my daily drivers for some 20,000 miles per year here in my home state of Michigan!

I hope you enjoy or find it helpful! unk:

Eric

 

[Elarson]

Knowing that someone would ask I thought I would share some photos of my Challenger first!

Eric

 

[Elarson]

continued

 

[Elarson]

Well..here is the baseline...just your normal 2012 JKU Sahara. Well optioned but not absolutely loaded.

 

[Elarson]

One of the first things I did at the start of summer was replace the head unit with a Kenwood DDX419. It includes bluetooth streaming, cell phone integration, garmin iPhone NAV integration, and all the regular bells and whistles.

I also added a Kenwood backup camera, replaced the front and soundbar speakers with the Kenwood Mopar replacements, stuffed the soundbar with polyfill, and replaced the stock Infinity sub with a Kicker 8" CompVR.

Sounds SO much better!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also took the Escort Passport 8500 from my car and put it in tucking the 12v cord behind the dash from the 12v outlet and then out the top behind the radio to keep it as neat as possible.

 

[Elarson]

Next up was replacing the stock radio antenna with a shorter black aftermarket one. Note the reception is not as good however I almost never listen to the actual radio in lieu of my iPhone.

I also removed the factory step bars from both sides as they will be replaced later with some rock slider protection!

Finally I removed all of the badging including the WRANGER DECALS, SAHARA DECALS, JEEP LETTERING, AND TRAIL RATED BADGE. Note the full picture include a ton of other add ons I didn't have back then but I didn't take a pic back then.

Also of note is when I bought my Jeep I had the dealer put Wrangler Rubicon Tires on it with some 17" wheels off a sport. I just liked the look alot better and knew it would be a few months or longer before I took the next step.

 

[lolpetewtf]

you broke my browser.

 

[Elarson]

Next came the front bumper change! This is the Body Armor JK-15931 with the optional JK-5123 optional skid plate.

And for lights, two sets of KC Highlight Off-Road and one set of KC Highlight Fogs! Each set is switched seperately using the Rigged Ridge A-Piller switch Pod.

The winch is a Harbor Freight Chinese special I had and am using as a placeholder so it doesn't look to bad until I get the WARN I want. I wouldn't trust my truck to this winch, but for it's current purpose it's fine.

 

[Elarson]

you broke my browser.

Sorry for doing this all at once but trying to document the summer projects and get the build caught up! It's ok to hate.

 

[Elarson]

Almost caught up I promise!

Added the Mopar hood scoop and Mopar Taillight portectors.

 

[lolpetewtf]

No one is hating! It's just the pictures are not formatting the way they usually do. Looks good so far

 

[Elarson]

This weekend I installed a Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumper System with the included tire carrier (will accomodate up to 40" tires).

I also slipped on a Mopar chrome exhaust tip and added black Smittybilt Rings to the front/rear bumpers.

 

[Elarson]

No one is hating! It's just the pictures are not formatting the way they usually do. Looks good so far

really?? they perfect on my end....maybe I need to take a look using my Ipad or another computer. Can you tell me what's wrong with them? Didn't think you were hating..just dry humor... :facepalm:

 

[Coyote_94YJ]

Doh, I thought this thread was going to be about Blue Torch Fabwork's Project Black Widow. Oh well. Nice jeep btw. I like that front bumper setup, though I like mine a bit narrower.

And that Challenger.....I want it.

 

[Elarson]

Just left the ACE factory getting some new side protection installed!

 

[Elarson]

Started the install of my sPod tonight. Really easy install and looks great. The tough part will now be removing the massive amount of wiring, relays, etc. that are part of the wiring harness that KC gives you with each pair of their lights. I have three sets and I intend of removing all of it down to the pos/neg leads and then wiring to the sPod. Nice clean install as compared to what they are now. Pics to follow!

 

[Elarson]

Well my build date has now been set for Monday at Unlimited Offroad in Fenton, MI. They are anticipating having my Jeep 4 days to complete the following:

Paint and install AEV Hood
Complete Regear from 3.21 to 4.88
E-locker install front and rear
AEV 3.5 premium lift including geometry correction add on and steering stabilizer
5 Duratracs in 315 70 17
5 Artillery Teflon wheels in 17x9
New front drive shaft

Before and after pics and impressions to follow next week.

 

[.45acpunlimited]

Im liking where this is going..... subscribed.

 

[Cons_Table]

Being a black widow...it would only seem right to paint the diff covers red :whistling:

 

[Elarson]

The lift is wrapping up and tires going on wheels!! I hope it's just the pic but I am surprised how gray the wheels look rather than black. They are the Teflon ATX AX181 Artillery wheels in black