Some new updates for the Jeepster

As you may remember, in my last list of updates, I also added a list of some of the things I wanted to add next:

1. Barricade Rear Bumper
2. Smittybilt Winch
3. Backup Camera
4. CB  - still deciding on a model (will most likely have it installed with the camera)
5. Teraflex Big Rotot Kit
​6.  Side steps  (it would make it easier for my girlfriend to get in the Jeep)
7.  Soft Top of some kind.  I am hoping Bestop comes out with a top that has the same features at the NX Glide, but with zippers in the back window.  
8. A light bar for my front bumper
9.  Misch Big Boy Brackets - these are still on my radar
10.  ​Tuffy 2011+ JK Deluxe Security Deck Enclosure


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The list above is still very close to what I want to do in the future, but the order has changed.  I actually don't know if I will add an aftermarket rear bumper anytime soon.  I am pretty happy with the stock bumper right now.  However, I was lucky enough to have someone give me a used Trektop NX.  It was near the top of my list of soft tops, so when I had the opportunity to get it for free, I jumped at the chance.  This gives me the ability to put my money elsewhere rather than needing to put it in a soft top.  

Since I got the top and it is getting near "top off" weather, I went ahead and got the Harken Hoister installed.  

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As you can see from the photo above, I can pull my Jeep into the garage, but it is a bit tight.  I have raised it a bit since snapping this photo and it gives me a bit more room.  My handyman, wanted it to be aligned with the stud on the wall that has the mechanism that hoists it up and down and he centered the screws holding the top in the beams, so he said it was the sturdiest placement for it.     I cut a couple pool noodles to use for some cushion if I pull in too far by accident.  Anyway, it does the job of holding up the hard top while I run with the soft top until winter and will make it easier to trade out tops when winter comes or when we want the hard top on the Jeep for a trip.  The hardest part will be removing the soft top, but that goes with the territory.

Security 

As I mentioned on my wishlist, I wanted a way to lock stuff in the back when the top is off or when I am just running with the soft top.  I decided on the 299-01 from Tuffy.  I was going to get the model that has a top that pops up, but the 299-01 has more room and I wanted the ability to store my Freedom Panels in that area when I am running with the hard top.  Below is a picture of the 299-01 installed with my Freedom Panels in their bag:

As you can see in the photo, they fit fine.  I also bought a couple inexpensive nets to keep backpacks or anything small I have back there secure (for above and below the unit).  Not sure how they will hold up since they were so cheap, but they are working great for right now.  My Jeep came without a subwoofer, so I can store some medium to small stuff under the netting in the cubby hole in the floor.

I also got a magnetized LED that comes on when it senses motion, so when I open the tailgate, the light automatically comes on.

The pic above shows what the storage enclosure looks like with the back door shut.  It is a perfect fit.  That meant it took some maneuvering to get it in, but it is held down with two screws, so it should be somewhat easy to get in and out of the Jeep on the rare occasion that it is necessary.

Trektop NX

I just put the Trektop NX on this morning and it has been raining most of the day, so will have another post with pics later.  However, the conversion to soft top has occurred.   Below is a stock photo from Amazon:

The Updated List 

1.  Misch Big Boy Brackets - these are still on my radar
2.  Under Seat Security (will get this put in with the brackets above)
3.  Backup Camera
4.  Cobra 75WXST  (will have this put in when I add the backup camera)
5.  Smittybilt Winch
6.  Teraflex Big Rotot Kit
​7.  Side steps  (it would make it easier for my girlfriend to get in the Jeep)
8.  A light bar for my front bumper and a couple cube lights for the windshield pillars (still not sure I want a 50 inch light bar above the windshield, at least while the Jeep is the daily driver.)
9.  Smittybilt Trail Jack Mount and Hi Lift Jack
10.  Random accessories (there are always odd and ends I like to add to the Jeep, so I put this as a place holder for those types of items).

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

I will eventually add a rear bumper, but it doesn't make sense to put money in that before the items above.  All in all, I am pretty happy with the current setup.  I do want everything on the list above, but all of the necessities on my original list have been added, so I will add the items above as time and money are available.  The first two listed items will probably be next up on the agenda since it will give me more space in the driver seat and extra storage inside the vehicle under the seat for when I have the back windows out.  The backup camera would be higher on the list, but it is so expensive for what you get that it is hard for me to pull that trigger right now.