Above 1200 Sq/FT C Dub's Garage Build in Central NC
- Thread starter Cdubu52
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Jayman17
Well-known member
I agree with the others, that looks really nice and is a clever way to store/display your TV. That porch looks like a great space to hang out in!
Thanks, I have to install a new ceiling fan and we will be done with the back porch. Well, except for new stain/sealant for the deck. I think my wife wants me to put in some step lights also, then maybe we are done until I have to re-screen it. Like I said, almost done.
Well, the last week or so has been busy and also relaxing. My wife and I took our annual week of vacation. Last year we did a big trip for our daughter's high school graduation trip, so this year we decided to just spend some time at our condo at the beach. We like to split up our vacation into part beach and part staycation at home. This gives us a good 5 days or so of relaxation away from home but then another 4 or 5 days at home for projects around the house. This was also the first time in a long time that it was just the wife and I on vacation. My daughter had to work and she had taken off some time the week before for a beach trip with some of her friends. So it was a very nice get away.
We were on the beach almost every day and often ended each night with a sunset walk.
We also like taking the Ferry System over to see some friends that live at another beach in the area. We try to do this trip at least once a year. I think its a part of both of us and reminds us of our childhood. First time on the ferry with the new ride.
Once we got back, I got to work on the new Gladiator. I already had a few mods lined up. First up was the tint. Its not really as dark as it looks in this picture. I got 20% on the doors and 50% over factory on the back glass and back doors, and 50% on the windshield. I also removed the extremely cheap steps that were on it. I bought this with 20k miles on it so the previous owner did a couple of things that will need to be changed. The first was the side steps, and the next is the bed cover. The bed cover is fine, but its really cheap also. Im all for Amazon, but why buy a $60k Jeep and then put $100 side steps and bed cover on it. Maybe I answered my own question. I am keeping the bed cover until I can find something a little more substantial. Im thinking either a tri-fold hard cover or a color matched truck topper.
The next addition is small but I love it. I added a matte vinyl stripe or panel on the rocker panel. If you look in the photo above, there is black trim behind the rear tire and its hard to notice, but also black trim on the fender flares. But, when you get to the body, there is no black. I went to a wrap company and had them add the vinyl below the doors and cover the lower rocker and pinch weld. Its a small addition that I really like. I feel like it adds something that Jeep should have added from the factory.
I was waiting for the wrap to be done before I added the new rocker steps. These were definitely not cheap amazon steps. Im still getting used to them.
The last Jeep project was adding some sound deadening and a headliner kit. I had been considering doing something similar in my Wrangler for a while. This project really changed the way the Gladiator drives. I have had a few jeeps and have wondered if this would make any difference. So far, its great. Now I wonder why it took me so long. It makes a huge difference in the road noise and even the sound inside the Jeep. This project took way longer than I thought it would, but that was mostly because I decided to add the sound deadening.
We were on the beach almost every day and often ended each night with a sunset walk.
We also like taking the Ferry System over to see some friends that live at another beach in the area. We try to do this trip at least once a year. I think its a part of both of us and reminds us of our childhood. First time on the ferry with the new ride.
Once we got back, I got to work on the new Gladiator. I already had a few mods lined up. First up was the tint. Its not really as dark as it looks in this picture. I got 20% on the doors and 50% over factory on the back glass and back doors, and 50% on the windshield. I also removed the extremely cheap steps that were on it. I bought this with 20k miles on it so the previous owner did a couple of things that will need to be changed. The first was the side steps, and the next is the bed cover. The bed cover is fine, but its really cheap also. Im all for Amazon, but why buy a $60k Jeep and then put $100 side steps and bed cover on it. Maybe I answered my own question. I am keeping the bed cover until I can find something a little more substantial. Im thinking either a tri-fold hard cover or a color matched truck topper.
The next addition is small but I love it. I added a matte vinyl stripe or panel on the rocker panel. If you look in the photo above, there is black trim behind the rear tire and its hard to notice, but also black trim on the fender flares. But, when you get to the body, there is no black. I went to a wrap company and had them add the vinyl below the doors and cover the lower rocker and pinch weld. Its a small addition that I really like. I feel like it adds something that Jeep should have added from the factory.
I was waiting for the wrap to be done before I added the new rocker steps. These were definitely not cheap amazon steps. Im still getting used to them.
The last Jeep project was adding some sound deadening and a headliner kit. I had been considering doing something similar in my Wrangler for a while. This project really changed the way the Gladiator drives. I have had a few jeeps and have wondered if this would make any difference. So far, its great. Now I wonder why it took me so long. It makes a huge difference in the road noise and even the sound inside the Jeep. This project took way longer than I thought it would, but that was mostly because I decided to add the sound deadening.
I had not either until I ordered the headliner kit. I went out on the YouTube's to get an idea of installation of the headliner and a couple other folks who installed the headliner did the sound deadening as well. I though that it couldnt hurt, and I was doing the headliner anyway, so I pulled the trigger. I have noticed that the sound is so much better now. Conversations are a bit quieter and I dont have to turn up the radio quite as loud as before.
Sure, I went with the Coverking Topliner Hardtop Kit.
Coverking SPC683 Topliner Hardtop Insulation Kit For Jeep Gladiator JT
The Jeep Topliner from Coverking is an easy to install upgrade that will improve the overall riding experience.
I would 100% recommend it. I added the sound deadening separately. I got it off of amazon after seeing the same thing done in one of the reviews.
Finally got the new ceiling fan hung during my time off. We have been in this house for 15 years and the porch fan has never worked like it was supposed to. I was just never inclined to replace it until I added more reason to stay out there. The other issue was it was stuck on low speed and nothing I could do would speed it up. Anyway, It has been replaced. It may not look like it, but its a 60inch indoor/outdoor fan that I got from Lowes. I love the remote to change speed and turn on the light.
When I was doing the installation, I thought I would have plenty of height with my ladder. I was mistaken. I was about 6 inches short. Nothing new for me, but I needed just a little more length to my ladder. So, I built a quick ladder riser, that I screwed into the deck. I wasnt a big fan of getting to the top of the ladder at full extension and have it slide around on me. Once I got the risers in place, installation went way smoother.
Porch is getting closer to being done.
When I was doing the installation, I thought I would have plenty of height with my ladder. I was mistaken. I was about 6 inches short. Nothing new for me, but I needed just a little more length to my ladder. So, I built a quick ladder riser, that I screwed into the deck. I wasnt a big fan of getting to the top of the ladder at full extension and have it slide around on me. Once I got the risers in place, installation went way smoother.
Porch is getting closer to being done.
Well we celebrated the 4th at the beach and I came home yesterday to experience 10 inches of rain in 6 hours.
This is my driveway as I pulled in.
And no, there are zero ponds or streams or anything water related causing this. This is all rain drainage from behind my house and my neighbors house.
I was able to get the culvert unblocked and the water started to recede. Thats when I noticed my ditch was collapsing. All of the rip rap has been displaced and must be down in the ditch.
Then about 4 hours later, the bottom fell out and it continued to rain hard for another few hours.
This time, there is no clog. It was just so much rain, there was nothing I could do to get ahead of it.
I had a plan on how to address my drainage and now, I may have to call in some professionals. But then again, not much out there to prepare for 10 inches of rain in 6 hours. I had planned on getting some work done before hurricane season, but I guess technically that started in June. Usually, we dont get hit until September and October.
Im really not upset considering we didnt have any damage anywhere else. This is nothing in comparison to others around the country.
This is my driveway as I pulled in.
And no, there are zero ponds or streams or anything water related causing this. This is all rain drainage from behind my house and my neighbors house.
I was able to get the culvert unblocked and the water started to recede. Thats when I noticed my ditch was collapsing. All of the rip rap has been displaced and must be down in the ditch.
Then about 4 hours later, the bottom fell out and it continued to rain hard for another few hours.
This time, there is no clog. It was just so much rain, there was nothing I could do to get ahead of it.
I had a plan on how to address my drainage and now, I may have to call in some professionals. But then again, not much out there to prepare for 10 inches of rain in 6 hours. I had planned on getting some work done before hurricane season, but I guess technically that started in June. Usually, we dont get hit until September and October.
Im really not upset considering we didnt have any damage anywhere else. This is nothing in comparison to others around the country.
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
When I saw the rain totals this morning on the news from the weekend, I was wondering if you got a bunch, and well, your pictures definitely answered that. That is an insane amount of rain. That is a lot of rain to try and plan for when hopefully is not something you see often. Good that your house is up higher, so that is all running away at least.
Yep, we are on a hill, and we landscaped so that the drainage goes around the house. Its just amazing that a 16inch concrete culvert pipe cant keep up with that kind of flow. It has to be because of the convergence of my neighbors drainage combined with mine, and then everything from uphill.
This spring I talked with some buddies with heavy equipment about coming out and helping with my drainage. We talked about reshaping my driveway drainage down from the shop and then what to do about the wash out from the neighbors, I just haven't gotten them on a schedule yet. I literally hung out with one of them at the beach for the 4th and we had a conversation about a French drain and if that would move enough water. Crazy how things work like that.
Glad to hear you didn't have any damage, nice that you know people that can help with trying to correct. Water is no joke, I continue to try and deal with water issues at my place, seems to be a never ending battle.
Thats a lot of water! I did a drainage project for a guy I worked with years ago. His house was at the base of 3 hills and he not only got natural runoff, but the water from every neighbors house on each side. We installed a 12x12 drain box and ran 6 in pipe all the way to the street drain and tied in there. Within a day or two of completing the project, we had an epic rain event. I was standing on the drain box in thigh deep water. I could have ran a 24 in pipe all the way to the sewer and still not been able to move all that water. The swales we had built into the backyard kept water outside his fence for the most part and all the backyard flooding he had previously was greatly reduced so I considered the job a win. Water is no joke though, and prepping for amounts like you got is hard to do. Hopefully your friends can help you mitigate the flooding though!
I agree, its a constant battle. At least its not an issue with water intrusion in the house, just the yard.
Good lord, what dont you do! Kidding of course. I think, Im going to have to add some sort of catch basin or something. My issues is I dont have any man made ways to move the water away. No Sewer or storm drains, its all in how mine or anyone down stream had their ditches built or maintained. We rely on natural creeks and streams to move rain water.
I have a buddy with a mini excavator, and another with a skid steer. The buddy with the mini ex was going to help me dig a new trench around the shop and add some french drains so that I can add some gravel around the back for better access around the shop as well as moving water where we want it. We were talking this weekend at the beach about helping me fix and reroute the water around the upper driveway. The buddy with the skid steer is the same one that helped me clear my pad for the shop and then built the new driveway. Once the buddy with the mini ex was finished the skid steer buddy was going to come over and help me reshape my drainage and spread the gravel. All of that is still on the table, its just funny that we had a plan an mother nature wasnt going to wait for me to get all that done.
This is the upper area that we need to move the water off of the driveway. This photo was in the evening after near the end of the storm. This is probably inches 7-10 for the day. There was no where else the water could go.
This was earlier in the afternoon, and you can see where the water has cut a path.
You can see below how the driveway gravel has been relocated and made troughs, but all of that water at the bottom is combining with my neighbors on that side. We had talked about putting in a rock garden/rip rap on that bottom area to slow down the water from my neighbors yard. Im also considering putting in a concrete apron where the driveway meets the road, that way I wont have any more washout. We dont have many weather events like this, but this is the second one in the last year.
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kj_mustang
Well-known member
Need to install water diverters on the sides of the driveway if you can get water to flow away and into the woods.
Nope, no improvements to my drainage situation just yet. There is nothing I can do for 11.5 inches of rain in one afternoon. I will rebuild my driveway. I havent started in the ditches just yet. I was out of town a couple of weekends in July and then it was over 100 degrees in this area last weekend so I didnt do much outside. May be able to do some work this weekend, but Im also playing golf since the temps will be more bearable.
As for the gladiator, it is the 3.6L Gas Pentastar engine. I dont see many of the jeep diesels in this area.
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
These 100 degree weeks we are having multiple of this year need to stop. I am ready for fall already. Over here as well I could use a bit a rain these days.
No kidding. These weeks of extreme heat have really kept me out of the yard and the shop. I was in Boone a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic. Lows in the 60s and highs in the low 80s. Ready to go back. I see why there are ton of Floridiots there from May to October.
runit
Well-known member
Finally got the new ceiling fan hung during my time off. We have been in this house for 15 years and the porch fan has never worked like it was supposed to. I was just never inclined to replace it until I added more reason to stay out there. The other issue was it was stuck on low speed and nothing I could do would speed it up. Anyway, It has been replaced. It may not look like it, but its a 60inch indoor/outdoor fan that I got from Lowes. I love the remote to change speed and turn on the light.
When I was doing the installation, I thought I would have plenty of height with my ladder. I was mistaken. I was about 6 inches short. Nothing new for me, but I needed just a little more length to my ladder. So, I built a quick ladder riser, that I screwed into the deck. I wasnt a big fan of getting to the top of the ladder at full extension and have it slide around on me. Once I got the risers in place, installation went way smoother.
Porch is getting closer to being done.
you have a bulb out!
but it looks great!
and yes, ready for this heat to break
Been a busy month.
As many of you know, I am an accountant, specifically a Controller for Brick Manufacturer, well our year end is June 30th, and our audit has to be completed by August 10th. So that means, I have 6 weeks of long days and some long evenings until it is done. Now that my busy season is complete, we can get back to projects and other happenings.
I finally listed the Wrangler for sale. What a strange experience. First week no hits, second week, so many I couldnt answer them all, third week one or two. Good news, I think I have it sold, hope to have it finalized by Friday. The guy who is buying was suprised that it looks as good in person as it did in the photos. He thought it was just good photography.
Had a weekend in the mountains at the family cabin. What a great place to relax. The photos were all crappy, but this one is less crappy.
Just got back from my annual golf trip. We played Pinewild, Pine Needles, Mid South, Pinehurst #5, and Talamore. All great courses and thankfully played some of my best rounds of the year. Such a good trip and we had pretty decent weather.
Our afternoon rounds were twilight and the sunsets on the course were hard to beat.
Pinehurst clubhouse as we were coming back in from #5, looking over the Cradle.
Got in a good mow and I have started preparing for the fall over seed. I have sprayed my weed control to kill off the crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds. Got to have 6 weeks before I can overseed. Ive started lowering the length of the grass to take it down from 4.5 inches and Im working down to 3 inches before I can aerate in a few weeks.
New wheels for the Gladiator have arrived. I ceramic coated them before putting them back in the box. I hope to get them mounted late this week or early next week.
As many of you know, I am an accountant, specifically a Controller for Brick Manufacturer, well our year end is June 30th, and our audit has to be completed by August 10th. So that means, I have 6 weeks of long days and some long evenings until it is done. Now that my busy season is complete, we can get back to projects and other happenings.
I finally listed the Wrangler for sale. What a strange experience. First week no hits, second week, so many I couldnt answer them all, third week one or two. Good news, I think I have it sold, hope to have it finalized by Friday. The guy who is buying was suprised that it looks as good in person as it did in the photos. He thought it was just good photography.
Had a weekend in the mountains at the family cabin. What a great place to relax. The photos were all crappy, but this one is less crappy.
Just got back from my annual golf trip. We played Pinewild, Pine Needles, Mid South, Pinehurst #5, and Talamore. All great courses and thankfully played some of my best rounds of the year. Such a good trip and we had pretty decent weather.
Our afternoon rounds were twilight and the sunsets on the course were hard to beat.
Pinehurst clubhouse as we were coming back in from #5, looking over the Cradle.
Got in a good mow and I have started preparing for the fall over seed. I have sprayed my weed control to kill off the crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds. Got to have 6 weeks before I can overseed. Ive started lowering the length of the grass to take it down from 4.5 inches and Im working down to 3 inches before I can aerate in a few weeks.
New wheels for the Gladiator have arrived. I ceramic coated them before putting them back in the box. I hope to get them mounted late this week or early next week.
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cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
Great to get in some relaxation time after those long days. Both my parents were accountants, so I understand how that 6-8 week busy season goes.
Love the golf pictures. Those are some great rounds. Been so busy lately that I have only played 3 rounds in the last 2 months.
Love the golf pictures. Those are some great rounds. Been so busy lately that I have only played 3 rounds in the last 2 months.
Yep, we plan this trip every year based on me finishing up my Audit. Its funny its me on the company side and the Accounting Firm's Partner on the audit is my roommate on the golf trip. We went to App together.
I left public accounting years ago and never looked back. I enjoy a quick busy season, its just that I cant take off any time from July 1- August 10.
As for the golf, I had 3 of my best rounds of the year on this trip. Best round was Saturday where I bogeyed 18 for an 80. We usually play 5 rounds in 3 days, 36 Thursday, 36 Friday, and 18 on Saturday and head home. That gives us Sunday to recover.
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
Damn, that is a lot of golf in a short period of time. You make me feel lazy for the way I plan our trip. 
Definitely need a recovery day after two double days. Been years since I have done that.
This year, we did Wednesday - Sunday. Golf Wednesday on the way there, double on Thursday, Cradle x2 and relax on Friday, then a single round Saturday and Sunday.
Definitely need a recovery day after two double days. Been years since I have done that.This year, we did Wednesday - Sunday. Golf Wednesday on the way there, double on Thursday, Cradle x2 and relax on Friday, then a single round Saturday and Sunday.
Sometimes I wish we didnt play so much. We started this years ago when we would get free replays with our golf trip when we played down at Myrtle. It was all about good times and drinking and less about golf. Some of our group would bow out and not play the replays. There was a group that liked to go out to clubs and bars or the casino boats. My core group didnt care about the bars and "clubs", so we chose to stay at the course and have a good time. We used to play 108 holes in 4 days. We would play at a course on the way to the beach, for 18 on Thursday, Play 36 on Friday and Saturday, and then 18 on Sunday before driving back home and then going back to work miserable on Monday! Now that we play at Pinehurst, we play our 3 rounds included in the trip in the morning and then the afternoon rounds are usually at places that are too good to not play. Our package was the Talamore, Mid South, and Legacy that you have done. We stayed at the villas at Talamore. This year we swapped out Legacy for Pinewild, which was fantastic. Then our bonus courses were Pine Needles and Pinehurst #5. Its hard to turn those down, so we **** it up and just play. The weather was nice enough this year, but it can get really bad when its too hot.Damn, that is a lot of golf in a short period of time. You make me feel lazy for the way I plan our trip.
This year, we did Wednesday - Sunday. Golf Wednesday on the way there, double on Thursday, Cradle x2 and relax on Friday, then a single round Saturday and Sunday.
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
Pine Needles and #5 as bonus courses is pretty amazing. Definitely can't pass that up.
Well, its official, the Wrangler has been sold! My wife asked me this morning if I was sad about it. For some context, we bought it brand new and we put 150k miles on it. I did all of the upgrades myself including the lift, bumpers, lights, side steps, and even the polish and ceramic coating. I will definitely miss it, but I'm not sad to see it go. I got good money for it, about $7,000 more than the dealership wanted to give me in trade!
The day we brought it home! With my TJ. Both had manual transmissions. I had to sell the TJ when my wife decided she was tired of driving the manual to work everyday. We got her the Lexus and I moved to the JK!
Installed the lift in my house garage, long before the shop was built.
Same with the bumpers, front and rear. Made it work in the house garage.
This was the first pic after I was done with all of the major modifications, just before I de-badged the entire Jeep and plasti-dipped the front grill pieces and emblem.
Marketplace glamor shots!
Happy to see it go to a new home, now its time to turn the attention over to the Gladiator. New additions to it are already stacking up on the workbench!
The day we brought it home! With my TJ. Both had manual transmissions. I had to sell the TJ when my wife decided she was tired of driving the manual to work everyday. We got her the Lexus and I moved to the JK!
Installed the lift in my house garage, long before the shop was built.
Same with the bumpers, front and rear. Made it work in the house garage.
This was the first pic after I was done with all of the major modifications, just before I de-badged the entire Jeep and plasti-dipped the front grill pieces and emblem.
Marketplace glamor shots!
Happy to see it go to a new home, now its time to turn the attention over to the Gladiator. New additions to it are already stacking up on the workbench!
I dont think I ever posted a picture of part of my driveway repair. A few weeks ago when it cooled off a bit, I got down and dirty in the ditch.
Here is the before. This is how the storm left the rip rap. There was a ton of loose stone all down in the ditch. Also a ton of the driveway gravel washed down. I got most of that moved back up to the driveway.
And the repaired ditch. Now I just have to get some gravel delivered to redo the lower part of the driveway and build it back up. I still havent gotten with my buddies to bring some equipment out. We have all been too busy so far.
We were out of town most of the weekend for a wedding in Lexington, VA. Of course I dont have any pictures, they are all on the wife's phone.
When we got back, I had some Gladiator lighting upgrades waiting on me. After I got the yard mowed, I figured I would jump right in. Ive decided to add, front bumper spot/flood combo lights, rock lights, and rear pod lights. Living out in the country and having a lot of 2 lane roads, its nice to have a little more lighting out front to see whatever may decided to cross in front of you. I had rock lights on my Wrangler and used them all of the time. Since I like tinting my windows, the rock lights really come in handy at night. The same with the back up lights, I got used to them in my wrangler and want to use them here as well.
I only had enough time to mount the new bumper lights. I really like the Rubicon's factory metal bumper. As of now, I dont think I will upgrade the bumpers on this like I did my Wrangler. The Wrangler had plastic bumpers that looked like **** and had zero utility. This bumper is modular and has a ton of accessories.
I added a switch panel that has room for 4 accessories, or 4 switches. I can add as much that it can run at one time. I went ahead a pre wired all 4 switches and can add new items without having to do the entire wiring process each time.
The kit that I bought had a really nice factory looking switch that mounts right on the grab handle out of the way.
First lights are done. The rest I will get to when I can!
Here is the before. This is how the storm left the rip rap. There was a ton of loose stone all down in the ditch. Also a ton of the driveway gravel washed down. I got most of that moved back up to the driveway.
And the repaired ditch. Now I just have to get some gravel delivered to redo the lower part of the driveway and build it back up. I still havent gotten with my buddies to bring some equipment out. We have all been too busy so far.
We were out of town most of the weekend for a wedding in Lexington, VA. Of course I dont have any pictures, they are all on the wife's phone.
When we got back, I had some Gladiator lighting upgrades waiting on me. After I got the yard mowed, I figured I would jump right in. Ive decided to add, front bumper spot/flood combo lights, rock lights, and rear pod lights. Living out in the country and having a lot of 2 lane roads, its nice to have a little more lighting out front to see whatever may decided to cross in front of you. I had rock lights on my Wrangler and used them all of the time. Since I like tinting my windows, the rock lights really come in handy at night. The same with the back up lights, I got used to them in my wrangler and want to use them here as well.
I only had enough time to mount the new bumper lights. I really like the Rubicon's factory metal bumper. As of now, I dont think I will upgrade the bumpers on this like I did my Wrangler. The Wrangler had plastic bumpers that looked like **** and had zero utility. This bumper is modular and has a ton of accessories.
I added a switch panel that has room for 4 accessories, or 4 switches. I can add as much that it can run at one time. I went ahead a pre wired all 4 switches and can add new items without having to do the entire wiring process each time.
The kit that I bought had a really nice factory looking switch that mounts right on the grab handle out of the way.
First lights are done. The rest I will get to when I can!
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
I like the integration of that switch control. Nice and out of the way but easy to access.
Spent most of the holiday weekend at the beach but got back on Sunday afternoon and spent most of the day and some of Monday working on the Jeep.
The new wheels were installed just before we left for the beach. I really like the new look. I will probably go up on tire size the when its time for new tires, but I really like the offset of the new wheels.
Bath time! Its hard to believe that this is the first time that I have washed the new Jeep. I have done a few waterless washes, but this is the first actual wash.
All shined up!
Once it was cleaned up, I decided to tackle some more of the lighting projects. Last week, I installed the bumper lights. I didnt realize the new lights had an amber DRL feature. I went ahead and installed them to work on the switch and then looked in to how to wire them to the DRL. I did not want to splice them in to the factory wiring. I was able to find an add on harness that goes in between the lighting wiring that added a wire lead to run the DRLs on the auxiliary lights. It took a little bit of wiring work, but it turned out well.
The next project was the reverse light pods. I had something similar on the Wrangler, and with tinted windows, I got really used to the extra light. For the gladiator, I didn't want to add a new bumper, I like the factory steel bumpers. I was able to find a kit that bolted on in place of the plastic reflectors. These add the perfect amount of light when needed. I did not want to splice into the reverse lights, so I can just turn them on via the auxiliary switches.
Oh, I also got my plate moved over from the Wrangler. One more administrative headache taken care of.
The final lighting project for now was wiring in the rock lights. In the wrangler, I had not intended to install rock lights, but when I purchased the rock rail steps, they came with rock lights. Again, I got really used to them and missed them on the Gladiator. I would use them all of the time. I live far enough out of town that they are really useful when pulling into dark driveways. I always used them in the mountains when we go to the cabin. That road is super sketchy and the driveway is very hard to see at night. I wanted a simple easy to install kit and the kit that I wanted is no longer available, so I got the upgraded kit that has all kinds of colors and features. Im going to keep it on white, but I have plenty of other options. The best part is they are all on magnets, so I can move them if needed or remove them quickly. None of them are permanently affixed.
And then Monday night, we attended the UNC vs TCU football game. I grew up a huge UNC fan and still am, even though I graduated from Appalachian State. My father had season football tickets from the time he graduated right up until his death in 2010. Since then, we have kept the tickets and I still attend almost every home game. This year has been exciting with the hiring of Bill and the hype going into Monday's game was crazy.
The view of the field from our seats. We have been in this section since 2010.
At the top of our section is a stairwell that goes up to the Head Coaches office. We thought it was strange that there was a cop stationed there. Well, a little while later we figured out why. Apparently the UNC celebs like our view as well.
Lawrence Taylor was the first to show up, then Michael Jordan, Roy Williams, Randy Moss, Eric Church, the UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts, and finally Julius Peppers all watched from just behind us. It was a cool experience.
I was sent this last picture from a friend. It was from the Lady Tar Heels Basketball team's TikTok page. That is MJ talking to UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis, but that is also me(handsome bald headed man) on the left of the picture, talking with my buddy who has the seats right behind us. We are on the last 2 rows of that section. Just wanted to show how close we were to the 'action'. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of the evening. The football was per usual at NC, not great.
The new wheels were installed just before we left for the beach. I really like the new look. I will probably go up on tire size the when its time for new tires, but I really like the offset of the new wheels.
Bath time! Its hard to believe that this is the first time that I have washed the new Jeep. I have done a few waterless washes, but this is the first actual wash.
All shined up!
Once it was cleaned up, I decided to tackle some more of the lighting projects. Last week, I installed the bumper lights. I didnt realize the new lights had an amber DRL feature. I went ahead and installed them to work on the switch and then looked in to how to wire them to the DRL. I did not want to splice them in to the factory wiring. I was able to find an add on harness that goes in between the lighting wiring that added a wire lead to run the DRLs on the auxiliary lights. It took a little bit of wiring work, but it turned out well.
The next project was the reverse light pods. I had something similar on the Wrangler, and with tinted windows, I got really used to the extra light. For the gladiator, I didn't want to add a new bumper, I like the factory steel bumpers. I was able to find a kit that bolted on in place of the plastic reflectors. These add the perfect amount of light when needed. I did not want to splice into the reverse lights, so I can just turn them on via the auxiliary switches.
Oh, I also got my plate moved over from the Wrangler. One more administrative headache taken care of.
The final lighting project for now was wiring in the rock lights. In the wrangler, I had not intended to install rock lights, but when I purchased the rock rail steps, they came with rock lights. Again, I got really used to them and missed them on the Gladiator. I would use them all of the time. I live far enough out of town that they are really useful when pulling into dark driveways. I always used them in the mountains when we go to the cabin. That road is super sketchy and the driveway is very hard to see at night. I wanted a simple easy to install kit and the kit that I wanted is no longer available, so I got the upgraded kit that has all kinds of colors and features. Im going to keep it on white, but I have plenty of other options. The best part is they are all on magnets, so I can move them if needed or remove them quickly. None of them are permanently affixed.
And then Monday night, we attended the UNC vs TCU football game. I grew up a huge UNC fan and still am, even though I graduated from Appalachian State. My father had season football tickets from the time he graduated right up until his death in 2010. Since then, we have kept the tickets and I still attend almost every home game. This year has been exciting with the hiring of Bill and the hype going into Monday's game was crazy.
The view of the field from our seats. We have been in this section since 2010.
At the top of our section is a stairwell that goes up to the Head Coaches office. We thought it was strange that there was a cop stationed there. Well, a little while later we figured out why. Apparently the UNC celebs like our view as well.
Lawrence Taylor was the first to show up, then Michael Jordan, Roy Williams, Randy Moss, Eric Church, the UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts, and finally Julius Peppers all watched from just behind us. It was a cool experience.
I was sent this last picture from a friend. It was from the Lady Tar Heels Basketball team's TikTok page. That is MJ talking to UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis, but that is also me(handsome bald headed man) on the left of the picture, talking with my buddy who has the seats right behind us. We are on the last 2 rows of that section. Just wanted to show how close we were to the 'action'. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of the evening. The football was per usual at NC, not great.
I dont know how I missed your comment. I put in something similar in my JK Wrangler. In my old 2 door TJ, I was not as up to date on my lighting wiring and just got a harness when I added lights. That involved adding a relay and wiring in each switch independently. I only had to add 2 switches and I put them in the factory switch panel, but it was janky. When I added the bumpers and side steps to the 4 Door, I didnt want to add 4 independent relays and knew there had to be a better way of doing it. I just did some research and found the switch pod systems. I installed one on the JK and then when I did the Gladiator, I did the same. I didnt need anything to fancy, but these boxes are prewired with 4 relays and you just add the positive and negative for the lights and then a master wire goes from the pod into the cab and powers up the switch panel. There is one main positive and one main ground, and the only other connection, is to a keyed fuse in the fuse box, if you want it wired that way. Its so much more convenient than wiring each individually.
This is what it looks like on the inside. I borrowed this picture from another forum. But you can see its better than having 4 relays and fuses randomly under the hood.
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Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
AUX switch is very cool; nice integration.
I have been a huge App State fan since September 1st, 2007.
I have been a huge App State fan since September 1st, 2007.
Oh, the biggest upset ever in the Big House. That was a good game. For me, its one of those days that I will always remember where I was. The bad thing, I was invited to go to that game with some friends. They rented an RV and road-tripped from NC to Michigan. My daughter was just over a year old and I just couldnt work it out where I could go. I have a framed poster of the field goal block in my man cave. And the SI cover.
Last edited:
cccoltsicehockey
Well-known member
That is really nice. Looks like I can get a universal one for the Suburban but they don't make anything that cool and integrated for it.
Well, its that time of year again. The Fall yard maintenance has begun. Over the last few weeks I have been mowing shorter and shorter and Friday I mowed down to the shortest of the year. I then spent the rest of the sunlight dragging the aerator all over the place. Its been extremely dry here the last couple of months and it shows.
Saturday I went out and bought all of my yard supplies which included 200 pounds of Lime, 250 pound of fertilizer, and 50 pounds of seed. But before I could put any of that out, I also bought 2 yards of Compost. I dont have the best soil at the top of my yard near my house. So every year, I have to do some sort of soil enrichment. This year its compost. I spread it out over most of the really bad spots and then tilled it all in. Unfortunately, once I got going and got really dirty, I didnt interrupt my audiobook, and left my phone in the truck and didnt take any pictures.
I had enough compost to squat the truck to the bumpstops, but, the drive is only about 3 miles round trip from the landscape supply company.
I spent the rest of the afternoon putting out all of the lime and fertilizer. I put out a little over 50 pounds of seed. I ordered some perennial rye and a fescue shade blend from one of my landscaper buddies. He's supposed to drop it off this afternoon and I will get it put out in my more wooded areas in the next couple of days after work. Then we water and wait. That pretty much takes care of an entire day.
I played golf on Sunday Morning and then had a few more Jeep projects waiting for me.
I wanted some more storage in the bed of the gladiator and really liked this solution that I saw in a Jeep forum. Its a pack out box mount that uses factory mounting holes to add some handy storage in a mostly unused area.
I built up a Milwaukee pack out box to include a tow strap, jump box, tire plug kit, and some work gloves.
I also added a first aid kit and mounted it to the molle panel. This provides a great place to mount this stuff and get it out of the cab.
I also found a steal of a deal for a new tonneau cover. When I bought the Gladiator, it came with a cheap Amazon bed cover. It was decent and did a good job of keeping the bed weather proof. It was just super cheap and not very user friendly. It didnt have a quick and easy way to flip it over. The photo below shows the old cover.
I was able to find a Mopar hard cover on Marketplace for 1/3 of the price of a new one. I saw it and jumped on it. The pictures looked good and it seemed to be in decent shape. In person, it was dirty, but almost brand new. It only has one dent on the underside, but its only noticeable when its all the way open. I swapped it out fairly quickly. The only issue I had to resolve was adding 2 rivnuts to the bed bulkhead. I just bought a tool on amazon and some hex rivnuts to fit in the factory holes and it worked out great. I did practice on a few before I attempted it, but it was super easy. Everything else just bolted up to factory locations. Now I can quickly access the entire bed.
I financed the new cover by selling the Bestop Sunrider soft top that I had for the Wrangler. I loaded it up and am meeting the buyer today. If the sale goes through, then I am at zero cost for the new bed cover.
I did have a little bad news to start the weekend. It was bound to happen, and it looks like I will have my first windshield replacement coming soon. I think I had 5 windshields replaced in the wrangler, and now this will be my first in the gladiator. Part of it is the road that I drive everyday to and from work and the other is the angle of the Jeep windshield. Neither of those are in my favor. Good news, replacement is only $100 with my insurance. Got to schedule that soon.
Saturday I went out and bought all of my yard supplies which included 200 pounds of Lime, 250 pound of fertilizer, and 50 pounds of seed. But before I could put any of that out, I also bought 2 yards of Compost. I dont have the best soil at the top of my yard near my house. So every year, I have to do some sort of soil enrichment. This year its compost. I spread it out over most of the really bad spots and then tilled it all in. Unfortunately, once I got going and got really dirty, I didnt interrupt my audiobook, and left my phone in the truck and didnt take any pictures.
I had enough compost to squat the truck to the bumpstops, but, the drive is only about 3 miles round trip from the landscape supply company.
I spent the rest of the afternoon putting out all of the lime and fertilizer. I put out a little over 50 pounds of seed. I ordered some perennial rye and a fescue shade blend from one of my landscaper buddies. He's supposed to drop it off this afternoon and I will get it put out in my more wooded areas in the next couple of days after work. Then we water and wait. That pretty much takes care of an entire day.
I played golf on Sunday Morning and then had a few more Jeep projects waiting for me.
I wanted some more storage in the bed of the gladiator and really liked this solution that I saw in a Jeep forum. Its a pack out box mount that uses factory mounting holes to add some handy storage in a mostly unused area.
I built up a Milwaukee pack out box to include a tow strap, jump box, tire plug kit, and some work gloves.
I also added a first aid kit and mounted it to the molle panel. This provides a great place to mount this stuff and get it out of the cab.
I also found a steal of a deal for a new tonneau cover. When I bought the Gladiator, it came with a cheap Amazon bed cover. It was decent and did a good job of keeping the bed weather proof. It was just super cheap and not very user friendly. It didnt have a quick and easy way to flip it over. The photo below shows the old cover.
I was able to find a Mopar hard cover on Marketplace for 1/3 of the price of a new one. I saw it and jumped on it. The pictures looked good and it seemed to be in decent shape. In person, it was dirty, but almost brand new. It only has one dent on the underside, but its only noticeable when its all the way open. I swapped it out fairly quickly. The only issue I had to resolve was adding 2 rivnuts to the bed bulkhead. I just bought a tool on amazon and some hex rivnuts to fit in the factory holes and it worked out great. I did practice on a few before I attempted it, but it was super easy. Everything else just bolted up to factory locations. Now I can quickly access the entire bed.
I financed the new cover by selling the Bestop Sunrider soft top that I had for the Wrangler. I loaded it up and am meeting the buyer today. If the sale goes through, then I am at zero cost for the new bed cover.
I did have a little bad news to start the weekend. It was bound to happen, and it looks like I will have my first windshield replacement coming soon. I think I had 5 windshields replaced in the wrangler, and now this will be my first in the gladiator. Part of it is the road that I drive everyday to and from work and the other is the angle of the Jeep windshield. Neither of those are in my favor. Good news, replacement is only $100 with my insurance. Got to schedule that soon.
Started the weekend watching golf on the porch. Good way to start the weekend.
After the rain subsided and all of our Saturday errands were done, I decided that it was almost perfect conditions to do a full detail, clay bar, minor scratch removal, polish and ceramic coat the Gladiator. I also removed all of the decals. I left the Jeep badges for now, but I removed all of the other decals. It looks like the previous owner was a big fan of automatic washers, or just washed with sand paper. It was more intensive than I had anticipated, but White hides the scratches well.
Applied the Ceramic. You can see the rainbow flashing in the reflection of the lights.
Its amazing the difference you can see when you go through the entire process and take your time.
After the rain subsided and all of our Saturday errands were done, I decided that it was almost perfect conditions to do a full detail, clay bar, minor scratch removal, polish and ceramic coat the Gladiator. I also removed all of the decals. I left the Jeep badges for now, but I removed all of the other decals. It looks like the previous owner was a big fan of automatic washers, or just washed with sand paper. It was more intensive than I had anticipated, but White hides the scratches well.
Applied the Ceramic. You can see the rainbow flashing in the reflection of the lights.
Its amazing the difference you can see when you go through the entire process and take your time.
Its been a couple of weeks since my last post, not a lot going on in the shop. I have been working in the yard and playing some golf, so not a lot to share. The fall overseeding is going pretty well. After the original seeding, I have now gone back over areas that werent growing well. In those areas, I ran a hand cultivator to break up everything and re-seeded. Those areas are now taking hold. I will put some more time in the yard on Saturday. I need to do my first mow in 4 weeks. That may take a couple of passes.
Last week my family took a small vacation up to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I had never been to that area and it was a pleasant trip. I want to go up next year for the Jeep invasion. We had planned on going back this summer, but we couldnt get all of our schedules aligned, so we decided her fall break would be the best time to go. Well, we were wrong. Apparently the school systems in both Tennessee and Kentucky had breaks and everything was beyond crowded. We could not believe the amount of people in that area. It was crazy crowded and almost ruined our trip. On the good side, we found a great little cabin on VRBO in one of the many cabin communities in the area. That was the saving grace. We could go to town and do the touristy stuff and when we got tired of that, we could retreat to the cabin which was only a couple of miles from town and relax.
On the way in we had to stop a Buc-ee's and grab lunch. Tailgating in the parking lot was a great way to start the trip!
The cabin had a great view of the Smokies!
This was the first real road trip in the Gladiator. It did well, with only one small hiccup. Apparently the rear locker sensor has gone bad. A flashing light on the dash was a constant reminder of that. After some research, it is a common issue with a simple fix. Since its under warranty, I will schedule an appointment soon!
Porch views!
Sunrise on our final day. Every other morning the mountains were covered in a cloud layer that was not photo worthy. This was the exception.
Looking back on it, the trip was a great family trip. We met some friends at Dollywood and had a great day with them. Next time, I will try to do some research on when local area schools are out for any breaks. The crowds almost ruined our vacation, but we still managed to have a good trip.
Last week my family took a small vacation up to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I had never been to that area and it was a pleasant trip. I want to go up next year for the Jeep invasion. We had planned on going back this summer, but we couldnt get all of our schedules aligned, so we decided her fall break would be the best time to go. Well, we were wrong. Apparently the school systems in both Tennessee and Kentucky had breaks and everything was beyond crowded. We could not believe the amount of people in that area. It was crazy crowded and almost ruined our trip. On the good side, we found a great little cabin on VRBO in one of the many cabin communities in the area. That was the saving grace. We could go to town and do the touristy stuff and when we got tired of that, we could retreat to the cabin which was only a couple of miles from town and relax.
On the way in we had to stop a Buc-ee's and grab lunch. Tailgating in the parking lot was a great way to start the trip!
The cabin had a great view of the Smokies!
This was the first real road trip in the Gladiator. It did well, with only one small hiccup. Apparently the rear locker sensor has gone bad. A flashing light on the dash was a constant reminder of that. After some research, it is a common issue with a simple fix. Since its under warranty, I will schedule an appointment soon!
Porch views!
Sunrise on our final day. Every other morning the mountains were covered in a cloud layer that was not photo worthy. This was the exception.
Looking back on it, the trip was a great family trip. We met some friends at Dollywood and had a great day with them. Next time, I will try to do some research on when local area schools are out for any breaks. The crowds almost ruined our vacation, but we still managed to have a good trip.