05' JMT's Twin Teenager's Rubicon Build

Rear bumper partially installed! We have to drop the tank to get to the four other bolts. It’s pretty low-profile!

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It’s been all quiet on the INW front. We work on it when we can. MCE Fenders we’re delivered. We’re going to test paint one of them silver. If he doesn’t like it then I’ll do silver on mine. I’ve been contemplating silver bumpers, sliders and flares for at least 3 years.

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I’ve been doing some paint correction. I’m pretty limited with my neck issue. Thanks to @AndyG for the paint correction tips. This is just the initial stage. Meguiars 110.

Before
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After
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I think we’re going to get a trail rated badge to replace the antenna. The bracket literally fell apart as I carefully removed it. The antenna threads were already stripped. You can pick up the radio without the antenna anyway. I’m wondering if there’s such a thing as an internal antenna.

Before
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After
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Since K loves the stock 16” Moab wheels we are forced into limited selection. Load C are extremely rare in a metric 33” equivalent. We decided on an aggressive AT/MT hybrid that is Load C in 285/75/16.

These actually get really good reviews. Blems

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Rear windshield arm and the bolt and nut needed drastic cleaning. All re-painted either Satin black or 1K Matte Clear. All we need is a new wiper. I’ll add the cover for that bolt when I find it. Lots going on.

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The torque boxes are descaled, rust converted and top coated. After 24 hours we’ll install new nutserts for the slider. New hardware is waiting in the wings and we’ll re-mount the passenger side. We still need to do some paint repair on the driver’s side near the slider, so we’ll hold off on that side for now. The sliders were sandblasted, self-etched or rust converted in a few spots, then top coated satin black enamel.

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The torque boxes are descaled, rust converted and top coated. After 24 hours we’ll install new nutserts for the slider. New hardware is waiting in the wings and we’ll re-mount the passenger side. We still need to do some paint repair on the driver’s side near the slider, so we’ll hold off on that side for now. The sliders were sandblasted, self-etched or rust converted in a few spots, then top coated satin black enamel.

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Did you ever figure out what sliders those are? They look like Rugged Ridge w/o the logo.
 
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Did you ever figure out what sliders those are? They look like Rugged Ridge w/o the logo.
No. Whatever they are they aren’t available anymore. They are not ww2ww, but otherwise pretty cool design. They mount to the tub which is positive. They have an extra bend as they turn under the tub which shows they knew what they were doing in that respect.
 
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I’m wondering if there’s such a thing as an internal antenna.

Look for an antenna that fits in a motorcycle fairing. It'll be a strip with an adhesive backer. They are anywhere from a couple of inches to two feet long.
 
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They didn’t name the company Smittybilt for nothing. It was destiny to rhyme with Shittybilt. Spent too many hours installing the rear bumper bolts through the crossmember. The tool they send to set the location to drill was way off. I’ll never trust one again. I’ll measure and mark the locations myself. We also had to fight the GTS bolts when dropping it. Geez. I ended up replacing 3 of them with nutserts. It was hell, but we made it out the other side sorta unscathed. Rust is a ———-. Kudos to those fighting it daily. The bumper is good now. The clearance is as good as my Warn. $186 in keeping w low budget.

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After winning that battle (which also involved drilling out the two bottom frame bumper bolts and tapping them) we couldn’t resist installing new nutserts for the passenger side slider and installing it.

Before and After for perspective. It looks REALLY good!

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After winning that battle (which also involved drilling out the two bottom frame bumper bolts and tapping them) we couldn’t resist installing new nutserts for the passenger side slider and installing it.

Before and After for perspective. It looks REALLY good!

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You never figured out what brand these were right? I like the low profile look with the steps.
 
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You never figured out what brand these were right? I like the low profile look with the steps.
No. I searched the web beyond all I’d done for the Rock Sliders Guide (which doesn’t include everything available). Whoever made these is either no longer in business or they don’t make them anymore. 🤷‍♂️