Dave's Jeep JT Gladiator: The 'Gator

[Dave]

Dave, another wiring question. I looked through your build here and your JLUR, I see you pass wires from the engine bay through that small plug in the drivers side footwell. Did you use foam or silicon to seal around the wires? Also, see you used a drain plug for entry for your in cab 12v power, did you do similar for the compressor? I’m sketching out my wiring plan and your threads are invaluable. Thanks for the details.

The firewall plug on the drivers side is easy because it’s up high. I just use RTV adhesive silicone there. The ARB wires run through that same plug to keep it simple.

Getting power to the back of the Gladiator for the fridge was harder. From the battery across the cowl/firewall and down along the frame rail to that floor plug and in. Since it’s LOW there, I used butyl mastic to ensure a long lasting water tight seal.

 

[Dave]

Here’s a pic of the final DIY color matched dash. Pretty happy with the change!

 

[givemethewillys]

That looks so much nicer! Honestly, the red dash was the biggest turn-off for me, since I can't stand the color in a vehicle. It's nice to see that it's easily (ish) repainted.

 

[Gallowbraid]

Color match looks great! Not sure why manufacturers think everyone wants all these flashy colors on the inside of a vehicle. I'm sure there's a market for it, but it's certainly not made up of anyone I know. The Ram Rebel is a perfect example, plenty of off road goodies, great power train and a sharp looking truck overall. The interior, however, looks like someone spilled glittery nail polish everywhere.

 

[Dave]

That looks so much nicer! Honestly, the red dash was the biggest turn-off for me, since I can't stand the color in a vehicle. It's nice to see that it's easily (ish) repainted.

Honestly, it really wasn’t that hard to do. Basic dash disassembly, basic painting prep and masking. The hard part was waiting for it to dry enough for reassembly.

 

[Greg]

Honestly, it really wasn’t that hard to do. Basic dash disassembly, basic painting prep and masking. The hard part was waiting for it to dry enough for reassembly.

Just like Tamiya models on a much larger scale.

 

[java230]

That looks much better!

 

[Timbren-Industries]

Time for @Timbren-Industries Active Offroad Bump Stops.

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I’ve used these before so it was a no brainer to add these to the Gladiator.

Puny OEM bumps meet beefy Timbrens. These come with a spacer if you’re running a taller lift but I am not using it.

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What an awesome upgrade to your Gladiator! Thank you for being apart of the Timbren family and we can't wait to see what you do with this thing!

 

[Twin Magnolias]

Now to take care of those red thread accents.

 

[Greg]

Now to take care of those red thread accents.

 

[Gallowbraid]

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Nooooooooooooo!



It's got to be the fabric marker.

 

[Dave]

Ya’ll have too much time on your hands

 

[Gallowbraid]

Ya’ll have too much time on your hands

You're the one coloring stitching with a fine tip sharpie.

 

[Dave]

You're the one coloring stitching with a fine tip sharpie.

Coloring stitching? You have better odds at seeing the tooth fairy tonight.

 

[Dave]

 

[Greg]

Coloring stitching? You have better odds at seeing the tooth fairy tonight.

Gotta start collecting on all parenting time in grade. Put those kids to work.

 

[verdesard0g]

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Looking good Dave!

 

[Jimmie Perkins]

Ditch lights are complete. Baja Designs S2 Pro’s with Baja Designs A-Pillar mount kit, wired to the sPOD Bantam.

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Dave, how did you do the custom labels for your HD controller?

 

[Dave]

Dave, how did you do the custom labels for your HD controller?

There was a guy a couple years back that was making custom ones. He kinda fell off the radar though.

 

[Jimmie Perkins]

OBA installed. Same mount I had on the JL, made by innovative JK products. Used the same home made 8 ga wiring harness I made for the JL. Fused at the battery.

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Seat is all the way forward here

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Seat in normal position all the way back, mat reinstalled.

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I spent about 30 minutes fighting with the floor mat on my install with same bracket before I came back here and zoomed in to see you trimmed the front edge of the floor mat. ‍ Innovative JK Products should mention that in the instructions. Helpful post.