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Blue On Black - Build Chronicles

injaneer

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Creating this thread to chronicle my build of my new 2021 Hydro Blue Sport S Max Tow. This is as much for me as for any else, just to have as a copy of what I have done, want to do, and hope to do. An online to-do list. Many of my choices have not been made yet, so this may also may end up being a question and ask for assistance as well.


Purchased on 9/17/2021. Had do drive 6 hours to just south of DC to pick it up. Rode back the next day.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20210918_181624_2


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20210918_181637_2


So far the name as been Blue On Black (unofficially, but have not found anything better). Love that song and the FFDP cover of it.

These list will change as time goes on, move things done down and add new things as I decide to keep changing. I think we all understand that by now.

Want To Do List
- add sub woofer (sitting in Office)
- Spray in bed liner
- Install Aux switches (in Christmas package)
- add 12v outlet and switch to bed (in Christmas package)
- black grill, not angry grill - still debating on this.
- new front bumper and winch
- lock box
- sumo springs/timbrens - for cargo and tow after front level.
- Amber marker lights for the grill (ordered)
- add 2nd rear tow hook (in Christmas package)



Have Done List
- removed dealership sticker from tailgate - I hate when they try to badge the cars they sell
- Tint front windows
- changed silver bumper inserts out
- removed front license plate holder and covered holes
- swapped out antenna
- door sill guards
- key lock caps
- installed new 6.5" pods and speakers in front kick panels.
- installed new 6x9 speakers in sound bar.
- installed black trail rated badge
- 1.5" front level
- Added Rubicon Take Offs
- Bestop sunrider for hard tops
- DIY bed rail system - added a post.
- bed extender
- steps/nerf bars

Current Photos:

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211230_161300



Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211120_161203


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211230_161251


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211016_142317
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injaneer

injaneer

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This is what I have done up to this point. Decided to just add it here so I can leave the OP to be just changing of the lists.

Ripped the dealership sticker off the tailgate, and the license plate holders. Why do dealerships have to try and BADGE there cars.

I have installed door lock covers, door sill guards, new antenna, changed the front bumper inserts, and covered holes in front bumper. Never liked the silver ones inserts. I have also had front windows tinted.

I have upgraded speakers and sub on the way. Going to try and add the Metra 6.5 pods to the front kick panels, swap out 3.5" in dash, and add 6x9's to the sound bar with the MB Quart adapter. Then add the Kicker HS 10 behind the rear seat. Will post when this is done.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles img_20211020_130325-




Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles img_20211023_132935-




Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles img_20211020_130328-





Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles img_20211016_142317-
 
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injaneer

injaneer

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Got quite a few of the smaller things ordered and or sitting at the house. I hope to get some installed over the holidays while I have some extra time off. Hopefully have some photos to share soon.

Also want to update the first post, with a current picture of my Jeep, I can update that one as I go so the before/after is seen right on the first post.
 
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injaneer

injaneer

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So I was able to start installing some of my speaker upgrades this weekend, but wanted to first start out with what I have purchased and planed, and has been sitting in the office for a few weeks. At first I was going to do all of the speakers minus the kick panel front speakers which are such a pain in the arse (so I have heard).

First plan on up grading the 3.5" in the dash:

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211109_200413


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211127_134826


And I decided on doing the kick panel speakers as if I am doing this, I am going all out.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211109_200516


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211127_122041


Figured I would start there. But this is the rest of the plans ..... :

Sound bar replace with 6x9's

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211109_200420


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211127_175018


And a kicker hideaway subwoofer.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211109_200321


After Thanksgiving install coming soon, sorry trying to also cook diner :).
 
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injaneer

injaneer

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Ok, so over the Thanksgiving weekend, I figured I had some time to start installing my upgraded speakers. I have the 7" screen so just swapping out speakers and adding a sub should be really nice upgrade.

I started on Friday after Thanksgiving and hoped I could be done before the weekend was up, the initial thought was the front Pods replacement with 6.5" compared to 4", an upgrade the 3.5" in the dash. I knew the pods would be the worst of this install (at least I hope so.) But wanted to start it first. I did start out with trying to not remove the entire dash and the we can remove/rotate/skrimish the pods out. That did not work for me. Ended up removing most of the dash. Sorry a couple of the photos are not in focus but hey it is what it was ...

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211126_154620


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211126_154623


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211126_154721


But all in all, I am SO glad I did it I got the new pods installed with the 6.5" :

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211127_122022


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211127_122041


Tried to add the 3.5" on the dash, but do not have the right connectors, thought I bought them all, if anyone wants to tell me the correct connector for the 3.5" in the dash, much appreciated.



But I will have to say, a long 2 days, dismantled on Friday, installed on Saturday, and WOW What a difference these two speakers make. So wanting the dash to be done, easy but will make a huge difference, the the sound bar and sub. Almost there....
 

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injaneer

injaneer

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While I had the dash out, added a new phone mount.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211128_122849


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211128_122903
 
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injaneer

injaneer

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I received the new connectors today, and installed the dash 3.5" JBL's. I have only listened for a few minutes, but I tell you I cannot hear the sound bar now. Updating the sound bar is next.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211202_191120


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211202_191138
 
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injaneer

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Ok, so today I removed my sound bar to install the MBQuart adatpers and 6x9 speakers. So I get it all down and old speakers removed only to find out I have 6x8 speakers, not 6x9. Doh!!

So I toyed with it a bit and saw I could cut a little less of the plastic out, and get two screws into the proper locations for the 6x9, and could use a 3rd screwed into some left over plastic. I debated for a bit, but then decided to just return the speakers and buy some 6x9's. So I guess my soundbar and all the extra trim will ride around in my truck for a week.

Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211109_200420


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211204_134551


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211204_134554
 

Beemer533

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Nice, I just used that same kit a few weeks ago. I feel like the plates should be a bit thicker, but it worked.

I probably should have pulled the sound bar like you did though, it was a bit of a pain doing it overhead.

Definitely worth it though.
 
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injaneer

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Nice, I just used that same kit a few weeks ago. I feel like the plates should be a bit thicker, but it worked.

I probably should have pulled the sound bar like you did though, it was a bit of a pain doing it overhead.

Definitely worth it though.
Yeah felt more comfortable removing the sound bar. Looking forward to the improvement in sound.
 

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So I went in today and started ripping my sound bar apart. Yes grabbed the jigsaw and started cutting. Here are some photos of the carnage.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_112606



Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_112604



I bought these JBL 6x9's to replace the 6x8's I had ordered and decided to return instead of trying to make fit with this MBQuart adapter's.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_160741



So here are some photos of the brackets, speakers, and grills mounted.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_112619


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_112621


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115428


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115431


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115644


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115647


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650



Got it back in the jeep and installed. I think it looks and sounds great. I huge improvement with all the new speakers over the factory speakers. Now to find some time to install the subwoofer. I will probably try to do that over the holidays. I figured I would try to run power to it and the switches I purchased at the same time and get all the battery connections done together.
 

FloridaJT6MT

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So I went in today and started ripping my sound bar apart. Yes grabbed the jigsaw and started cutting. Here are some photos of the carnage.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650



Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650



I bought these JBL 6x9's to replace the 6x8's I had ordered and decided to return instead of trying to make fit with this MBQuart adapter's.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650



So here are some photos of the brackets, speakers, and grills mounted.


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650


Jeep Gladiator Blue On Black - Build Chronicles IMG_20211211_115650



Got it back in the jeep and installed. I think it looks and sounds great. I huge improvement with all the new speakers over the factory speakers. Now to find some time to install the subwoofer. I will probably try to do that over the holidays. I figured I would try to run power to it and the switches I purchased at the same time and get all the battery connections done together.
I read that you have the 7” screen. Did you have the upgraded Alpine premium audio?
 

FloridaJT6MT

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I have the 7" screen. No upgrade alpine system.
Ok, I have the same thing and was curious if the stereo had enough power without the upgraded amp. I may do this as well. Thanks!
 
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injaneer

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Ok, I have the same thing and was curious if the stereo had enough power without the upgraded amp. I may do this as well. Thanks!
Personally no think the head unit has enough power for upgraded speakers. Still needs an added sub woofer. But yes I think fine without extra amps for speakers.
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