Sponsored

Installing a hood blackout decal on the JTR

doc-ketamine

Well-Known Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Dec 30, 2020
Threads
20
Messages
416
Reaction score
636
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2021 JT Rubicon
Build Thread
Link
I bought the matte black hood blackout decal for my 2020 Rubicon Gladiator and am looking to install it soon. The way I’m interpreting the install is … I should be stripping the wax off the hood to install this? Is that risky, losing protection for the hood long term? Or should I be waxing the hood with or without the decal included in the wax afterwards? Hell, maybe I should do ceramic coating.

The part: https://www.etsy.com/listing/856958...1&variation0=1723154497&variation1=2162751263

Anyone have insight on the decal install and long-term hood protection?
Sponsored

 

TrainMan

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jared
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Threads
29
Messages
592
Reaction score
891
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s)
2015 Chevy Silverado, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S.
I washed the hood like usual. Let it dry, then used rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth just before the install process.

I use Turtle Wax ceramic spray once a year and spray it on the hood including the decal. It definitely won't hurt it. The decal probably benefits from it.
 

Cburd61

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Threads
11
Messages
437
Reaction score
1,122
Location
South carolina
Vehicle(s)
2020 Gladiator Overland
You do not want any wax on the hood. The decal will not stick, at least, not for long. Ultimately you would be wasting your time and money. Make sure the hood is totally clean and wax free. It won’t hurt to wax over it after it’s had a week or so to set and dry.
 

MPMB

Well-Known Member
First Name
Michael
Joined
Apr 30, 2021
Threads
10
Messages
1,364
Reaction score
1,884
Location
Utah
Vehicle(s)
'21 JTR - SG
Occupation
Check your inbox.
applying stickers/vinyl is all pretty much the same.

no coatings, clean surface, wet application, squeegee out the wet. let dry & adhesive cure.

I would even claybar the area the panel is going on, to make sure all the little things are off. nothing worse than a solid color sticker with a bit of dust or bug underneath it.

vinyl itself is pretty durable.
 

andrew8404

Well-Known Member
First Name
Andrew
Joined
Aug 21, 2020
Threads
19
Messages
412
Reaction score
379
Location
Albuquerque
Vehicle(s)
Gladiator Rubicon
Occupation
Paramedic
Super easy to do. Just lightly clean the hood and make sure you have an extra set of hands to put the decal on.
Sponsored

 
 





Top