Richord
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
I had a 2007 Jeep Wrangler and now own a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. I bought numerous aftermarket products for the Wrangler and a few for the Gladiator so far. What I discovered is that many after market body related products do not stand up well to the elements. Products such as running boards, steps and bumpers frequently begin to rust and paint begins to peel off within a year. Bolts also rust prematurely. In contrast OEM products usually last at least 5 - 10 years except in areas where they put down a lot of salt in the winter.
The running boards on my Gladiator are a prime example. The paint peeled off all the brackets and the bolts rusted after 12 months. I removed them and painted all the brackets with POR-15 rust preventive paint. I replaced all the bolts with stainless steel.
I want to replace the plastic front bumper on my Gladiator and looked at the after market products but I think I will spring for the OEM bumper. Significantly more but I expectit to last longer.
After market lighting products also subject to premature degradation or failure. Same issues with paint as above even on the aluminum components. The one vendor that so far has proven to be higher quality is Oracle. You pay more but you get reliability.
The running boards on my Gladiator are a prime example. The paint peeled off all the brackets and the bolts rusted after 12 months. I removed them and painted all the brackets with POR-15 rust preventive paint. I replaced all the bolts with stainless steel.
I want to replace the plastic front bumper on my Gladiator and looked at the after market products but I think I will spring for the OEM bumper. Significantly more but I expectit to last longer.
After market lighting products also subject to premature degradation or failure. Same issues with paint as above even on the aluminum components. The one vendor that so far has proven to be higher quality is Oracle. You pay more but you get reliability.
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