Like every other review I read on the roll-n-locks they are damaged in shipping. SmhIs there a "What I didn't get to do to my Gladiator today" thread? Was going to put on my bedrug and Roll-N-Lock, but the roll up canister was damaged in shipping. Luckily I ordered from @RealTruck, and they have taken good care of me. Just mad I have to wait.
I would try to bend in back into place since it is thin aluminum sheet metal. However, I paid for new and would always be worried about water penetration and if the rolling function was compromised.
Going to jump in and try these. Made an offer on a new set and landed them for $339 on eBay. Ordered the harness another $9. I hope to try the utility knife method as well to avoid the mess. Maybe heating the plastic with a heat gun will soften it up a bit.Installed the Alpine speaker upgrade for the overhead soundbar. I bought the Alpine SPV-65-JLT from Crutchfield, as it was about $50 cheaper than Amazon, and Crutchfield includes the Metra adapters (Metra 72-6514), which are needed for the JTs (and JLs) that have the premium Alpine audio system. The instructions aren't the best. I've had to watch a couple YouTube videos and looked through forum threads.
Before:
I used the included template and a pick to trace the new pattern. This worked very well for me as a pen, pencil, or marker was harder to see (irregular surfaces). The scribe/pick leaves a good mark to see and feel.
To cut the hole, I tried a jigsaw, but it was much harder to control, especially with the soundbar still installed. Then I tried an electric hot knife, but it produced toxic fumes, and the cuts immediately fused back together (molten plastic). Instructions, YouTubers, and other forum members recommended a reciprocating air saw. Others have also removed the soundbar. I left mine in place and used a box cutter (utility knife) instead. It took a bit more muscle, but it made much less of a mess, and it took about 15-20 minutes per side
The template is not the best. I had to deviate and cut a bit more to avoid some awkward shapes. This is what the removed sections looked like. You can actually remove quite a bit more than what the template calls for. The new speaker's gasket just needs to have a surface to seal.
This is what the hole looks like. Yes, not pretty. If you have OCD (like me), turn away and don't think about how sausages are made.
The new Alpine speaker comes with a crossover. If you have premium audio, like mine, disconnect the wires from the woofer (just move them aside) and attach the Metra adapters.
Connect to the soundbar harness.
The resulting sound is AMAZING! Deeper, fuller bass, crisper highs, and looks great.
Just use a new, sharp blade and use slow "sawing" motion. Given that it is summertime, the plastic should be softer and easier to cut. I'm really happy with the sound of the speakers. Looks like you got a great deal on them. Good luck!Going to jump in and try these. Made an offer on a new set and landed them for $339 on eBay. Ordered the harness another $9. I hope to try the utility knife method as well to avoid the mess. Maybe heating the plastic with a heat gun will soften it up a bit.
Thanks for the detailed info!
Damn. Exhaust is one project I’ve not done yet. For whatever reason I consider it daunting. Nice work. Pictures of the end result?I got my afe hi tuck exhaust replaced today. I picked up new exhaust hangers for the local jeep dealer and ups delivered my exhaust. It didn’t take long. Now my vehicle drives good again with no shimmies and it’s not freaking straight piped either.