[nichenson]

Thanks! Rustoleum makes a slightly gray black that matches trim pieces which if I like the grill after a few weeks I will just paint it that color. Mine has some rock hits in the paint which is primarily why I decided to do the grill.

 

[Earthworm51]

Your list of Mods and the ones you have done could not be better. Keep posting photos, great job.

 

[the_jeep_now]

Love the dipped grill. Wish they made it removable on earlier models. I tried to do mine last summer and it didn't turn out too good.

Sent from my Nexus 7

 

[nichenson]

Love the dipped grill. Wish they made it removable on earlier models. I tried to do mine last summer and it didn't turn out too good.

Sent from my Nexus 7

Couldn't have been easier except those metal tab clips that hold the insert in. Even though it isn't too difficult to take the front off these Patriots, I really don't want to do it too many more times, lol.

 

[nichenson]

Just installed an Odyssey Battery 75/86 PC1230. This is one of their extreme batteries with a four year warranty and includes top SAE posts and side GM posts. This will be great to go with the winch as it acts as both a deep cycle and starting battery. Should get plenty of good use out of it. BTW, it has 760 CCA which is 235 more than the stock battery. Plenty enough to power the winch and all the lights I need. Just to add, seems this battery will do just fine. I wouldn't go much bigger as the alternator might not be enough to charge all the way if the battery is drained and there isn't much more width as the radiator hoses would start to get way too close.

 

[nichenson]

Took me a while to find my old thread. Anyway, here is how she stands now. I have some more mods to do including new tires and wheels after my spacers arrive next week. Other than a cold air intake and new exhaust, I have come to the end of my Patriot build as there isn't much more if anything I can do that would be useful and enjoyable to me. I will update the front page sometime after I get back from my vacation.

 

[the_jeep_now]

Great mods! Can't wait to see it with new wheels and tires.

 

[Creation]

Keep up the good work! Can't wait to see the wheels.

 

[roll_eli]

What does the front end look like with the winch bumper on and the driving lights? Any blockage?

 

[nichenson]

I can't see the top of the lights at all when I am in the Jeep. It doesn't really restrict any airflow either. The only thing that blocks any view is the bug shield from weathertech. It adds about an inch and half around the hood and fenders, but I can still see easily when driving and pulling into something. I put in some Philips headlights and I absolutely hate them. I am going to put the originals in and readjust them. hopefully that will fix my sight distance. The Philips ones just aren't bright enough for me.

 

[jgould]

How hard was it to install the roof rack from RRO? I seem to be heading toward building for Overland Expeditions and will want a much stronger rack for the pop up camper that I want to get...

 

[nichenson]

The roof rack is not hard at all to install as long as you follow their directions. I did however once it was completed and secure, take it back off with help, and repaint the entire unit as it was showing some rust.

 

[jgould]

The roof rack is not hard at all to install as long as you follow their directions. I did however once it was completed and secure, take it back off with help, and repaint the entire unit as it was showing some rust.

The new rack from RRO?

 

[nichenson]

Some of the powder coat was thin and I live in an area that uses lots of salt so I believe that contributed to it if that is what you meant. Otherwise, this is the only style of rack I know of that RRO produces. It is a set of roof rails, the adventure rack top, tire mount, and hilift mount.

 

[nichenson]

Need to do some final cleaning and add the spare on the roof, but here she is...

 

[the_jeep_now]

What type of center caps on those steel rims? Do you have a closer pic of those?

 

[nichenson]

They are Wrangler caps that I painted a dark gray. I had to drill a hole in each rim to attach them with wood screws. There is just enough room behind them to cover everything. I will take a close up pic sometime tomorrow as it is already dark here. Other than that, those are the current 16“ winter steel rim from Mopar.

 

[Pitsaboi]

Looks great!

 

[nichenson]

Here is a closeup of the wheels.

 

[the_jeep_now]

Looks so much better than rusted hubs!