What has Chrysler done to us that has caused us to deface our vehicles by drilling into the fawking fenders.
Dude, i hope you don't void your corrosion/paint warranty by doing that.
I won't comment if i like the look or not..

 

It does give it that tough, Jeep look, in addition to solving the problem. Someone added hood catches to my Willys wagon. They look just fine there too.

 

I love it, it's so Jeep!

I just need to get up the nerve to puncture the hood and fenders. I had a 99 Cherokee covered with rust and really want to avoid that.

 

I thought about the rust issue as well. Here is my thoughts. I made rubber gaskets to seal the entire base of the mounts. I also put silicone under it too. I was really unsure of the look but had to try something. I know this will not suit everyone's taste but what the heck, I don't care really it is a personal choice.

 

Never had any problem with the hood in just over 16k miles but will keep it in mind if I do.

 

Well as promised here are some better pics of the install. I'm on the fence still about painting the mounts though. What do you all think? Honest oppinions are fine. I have broad shoulders.

 

I will say one thing, thats the cleanest looking vehicle I have ever seen in the wintertime..not one spec of dried road salt residue on it what so ever.
Are the mounts painted on the other Jeeps that have this tie down installed right from the factory? I'd probably follow their lead on that one.

Will it be tough to find an exact match of the colour of the body if you do paint it? Will you get a clear coat put on it as well?

 

Spend a lot of time at the car wash I was thinking just black on the mounts. The rubber is black so it will match, and black goes with eveything anyway.

 

I dunno. To me they don't appear like the "cleanest" possible method to secure the hood, so I'm not sure whether you would benefit much from painted mounts. You still have those large rubber bits whatever you do to the mounts.

(Not saying they look ugly or anything, just saying that they look not stock in a sort of obvious way.)

 

I tried multiple different means of putting them on. Angled, upside down, etc... this was the most efficient way of using this style of mount. They work, are they best solution maybe not, but what the heck different is what I am. Besides we are all different. We are Jeep owners. LOL!!!

 

The more off road looking parts you add the more the hood catches will fit in. The roof rack and driving lights are a good start. Some nerf bars, light bar, brush guards and so on would really complete the look. Hopefully that kind of stuff will become available at some point in the future.

 

I didn't like the first pictures, but after seeing the whole Pat I like the way it looks. I agree with jepster67 the more offroad things you add the more it will all fit together, like they are there for a reason when offroading, if that makes any sense. I think I would paint them some color either it be green to match or maybe a black (flat or glossy). It will give it a more custom look and not that they were laying around so I decided to slap them on. When customizing a vehicle it's all about being different and making the vehicle yours, because you know what will work best for you and your vehicle. Keep up the good work!

 

Very cool mod. Where did you find those??? Is it a dealer item only???

 

Looking at your Patriot My first thought would be "hay his hood must be hinged at the front" wonder if he put a different engine in it. Looks cool and I would only consider painting the metal parts to match the car or flat black to blend with the rubber strap. It does make the Pat look more Jeep like.

 

Even if I had my doubts abt the look in the first photos, now i don't think they look bad. I have some issues with my hood, but I don't consider doing something like that at the time. Keep it in mind thougth...

 

I agree with jepstr67 and koolkatken83 - catches look good combined with the driving lights, basket on roof and even with the green outdoor color. Don`t the catches make some wind noise at higher speeds, though? And sure - painting the metal parts either car color or flat black or grey would look much better.

 

They don't make noise at all.

 

I appreciate all the feedback. I wasn't entirely sure at first about the whole thing. I am going to paint the bits black. I have color match to the car, but after all they are aftermarket so to speak so why try to make it look factory. I have plans for a proper basket shortly. Gonna do the tires and lift next. Will eventually all turn out real nice. Again the feedback is welcome.

Anyone want to know more about how to install I might post some part #'s and instalation instructions if wanted. Let me know.

 

I word of warning. Be sure if you ever have anyone else open the hood that they know those hood catches are there. The Patriot sheet metal is very thin and opening the hood without first releasing the hood catches may bend the fender.

 

Well I took your advise guys. I bought a roof basket. Here it is. I am waiting for the wife to get home so I cn put it on and post some pics. Post them soon. Sticker :banana:

 

I like the look. Looks factory.

 

Thanks

 

how much did the rack cost you?

 

$200.00 CDN

 

They look good but wouldn't they have been stronger/more useful if you installed them closer to the front of the hood. Good mod.

 

The problem that some have with the hood is it tends to flap towards the rear, so that is why the location of the latches.

 

I have the same problem,my hood is jumping around in the front angles and in the back,I tought to put like you did that kind of hold hood.It doesn't look bad,I think was better looking and working good a little more to the front.But is cool.
You have to drill holes right?

I will thing about it

 

I like the look but does it solve the problem. my hood flaps at the front too. i think i would have to put the latches more towards the front. good fix stickerboy

 

The front flap can be cured by adjusting the two outer bump stops and the latch if necessary. When you open the hood, you'll see two large plastic bumpers. Just start turning them counter clockwise to raise them. I'd go a half turn at first then test how tight it feels. jeepstr67 did a nice right on this using wax. The back is a problem with the hinge design.

 

thanks Todd