Reclaiming the Chromed out Rubi

**LuckRider** · 05-09-2010, 07:33 PM

Well, I guess it is finally time to start this build thread that I promised.

Here is how it started. I had a 2005 Patriot Blue SE that I loved. It had the I6 and 42rle, and even though it was stock, every moment spent in/around it was fun.

That was totaled on my way home from class one day, and I am lucky to be alive. My Jeep saved me: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f164/...urvive-997612/

After that happened, I replaced it with a 2004 Rubicon in White that I love even more. The various creature comforts are nice, especially with a 1 hour commute each way. The PO had a lot of chrome that I hate, and they put windshield mounted lights that were taken off by the time I go it. The windshield lights messed up the paint there, but I have a plan for that.

Here is what it looked like when I got home (the chrome gas cap cover is already off):

More Chrome

Primed up the Chrome:

Here is the first coat of Semi-Gloss Black. I prefer it to satin and gloss:

The other pieces in primer:

The Black Grill Inserts are in. You can see the chrome sway bar cover

Anyone want to give me a stock one

Here you can see I took the chrome tail light covers off. I still need to get rid of the chrome sway bar cover and side steps:

I also got to play with the lockers. I love them so much. This was taken at the high school in town. There is a parking lot lined with rocks. That was the biggest rock there, came up to just above the bumper at the highest point

There is more to come. I made an order last night for a couple of things.

migsk8 · 05-09-2010, 07:36 PM

looks sick

**spyder6** · 05-09-2010, 07:38 PM

dope mudflaps

**cajunfireman** · 05-09-2010, 07:38 PM

Looks good without the extra chrome. I like the way the grille inserts turned out.

**LuckRider** · 05-09-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyder6

dope mudflaps

Hell yeah.... They will come off eventually, but it isn't like the chrome. I hate the chrome enough to take it off, I am semi indifferent about the flaps though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajunfireman

Looks good without the extra chrome. I like the way the grille inserts turned out.

I agree. I also love how the inserts came out.

SOLIDJP44 · 05-09-2010, 07:50 PM

improvement, however id paint the euro tail light guards semi gloss, and for the side steps id sell them, dope on the grill inserts, isn't it bad how bad they look after a couple years i see yours turned peely like, gross but they look better now

SOLIDJP44 · 05-09-2010, 07:52 PM

also get rid of the brady motors front and rear license frames

**LuckRider** · 05-09-2010, 07:53 PM

They actually were perfect chrome when we went to look at the Jeep. When the power washed it though, it did that.

As for the rear guards, they are waiting on sand blasting. My dad's friend has one. I will probably sell the tube steps. I want savvy sliders with a real step, then I would be able to sell both the Rubi rocker guard and the tube step, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen for a while.

Edit: Yeah, I will get rid of the License Plate frame soon. I prefer the license plate to be wrapped around the front bumper.

migsk8 · 05-09-2010, 07:56 PM

looks way better painted black on the grill cover

**Imped** · 05-09-2010, 09:05 PM

-Just sand down and paint the sway bar cover
-Why are the front bumper jugs still on?
-Why are the nerf bars still on?
-No to the mud flaps
-I vote for losing the bug deflector and grill inserts

Otherwise, you upgraded hard.

**LuckRider** · 05-09-2010, 09:19 PM

The Sway bar cover just might get a coat of bed liner when I do that.

I don't know about the Jugs so my. I never really hated them, and I think the cut ones I saw on here were awesome.

The nerf bars are still on becasue I couldn't get them off with a cheater bar. Our air compressor died so I have to wait to go to my dad's frined's house (he has an 80 gallon compressor).

I don't care for the mud flaps, but up until classes are over, I barely have time for the Jeep.

I might get rid of the bug deflector just because it makes noise at highway speed, but I think the grill inserts make it look so much better because it breaks up the white.

I think it is a great upgrade too.

**Imped** · 05-09-2010, 09:25 PM

I'd skip the bedliner man.....it becomes more of a PITA than the cool idea it first seemed. And for most, the jugs are usually the first to come off. Personally, I'm a fan of chopping the ends right off the stock bumper.

Martinsc · 05-09-2010, 09:40 PM

Damn man your first jeep got messed up. And that is the first time I have ever seen a chrome swaybar cover, that thing is hideous. Other than that your doing a nice job with it.

Mannon · 05-09-2010, 09:42 PM

I think you're missing a lugnut?

SOLIDJP44 · 05-09-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imped

-Just sand down and paint the sway bar cover
-Why are the front bumper jugs still on?
-Why are the nerf bars still on?
-No to the mud flaps
-I vote for losing the bug deflector and grill inserts

Otherwise, you upgraded hard.

note, on the bug deflector not everyone likes stone chips on the leading edge of their hood from highway driving like myself, personally think its a very good accessory.