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@TrioLRowner - Two years later and now it's my turn! This weekend I start my journey to do the same. I'm going to send LOTS of Q's. I just hope you remember after all this time...<g>.
Any pro-tips on removing the initial trim? Do you have a link or more advice re: the rubber / insulation that you used to "de-squeek" things? Thanks for any insights.
Note: I have no squeaking issues and used no rubber.
Make sure you have your rivnut tool ready to go.
I would also recommend ordering the replacement clips I linked above.
The one thing I need to revisit is exactly how the long white clips are re-installed and retained on the small rectangular piece that is refitted right behind the front wheel. These stick into the hole in the plate you mount that comes with the Lucky8 kit. But they don’t seem to fit into those holes tightly. Does something go on the back side (inner side of vehicle) to hold them in place? I fell like my trim is very loosely mounted at present.
There is a black felt spacer which is supposed to go between the clips and the metal. you can use a tie-wrap and it will work well. Also, make sure you fully separate the receiving part of the clip and then the locking stud. I ended up replacing the clips with some mazda yellow ones i bought from the Auto parts store.
Grousek9:
As Bnoonan noted, the rubber is an added feature which I put in place so if something was rubbing I would not need to remove and re install anything. Plus, it might help reduce any risk of long-term galvanic corrosion.
i obtained the rubber from Home Depot / Lowes which is used to seal windows in home construction. It comes in a roll about 6 inches wide with about 1/8 inch thik grey rubber with sticky glue (behind a removal tape) on one side and a fabric cloth on the other. it worked great !
Good luck on the install !!
Enjoy!
Last edited by TrioLRowner; Mar 9, 2023 at 08:32 AM.
@TrioLRowner Thanks for the info. But when you say "Also, make sure you fully separate the receiving part of the clip and then the locking stud."
I think you mean to pull back the 'plunger' or 'head' part of the clip that is facing out? The idea is then to insert the clip and depress the 'head' to expand the tips and hold in place? If so, I thought this must be how these work, but how is one to access the head of these clips to press them in and expand the tips?
Without the felt spacer -- or a tie-wrap in its place to provide an equivalent offset (about 1/4 to 3/8 of in inch) -- the stud assembly is too long and therefore will not provide any grip.
Not sure if anyone has seen the new underbody kit from new defender mods but it covers a lot under the truck. The question is what is that felt under shield for since it would not fit if you used this new kit from them. They said it comes from Germany so I wonder if this is that kit you were mentioning earlier.
Anyone know the true purpose of all that felt? Do you think the removal and replacement with steel would cause more noise? Do I really need all this protection. I am not going to Moab I just plan to camp slightly off road "boondocking" Can't really do something like Rubicon trail without a serious lift and larger tires anyway.
The felt which comes with the vehicle is of a sandwich construction -- felt on two sides over a stiff, thin composite sheet. It is stiffer and more sturdy than I expected.
Yes, without the felt, the vehicle might be a bit noisier. More importantly, without the felt the multiple tubes, pipes and wires under the vehicle will be exposed to being detached by sticks and rocks on the trail. Also, the felt keeps those items from getting dirty and stuffed with embedded leaves, small rocks, mud, etc.
Subjectively, I think more noise would be created when you add the proper off-road tires one would use to support the investment of $5000 USD in the metal sheets, than in just removing the felt.
Too late for me. From what I read, you have to go with the sliders in the kit. Since I'm already in by the sliders, I'd be more motivated to do my own/custom than to start over. Also, shipping costs are insane these days. I'll wait.
