From: "Christopher H. Dow" dow@thelen.org
Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 21:42:17 -0700
Subject: Re: [D90] DR Quarter-panel protectors (yes, they are Rubicon Ready)
The Quarter Panel protectors went on just fine by drilling four holes. Leslie and I alternated to avoid anaerobic respiration. I don't know what Kelvin charged for them (TMS ordered them, maybe she'll pipe up). I do know that they are the least obtrusive I've seen, and they have now been tested on the Rubicon trail. Down the trail from the Big Drop in the Big Sluice, I slammed down HARD on the QP protectors. It made a Really Big Noise. When we went to see the damage, the QP pro had some paint scratches. Charles Morris, OTOH, probably wishes he'd followed my advice and bought them.
From what I've seen of the SG setup, it would probably be better on the 110 because of the length of panel it protects, but I'll swear by the DR product for the 90 (besides, I don't think Kelvin makes QP pro for 110s).
Chris
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From: Robert Dassler[SMTP:roadsiderob@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2000 11:35 PM
Subject: Re: [D90] Wing Protectors
Regarding wing protectors. The factory black anondized ones will fade to
purple in the sun. If you must have black rather than silver I recommend
painting or powdercoating. If you powdercoat, get about a 60% gloss black
finish as it will match the finish on the safari cage and bumpers. Also, I
know that there are many companies that offer these. I only have firsthand
experience with the factory part. The original 1994 parts were pretty
roughly finished. The newer ones--with a different part number--are nicer
and have a foam backing to prevent dirt being trapped underneath them. Some
of the newer ones have come without a radio antenna hole. I use a Greenlee
radio chassis punch to cut the hole when necessary as it does a very neat
job. When you mount it, I recommend installing threaded inserts into the
wing top as it eliminates having to remove headlamps or cram your hand in to
start the nuts on the backside.
Rob Dassler
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Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 16:03:06 -0600
From: Alan_Ottley@mtn.3com.com
Subject: Re: [D90] Body Armor
My main interest in this was protection. I have bent my body panels several
times as well as scraped them on rocks. Although each of these scars have
good memories, my intent is to keep the Rov forever. I figured that in
another 10 years, it would be mighty wrinkly at this rate. A good point is
that it is 5 bar aluminum (like the OEM wing protectors), instead of the
single bar type run by j**ps and others.
The sticky method of application should increase the strength
significantly. It gives a much thicker outer layer which is essentially
"bonded" to the inner thin OEM panel, which I envision would work like a
laminate of sorts.
I admit that some of the parts are somewhat cosmetic, but very functional.
I had a passenger who opened the PS door into a rock and put a door ding in
the panel - the lower door armor would have prevented it (and it covers it
up now). The only part that is purely cosmetic are the rear door panels
which just tie the corners together visually.
Will it work? I think that most of the "memories" would have been prevented
with these panels. In fact, the only one that would not have been prevented
is the Rubicon - Big Sluice mark on the front fender.
I really see it as body protection that goes hand in hand with the more
serious protectors - like my SG sliders and ORS bumperettes (both of which
work REAL well).
I have not installed them yet, but I anticipate that they will both look
good and work well. No poser here,....I do it for use and function. The Rov is already too cute
for it's own good.
A.