The Gladiator Blog
Gladiator, the only way to Climb!
If ya know, ya know. If ya don't....It's a Jeep thang Baby!
Gladiator Starter Kit
Well, Well, Well...You got your first Gladiator! Good for You! Now you can take your top off and your doors off and enjoy Jeep Life! But there are a few things you will need when you're rolling half naked. Without doors, you don't have rear view mirrors. We support our Friends in Blue, but no mirrors can get you a friendly visit from Johnny Law and possibly a ticket, so you're gonna need doors-off mirrors. Also, hanging of the feet out of the door will require foot pegs for the cool look. And lastly, Emblems. Cool Emblems! This kit shouldn't break the bank for the new Gladiator owner! I put a few links to some great products that have worked for me! Now go take your top off and hit the road!
https://amzn.to/44gdtb2 Foot Pegs
https://amzn.to/3YJQl3O Doors Off Mirrors
https://amzn.to/44f7bZh Emblem #1
https://amzn.to/45gTWZx Emblem #2
Tonneau Covers
My choice for the tonneau cover was the Tuxedo Pro X15. Went on easy and believe me, I'm not super handy with the tools. Ha! Keeps the rain out with weather stripping included. The cover is sturdy and looks great. Easy to roll up and roll down and latch shut. I did purchase through Amazon and I am an Amazon Affiliate. Click the link below to check out the tonneau cover I chose. I tried to have a video instead of just a picture, but I'm still trying to figure all this tech stuff out. I think I may need to get my son involved.
What's Up With the Wave?
Well, I sure am getting an education. No one knows the exact origin of the wave, but there are a few theories: The First: started back in WWII. The soldiers drove the Jeeps on the battlefields and as they passed, the wave could distinguish between allies and enemies as they drove by. The Second: the wave actually started after the war. When soldiers made it home, they would wave to each other while in their jeeps to show they served in the war. The Third: Jeep owners would wave to each other while off roading and adventure-seeking. Who knows, but I always wave to my fellow Jeepers! And to all who serve and served, Thank You!
What the Duck?!?
OK, I can't lie, I have not gotten into the duck thingy, but my wife and daughter love to duck Jeeps! Sounds funny, but it is a "thing" in the Jeep community. It started in 2020 when COVID hit and shut the world down. What a terrible time for everyone. Since the Jeepers couldn't get together, a woman in Canada started placing the little bathtub dwellers on Wranglers. The idea was to bring joy back into the Jeep community and brighten everyone's day with a Duck. Who wouldn't like that? Now days, It's hard to find a Wrangler or Gladiator that hasn't been, well, Ducked! These little rubber friends come in all sizes and as you can see, some have themes. Some of the ducks come with a little card attached with a kind message. And I have to admit, I don't have ducks on my dash, but I do enjoy getting Ducked! Ha! Hit the link below and go Duck someone! https://amzn.to/3rTUaqu
Before and After!
So ya got your first Jeep Gladiator! Welcome to the Family, but now what? Well, its time to customize and the upgrades are endless. Most start with a lift, then the big wheels and tires. Or maybe running boards, bed liner and tonneau cover are a good place to start. And it's cool if you start slow with new door handles, window tint and some decals. It's your Glad, do whatever the "duck" you wanna do! Ha! See what I did there! Some folks go out and buy a Gladiator that is already upgraded to their liking and that's fine too! Just do your research and find the best products for what you need. If you plan on trailing or going offroad, it's a good idea to spend a little more for quality parts to keep you going! I started off with wheels, tires, running boards and window tint. Fuel had a set of wheels I fell in love with and I threw on some Centennial Dirt Commander tires 35x12. I decided not to do a lift...yet. Also, I bought running boards by N-Fab which are simple and perfect to my liking. Later I had the bed sprayed. I just put on my tonneau cover which was quick and easy. Tuxedo Pro X-15 was the brand I used. It's sturdy and rolls up easy and is out of the way when loading up the kayaks or whatever else I haul around. My next accessory will probably be front and rear bumpers and maybe some cool tail light covers. My last Jeep had a winch and I actually used it a few times. I set up the links below if you want to check out what started with. Remember, do your research and have fun turning you Glad into your dream! Email some pics! I would love to share them on my Gladiator Blog!
Fuel Wheels
N-Fab Step
Centennial Tires
Tuxedo Tonneau Cover
Not Again!
Well, Got a chip. Guess that's something common in the life with a Gladiator. Of course, the way the windshield sits, that's gonna happen. Crusin along and TINK! Sumbitch! I called to have it fixed, but the crack is to big and I need the window replaced. The Lady on the phone gave me the option to have a generic, cheaper windshield or the actual Jeep brand. I said "the Jeep brand, no doubt' Her response, "I figured, all you Jeep people want to keep it all Jeep." After that conversation, I got a little lazy and have not fixed the windshield. Now my star has a horizon to go with it. I do have to be honest, I've had two Wranglers and one Gladiator and this is my first chip! Jinx! Hope that comment doesn't come back to haunt me. So if you get "chipped" it's OK, it's a Jeep Thang! Peace!
