Smittybilt G.E.A.R. Overhead Console
08-24-2012, 07:54 PM
#31
JK Freak
I have one installed in my 10 and yes you can make it work. What I did was that I installed two 1 inch flat bracket on each bolt that hold the center loop. That way the overhead mount is lowered in the front by an inch thus giving you plenty of room to lock the latch and letting the top sit flush. You'll just have to cut the trim a bit in order make it fit over the bracket.
The only problem I had with the overhead bracket was that it squeaked with every bump on the road so I just added some non slip matting under it, were it lays on the speaker bar and problem solved.
I can send pics if needed, oh and I got some angle bracket from Walmart paid like 2 bucks or so, then I just cut it at the bend and got 2 brackets with both hole on each piece. Just need to bore out the holes a little bigger so the center loop bolts will pass through. Worked out great, good luck
Augi
The only problem I had with the overhead bracket was that it squeaked with every bump on the road so I just added some non slip matting under it, were it lays on the speaker bar and problem solved.
I can send pics if needed, oh and I got some angle bracket from Walmart paid like 2 bucks or so, then I just cut it at the bend and got 2 brackets with both hole on each piece. Just need to bore out the holes a little bigger so the center loop bolts will pass through. Worked out great, good luck
Augi
08-25-2012, 04:08 AM
#33
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03-31-2013, 06:30 AM
#35
JK Freak
Here are some pics of the brackets i used to install the overhead unit so i can fit my hand in between the unit and panels.
Here you can see where i trimmed the plastic header to make room for the bracket
Here you can see how the bracket pieces are installed on top of the footmens loop and how it drops the overhead unit down a good 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch
This is a pic of my overhead unit, as you can see i added some straps to pull the bags tighter to the unit they seem to hang down a bit. This makes it to where i can't really see them in my rear view mirror.
I have the matching tailgate unit as well
As for my overhead unit i have a bunch of maps, flashlight, compass, tire gauge, sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, fuses, Alabama chrome, electrical tape, rescue knife, pens, paper, zip ties, gum/candy, small first aid kit, WD40, lighter/matches, and other stuff i can't remember off the top of my head.
Here are a few tips i have about the overhead unit:
1. mine squeaked like crazy where it mounts over the rear speaker console. so i add so black grip mat i bought from the hardware store. i tightened the mounts down after i installed the grip mat and bye bye squeaking.
2. the bags hang down a bit due to filling it with stuff so i added some straps to pull them closer to the unit itself
The overhead unit works with a soft top just fine since it asks you to remove the footmens loop and replace it with the bracket that comes with the unit but i only run with my soft top on during the summer. So i figured this would be the best way to make it work without doing to much modding. I went and bought a package of stainless corner brackets like these:
I cut them at the bend giving me two exact pieces with equally matched holes.
That's it, in a nut shell. Good luck to those who are looking at getting this overhead unit. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone that has seen mine loves it.
Augi
Here you can see where i trimmed the plastic header to make room for the bracket
Here you can see how the bracket pieces are installed on top of the footmens loop and how it drops the overhead unit down a good 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch
This is a pic of my overhead unit, as you can see i added some straps to pull the bags tighter to the unit they seem to hang down a bit. This makes it to where i can't really see them in my rear view mirror.
I have the matching tailgate unit as well
As for my overhead unit i have a bunch of maps, flashlight, compass, tire gauge, sun screen, bug spray, sun glasses, fuses, Alabama chrome, electrical tape, rescue knife, pens, paper, zip ties, gum/candy, small first aid kit, WD40, lighter/matches, and other stuff i can't remember off the top of my head.
Here are a few tips i have about the overhead unit:
1. mine squeaked like crazy where it mounts over the rear speaker console. so i add so black grip mat i bought from the hardware store. i tightened the mounts down after i installed the grip mat and bye bye squeaking.
2. the bags hang down a bit due to filling it with stuff so i added some straps to pull them closer to the unit itself
The overhead unit works with a soft top just fine since it asks you to remove the footmens loop and replace it with the bracket that comes with the unit but i only run with my soft top on during the summer. So i figured this would be the best way to make it work without doing to much modding. I went and bought a package of stainless corner brackets like these:
I cut them at the bend giving me two exact pieces with equally matched holes.
That's it, in a nut shell. Good luck to those who are looking at getting this overhead unit. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone that has seen mine loves it.
Augi
Last edited by augichef; 04-05-2013 at 04:44 PM.
03-31-2013, 11:50 AM
#36
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01-04-2014, 05:18 AM
#37
JK Newbie
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I have a 14 JK with Freedom Top and installed. I had to use a bolt to hold down the front of the tops. I drilled a hole in the GEAR panel and used a #8 1.25 60mm hex head bolt to screw up into the top. Pulls it down nicely and snug to the weatherstripping. This allows it to be the intended height and the pouches do NOT block the rear view mirror. Using a plastic knob to screw and unscrew. The ONLY complaint I have is that it is squeaking under the rear panels. Figured I would just add a silicone bead to the GEAR panel and it should go away
09-12-2016, 11:51 AM
#38
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I have a 14 JK with Freedom Top and installed. I had to use a bolt to hold down the front of the tops. I drilled a hole in the GEAR panel and used a #8 1.25 60mm hex head bolt to screw up into the top. Pulls it down nicely and snug to the weatherstripping. This allows it to be the intended height and the pouches do NOT block the rear view mirror. Using a plastic knob to screw and unscrew. The ONLY complaint I have is that it is squeaking under the rear panels. Figured I would just add a silicone bead to the GEAR panel and it should go away
09-12-2016, 08:17 PM
#39
I doubt you will get an answer. Last time he was on was in 2014.
