Body armor

[Omelet]

This is something I have considered. Not a bad idea for the XK but not sure about the WK. There is just not much of a quarter panel on there. The corner of the bumper, fender, and taillight is what would take the abuse. If you wanted to make corner guards for the WK then you would have to incorporate the fender into it which would just complicate the design because of all the angles. But that's just the conclusion I came to. Nutserts are definitely the way to go though, seems to be what all the good companies do.

[AJeepZJ]

I started talking with Sal about another idea that could provide SOME protection for the WK's, while also making the XK even more... impervious, lol.



Since the WK IS more curved, particularly in the rear, than the XK, I thought it would be a good idea, to at least provide some protection for that window.


This would be my approach, and it has not been something I've seen on any civilian vehicle. Ideally you'd create an area that is an exact shape of the window, however you'd compensate with about an extra 1.5" so that it can be affixed to the body. This type of metal is little thinner than i'd invision so i'd say 12 gauge would work fine. Weld a trim to the perimeter that cleans up the look, and you've got some decent protection for those rear windows. The holes in the mesh itself will still provide enough visibility to see through. Even magnetic mounts could work as an alternative, for people who just want to temporarily mount them to the vehicle while they are wheeling.

As far as the fenders, I think the WK just need aftermarket fenders made out of polyethylene or some high-density plastic that can take impact. Their installation should be versatile enough to be installed on top of the already present stock fenders that slightly bulge out.


For the XK the window protection, in conjunction with the quarter panel is even more advantageous because that flat surface window back there is a lot more subject to contact than the WK's.

comments? criticisms?