YJ Jeep Wrangler Front Speaker Replacement

If you have a YJ jeep that means it naturally has some age on it. I know that when I got mine the speakers were old and deteriorated to the point that they weren't even listenable. You could hear sound, but it wasn't a pleasant experience.

I began searching the web and I found a really good value on a new set of speakers that worked perfectly for my YJ Jeep. For the YJ you need a set of 4"x6" speakers. I was able to locate a new set for a very good price on Amazon.

They arrived in a couple days and now it was time to install them. That's the tricky part. It requires quite a bit of work to install the front speakers on the YJ model Jeeps. Once I got it figured out it wasn't all that bad but it takes a little effort and it helps if you have a little knowledge of what you're going into.

In this article I'll show you how.

1. First you want to remove the parts of the dash panels that are on the steering column. There are two pieces. It may make it easier if you take off the piece for the instrument panel and the head unit as well. These are all fairly easy and all you should need is a Phillips head screwdriver.

2. Now you want to locate the T-40 Torx bit bolts that fasten the roll cage to the top of the YJ's windshield frame. To get to the ones on my YJ Jeep it was much easier to take my sunvisors off first. It just gets them out of the way. They are also Torx bit size T-20. Remove the bolts that hold the roll bar and windshield together on both the driver and passenger side.

3. Next move down to the T-40 and T-45 star bit bolts located at each side of the dash. There are 3 per side. These hold the dash onto the Jeep and also attach to the YJ's windshield frame. Remove these from the driver and passenger side. From there you should be able to carefully fold the windshield down and let it rest on the rubberized brackets located on the hood.

4. There are some fasteners that will now be exposed along the top of the dash that are usually hidden under the YJ's windshield when it's not folded down. They are T-25 Torx bits. You'll also need to remove the last Torx bits along the sides of the dash that actually hold the dash to the YJ Jeep's body.

5. From here you should be able to maneuver the Jeep YJ's dash out a bit to give yourself some room to get to the speakers from behind. Even then it is no easy task. maneuver it out as far as possible then get ready to do a little bit of a contortion act. I hope you don't mind bad language because even if you don't normally use it you will during this next step.

6. To get to my speakers I moved my seats to their furthest back position and laid down so that my legs were in the seat and my head was positioned under the dash. The speakers are usually bolted on with wing-nuts so you should be able to remove them by hand with a little bit of work. It's practically impossible to get a tool in there to help.

7. Once the speakers are out get the new ones ready to position. I found it a little easier to kind-of position them and then attach the speaker wires before getting the actually bolted back in. Your call here.

8. After that all there is to do is test it out. If everything is working, reassemble and you're good to go.

Installing front speakers on this model is no easy task. Using these instructions you will be prepared for the job before you begin so that the procedure will be as smooth as possible. When you're finished the best reward is a scenic drive with the top off enjoying some good tunes on your new speakers.

If You are interested in YJ Jeeps visit my website at http://www.yjjeep.com/

Windshield Replacement: 4 Things You Should Know

Many windshields are replaced as a result of accidents. Others may be replaced as a result of a chip that grows into a shatter or simply for cosmetic reasons. Regardless of what has brought you to the decision to replace your windshield there are 4 main things you should keep in mind.

1. A Windshield Is More Than Just a Window.
Some people consider their windshield to be nothing more than a car's front window. In reality, windshield provide protection to the driver and passengers and are also built to be aerodynamic. Early windshield were made using plain window glass but that resulted in serious injury when an accident would occur. This changed in 1919 when Henry Ford began using the French method of laminated glass for windshields. Today, the glass used for windshields is made up of two separate pieces of glass with a special safety plastic in the middle which makes it harder to break.

2. Can It Be Repaired?

The technology surrounding windshield repair has come a long way. Insurance companies now often refuse to cover replacement costs of windshield unless it has been deemed necessary by a repair company. Windshield repair is done by filling the chipped or damaged area with clear epoxy resin which dries and then is cured with ultra-violet light. Once this has been done, the chip is gone and both strength and clarity are restored.

3. How to Protect Your Windshield

Protecting your windshield is the best way to avoid costly repair or replacement. This can be done by following safe driving rules, particularly if you are on a loose gravel road. Drive slowly to avoid throwing stones up and if you find yourself behind a truck that appears to be throwing stones, back off or change lanes. Window tinting can also offer added protection by acting as a first line of defense against chips, stones and other debris. The tinting film also does double duty in an accident and works to keep broken glass in place.

4. The Importance of Timely Maintenance.

If you discover a chip in your windshield it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Chips can splinter, especially in extreme weather. The cold air outside can react to the heated interior of your car, making the chip splinter into a crack which can then spider-web its way across the whole of your windshield effectively turning a rather minor problem into a big one.

Replacing your windshield can be a pretty hefty investment. Once you've spoken to a windshield specialist as well as your insurance company you will know where you stand on what repairs or replacement services will be covered. This is also a good time to consider after-market options such as window tinting which may help reduce the chances of needing to repair or replace it again in the near future.

Kelly is a freelance writer and is currently working for a company specializing in offering a variety of car window tinting solutions. In her free time she enjoys reading and hosting parties.

Smack Then Crack - Windshield Repair or Windshield Replacement?

As you are driving down the road, it happens. You hear that dreaded sound. Your car windshield gets hit by a rock or debris and a crack appears. Sometimes the crack is gigantic and sometimes only a teeny tiny crack appears. Cracks and chips of all sizes are not only unattractive, but they can make driving unsafe too. When you hear the sound of something hitting your windshield, in comes the dread and so does the fear of what it's going to cost to replace the complete windshield or get a windshield repair begin to set in. Will it even be necessary to have a complete windshield replacement?

Without saying, any major damage received that causes huge cracks or shatters to any part of the windshield or the entire windshield, yes, definitely, a complete replacement is necessary. However, newer cars have windshields installed that are regulated by the government and in some situations it may be better to have the windshield repaired instead. Keeping as much of your vehicle in original condition is best for resale value and safety.

As well, many insurance companies are referring their customers to have windshield repair done now instead of a windshield replacement. You may wonder why, right? Well this alternate method is not only less expensive than a complete windshield repair, but there is less time where you are without your car. So the insurance company has to pay less to get your car fixed and maybe even eliminate the need for a rental car too.

For you the driver, repairs to your windshield will hold up as well as the replacement too. The quality is just as good, you won't even know it by looking. If your insurance doesn't cover windshield damages, you certainly want to go the less expensive way out and repair versus replace is the right choice in this situation.

You may wonder if it is absolutely necessary to have a professional do your windshield repair. You've noticed the do-it-yourself windshield repair kits at your neighborhood auto parts store and looks like it would be simple enough, right? Well, think again, it is not that simple. Taking out the old and popping in the new takes special tools and techniques that the professionals have been trained for.

At the first sign of damage, it may not be as clear if repair or replacement is best and a professional is trained in knowing whether a repair is even feasible and will be successful. Not to mention that if trying to do this yourself at home, it could lead to a serious safety issue. Keep in mind also, that with a professional mobile auto glass service, there will be a professional, in flesh and blood, in your driveway or work parking lot that you can tell if they are being straight with you or not.

For the sake of safety and convenience, instead of taking your car to the shop, always consider using a mobile service instead. There are mobile auto glass services in the Virginia area now with experienced trained professionals. No need to try to drive with a busted windshield or a huge crack running across the drivers' view!

So the next time you hear that shuttering sound of a rock hitting your windshield, don't panic! A phone call to a mobile auto glass service will get you a windshield repair or windshield replacement in no time.

For mobile auto glass service in Northern Virginia and Washington DC, call Lucas Auto Glass for all your windshield repair or windshield replacement needs.