So I started this morning to finally cut my pinch seams and I couldn't get one of my lugnuts loose. I was already due for my free oil change so I drove to the dealer to have them remove the lugnut as well. As I was walking the lot I noticed some of the 2013 have the pinch seam cut from the factory now. I mentioned this to the service department and they put it on the lift and cut them for me (no charge)!!! Just thought I would share this for those still waiting to do this. Went ahead and bed lined the rocker panels when I got back home ( the plastidip wasn't cutting it).
Cheers

 

yep....Jeep made a change, reflecting what owners are doing. 35" tires are a fairly common upfit and the pinch seams are definitely close for comfort.

 

Sure enough. That last one is a 2013 but no trimmed pinch.

 

Yeah mine is a 13 and no trimmed pinch seam. I was just surprised the dealership did it for me. And a couple of parts I ordered were cheaper than a few catalogs I have here (not to mention names). Not my typical stealership experience, something must be wrong!!

 

I know they're trimming the seam now, but what about the Rubicon sliders?

 

Did they treat/paint the bare metal and seal it up? That won't take long to turn into a rust issue. I hit mine with etching primer and paint, sealed it with aircraft fuel tank sealant and then painted it to match.

 

No, I hit it with clear coat and then bed liner once I got home.

 

Good procedure. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You've also got the right steps even if drilling into the body panels for mounting accessories.
Another tip would be to drill or cut as slowly as possible to prevent heat spread in the surrounding areas.

 

They're trimming pinch seams, but the rubi sliders are the same length.

 

I still need to trim mine and my rubi Rails too