did anyone do a write up on the install? i am considering these, but would like to know any tips/tricks for a problem free install.
thanks.

 

Are you talking about the rubber hood latches? If so they are an instant fix for the hood wobble that plagues JK's. Love mine.

 

yes. how was the install?

 

I installed these several months ago, and if I remember right the only thing about the install itself was that the pins that thread through the latch and the band wasn't an easy slide in, at first it seemed like the pin was way to big and I was thinking I'd have to drill the holes bigger, but after some coersion they went through. After they are installed be prepared to feel like your going to break something trying to latch these things, they are TIGHT ! Over time the tightness seems to go away but they are still tight.

 

I did this install a couple of weeks ago, very easy took about 15 minutes, you do have to force the pins a little but nothing out of the ordinary... If anything when you try to hook them up for the first time they are kind of hard...

 

It is an easy install. Those that have posted above stated the only issues (if you can call them that), but they are well worth it. I might have used a little warm soapy water to help the pin slide it easier (I can't quite remember).


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I don't know that anyone else has had this issue, but I was looking at mine today, and because they are so tight, my hood has been rubbing on the body and it chipped a little bit of the paint off of the body where the hood comes down. It was cold when I put them on, and it has been cold ever since, so they may not have stretched out.

It is an easy spot to use touch up paint, but a little frustrating considering that I don't have 8k miles on my JK yet.

I would use them again, but would have waited for it to warm up a little before I put them on.

JD

 

Guys! Don't waste the money on these. Go buy the recall latches being offerred for the 09s. They aren't recalled on the 08s, but you can buy them for about $10 from the dealer. I lucked out and bought a set from another member here. They have totally fixed all the hoop jump. Two bolts and you are done!

 

Let me know how it works out for you in 2 months. Everyone who has had them long-term has complained that the rubber gives eventually. The problem is not so much the rubber compound or elasticity of the band, but the length of the band. The Daystars are almost a full inch shorter if I remember correctly. The rubber is very stiff initially and it does feel like you are going to rip the latch off the hood the first time you latch it, but after 2 or 3 weeks, it gets much easier.

I've had them on for about 2 months and can't be happier.

Installation took all of 20 minutes. You break off the old plastic pins, remove the old rubber bands, install the new polyurethane bands and install new metal pins with screws. All done.

 

yes, i have read the updated mopar ones still strech. looks like daystar is the way to go...