DIY Network

Installing Cruise Control, Turn-Signal Display Rearview Mirrors and Seat Covers A group of small projects helps beef up a Jeep's comfort and "drive appeal" before a long road-trip. From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-410

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	Bruce installs the wiring for the turn-signal display side mirrors.

Replacing the Mirrors

• A ratchet wrench with the proper bit makes quick work of removing the mounting bolts and taking off the mirrors.

• When putting on the new mirror make sure you install the correct mirror (left or right). Run two wires through the door by drilling a hole through the hinge plate into the door through the door opening, then through the body of the vehicle to route this wiring from the outside of the door to the inside of the jeep.

• When drilling new holes into metal, use a center punch to create a seat for the drill bit.

• After marking the placement with the center punch, use a drill with rubber tubing around the excess length of the bit (as a depth guide) to drill into the car. Use a vacuum to sweep up the excess metal to avoid scratching the car.

• The wiring harness is now going to go from the mirror through the hole, inside the door, then out the door jam into the interior of the car. You have to mark and drill another hole. Again mark the placement with a center punch and drill using the rubber hose as my depth guide.

• Now you can install the grommets, one on each side. With a little work, the side grommet goes in and the exterior grommet goes on.

• Apply sealant to any exterior grommets to prevent water leakage.

• Pull the wires through the door and seat the new mirror and gasket in place, lining up the bolt holes.

• Use new stainless steel bolts for this installation. This is a good idea because the stainless steel will not rust.

• Do the exact same thing on the other side door. This is a good time to grease the hinges of the door. Don't over tighten the nuts though. It is easy to snap them off.

• Wiring up the mirrors for the left and right sides:

• There are two wiring harnesses, one for the left mirror and one for the right. Within the harness there is a red and black wire. Both black wires will attach to metal, to a good ground, the red ones will be the left and right turn signal, and the yellow will be the parking lights. Follow wiring installation instructions for your specific car.

• With a small area of the tan harness wire stripped, attach the new right turn-signal wire and solder in place. Again tape up the connections and use a wire tie to secure them. Do the same with the left turn signal wire, attaching it to the grey harness wire.

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Installing New Carpet And Seat Covers

• The first thing to do is remove the seats. On a Jeep, the seats come out easily by removing the retaining bolts.

• After detaching a few snaps, the carpet pieces can come out. Take notice of how all the carpet pieces fit in the jeep and maneuver the seat belts as necessary.

• Before installing the new carpet and re-installing the seats, it's a good idea to clean the floorboards and interior.

• Before throwing the old carpet pieces out, use them as pattern templates over the new carpet. Mark any holes that need cutting out.

• Cut the carpet using a utility knife that has a sharp blade or utility scissors.

• Test fit everything first, trim as needed and apply contact adhesive in spots to hold the carpet down. Take your time fitting and cutting the carpet to ensure a good fit.

• Pull the seat belts through the cut out slots in the carpeting. Spray adhesive is applied to both the mounting surface and the backside of the carpet. Use a flat tool to tuck th edges of the carpet underneath items such as the console. You can also remove these items and install the carpet completely underneath them. For areas that have been glued, placing a weight on top, such as a bag of rocks, will help keep the carpet in place while the adhesive sets.

• As for the seat covers, you can carefully remove and wash them for later use or just cut them out if they're too worn to salvage. Installation of the seat covers is simple and just requires hand-fitting.

• The seat cover is secured with straps underneath the seat.

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RESOURCES :

Rostra Precision Controls
www.rostra.com