Q.
What is an sPOD anyway??
A.
It's an overhead switch pod that mounts to the windshield
frame, providing a central location for the switches needed
to run many of the accessories such as lights, compressor, etc.
that we like to add to our rigs.
When purchased with the wiring harness, it simplifies the process
of connecting all of the switches to relays needed to run our
accessories.
Where
can I get an sPOD? Here: http://www.4x4spod.com/
Many
of the photos below shown detail of the various pieces and parts
removed.
Showing them helps to understand how they attach and may simplify
the removal of them.
Steps
below show installation on a 2004 TJ. These steps are valid
for 2003-2006 TJs. 1997-2002 models are slightlyt different
in the way they attach to the windsheild frame. |
 |
Let's
get started. I removed all the parts from the package,
laid them out and verified that everything was here. |
| |
 |
Here's
a close-up of the switch pod unit. I chose the 6 switch
model with air gauge and Contura II switches.
I'm in the early
stages of outfitting my Rubicon and only need one switch
at the moment, but that will change as more electrical goodies
get added such as lights. |
| |
 |
We
start the install by removing the plastic trim piece that covers
the windshield frame between the hard top clips. Sometimes the
metal clips stay in the slot, as shown here, rather than come
out with the plastic trim piece.
To remove the plastic
header trim, simply pull on it a little at a time across the
length of it so it comes out evenly. |
| |
 |
The
trim piece is held on by four of these little
metal clips, two on each side. |
| |
 |
| If
any of the clips remain in the slots, remove them and store with
the plastic trim piece. This photo shows the two clips removed. |
| |
 |
Here's
a close up of the clip.
They have sharp teeth that "grip" the plastic trim to
hold it in place. |
| |
 |
| I clipped
mine back on to the trim piece to ensure they wouldn't get lost. |
| |
 |
| Here's
a close up of the tab that the clip bites in to. |
| |
 |
| The
sPOD windshield header takes the place of the plastic trim piece
we just removed. Insert these nut plate clips in to the 4 slots. |
| |
 |
| Both
clips on the left side are now installed. |
| |
 |
| The
sPOD is then attached to the header |
| |
 |
Here's
a side by side comparison of the
plastic trim and the sPOD's new header.
This is the bottom. |
| |
 |
| Top
side comparison. |
| |
 |
| One
of the mounting holes seen here. A screw goes through this hole
and in to the clip we inserted in to the windshield frame earlier.
The slot next to the first switch is where the pin for the sun
visor rests. |
| |
 |
Next
step is to fish the wire harness down behind the passenger side
windshield trim trim. I tried using aluminum foil to wrap the
wire harness in order to make it easier, but it didn't work
as well as I had hoped.
Tucked under the
foil is the wires and connectors that link the wire harness
to the terminal strip under the hood. Wrapping it up it some
fashion really is a necessity.
The instructions
recommended wrapping the wires with tape, I didn't use tape
because I didn't want to deal with the time consuming hassle
of removing it. |
| |
 |
I
removed the sun visor and the screws securing the trim and pulled
the trim back away from the windshield frame. This made it easier
to manipulate the wire behind the trim piece.
It's difficult to
totally remove the windshield trim because there is a small
plastic clip that holds the rubber windshield gasket to the
top of the trim piece. |
| |
 |
| This
is at the top of the windshield frame where the harness exits
from behind the trim, just below the hard top clamp. |
| |
 |
| Next
I routed the airline down behind the windshield trim. Note that
the sun visor has been removed. I also removed the screws the
hold the A pillar trim in place to simplify routing the air line
behind the trim. |
| |
 |
This
photo shows the air line. I snaked the it out from
behind the windshield trim and down behind the dash. |
| |
 |
After
I routed the air line and wire harness,
I mounted the sPOD to the windshield frame.
This photo shows
the two screws that secure the header panel to the windshield |
| |
|
