When we get a new Jeep—at least “new” to us—or an actual brand-new off-the-showroom-floor Wrangler, we want to keep it as pristine for as long as we can. But how can we keep our Wranglers scratch- and dent-free when we wheel in the desert, rock crawl in the mountains, or park at the mall?

Inconsiderate shoppers seem to be drawn to new cars like bees to water, and they usually don’t care if their doors dent your doors or not. Rock crawling in the mountains magically seems to cause branches and pine cones to scratch the flat panels on your rig, and desert wheeling can see cactus pinstriping messing up your polish.

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Rugged Ridge, a large company that listens to its smallest client, has developed a cure for the desert pinstriping blues—thick magnetic panels cut to fit all the flat side panels on your Jeep. The Magnetic Protection Panel kit (part no. 12300.53, $284) is designed to protect your Jeep’s paint while on the trails. It is an easily removable nine-piece kit that provides full coverage for the body of your Jeep—except the fenders—to keep your mind at ease and your paint job flawless. Featuring a durable matte black vinyl finish, each panel is constructed of 17-gauge (.060-inch) thick magnetic sheet material for a tough finish and long-lasting use.

Author’s note: A Magnetic Protection Panel kit is also available for the two-door JK model (part no. 12300.52) and is priced $241.

The magnetic panels are designed to take a beating on the trail and still adhere to your Jeep’s metal skin. For transportation, they roll up and can be stored in their original box. While driving to and from the trails or malls, do not leave them on at speeds exceeding 55 mph. Beyond that speed, occasional side winds or wind shear due to large trucks or buses could dislodge a panel sufficiently to allow the wind to peel it off your Jeep.

Always remember to clean your Jeep before applying the Magnetic Protection Panel kit. Dust, dirt or debris underneath the panels could inadvertently damage your paint.

Source List:
Rugged Ridge
http://www.ruggedridge.com/

Summit Racing
www.summitracing.com