A R E CX Classic Jeep Gladiator Cap Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- A R E
Table of Contents
**A R E CX Classic Jeep Gladiator Cap Installation Guide
**
PARTS INCLUDED IN YOUR KIT
- Cap
- 1x Mounting tape
- 2x Cap clamps 22103-004
- (trucks without utility tracks)
- 2x Cap clamps 22103-017
- (trucks with utility tracks)
- 1x Wiring harness
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Fork lift
- Saw horses
- Wire snips
- Pliers
- Mild soap
- Glass cleaner
- Cleaning rags
- Denatured alcohol
- Scissors or cutting tool
- Masking tape
- 9/16” wrench
- 7/16” wrench
- Allen wrench set
- Pry bar and hammer (to disassemble crate)
- Adjustable flat head clamps (recommended welding style)
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Preparing the cap for installation. Lay the crate flat so that the cap (A) is in the installed position. Carefully disassemble the crate allowing you to lift the cap out of the crate. Inspect and clean the cap. Clean the outside of the cap by using clean low-pressure water and mild soap. Be sure to clean the front window thoroughly before the installation of the cap on the truck.
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Remove the shipping rails.
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After removing the rail covers check the bottom of the rails for any debris. The bottom of the rails should be clean and dry. Wipe the rails with denatured alcohol, this will help the mounting tape adhere to the rails.
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Mounting tape application. Apply the mounting tape (B) to the bottom of the cap rails staying 1/4” from the inside edge of the side rails. Put a line of tape across the front bulkhead staying just on the outside edge of the cap. Be sure the ends of the mounting tape are butted up tight to the tape on the side rails (or even overlap). There should not be a gap between the bulkhead mounting tape and the side rail mounting tape.
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Preparing the truck. Clean the truck and rear window of the cab and the truck’s bed rails to remove all dirt and grime. To help protect the truck’s bed finish lay a piece of carpet or cardboard down during installation. It is also recommended that you tape off areas of the truck that could be impacted by the cap during installation.
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Before beginning the installation check the bed to see if it is square or true by measuring from right rear to left front and left rear to right front. The length should be the same when measured from the same points each way. If it is not, keep this rule in mind: If the bed is out of square, or the bed is not positioned squarely behind the cab, the cap must still be positioned square with the rear end of the truck bed for the door to operate correctly. This may cause positioning difficulty if the bed is not square with the cab or out of square.
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Place the cap (A) on the truck. Make sure that no part of the truck cap is touching the truck bed surface! If it is add more mounting tape as needed.
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Using the welder’s clamps to hold the cap in place, clamp the driver’s rear corner so the inside edge of the door frame is lined up with the inside edge of the bed tailgate.
Do NOT overtighten clamps.
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Repeat the process on the passenger side. You may need to push in on the side of the cap to get the proper position before clamping.
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Final adjustments. Close the door, check the door for proper operation. It should not bind against the door frame. If necessary, adjust the position of the cap again.
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Trucks without utility tracks use clamp kit 22103-004. To install the clamps (C) align them with the metal clamp plate on the rails. Use a 9/16” wrench to tighten all clamps.
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Trucks with utility tracks require clamp kit 22013-017. The clamps (D) install by removing the utility track end cap and sliding the clamp block into the utility rail. Position the clamps by aligning them with the metal clamp plate on the rails. Use a 9/16” wrench or an Allen wrench to tighten all clamps. Replace the utility track end caps when the clamps have been installed.
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Hook the lights up using the wire harness (E) included with the cap and automotive connectors and fuse links. 12volt lights should run directly to the battery.
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Clean and remove all stickers.
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Warranties are subject to the terms and conditions below. All warranty
considerations apply for original retail purchaser only.
A.R.E. warrants to the original retail purchaser of an A.R.E. brand fiberglass truck cap, that the body will be structurally free from defects in material and workmanship for as long as you own your cap and the original vehicle. The body includes the fiberglass shell and mounting rails only. A.R.E. warrants to you, the original purchaser, for as long as you own your cap that the exterior paint will not abnormally fade or peel due to material or workmanship defect faster than the original pickup it was installed on by an authorized A.R.E. retail dealer. Due to truck manufacturer variance, exact color match is not guaranteed.
The spray-on protective coating material used to produce the Overland Series and OTR option has a limited lifetime warranty not to crack, bubble, or flake as well as a 3-year warranty not to abnormally fade or lose its luster.
HARDWARE
For the original purchaser, lock cylinder, keyless entry, lock housing,
fiberglass wings, and center mounted brake lights are warranted for three (3)
years from your retail date of purchase against failure due to defects in
material and workmanship.
Gas props used to assist in opening doors are covered under a five (5) year limited warranty against failure due to loss of pressure. This warranty does not cover damage due to misuse or neglect. Never wipe the shaft of the props with anything other than a dry soft cloth. Regular operation of the props will actually increase the life by lubricating the seals and shafts.
Aluminum framed windows, aluminum framed doors and tailgate formed doors frames and their hardware, 12 volt and rope lighting, battery lights, prop light switch and ActiveTilt™ are warranted for one (1) year from your purchase date from an authorized A.R.E. retailer, from failure due to defects in material or workmanship. Also covered for one (1) year are all seals, brackets, locking hardware, and screens. Glass breakage is not covered under this or any other warranty.
Frameless windows installed with urethane are warranted for one (1) year from your purchase date from an authorized A.R.E. retailer, from failure due to the urethane seal resulting in leaking. Glass breakage is not covered under this or any other warranty.
EXCLUSIONS
Not covered under this warranty is structural failure due to neglect,
alterations, addition of equipment, abuse, accident, off-road driving, use in
competitive racing, vibrations from worn or altered truck suspensions or sound
equipment, or acts of nature including but not limited to tornados,
hurricanes, hail, and earthquakes.
If a known problem exists with an A.R.E. product, it is the owner’s responsibility to immediately bring the issue to the attention of an authorized A.R.E. Dealer. Failure to do so could result in additional, more severe problems and constitutes (but is not limited to) neglect, which is not covered.
Stress cracks in the fiberglass body that begin from a window, boot, door opening or from the base rail are considered structural or material flaws and are covered under warranty for as long as the A.R.E. truck cap is owned by the original purchaser. The exception to this warranty is when it is determined by A.R.E. or its authorized dealer that such stress crack(s) were caused from misuse, abuse, collision or competitive racing. If a stress crack occurs it should be repaired without delay to prevent future failures due to neglect.
Stress cracks in the exterior finish caused by impact are not covered under warranty. A stress crack caused by impact from the inside of the truck cap has the appearance of a “star” on the outside surface. A stress crack caused by impact to the outside of the truck cap will cause circular stress cracks. Both stress cracks radiate from a center point(s) of impact. Impact cracks are usually on the sidewalls of the body. A mark may or may not be visible at the point of impact.
Consequential damage or loss due to the installation, use, misuse, abuse or neglect of A.R.E. truck caps is the sole responsibility of the pickup owner and operator. Paint wear to your truck’s bed is normal and is expected with the installation and the use of any truck cap or tonneau and is the sole responsibility of the pickup owner. Precautions should be taken by the pickup owner to prevent corrosion. A.R.E. shall not be held liable for any consequential loss or damages arising from the purchase, installation or use of these products.
No implied warranty or fitness for a particular purpose, if any, shall extend for a longer duration than the terms of this written warranty.
In some cases you may be charged labor by the A.R.E. retailer performing the service, if the product was purchased through a different retail outlet.
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WARRANTY PROCESS
In the event of a warranted product failure it is A.R.E.’s discretion to repair or replace the defective part(s). A.R.E. reserves the right to replace any parts with current production parts of equal or greater quality and value. All claims must be made to the authorized A.R.E. dealer from whom you purchased your truck cap. If you have relocated and/or are unable to return to the A.R.E. dealer where you made your purchase, call (800) 649-4ARE or visit www.4are.com for the nearest authorized dealer.
The authorized dealer will process your claim and make the necessary repairs or replacements. Personal identification along
with proof of purchase and ownership of the original pickup and A.R.E. truck cap are required for all warranty claims.
Be sure to register your A.R.E. product at www.4are.com/register within one (1) month of the date of purchase. Registration
also qualifies you to receive future premiums and new product information.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
A.R.E. fiberglass truck caps are painted with Dupont® Chroma Premier™ automotive paint. This high grade base coat clear
coat finish requires the same care as your truck paint.
Here are some suggestions on how to care for and maintain the beauty of your cap finish.
n For the first 60 days when washing your new A.R.E. product AVOID car washes with brushes and DO NOT Hand Wash
Use only a touchless car wash or pressure washer for the first 60 days. Do not hand dry for the first 60 days.
n Avoid parking under trees, which can drop sap or droppings on the fresh paint. Remove any such substance as soon
as possible.
n Do not wax for the first 60 days. After 60 days, wax and care for the cap like your truck, using the same products.
n Do not wipe your cap with a dry cloth. Always use water. If you have hard water, dry the cap and truck paint after washing to prevent water spots. -
Brush off snow and ice. Do not use a scraper on the cap or the rear door glass.
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Use touch-up paint to repair any nicks or scratches in the paint. Clear fingernail polish can be used as the base coat touch-up. Wait until the repair is fully cured and use rubbing compound and polish to regain the proper finish.
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Use a UV protection product on all vinyl, plastic and rubber components to maintain the luster and extend the life.
These products should not contain petrochemicals, petroleum distillates or silicone oils. Products like 303 Protectant® are recommended.
- Lubricate all locks and moving locking parts with lithium grease. Lithium-based spray lubricants are well suited to this application and will not attract dirt and grime buildup. Do not use penetrating oils in the lock cylinders unless you follow up with lithium grease.
- Do not use any lubricants or solvent cleaners on the shafts of the gas struts. If necessary, clean them with water only.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never allow children to occupy the cargo area of the pickup when the engine is
running. Exhaust systems do fail and carbon monoxide poisoning may occur even
with a truck cap. Consult vehicle owner’s manual regarding the proper loading
of your vehicle.
The fasteners/mounting clamps connecting the truck cap to the pickup bed should be checked regularly to assure tightness. Vibration from the engine and road can cause fasteners/mounting clamps to work loose.
If you need to remove your cap from the truck be sure to follow these basic procedures:
- Place reference marks on the base rail of the cap and the bed rails of the truck bed on each side. This will allow you to easily reinstall the cap at the correct position.
- Disconnect any brake light or interior light wiring.
- Remove the fasteners/mounting clamps.
- Using one person on each corner, gently lift the cap off and place it on a flat surface.
- Check your center high mount stop light (CHMSL) for proper operation by pressing on the brake pedal.
If the center high mount stop light is not working, check and replace the bulb and/or the fuse before driving the truck. To reinstall your cap simply reverse the process by lining up the ends of the blue alignment stickers and installing the fasteners/ mounting clamps and hooking up the brake light.
Be sure to keep your shocks and tires in good repair to reduce vibration, which will shorten the life of your truck and cap.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
For replacement parts please contact your local dealer.
A.R.E. Accessories • 400 Nave Road, Massillon, OH 44648 • 866.658.8376 •
4are.com © A.R.E. Accessories LLC, 2021 Part# 24953 Rev.
12-15-21
References
- A.R.E. : Truck caps, truck toppers, camper shells, truck canopies, truck bed covers, hard tonneau covers and truck accessories from A.R.E.
- A.R.E. : Truck caps, truck toppers, camper shells, truck canopies, truck bed covers, hard tonneau covers and truck accessories from A.R.E.
- A.R.E. Product Registration : A.R.E. : Truck caps, truck toppers, camper shells, truck canopies, truck bed covers, hard tonneau covers and truck accessories from A.R.E.