My Jeep GC Summit/Altitude Project

[superdog]

I have always been a big fan of Jeep GC's. Something about the lines, I just absolutely love.

And years ago, I fell in love with the Jeep GC Altitude. I think Chrysler did a super job. It just looks so damned good, to my eyes.

I recently decided to get rid of my Ranger Rover Sport, for a few reasons (that I will not go into). And I loved this car, nothing bad to say about it. So I wanted to get something else I would feel the same love for, but was not quite as "high-brow".

Anyway, I like cars. I am OK with spending something extra to make it what I want and personalizing it. I don't go nuts (as I always pay cash, hate any kind of debt), in terms of super expensive rides, but I love them all the same.

But, as always, I digress.

When I went in to look at the 2015 Jeeps I learned that the Altitude only comes in a V6 (wanted the V8 Hemi) and does not include many of the bells and whistles. So I started looking at the Overland and the Summit, because I like bells and whistles. These SUV's really do have it all. Not going to get into the details, but lets just say they lift and lower for different terrain, with the switch of a button, and it is super luxurious. I love a good balance like that.

I ended up with a Summit. Black on Black. I LOVE the SUV, but I do not love the look. Too much chrome, too much......of something I could not put my finger on. So I decided to make it look like the Altitude. For far less than I thought it would cost, I have gotten super close. And because I like to share, I figure I would share my little project with you all.

If nothing else, it has taken my mind of watches for a little, and I am really enjoying that. So the pic of my Summit/Altitude....

[Rashid.bk]

Sweet ride, I definetly likes it, but only one pic Seth. C'mon stop being stingy.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Sweet ride, I definetly likes it, but only one pic Seth. C'mon stop being stingy.

Ha. Sorry Rashid, I took a quickie as I was shoveling my driveway this evening.

I will post more tomorrow for certain. Thanks for the comment.

[dysondiver]

looks super tough

[superdog]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

looks super tough

I agree man. I love it. Looks mean.

Just like me. lol, well not really. I am bit of a pussycat. But I do feel like a badass. And hell, my mother always told me, it is not how others see you, but how you see yourself that counts.......

[bdex75]

Looks really good. I have always been a fan of the srt8 as well.


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[superdog]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Looks really good. I have always been a fan of the srt8 as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am with you there. I love the SRT8. The looks of it are amazing and it is a beast. However, it is so fast, and the torque is so much that it is terrible in the snow. And truly, I wanted an SUV that does it all. All that, and I still debated getting it. BUT, I also have a 2015 Mustang 5.0, so I figured my speed needs are taken care of.

In terms of looks (I like it so much, but), I am actually being careful to ensure it does not look like the SRT. I don't want to seem like I am trying to make it look like something it is not. If anything, my little project is making it look like a model that is 3 or so levels below the one that I drive.

I don't care if I look "less", I just don't like the idea of trying to be "more".

[GB-man]

Very stealth Seth

[Tri-Tip]

I've got a 2012 Grand Cherokee Highland Summit. Pretty much every option except the V8 and 4WD...it's a commuter car so needed a bit better mileage than the V8 could give, and being in CA, no need for 4WD for snow.

The GC is the ONLY car that I care for with the blacked-out look, it does look great.

[sigsauer]

I love my GC Limited and agree on the Altitude model. Very cool. Tell us about the blacked out part swap. What did you change?

I was recently checking out the Rover as the next possible ride. Why the switch? The reliability factor of the Rovers has always given me pause.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by sigsauer

I love my GC Limited and agree on the Altitude model. Very cool. Tell us about the blacked out part swap. What did you change?

I was recently checking out the Rover as the next possible ride. Why the switch? The reliability factor of the Rovers has always given me pause.

Had and still have a RR HSE

Never had any problems . . . and hopefully it stays that way

[singe89]

Got the wife a 2012 JGC overland summit 4x4 v8. I've grown up offroad racing and this suv offers great daily comfort and good offroad ability. Also like the nitrogen charged bag suspension to adjust ride height. Almost takes the challenge out of off-roading with the LSDs and suspension.

We have our 2nd child on the way so I offered to get her a bigger/nicer suv and she refused. Absolutely LOVEs that car and I agree. Love the updated headlights, taillights and nav on the 2013+. Enjoy the ride!!!

[mailman]

Very cool Seth. I love the blacked out look Enjoy it

[Kingair]

I believe that it is build on the Mercedes ML chassis

[Rashid.bk]

^I agree the blacked out look suits the body lines and shape well. When ever I think of an SUV my mind immediately thinks of the Grand Cherokee or 4Runner. Definitely would like to see interior pics too.
I need an SUV and it's between the two I mentioned. How's reliability on these.

One thing I can relate to in your op Seth is that in purchasing a new car as well and getting into modifying and learning about it, I too have taken my focus off watches and it does feel great. I have become more happy and accepting of the models I have. The lack of constantly obsessing over watches and looking at beautiful wrists shots of other models has made me less likely to flip the ones I have.

[mtrunner]

Awesome, like everyone above has said the blacked out looks is stunning.

[b06tmm]

Beautiful Jeep!

When my Liberty died a few years back I decided I wanted more interior room so I started looking for a GC. I looked at a Hemi but at that time I was driving around 1000 miles a week so I got a Laredo with the 4.7.

[MonBK]

Looks great

[cjohns]

Does Superdog like it ? Looks great !

[rr-nyc]

Really sharp in black/black. The the current generation of Cherokees are world class SUV's.

[superdog]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the nice comments. I am absolutely loving it.

Just drove on 95 in this pretty good snow storm and it performed like a beast.

Its pretty damned messy right now from all the snow, but I will take more pics (of the inside as well) the minute I get her cleaned up.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

I've got a 2012 Grand Cherokee Highland Summit. Pretty much every option except the V8 and 4WD...it's a commuter car so needed a bit better mileage than the V8 could give, and being in CA, no need for 4WD for snow.

The GC is the ONLY car that I care for with the blacked-out look, it does look great.

I actually prefer that body style. The changes in the new one are subtle, but I like the more muscular look of yours. That is one of the reasons, I modified it. If I went with a 2012 Summit, I probably would have kept it as is.

Originally Posted by sigsauer

I love my GC Limited and agree on the Altitude model. Very cool. Tell us about the blacked out part swap. What did you change?

So far, I have changed to the grill and the wheels. Both OEM for the Altitude. I also tinted the windows and had all the silver trim on the front painted. So far, I like the contrast with a little bit of chrome, but I will probably end of getting that painted out too. I have found some great vendors locally that do it.

I was recently checking out the Rover as the next possible ride. Why the switch? The reliability factor of the Rovers has always given me pause.

Long story short. I was getting a lot of comments. I own/operate a small construction company. I am in my car all day long and I drive a lot of customers around as well. I was getting a lot of "oh, nice car, you must be making a lot of money off of me". this was from all of my "friendly" customers. I wasn't so worried about them. I became concerned about new customers seeing it and making judgements that would prompt them to scrutinize my numbers. I am used to multiple bidders. But I wanted something a little more modest.

I think the RR is the best SUV/car I have ever driven. I had the HSE and I have nothing bad to say about it. The thing is a beast and amazing.

Originally Posted by Kingair

I believe that it is build on the Mercedes ML chassis

Correct sir.

Originally Posted by Kingair

Had and still have a RR HSE

Never had any problems . . . and hopefully it stays that way

Best SUV out there IMHO. I absolutely loved mine. Still stings when I see one on the road. That said, I am loving the jeep, so it has been an easy transition. But as I said above, nothing bad at all to say, except that in my industry, it gave a false/bad impression.

Originally Posted by singe89

Got the wife a 2012 JGC overland summit 4x4 v8. I've grown up offroad racing and this suv offers great daily comfort and good offroad ability. Also like the nitrogen charged bag suspension to adjust ride height. Almost takes the challenge out of off-roading with the LSDs and suspension.

We have our 2nd child on the way so I offered to get her a bigger/nicer suv and she refused. Absolutely LOVEs that car and I agree. Love the updated headlights, taillights and nav on the 2013+. Enjoy the ride!!!

Thank you. I love hearing that. It really is a beast.

My life drives my old 2011. When I started looking, I almost got her something and took that one back. I am a huge fan. It just looks so good and drives great.

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

^I agree the blacked out look suits the body lines and shape well. When ever I think of an SUV my mind immediately thinks of the Grand Cherokee or 4Runner. Definitely would like to see interior pics too.
I need an SUV and it's between the two I mentioned. How's reliability on these.

One thing I can relate to in your op Seth is that in purchasing a new car as well and getting into modifying and learning about it, I too have taken my focus off watches and it does feel great. I have become more happy and accepting of the models I have. The lack of constantly obsessing over watches and looking at beautiful wrists shots of other models has made me less likely to flip the ones I have.

Yeah, I have still looked around, and even asked a few questions. However, I have not done anything more than that. I have no real interest right now. I am enjoying what I have. I ended up landing a real nice project and the wife was convinced I was going to celebrate by buying the PepC. And I thought about it. But for some weird reason, I am just not as interested. And I am thrilled about it.

IMHO, go with the Jeep. I like the 4Runner, but something about the Jeep really floats my boat. It is a super blend of off rough and tough along with luxurious and clean. I really like that.

Originally Posted by cjohns

Does Superdog like it ? Looks great !

ha. loves it!!!

but he loves everything!!

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

Really sharp in black/black. The the current generation of Cherokees are world class SUV's.

I agree completely. I have always been a fan. I have had a 04, 07, an 11 and now this 15. But this latest run and the one prior, damn.....I just love them.

[james1787]

It looks great Seth! It's perfect for our fine NJ weather we've been having this winter. The black rims and windows really look sharp!

[superdog]

Originally Posted by james1787

It looks great Seth! It's perfect for our fine NJ weather we've been having this winter. The black rims and windows really look sharp!

Thanks man. I appreciate that.

I hope you are staying warm and dry.

[james1787]

Originally Posted by superdog

Thanks man. I appreciate that.

I hope you are staying warm and dry.

Thanks, so far so good... been here in the office all day.. but the drive home should be interesting.

[mjclark32]

Looking good bro! Two things I don't miss about jersey. Front license plates and no front tints, which I never listened to either, only received one ticket for it though (only $55 or so)

[superdog]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Looking good bro! Two things I don't miss about jersey. Front license plates and no front tints, which I never listened to either, only received one ticket for it though (only $55 or so)

Thanks brother!!

[SrFADE]

Love your blackout treatment. Agree on the JGC. Overland with Off Road package and Hemi for my daily driver. With Blizzaks it is a true snow monster. I think of it as kind of an American RR.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by SrFADE

Love your blackout treatment. Agree on the JGC. Overland with Off Road package and Hemi for my daily driver. With Blizzaks it is a true snow monster. I think of it as kind of an American RR.

It's so interesting to me, how subtle differences make it look so different.

I love ur chrome treatment, while I didn't like mine.

Mine came with black mirrors and door handles. The contrast on urs with the chrome looks fantastic. I actually debated putting those on, or blacking it out.

Clearly, the blackout won. But it was a tough call.

[Laszlo]

Seth, I would love to know more about your RRS experience. I still have mine and thinking about trading it in. I'm itching for a new car but really not sure what direction to go. I've been with Land Rover for a long time and somewhat like the new RRS, but also love the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock... with possibly the AEV package.