King of the Hammers and Sponsoring Your Jeep

Hello Rock-Biting Jeepers!

Four Words... KING OF THE HAMMERS.

Are you going? If not, stay tuned to our facebook page where we will ATTEMPT to keep you updated on the happenings. Of course that is all based on whether or not we can find that slippery cell signal!

You can also get excellent coverage on Pirate4x4.com -- http://pirate4x4.com/king-of-the-hammers-2011/index.php

King of the Hammers truly is the show of all shows. From slick moon-buggies to gnarly trophy-buggies, everyone who has a desire to be a part of the most amazing racing in off-road history are flocking to Johnson Valley, California, next week.

MetalCloak will be heading down on Tuesday, February 8, and will have a large outside booth showing off a number of rigs including Randy Avery's Nor Cal Rock-Race Winning Lil Red Jeep, and Kicker Audio's Fully Cloak'd JK.

If you are in the hood, come on by and Spin to Win some MetalCloak Swag or MetalCloak Gift Certificates!

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NOTE: If you haven't done so, please take this QUICK SURVEY about your 2011 wheeling plans...

QUICK SURVEY: WHAT ARE YOUR 2011 WHEELING PLANS? CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW

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YOUR RIG COULD BE SPONSORED BY METALCLOAK!

As you can imagine, we get requests all the time for sponsorship of MetalCloak products on awesome project jeeps. And one-for-one, every one of those requests has been a truly inspiring one. From Veteran's Rigs, to rigs that spread the Word, to struggling students. Each rig had a story and a cause that we, as a family-oriented company, found very compelling.

But, unfortunately, we simply can't sponsor them all.

So we came up with a new plan.

If you have a compelling story or an interesting build coming up, MetalCloak will consider sponsoring your rig, however, it is not going to be fully based on our decision.

No, the members of JeepForum.com are going to help us out.

That's right, all you need to do is fill out our Rig Sponsorship Request Form and submit it. We will then take those submissions and post them on JeepForum the last two weeks of March, 2011. During that time, members of JeepForum.com will vote on the best project for MetalCloak to give a FULL METALCLOAK BODY ARMOR SYSTEM to. Yes, a FULL SYTEM. From fenders, rockers, and rears, black powdercoated unless requested raw. It may even include a Frame-Built Bumper.

SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST NOW: http://matsonian.wufoo.com/forms/metalcloak-rig-sponsorship-request-form/

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BUMPER SALE ENDING SOON!

That's right friends, the 20% Off Bumper Sale will be ending soon. So take advantage of the 20% Savings Now!

CLICK HERE for JK Bumpers...

CLICK HERE for CJ/YJ/TJ/LJ Bumpers..

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PIC OF THE WEEK...

Posted on the MetalCloak Facebook Page this pic from long-time customer David Gunter doing some messy wheelin'. Under all that mud are MetalCloak Arched Tube Fenders, Rocker Rails and Full Corners with 6" Flares. They are there. Trust me.

See you on the rocks... or not!

Your Favorite Events, Winner of the Hoodie, Bumper Sale & Pic of the Week

Hello Rock-Biting Jeepers!

What is they say? Every day living is another day for wheelin!

And there seems to be no lack of wheeling opportunities.

We just returned from Winter Fun Fest, only to be faced with the Southwest Crawlfest and now the King of the Hammers (KOH)! And while KOH is not about you and I wheeling as much as it is about seeing the racing carnage, it is still a great opportunity for those of us who don't have Johnson Valley in their back yard, to play on some of the most incredible and dangerous rocks on the West Coast.

QUICK SURVEY: ARE YOU GOING THE HAMMERS, TDS, MOAB, OTHER? CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW!

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WE HAVE A TIE!

We asked for you to post your most snowed in or best snowed pic and our illustrious judges chose two as the best.

MOST AWESOME PIC
HPA Motorsports sent this awesome pic of their VW TDI powered YJ roaring up the hill.

MOST "SNOWED"
Are judges are definitely softies here when it comes to kids and the rigs.

To each of these winners we will be sending MetalCloak hoodies. Nice job!

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METALCLOAK CLASSIC HOODIE!

Just in time to keep you warm and toasty, the MetalCloak Classic Hoodie.

To Order: http://www.metalcloak.com/MetalCloak-Hoodie-p/9108.htm

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GARAGE SALE

Check out the MetalCloak Garage Sale... 4" flares and YJ fenders are up for bid on Ebay!

Click Here: http://stores.ebay.com/MetalCloak

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BUMPER SALE ENDING SOON!

That's right friends, the 20% Off Bumper Sale will be ending soon. So take advantage of the 20% Savings Now!

CLICK HERE for JK Bumpers...

CLICK HERE for CJ/YJ/TJ/LJ Bumpers..

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PIC OF THE WEEK...

Posted on the MetalCloak Facebook Page this pic from long-time customer Jason Dahl, heading through the Gatekeeper at Calico. Jason runs the MetalCloak Overlines, Rocker Rails and Corner Guards with dual-tone painted flares. Way to go Jason!

See you on the rocks... or not!

Q: What is the difference between Genright's HiLines and MetalCloak Tube Fenders.

A: Quite a bit.

We get this question a lot.

Not only with Gen-Right but with other manufacturers as well. So over the next couple months, I will be posting some general differences here. Differences that are not just our opinion, but, like in the case of Gen-Right, are taken right out of their website, marketing materials, or installation instructions.

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First let me say that style is style. And if someone simply prefers the style of another company's fenders over ours, that is personal and we would never judge one's personal taste.

However, when in comes to other important issues like clearance, fitment, quality and price, there are some definite advantages to owning MetalCloak.

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Some Differences between the Genright Hi-Line Kit for TJ/LJ and the MetalCloak Overline or Arched Tube Fenders for TJ/LJ...

All the brackets and hardware to install the inner fender and replacement battery & package brackets are included… per the Genright website regarding Hi-line fenders:

"Inner fender mounting kit sold separately"

MetalCloak is a direct un-bolt and bolt-on… per the Gen-Right website regarding Hi-line fenders:

"THIS IS NOT A DIRECT BOLT ON!!! You have got to really want these fenders on your Jeep! It is going to take a lot of work! If you are not up to the job, have a professional install them or DO NOT buy them!"

MetalCloak allows for the remount of all stock components to your TJ/LJ… per the Gen-Right website regarding Hi-Line fenders:

"Depending on your vehicle's original equipment, you may have to disconnect and remove some luxury items under the hood (like the washer fluid bottle).”

“Because there is physically less space under the hood, we strongly recommend switching to a smaller gel type battery”

You will likely need to replace your air intake system with the Gen-Right Hi-line fenders as well but that is not pointed out on their site.

MetalCloaks when purchased with our Premium Black Textured Powdercoat (video) come completely finished and ready to bolt on… per the Gen-Right website regarding Hi-line fenders

“Fenders are sold un-painted and require finish work before painting.”

MetalCloak includes a new set of aluminum replacement inner fender liners… per the Gen-Right website regarding Hi-Line fenders

“Re-uses original inner fender well”

NOTE: The use of an original inner fender well greatly reduces your clearance vs. the MetalCloak replacement Aluminum Inner Fender well.

MetalCloak allows you to use your stock hood as-is with no modifications… per the Gen-Right website regarding Hi-Line fenders

“Can be used with your existing factory hood, cut down (with template provided in GenRight kit).”

NOTE: Cutting your hood along the hi-line form removes the strengthening rib/flange along the edge length of the hood and requires the addition purchase of a weather stripping piece to cover the cut line edge.

MetalCloak and Gen-Right Hi-lines have similar clearance above the tire… however MetalCloak has substantially more clearance behind the tire.

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Cost and Time Comparison...

MetalCloak Overline Tube Fenders

• Fenders: $599
• 6" Flare: $249
• Black Texture Powdercoated: $168
• Installation Kit: Included
• Inner Fender Wells: Included
• Damage to Stock Fenders: None, Can be Re-Sold fro $200 - $600
• Tools required to install: A ratchet and a couple allen wrenches.

• Total Cash Cost: $1016 before tax and shipping
• After Selling Fenders: $816 (if Fenders sell for minimum).

• Time to Install Once Box is Received: 4 - 8 hours.

Gen-Right Hi-Line Tube Fenders

• Fenders: $599
• 6" Flare: Included
• Black Textured Powdercoat: Not available, $200 - $300 walking off the street to a local powder-coater, less if you have a friend or connections. Fenders require extensive finish work if you are going to paint them, which can be another $200 - $400 in labor.
• Installation Kit: $159
• Inner Fender Wells: Must Cut and reuse Stock Fenders.
• Damage to Stock Fenders: Cut, not able to re-sell.
• Tools required to install: Ratchet, allen wrenches, cutting wheel or sawzall, grinder, optional rivet tool, and drill just to make it fit right.

• Total Cash Cost: $958 before tax and shipping and assuming only $200 on finish.
• Cannot resell fenders for cash.

• Time to Install once box is received: Up to one week, if you have the tools and the means to get them finished and installed. Installation itself (not the finishing process) can take up to 10 hrs (according to Jobbers surveyed).

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You can draw your own conclusions. In our humble opinion, the Gen-Right Fenders simply to not add up to the MetalCloak product quality, ease of installation and cost/time value.

Please feel free to contact us at 916-631-8071 if you have any questions at all about this post.

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NOTE: For YJ, CJ owners, while the specifics are different, the comparisons in quality and clearance are similar.

Upcoming Events, Cold Weather Gear and the Pic (Mag Cover) of the Week!

Happy New Year Rock-Biting Jeepers!

I love this season! At MetalCloak we are finally getting refueled after a first place Christmas Season that lapped an already spectacular 2010... but the pit stop is only momentary as we race into 2011 full throttle, pinning it to the floor, enjoying this wild ride for the New Year and, honestly, we're glad to have you riding shotgun! (Okay, I've got racing on my mind!)

With the New Year just out of the gate we already we have a slew of awesome events ahead of us... from CA4WD's Winter Fun Fest to the Southwest Crawlfest to the race of all races, the 2011 King of the Hammers! You can find us everywhere, or almost everywhere, and if not in person, at least in sponsoring spirit!

NOTE TO OUR EAST COAST FANS: Stay warm! As the storms keep hitting you, hopefully you have a garage full of tools and a big heater to dive in and work on your rig. If you get the itch, hop in and drive it out West. We'd be happy to go wheeling with you!

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HOW SNOWED-IN ARE YOU? WIN A HOODIE!

Post pictures of your snowed-in (or snow conquering) rig on our Facebook Page and we'll randomly pic one to get a MetalCloak Classic Hoodie!

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METALCLOAK CLASSIC HOODIE!

Just in time to keep you warm and toasty, the MetalCloak Classic Hoodie is here!

To Order: http://www.metalcloak.com/MetalCloak-Hoodie-p/9108.htm

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PIC OF THE WEEK...

Posted on the Facebook page of Four Wheeler Magazine this awesome picture of Dustin Chernoh from DC Customs in Ukiah, California, is showcased on the premier issue of the revamped and redesigned Four Wheeler Magazine. The pub will hit news-stands on January 19. Check it out!

See you on the rocks... or not!

Wheeling in the New Year, Hoodies are Here, Pic of the Week!

Happy New Year Rock-Biting Jeepers!

We hope your Christmas was spectacular and your New Year Celebration plans are well under way.

Here at MetalCloak we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the last year, and how much your support, feedback and ethusiasm has meant to us.

Opening our doors on January 5, 2009, we had no idea where we would be in two years. But we were blessed with a cool product, a talented engineering staff, and passion amongst our supporters unlike any I'd seen before.

The growth for 2010 has been far beyond our expectations and fully and completely because of you. We don't strive to make the best parts in the industry or provide the best customer service because it makes us feel good, we do it because that is what you and you rig deserve. You are the inspiration that drives us back to the drawing board to constantly update our products, add new ideas in and never be satisfied with the status quo. We never, ever say "leave it alone, its good enough." Good enough is not the best and Good enough is not MetalCloak.

We will strive to achieve new heights with our upcoming product lines for 2011 and, as always, we encourage and enjoy your feedback, your ideas and your support.

Happy New Year! May you have an awesome 2011!

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METALCLOAK CLASSIC HOODIE!

Just in time to keep you warm and toasty, the MetalCloak Classic Hoodie is here!

To Order: http://www.metalcloak.com/MetalCloak-Hoodie-p/9108.htm

Flex Fit Caps & Beanies also available! http://www.metalcloak.com/MetalCloak-Hard-Wear-s/95.htm

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PIC OF THE WEEK...

Sometimes a great photo is not so much about articulation or huge obstacles as it is about capturing the moment. Russell Hesser of Artesia, New Mexico shared this pic of him and his daughter just after installing the 6" Overlines on his "Bobbed 572 BB CJ." Nice.

See you on the rocks... or not!