Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the LA Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown on this tester. At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8 powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the LA Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown on this tester. At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8 powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the LA Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown on this tester. At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8 powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Jeep has been promising fans of the Wrangler (JL) a half-door solution since the model launched back in November 2017 at the LA Auto Show. At the initial unveiling, Jeep showed off a pair of “conceptual” half-doors with a plexiglass window in them and promising the public they would be available in the ’19 model year. However, a few months later, Jeep introduced the Jeep Jeepster Concept showing a pair of half-doors like the ones shown on this tester. At the time, Jeep said that the plexiglass ones would not be available for sale; however, the ones found on the Jeepster Concept were another “conceptual” item.

Fast forward to this year, the Jeep brand showed off the 6.4L HEMI V8 powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. It featured another set of “conceptual” half-door, but this time, they were showcased on a four-door model.

With the added pressure from the upcoming Ford Bronco, it appears that Jeep is looking at bringing a half-door option to the market. Unlike the half-door design in the past generation (Wrangler JK), they have doors that feature fabric windows with a large opening in the middle and front quarter windows. These appear to be the same design showcased on the Rubicon 392 Concept and is the first time we have seen half-doors on a Wrangler (JL) other than the unveiling and the concept vehicles.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Process Technician
Power Automedia is hiring an accounts payable coordinator responsible for executing the day-to-day accounting operations for a fun and fast-paced workplace. This will mean wearing multiple hats at times in order to get the job done. The best candidate will possess an upbeat, team and company oriented attitude, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, results driven, “mature startup” environment. Candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of previous experience in accounts payable services and knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping practices.

Technician/Mechanic
4 Wheel Parts is hiring a technician/mechanic to install and work on suspensions, alignments, gears, mounting and balancing wheels and install lift kits. Candidates should have three years of experience (ASE Certification a plus) and their own tools.

Art Director
Kahn Media is hiring an art director Art Director to work closely with the vice president of creative to ensure all work meets high-quality standards and is completed on-time. When there is a high workload, the art director must be able to manage last minute requests when needed. The art director will also interact directly with clients to ensure that project requirements are updates are properly communicated and understood. This is a full-time, in-house position that sometimes requires long hours and occasional travel. Candidates must have experience in graphic design, prior experience as an Art/Creative Director is a plus.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA360, November 2–6, 2020
• 2021 SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, September 2–6, 2021, Stockholm, Sweden

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Heidt’s Automotive Group
• Injen
• JMS Chip & Performance
• Luverne Truck Equipment
• Metro Moulded Parts
• Motive Gear Performance Differential
• Nitrous Express
• Pacbrake
• ProActive Gears
• Society of Collision Repair Specialists Repairer Driven Education

By SEMA Editors

Join  the industry  on November 2-6, to connect and conduct business with top companies in the specialty-equipment market.

Register for SEMA360

By SEMA Editors

Join  the industry  on November 2-6, to connect and conduct business with top companies in the specialty-equipment market.

Register for SEMA360

By Ashley Reyes

Fenton Liffick, a pioneer of the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC), has been named the WTC’s latest volunteer spotlight member. With more than 65 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, including an extensive resume of spearheading various auto manufacturers and aftermarket companies, Liffick is one of the founding members of the Wheel Industry Council (WIC), the precursor to today’s WTC.  

Liffick was honored as WTC Person of the Year in 2004, given service awards in 2005 and 2015, and was presented with the WTC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 for his dedication and contributions to the industry. Read more about his journey through the aftermarket and how WTC has impacted his professional career in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Fenton Liffick: My first exposure to the wheel industry was in the fall of 1955, when I was assigned by my employer to provide technical service in the use of finishing chemicals by Kelsey-Hayes in Michigan and its French & Hecht farm implement wheel division in Iowa. Over the following eight years, I received a thorough education in the manufacturing and finishing of steel wheels at those two companies.

My first break into the aftermarket wheel industry was the design of a center anode assembly for the planting of steel wheel rims at Caltron Planting. I went on to use my background in manufacturing and finishing to help several aftermarket wheel pioneers until I was hired as general manager for Keystone Automotive in January 1967. I continued to move on, and each step, each move, each accomplishment has been intriguing and rewarding. Working with other individuals in the industry has been very educational and has helped me produce a better product.

Read SEMA News article on Fenton Liffick, “Honoring a WTC Pioneer.”

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

Fenton Liffick: Working as a volunteer in the WTC has further confirmed previous experience that working to jointly solve industry problems helps every participant to make a better product and does not have an ill effect on competitiveness. It helps the industry to make better products and helps all participants to grow fruitfully in their careers.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

FL: My advice to all individuals pursing a career in the wheel and tire industry is to (1) learn the past problems and solutions, and (2), become fully aware of current problems, impending regulations, potential answers and participate in finding potential solutions and current knowledge, and be a force in getting the job done.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

FL: At 94 years old, my Saturdays are spent mostly with my wife, my children and their children in their activities.