UPDATE JUNE 3, 2021 : BESTOP Acquired sPOD
www.kinderhook.com
THIS ORIGINAL POST WAS MADE BACK WHEN JOHN ANGELASTRO OWNED SPOD
Every now and then, I get people asking me for my opinion regarding sPOD and, while I would be the first to say that they may infact make a good product, I personally would never buy one. Why you might ask? Because things like honesty and integrity are things that are still important to me and they have none. Back when I still owned JK-Forum, I caught the owner of sPOD, John Angelastro, pimping his product undercover by pretending to be a regular member using the alias Rubirock and JK_Girl. The FACTS listed below are just a few of my favorite highlights that helped us to uncover his shady business tactics and, as you will see, many of the posts in question were made by Rubirock and JK_Girl who supposedly lived in Jackson Hole, WY. Of course, I say supposedly because a simple IP check proved that hers was an exact match with sPOD and he is located in Valencia, CA
FACT 1
The member Rubirock joined JK-Forum.com on 07-04-2007.
e-mail address: john@angelastro.com
Location: Not Specified
IP Address: 76.169.179.237
FACT 2
Between the dates 10-16-2007 and 12-31-2008, the following posts were made by the member Rubirock. As you will see, every single post he made was made specifically in regards to sPOD and while pretending to just be a regular member.
07-06-2007 10:10 PM - The member Rubirock made his very first post in a thread a member started regarding rocker switchs for flood lights and, it was simply to post up half a dozen images including one that was a promotial flyer for the sPOD:
10-16-2007 07:51 PM - This was a response made in regards to questions being made about the sPOD:
11-07-2007 08:42 PM - Responding to questions about the construction of the sPOD:
11-26-2007 05:18 PM - In response to a question that a member made about "cheaper alternatives to the sPOD out there" and it being "a bit much" for what they wanted, this is what Rubirock said - Please take note of the bolded text:
01-15-2008 07:22 PM - This post was made in response to someone commenting on other options you can do with an sPOD:
02-14-2008 06:03 PM - In response to a thread asking about places to install switches:
06-18-2008 03:58 PM - In response on how to cut down on wiring:
06-29-2008 07:01 PM - Trying to convince a member that the sPOD is a better solution than one that was being offered by a sponsor of this forum:
07-13-2008 09:25 PM - Trying to convince people that the cost of an sPOD is worth it:
07-18-2008 06:44 PM - Post made showing messy wiring and how the sPOD will clean it up:
09-03-2008 09:04 PM - In a thread where a member asked what vendors sell the sPOD, JK_Girl made the following her 3rd post:
09-10-2008 07:25 PM - This was a post JK_Girl made in regards to a thread concerning sPOD installation:
09-10-2008 07:29 PM - Response made on the same thread 4 minutes later:
09-10-2008 07:47 PM - Response made on the same thread 18 minutes later:
09-10-2008 07:53 PM - Response made on the same thread 6 minutes later regarding problems you might see with the sPOD:
09-13-2008 05:07 PM - Response made in regards to sPOD questions:
09-17-2008 04:01 PM - Responed on a post a member made regarding the installation of his sPOD:
10-05-2008 12:20 PM - Response made on a thread regarding sPOD on 2009 JK's:
10-05-2008 04:56 PM - His last response on same thread:
Bestop acquires sPOD - Kinderhook Industries
New York, NY – Bestop, Inc. (“Bestop”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announced the acquisition of Precision Designs LLC d/b/a sPOD (“sPOD” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and distributor of precision power distribution and switch panel systems for a variety...

THIS ORIGINAL POST WAS MADE BACK WHEN JOHN ANGELASTRO OWNED SPOD
Every now and then, I get people asking me for my opinion regarding sPOD and, while I would be the first to say that they may infact make a good product, I personally would never buy one. Why you might ask? Because things like honesty and integrity are things that are still important to me and they have none. Back when I still owned JK-Forum, I caught the owner of sPOD, John Angelastro, pimping his product undercover by pretending to be a regular member using the alias Rubirock and JK_Girl. The FACTS listed below are just a few of my favorite highlights that helped us to uncover his shady business tactics and, as you will see, many of the posts in question were made by Rubirock and JK_Girl who supposedly lived in Jackson Hole, WY. Of course, I say supposedly because a simple IP check proved that hers was an exact match with sPOD and he is located in Valencia, CA
FACT 1
The member Rubirock joined JK-Forum.com on 07-04-2007.
e-mail address: john@angelastro.com
Location: Not Specified
IP Address: 76.169.179.237
FACT 2
Between the dates 10-16-2007 and 12-31-2008, the following posts were made by the member Rubirock. As you will see, every single post he made was made specifically in regards to sPOD and while pretending to just be a regular member.
07-06-2007 10:10 PM - The member Rubirock made his very first post in a thread a member started regarding rocker switchs for flood lights and, it was simply to post up half a dozen images including one that was a promotial flyer for the sPOD:
Rubirock said:another option
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10-16-2007 07:51 PM - This was a response made in regards to questions being made about the sPOD:
Rubirock said:The Source that sPOD sells comes with all the relays, fuses and circuit breaker with the kit.
You really should not run a load on the switches at all because of the risk of melting wires behind the dash.
Below is the JK Source set-up:
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11-07-2007 08:42 PM - Responding to questions about the construction of the sPOD:
Rubirock said:The black powder coat matches the interior trim. No plastic used.
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The power ditribution unit mounts under the hood.
11-26-2007 05:18 PM - In response to a question that a member made about "cheaper alternatives to the sPOD out there" and it being "a bit much" for what they wanted, this is what Rubirock said - Please take note of the bolded text:
Rubirock said:I am a Do-It-Yourself guy and I love fabbing up cool toys for my rig, so I started pricing out a "Do-It-Yourself" kit for me for a 6 circuit accessory switching system:
Painless Performance 6-Pack Relay Bank $241.95 (24 wires to hook up) plus many wires running to the battery and all over under my hood.
Cirkit Boss $89.95
West Marine Contura Rocker Switch, SPST Off/On $14.50 x 6 = $87.00
Miscellaneous connectors $15.00 (about 26 )
Wire $15.00 (I think I'm under on this estimate)
Wire wrapping like split-loom of about 15 feet $9.99
and so far I'm up to about $460.00 without shipping costs and time!
And then waiting for all the parts to be shipped to me. Then my driving to Radio Shack a few times ($3.22 a gallon of gas) for the connectors and wire.
I know a six circuit is a bit much, but I figured:
Air-compressor
Rear Light(s)
Rock-Lights
Offroad lights
Map lights
Under hood utility light(s)
And I know I will be adding something else down the road!
Then I saw this post and followed the link to sPOD and asked myself why the hell would I spend a good long weekend piece milling parts to build a system when this company put together a system that has just about all I needed!
I had e-mailed and asked this company if they build systems for other vehicles besides jeeps. He sent me this picture of a truck with one of their power distribution systems installed. As long as I can find a place within 36 - 70 inches of my battery and a spot to mount the bracket...it will work. (fun company to talk to)
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And then I seen this post where one of the guys accessory electrics shorted out the main fuse box!
So I would say for under $500.00 bucks for a little safety goes a long way!
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(Image above is of a burned and melted fuse box)
01-15-2008 07:22 PM - This post was made in response to someone commenting on other options you can do with an sPOD:
Rubirock said:I think setting up a power receptacle (cigarette lighter type) is a great idea right off one of your sPOD's Source terminals that is controlled by a switch!
Damn....why didn't I think of that!!! Heck...you can throw a 30amp fuse in that circuit on the Source and use that receptacle for all sorts of temporary power that is switched and not tied into the OEM electrics.
Sweet!
02-14-2008 06:03 PM - In response to a thread asking about places to install switches:
Rubirock said:Here is another place:
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06-18-2008 03:58 PM - In response on how to cut down on wiring:
Rubirock said:No matter how you look at it...lot's of wire will be involved.
Unless you went with this set-up:
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Six circuits on the accessory side:
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8AWG leads to the battery with a circuit breaker:
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Six switches above the windshield:
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06-29-2008 07:01 PM - Trying to convince a member that the sPOD is a better solution than one that was being offered by a sponsor of this forum:
Rubirock said:I know you spoke of the existing lower dash, but above the rear view mirror gives you a little more room.
The only thing is that the sPOD is a complete switching and power distribution system.
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07-13-2008 09:25 PM - Trying to convince people that the cost of an sPOD is worth it:
Rubirock said:Just attach the E-Locker terminals to an sPOD. It comes with six relays, switches, fuses and all that you do is connect your accessories on the terminals provided for the positive and the negative and just flip the switch..that's it!
Then you won't have to worry about putting switches in your dash and running more wires through your firewall. The sPOD is $$$ but it will save you time and money later on.
07-18-2008 06:44 PM - Post made showing messy wiring and how the sPOD will clean it up:
FACT 3 The member JK_Girl joined JK-Forum.com on 08-25-2008 e-mail address: jangelstar@yahoo.com Location: Jackson Hole, WO IP Address: 76.169.179.237 FACT 4 Now, this is where things got a little strange and, what ultimately helped us to catch sPOD in the act of undercover pimping for well over year. 08-27-2008 06:08 PM - On a thread that a member made to showing off his home made alternative to the sPOD, this new member JK_Girl made her very first post which can be seen below:Rubirock said:Since you already have everything wired up, just keep it clean and add more circuit protection and upgrade the wire gauges as required.
Below is a cool link that helps explain the sPOD
http://www.stu-offroad.com/electrical/spod.htm Only two 8AWG wires go to the battery from the sPOD with a circuit breaker for protection. It helps clean up wiring quite a bit:Cleans up this with relays.
Below is the Source from spod on a Toyota:![]()
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08-27-2008 09:39 PM - Within a few hours of JK_Girl making her very first post, this is what Rubirock responded with on the exact same thread with the following before DELETING it at 9:46 PM:JK_Girl said:Is this something I can build myself? I want to do things on my own (being a woman), but I also want a safe electrical system. Would it be worth it to me to save $150. dollars and do it the way you did. Or would I be better off just buying the complete sPOD thing. I don't have any electrical skills...so let me know what you think. I also don't want my dealership to see something that does not look factory when I bring it in for service.
Rubirock said:I guess I will need to do my homework before I start anything. I googled off-road lights & electrical things and found this: http://www.stu-offroad.com/electric...tp://www.stu-offroad.com/electrical/spod.html
This site gave me some good insight to setting up accessories and wiring.
I will read more and then do a price breakdown to see which way to go.
09-03-2008 09:04 PM - In a thread where a member asked what vendors sell the sPOD, JK_Girl made the following her 3rd post:
JK_Girl said:I ordered my sPOD tonight. John said it should ship by Tuesday. Can't wait to get it. Just bought some rock lights, windshield lights from Lightforce and a new CB.
09-10-2008 07:25 PM - This was a post JK_Girl made in regards to a thread concerning sPOD installation:
JK_Girl said:Mine was delivered today also. I’ve been reading how easy the install is and I’m ready to try it myself. I am having fun just checking out the quality of the sPOD & Source components. The wiring harnesses looks heavy duty and I don’t have to try to wrap my wires to make them look nice.
09-10-2008 07:29 PM - Response made on the same thread 4 minutes later:
JK_Girl said:When I ordered mine I talked to John and he explaned that they are custom. Some machine that specifically wraps the harnesses. Possibly used for aerospace.
09-10-2008 07:47 PM - Response made on the same thread 18 minutes later:
JK_Girl said:I was able to save $50 by buying the lights without their Harnesses. All that is required is 2 wires running from the lights to the Source
09-10-2008 07:53 PM - Response made on the same thread 6 minutes later regarding problems you might see with the sPOD:
JK_Girl said:Wow! Thanks for the heads up. I haven't seen or heard anything about that happening. I'll have to do some more research. I plan on installing mine today
09-13-2008 05:07 PM - Response made in regards to sPOD questions:
JK_Girl said:John also said he has a an adapter for the ARB air compressor to use the sPOD switches
09-17-2008 04:01 PM - Responed on a post a member made regarding the installation of his sPOD:
JK_Girl said:Just installed mine on Saturday. Took about an hour. Can't get over how easy it was. The instructions were very easy to follow. I don't do much on my own but by the time my help got there I was already done.
Thanks again to John and the team at sPOD for building such an awesome product and offering such excellent customer service. Quality all the way.
10-05-2008 12:20 PM - Response made on a thread regarding sPOD on 2009 JK's:
JK_Girl said:I recently purchased and installed the sPOD and Source in my 2009. Piece of cake. Just followed the instructions that were supplied. You remove the footmans loop to install the bracket and then it goes right back on.
10-05-2008 04:56 PM - His last response on same thread:
JK_Girl said:I've seen people use it when we are out wheelin' and they lay the windshield down. They use the loop for a strap to secure the windshield and prevent it from bouncing up and down.
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