OK, so we're not hacking out every bit of the factory interior to install a full 'cage, race seats, harnesses, and a Lowrance GPS with a 10-inch screen. Neither is the rest of the world. If you're like us, you're likely using your Jeep on the street more than off-road, anyway. With just more than 15,000 miles on our JK's ticker, we decided to spend 20 minutes making our new Wrangler more comfortable and functional. Here are a few ideas for your JK.
More Stowage
We miss the storage tray on the top of the dash that our old TJ Wrangler had. Looks like the guys at Daystar felt the same way. The company now offers a replacement panel that features two trays. The big tray is perfect for larger items like a portable GPS, and the smaller tray is ideal for sunglasses, a cell phone, or an iPod. The new panel installs simply by prying out the old one (using a key, a flat-head screwdriver, or a butter knife), reusing the two metal clips, and then popping the new panel in.
Part number: KJ71020
Price: $49.95
Installation time: 2 minutes
Extra Electrical Accessories
If you're adding more electrical gizmos like exterior lights, switched lockers, or air pumps, then you'll appreciate the Daystar lower-dash switch panel. It installs much like the Daystar upper tray panel, only you won't need any tools for this one-just the 10 digits on your hands. It fits up to four large rocker switches and places them in a handy, accessible area of the lower dash in front of the shifters.
Part number: KJ71030
Price: $49.95
Installation time: 2 minutes (notincluding switch or electrical work)
Top Parts Protection
The new Jeep Freedom hardtop may be better than naked pics of Victoria Beckham, but what are you supposed to do with the roof pieces once you remove them from your Jeep? Misch 4x4 Products has the answer stowed in its JK Top Tote. The Top Tote features padded panels to protect the pieces, and the zippered bag attaches to the seat and rollbar to keep them from banging around or into each other. The bag even has handles should you decide to tote the top parts elsewhere.
With the driver and passenger components inserted in the tote, you lose some rear visibility, but when it's empty, the tote folds down out of the way and even lets the rear seat fold forward once the rollbar straps are undone. Velcro on the backside of the Top Tote keeps it attached to the seat back. No tools are required for installation or use of the Misch Top Tote.
Part number: JK Top Tote
Price: $279.95
Installation time: 2 minutes
Up Armor
Misch 4x4 Products also went to work on the door handles of the new JK. To make seating more comfortable, thecompany created a padded, raised armrest similar to the one it offers for other Jeep models. The JK armrests install easily in existing holes using a flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, and a small Allen wrench. There is a little bit of adjustability (front to back) built into the brackets so you can place them where they are most comfortable. Armrests are available for two- and four-door JK models.
Part number: JK Armrests (front pair)
Price: $64.95
Installation time: 10 minutes
Floor Features
We have yet to find better floor protection than the Catch-All floormats from Nifty Products. Not only do they fit well, they work great for protecting your Jeep's carpet. So we outfitted our JK with front and rear seat Catch-Allpremium mats. Like a McDonald's tray that keeps your lunch from sliding off, the Catch-All floor liners trap debris and are easy to clean. The front liners don't interfere with the pedals, and they're retained using the factory Jeep floor hooks. Versions are available for two- and four-door models, including acargo area liner. However, the two-door cargo liner will not fit without trimming if your Jeep has the optional subwoofer box. The cargo liner also interferes with access to the small floor trunk.
Part number: 6064449 (front), 6264249 (two-door second seat), 6164249 (two-door cargo)
Price: $80-$90 per part number
Installation time: 30 seconds