Chris Hansen
Recently I’ve been looking at my build (Project JKU) and wondering, actually day-dreaming about what to do next. There are a ton of Jeep Wrangler upgrades out there that I could “wash, rinse and repeat” and never go through the infinite combinations. However, over the past couple of years I started compiling a list of mods that I have wanted to make their way onto Project JKU.
Here are a few of the modifications that made the list and have been successfully installed:
- 3.5″ Mammoth Lift
- Wheels & Tires (multiple brands/sets of tires)
- Bumpers (3 different sets of front and rear bumpers)
- DV8 Hood
- Rugged Ridge XHD Armor Fenders
- AMPResearch Side Steps
- Lights (multiple brands)
- RhinoRack Roof Rack
- Boss Audio
- & More
I am focused on the following 2 upgrades to my build over the next couple of months. There might be some smaller mods here and there, but definitely looking to adding to the look and sound of Project JKU.
So, what’s next? Let’s start with first impressions, because we all love to look! Jeep owners in general (present company included), want to build (some want to buy) something that turn heads and leave their admirers in AWE!!!! For me, it starts with the paint job or exterior of the Jeep. I’ve been seriously considering having my build covered in Kevlar. This will accomplish 1) bringing my build paint job into alignment with a single color and finish to my fenders, bumper, body and accessories, 2) offer an additional level of body protection and 3) looks badass!
Additional benefits of a Kevlar coating:
- PROTECTS AGAINST CORROSION AND RUST. RESISTS DENTING AND SCRATCHING
- REDUCES SLIPPING AND SKIDDING WITH TEXTURED SURFACE. UV RESISTANT COATING WON’T CHALK OR FADE
I’ve been looking at a couple different locations to help me achieve the look I’m going for and throughout the whole process I discovered an amazing look at what it takes. Since I’m located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area I have a bunch of potential companies to work with. One of the ones that stands out is Starwood Motors. Starwood Motors is an amazingly talented group that can customize anything you put in front of them, or you can just roll in and take home a customized Jeep that they’ve already completed. This video provides an in-depth look at the process of applying their Kevlar coating, but also the amazing job Starwood Motors does customizing a Jeep from top to bottom. Of course, there are others in the area like Limitless Hydrographics, True Grit Liners LLC, and LMR Customs of Texas.
There is something nostalgic about the sound of a engine roaring down the road. As many of us Jeep owners know to well, that isn’t something that comes along with the Jeep Wrangler. That is of course if you didn’t upgrade to the HEMI conversion kit. Therefore, the options available to bring a lower, more aggressive rumble to the Jeep Wrangler is to upgrade to a new rear axle exhaust. Ryan Huck at ExtremeTerrain.com put together a great video overview of 3 different exhaust options available and the details around each. As a modification I’m highly considering this video provides the foundation I need to make my decision. Hope you agree!
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