1997 Jeep Wrangler Project - tuffy Security Console - Photo 9209865

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The Tuffy Security Console Insert (PN 006201) is an affordable way to add a lockable, secure storage area in your Jeep. Since we had the console out to replace the carpet, we followed Tuffy's instructions and had the Security Insert installed in a leisurely 25 minutes.

154 0607 01 z+1997 jeep wrangler project+lead image

154 0607 01 z+1997 jeep wrangler project+lead image

The interior was not only dirty, it was a health hazard with mold so bad that driving more than an hour gave you a headache. We ripped out the carpet, but the plastic was able to be brought back with some 409 cleaner and a stiff nylon brush.

The Tuffy Security Console Insert (PN 006201) is an affordable way to add a lockable, secure storage area in your Jeep. Since we had the console out to replace the carpet, we followed Tuffy's instructions and had the Security Insert installed in a leisurely 25 minutes.

Airbags make steering wheel replacement incredibly complicated and expensive, but we installed a Grant carbon fiber styling ring (PN 73031) over our stock wheel in about three seconds. After ripping out the stock carpet, we carefully cut and installed the Auto Custom Carpet Molded Carpet Kit (PN 14583MB). The install wasn't easy, but the results were well worth it.

The front dash speakers in TJs are 4x6 inches, which seem like they're scientifically designed to be the worst sounding speakers on earth. We used some MTX adapter brackets (PN FNH514B) to mount a pair of much better sounding 514-inch Clarions (PN 801325). Some early TJs may require some metal trimming of the dash supports to mount the adapters, so check before you order.

When it came time to replace our abused and damaged Bestop Sunrider soft top, we wavered between soft and hard. Ultimately, we chose Bestop's new two-piece hardtop (PN 41509) for the ultimate in security, comfort, and quiet. The two-piece hardtop allows the front section to be easily removed for open-air wheeling much like the Sunrider soft top it replaced.

Our TJ had the factory full hard doors, but Bestop offers replacement hard upper door halves for Jeeps with half doors. Standard features on the hardtop include tinted windows, a headliner, an interior light, rear glass defrost, gas-charged rear lift glass, and a factory-like fit.

The Bestop hardtop also features these convenient storage trays above the front occupants' seats. Bestop's headliner, DOT glass, and high-quality weather sealing offer up a much, much quieter ride than any soft top or factory hardtop we've driven.

The aftermarket has been waiting a long time, but MasterCraft has finally introduced the industry's first reclining suspension seat. The Baja RS not only offers all the comfort and protection of the company's standard off-road seat, but it mimics the factory recline and flip-forward features, so you don't lose any interior function.

The heart of the Baja RS is this beefy recline mechanism sourced from F-550 components. The knurled aluminum knob just feels sturdy in your hand. We ordered a pair of tan Baja RS seats with fixed headrests (PN 504 and PN 506) for left and right seats, respectively. The seats bolted to our factory sliders with Mastercraft's TJ adapter brackets (PN 6240 and PN 6241).

To keep our nice, new ACC carpet clean and dry, we ordered up a full complement of Husky floor liners. The liners fit perfectly, stay in place, and really look good. We also installed a pair of Misch 4x4 Products arm rests (PN 85276). The arm rests make long drives much more tolerable and go a long way in reducing driver fatigue.

Finally, to hide the stained, yet sound rear factory fold and tumble bench seat, we installed a Mastercraft factory fit seat cover (PN 3031). We went with the full vinyl cover just in case the kiddo spills his juice on the trail. The cover installs without needing to remove the rear seat and fits like a glove.