1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ - Interior & Exterior Body Work

Project Teal-J II, Intro
Project Teal-J II, Part 1
Project Teal-J II, Part 2
Project Teal-J II, Part 3
Project Teal-J II, Part 4
Project Teal-J II, Part 5
Project Teal-J II, Part 6
Project Teal-J II, Part 7
Project Teal-J II, Part 8
Project Teal-J II, Part 9
Project Teal-J II, Part 10
Project Teal-J II, Part 11
Project Teal-J II, Part 12
Project Teal-J II, Part 13
Project Teal-J II, Part 14

In our first installment of the rebirth of Project Teal-J we decided to tackle the interior. This was because the inside of our Jeep was in desperate need of attention. Our poor TJ sat outside for two years without any top on it, completely exposed. The elements had really taken their toll. Basically, a full interior makeover was needed to get our Jeep back into shape.

At the same time we upgraded our Jeep's interior, we also wanted to concentrate on making it more functional and comfortable. For functionality, our Jeep needed to have plenty of lockable interior storage. The interiors of Jeeps are vulnerable to theft because the durned things are easy to get into, so we needed storage that was tough and lockable. For this we turned to Tuffy Products, which offers a wide variety of tough storage boxes made out of steel.

We knew we had to get a set of new seats in the Teal-J because the factory ones were thrashed. Also, we wanted to replace the Teal-J's stock hardtop with a soft top. This would allow us to not have to worry about damage to the windows or the fiberglass top while on tough trails. Plus, a Jeep is a Jeep, and should have a top that allows us to enjoy the great outdoors. So we turned to Bestop, which supplied us with a pair of new seats and a nice new top. Follow along as we transform the interior of our TJ, improving on both comfort and function. And stay tuned for more of Project Teal-J.

After sitting outside for two years, the carpet inside of our Jeep had vaporized, leaving exposed metal that was now collecting rust. To remedy this, we had the tub lined with Line-X spray-on bedliner. The first step was to completely remove the whole interior of the TJ. After that, any place that wasn't being covered with Line-X was covered and masked off to protect from overspray.
After sitting outside for two years, the carpet inside of our Jeep had vaporized, leaving
The next step was to slightly sand wherever the Line-X was being applied. This removes surface rust and helps the Line-X adhere to the metal surfaces.
The next step was to slightly sand wherever the Line-X was being applied. This removes sur
Finally, with all the prep work done, the Line-X can be applied. The application process only takes a few minutes and the Line-X material dries very quickly.
Finally, with all the prep work done, the Line-X can be applied. The application process o

After application, all that remains is to remove the taping and masking. The result is a tough, non-skid surface that will not tear or rip. Even better is that it will prevent rust and corrosion and looks a heck of a lot better than the exposed metal and old, ratty carpet.
After application, all that remains is to remove the taping and masking. The result is a t
Once the Line-X was applied, it was time to concentrate on lockable storage for the TJ. For the back, we installed a speaker and storage lockbox set, perfect for storing smaller items and providing a safe place for speakers. The set is made of steel and offers plenty of security features such as Tuffy's patented Pry Guard II locking system and pick-resistant locks to discourage thievery.
Once the Line-X was applied, it was time to concentrate on lockable storage for the TJ. Fo
In the rear we decided to ditch the rear seat and install Tuffy's oversize security drawer, which provides a lot of storage. It takes up the entire space of the rear and features a clever slide-out drawer. Tuffy also makes dividers to help compartmentalize the box, but we decided to keep it open so we could store larger items in it.
In the rear we decided to ditch the rear seat and install Tuffy's oversize security drawer

Our factory center console was thrashed. Exposure to the elements had completely faded it, and the top of it was broken off. It was definitely in need of replacement.
Our factory center console was thrashed. Exposure to the elements had completely faded it,
We replaced our center console with Tuffy's full-length security console. It features plenty of lockable storage, and we opted for the model that allows for mounting of the factory subwoofer in hopes of reviving the Jeep's stereo system. Now our TJ has plenty of secure places to store stuff we want to keep out of the hands of thieves.
We replaced our center console with Tuffy's full-length security console. It features plen
The seats in the Teal-J were also in desperate need of replacement. They were worn from weather and offered very little support. We decided to install a set of Trailmax Pro seats from Bestop (left). They offer a lot more bolster that should help us stay in place better over rough terrain.
The seats in the Teal-J were also in desperate need of replacement. They were worn from we

Bestop supplies these adapter brackets, which makes installing the Trailmax Pros easy. Simply bolt the brackets to the bottom of the seats and then attach them to the factory sliders. It is that simple, and took us about 10 minutes per seat.
Bestop supplies these adapter brackets, which makes installing the Trailmax Pros easy. Sim
The new Bestop seats look great in our interior and are a lot more comfortable than the stockers. We opted for the black denim fabric to match the rest of the new interior. The seats can be fully reclined and feature a fully adjustable headrest.
The new Bestop seats look great in our interior and are a lot more comfortable than the st
The Teal-J was completely topless, which might sound alluring, but isn't--not on cold, rainy mornings on the trail. To top off the Teal-J we decided to install a Supertop from Bestop. The installation is amazingly simple, with no drilling required. One of the first items to go on were these rails that hold the bow assembly.
The Teal-J was completely topless, which might sound alluring, but isn't--not on cold, rai

To hold the front of the top, a rail installs onto the top of the windshield. The only difficulty we encountered was getting the top to install under the rounded corners of this rail. However, this was solved by having a friend pull on the back of the top to put tension on it.
To hold the front of the top, a rail installs onto the top of the windshield. The only dif
The rear corners of the Supertop simply slide under the same existing rail on the body that the factory soft tops use. Then a bar runs along the rear, allowing for the tailgate to be opened. Installation was very simple and took us less than an hour.
The rear corners of the Supertop simply slide under the same existing rail on the body tha
Another nice feature of the Supertop is that both the side and rear windows can be removed, better allowing us to enjoy warmer weather. We also decided to ditch our hard doors to avoid damaging them on the trail, and went with Bestop's two-piece soft doors.
Another nice feature of the Supertop is that both the side and rear windows can be removed

The Bestop soft doors are two-piece items that allow for their top halves to be removed. This offers a better view of the trail and more fresh air on those warm days. We also found the doors to do an excellent job of sealing to the top, which helps on those not-so-warm days.
The Bestop soft doors are two-piece items that allow for their top halves to be removed. T
One of the last items to go in was the Mod Pod speaker system from Performance Products. The system mounts directly underneath the front of the doors and gives us two speakers up front.
One of the last items to go in was the Mod Pod speaker system from Performance Products. T

SOURCES
Tuffy Security Products N/A www.tuffyproducts.com	Performance Products 8000 Haskell Ave. Van Nuys CA 91406-1321
Bestop Inc. www.bestoputv.com	Line-X Co. 2400 S. Garnsey St. Santa Ana CA 92707