Customizing a Jeep doesn’t have
to be expensive
We took a 2007 JK as the vehicle, which the Kelley Blue Book lists at $13,000 in average condition. Taking just 5% of that value – $650 – we wanted to see how far we could customize it to give it a new Jeep look and feel.
$650 ain’t much, but as it turns out we can do one helluva customization job on a Jeep with only $650…
55 Years of Custom Jeep Products: Smittybilt
We turned to Jeep and truck specialists Smittybilt for inspiration. Smittybilt has been developing aftermarket products for the off-road industry for over 55 years, so they know a thing or two about customizing Jeeps.
High Quality Parts at Budget Prices
Smittybilt’s tubular front bumper
gives a Jeep added presence
Smittybilt’s Sure-Steps 3” Textured Nerf Bars look totally slick in black and really give a Wrangler a distinctive appearance. We found a set for only $150 at 4WheelOnline.com.Next we wanted to freshen up the front end, and in keeping with the style of the nerf bars we chose Smittybilt Tubular Front Bumpers (good for 2 or 4-door models) in a sleek gloss black finish. We preferred the bumpers that included the top hoop which came in at a very wallet-friendly $210. The bumper really gave the JK added presence and was a great match with the nerf bars.To really give the Jeep the impression of being a totally different vehicle we wanted a set of fender flares. Adding overall width and enhancing the design lines of a JK, flares make a big difference to body styling. A set of 4 Smittybilt XRC Fender Flares were $270 at 4WheelOnline, which for solid steel flares has to be the deal of the decade, and the rugged powder coat finish meant they looked the part without the need for a costly paint job.
Grand Total $630 – Under budget and Overjoyed
XRC steel fender flares look great
and offer added Jeep protection
It must be said that prices do change from time to time, but 4WheelOnline.com typically sells aftermarket Jeep parts and accessories for 30% less than other distributors, so with a little searching at 4WheelOnline you can always find a sweet deal.
If you want what looks and feels like a whole new Jeep for the price of a smartphone, it’s easier than you think.
By John Bone