Old YJ Wranglers are great vehicles, but are at the point in their lives when some updating is usually in order. Luckily, YJ Wranglers can be purchased for a price that allows the new owner to be able to afford updating and improving their new Jeep. This particular 1989 YJ’s body was in relatively good shape with no rust cancer, but the interior was tired, as was the top and winch (among other things).
The remains of the old top...
The remains of the old top and sport bar cover were removed.
I contacted 4Wheel Drive Hardware, the one-stop shop for Jeep makeover projects. A pair of Bestop Trail Max II Pro seats and a matching denim black rear seat cover, sport bar cover, and Bestop Supertop NX with factory-style hardware were soon at our door. As we were doing an interior makeover, this was a great time to upgrade vehicle occupant’s safety by installing an OR Fab YJ Sport Cage. While not in the interior, the YJ also needed a new bumper and winch. 4Wheel Drive Hardware sent a Warn YJ front bumper and new Warn VR8000 winch.
I’m impressed with the improvement in the YJ’s looks and comfort. Follow along as we start the YJ’s makeover.
The windshield stringers have...
The windshield stringers have these safety torx bolts in them. In the “old days,” I broke the pin out with a punch, and then used a regular torx socket to remove the bolt. That didn’t work this time, so I used water pump pliers to remove them. Nothing but precision work goes on in Phil’s garage.
The YJ is ready for its interior...
The YJ is ready for its interior makeover. The old seats felt like plywood covered with vinyl. At least they were ugly and didn’t match.
I installed the OR Fab Sport...
I installed the OR Fab Sport Cage first. The YJ had the original windshield/cowl gasket and, when the windshield was lowered, I found it was still like new after 22 years!
The OR Fab cage installed...
The OR Fab cage installed easily using the stock holes in the cowl (one additional hole was drilled on each side) and the stock roll bar attachment insert. OR Fab includes new bolts for the roll bar attachment insert, so I was able to discard the ugly, pliers-ruined OE bolts. The windshield can still be easily lowered.
Bestop Trail Max II Pro seats...
Bestop Trail Max II Pro seats are a great improvement. They’re strong, comfortable, and recline. They mounted in minutes to the stock seat bases.
Here’s the completed installation...
Here’s the completed installation of the OR Fab Sport Cage, Bestop Trail Max II Pro seats, and rear seat cover. The YJ interior looks great and is safer for occupants. The Bestop windshield stringer covers were trimmed for use with the OR Fab cage. I trimmed the passenger side three times and it was still too short!
Bestop’s new Supertop NX line...
Bestop’s new Supertop NX line of Jeep tops improve on the OE factory tops, using factory-style hardware. This is good, as the OE YJ soft top may be the best design of any.
The belt rail parts attach...
The belt rail parts attach just like OE. The rear corners and tailgate retainer are now one piece instead of two.
The Supertop NX installed...
The Supertop NX installed looks just like factory. It was too hot to install windows, but rest assured they fit just fine and look great. The safari top feature of the top covers the complete interior, yet is open completely on the sides.
The old winch had seen a lot...
The old winch had seen a lot of use and the OE chrome bumper had to go. Note the original 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine sticker. That sticker has to be 20 years old. The TDS Safari sticker on the other side was from 1994.
Warn’s new VR8000 winch is...
Warn’s new VR8000 winch is part of their new value series. Now, winch users can experience Warn quality for less money. Thank you, Warn, for powder coating the VR series of winches black. It was late in the day. I forgot to remove the pieces of the big rubber band that held the cable to the drum for shipping.
Warn’s YJ front bumper is...
Warn’s YJ front bumper is simple to install, strong, and looks great. Most of you like shackle attachment rings on your bumpers. I think they’re good places to whack rocks and aren’t needed. The existing hooks work fine, as does the receiver in the rear, as tow attachments.