Hi, I’m Kyle
Motorsports have always been a passion of mine. My earlier days were all about speed, yet the car I had in High School was a NOT Speedy hand-me-down Buick LeSabre with close to 200,000 miles. Not the sportiest nor gas friendly of vehicles by far! However I did scrape together enough money from afterschool jobs to buy a motorcycle, and then most of my money went to speeding tickets!
Well, fast forward to present day, and I am now the proud owner of a Jeep JLU. Again, not the fast or sporty option the youthful me would have chosen, but if you are here, you probably understand the feeling a Jeep gives you, or are searching for you first Jeep, so you soon will.
The birth of this website, Wrangler Revamped, came from my own journey with this incredible vehicle. It’s designed to be a hub for folks who, like me, are diving into the ocean of Jeep modifications and accessories. Because let’s face it, once you own a Wrangler, it’s near impossible to ignore the endless possibilities of what you can do to customize it. So, Wrangler Revamped is here to help you explore those options and make informed decisions.
Now, before we go deeper, I want to set something straight. My biggest piece of advice might seem a bit contrary to what many people think, but here it is: don’t let social media dictate what you do with your Jeep. FIND YOUR OWN PATH! Each modification or accessory should be chosen because it’s right for you, not because it’s trending online. Proper research and understanding should always lead you to the right choice. When in doubt, trust your gut.
I’m certainly not claiming to be an expert in hardcore off-roading or a professional mechanic. But what I do bring to the table is a wealth of hands-on mechanical knowledge garnered over time. I can change spark plugs, brakes, handle oil & tranny fluid changes, tackle more complex tasks like CV shaft and axle replacements or dabble with minor modifications to the computer. It’s this foundational knowledge that allows me to maintain my vehicles effectively, and I hope it inspires others to gain confidence in their own DIY endeavors.
But enough about me already! Let’s shift gears and talk about what really fuels this passion—modifications.
My Personal Connection with the Jeep Wrangler
Now let’s get into what I love most about owning a Jeep Wrangler: the custom mods! It’s pretty thrilling how these vehicles offer so much room for personal expression, turning each Jeep into a unique statement. Whether it’s enhancing performance with smarter tech or just making it look cooler, there’s something special about building a machine that embodies your style.
I didn’t start with all this mechanical know-how, it’s been quite the learning curve, actually. Over the years I first started out by helping my Dad “Hold the Flashlight”…if you know, you know…
But through that trial by fire and, once on my own, learning the reason for the saying, “Necessity is the mother of Invention”, I’ve taught myself a thing or two about keeping it all running smoothly – each bit of knowledge has been hard-won but immensely satisfying.
Perhaps my proudest moment was watching my son grow from disliking my choice of a manual transmission to mastering it. Initially, learning to drive stick seemed like a nightmare to him since that was our only vehicle – that was his path to a Drivers License. But guess what? Today, he’s proud to be among the few kids his age who can handle it with ease. There’s some satisfaction in knowing that our conversations about torque and gearboxes did not fall on completely deaf ears.
As my daughter edges closer to getting her driver’s permit, I’m excited about showing her the ropes too. It’s a bit of a running tradition now in our household. Who knows? Maybe she’ll catch the Jeep bug as strong as I have!
But, this journey isn’t just personal. It’s about welcoming YOU into this exciting Jeep way of life. So, let’s look at how these connections go beyond just the vehicles in our lives—they’re about community, family, and shared experiences.
Beyond the Wranglers: My Life and Hobbies
As much as I love delving into the world of Jeep Wrangler modifications, my life is equally enriched by my role as a single dad. Balancing work, hobbies, and raising my kids is a journey of its own, filled with as many challenges and rewards as customizing my Jeep.
My adventures aren’t just with my Jeep but with my kids as well. My son will be deciding on a college soon and my daughter is gearing up to earn her driver’s permit soon. It’s been a joy to see her enthusiasm when we talk about potential road trips and mods she can help more with more than just “Hold the Flashlight”.
Oh, and don’t let me forget about our dog that once decided to leave the Jeep while in motion, while he tried to catch a squirrel next to the road we were on. I didn’t say he was the smartest dog in the pack, but he is loyal!
My hope is that I am teaching my kids the life lessons they need for the future while they learn to be their own voice in this thing called life. Ranger, our dog I mentioned earlier – – well, he’s on his own cause he’s a knucklehead.
Owning a Jeep Wrangler JLU Sport, the most stripped-down version with just a hint of modern convenience, shows my preference for simplicity as well as my choice to build my rig as I want. This Jeep, with its manual transmission, is not just a vehicle—it’s a tool that teaches resilience and skill, both for me and my kids. We’re learning and building together, one tweak at a time.
Since you are still here, reading all this, I would like to say THANK YOU! Wrangler Revamped is more than just a site; it’s an invitation to join a community united by a shared love of the Jeep lifestyle. So, if you’re here to swap insights, learn something new, or just share a Jeep story or two, you’re in the right place. I’m looking forward to this voyage with you—whether that’s a new mod, some family time, or just talking shop over a virtual cup of coffee.
This isn’t just about Jeeps, it’s a bigger adventure of family and community. I encourage you to jump in, share your journey, and maybe, just maybe, catch the bug just like I did. Here’s to the rides and memories we make along the way.
This is where I started…bought her used in 2023…let’s see where we grow together!
