by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
We get it.
Trying to figure out what Jeep parts to purchase for your dad isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Maybe something like trying to decide what line to take on a harder off-road obstacle.
Do you go the easy line and get him a shirt, hat or gift card? Those can get the job done, sure, but are those things he really wants?
Or do you investigate the harder route? Perhaps taking a peek into the Jeep when he isn’t looking and see what may be missing, and then make a decision.
The choice isn’t simple. And if your dad is like most, he isn’t really helping facilitate Father’s Day gift ideas.
So, to avoid some of that guesswork, we’ve compiled a list of items that — year after year — seem to dominate Dad's day purchases. Here we go:
Mesh Bimini Tops
Open air freedom.
Of all the things your dad may love about owning a Jeep, we’re pretty certain open-air driving tops that list. That chance to remove a soft or hardtop and enjoy a totally open cabin.
Well, as he does, he’s probably realized that the sun can be a powerful force shining down whenever that top is removed.
Really.
Especially when trapped in stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
Now, there are all kinds of manufacturers making solid fabric bimini tops, which is a nice way to mitigate the sun, but these can also shut out and cover up the sky which somewhat shuts down the open cabin approach.
Enter the mesh bimini top.
These see-through, but highly UV-protecting mesh tops, take that extra step to still provide excellent overhead coverage while projecting that open-air cabin.
And with options available for front and rear passenger coverage, as well as all kinds of color options, you’re sure to find one that fits his persona.
Interior Security
So we’re sure you’ve seen your dad pull off that soft top or hardtop, getting ready for a nice sunny weekend trip. But how often does it come up that there really isn’t anywhere totally safe to store things when that top is removed? Especially when he is away from the vehicle.
After all, open cab space is amazing when driving, but not so much for safe storage. So where is he going to store those valuables that he just can’t take with him? You don’t want your dad to just leave them stuffed under the seat and hope they are there when he gets back, right?
That’s why adding secure interior storage is a priority, really, on any gift list.
These heavy-duty gauge steel units could be underseat units that slide out for security, or middle console replacements that offer a much better shield against theft. Some even opt for replacement steel glove box doors or overhead consoles that mount to the center bar.
Most will install without drilling, and with simple shop tools so even though your dad is probably handy like that, he won’t have to stress to put these things into his Jeep.
LED Lighting
Aftermarket lighting options have been around for a while now, so it may not be news, but there are still many Jeep owners out there relying on the factory halogen lights for nighttime visibility.
So if your dad has never considered replacing his factory lighting, here are some facts to help him come in from the dark.
Not only are LED headlights much brighter than halogen, but they also have less battery draw and throw a more accurate beam. All this helps keep him safer, reduces stress on the battery in cold weather and makes for less driver-eye strain. Plus, LED headlights have an almost unlimited lifespan.
Additionally, LED headlights these days are more affordable than ever, and most brands out there utilize plug-and-play installation, so simply remove the front grille, pull out the current lights and replace with superior LED versions.
And it is not only headlights, either. Auxiliary lighting options have become increasingly important to off-road drivers who want the best visibility. Most of these come in a flood or spot beam, and will provide years of trouble-free use while featuring weather-tight seals designed to shield against whatever Mother Nature can devise.
Dead Pedal
Put this one down into the loving son or daughter category. Pretty much because you want your dad as comfortable as possible when driving, right?
Because that’s what happens after installing a new dead pedal.
Comfort.
This product provides a great spot for him to plant his left foot and reduce fatigue on longer drives, or drawn-out trail days. Plus, it installs quickly with no drilling or additional modifications — getting him on his way faster to wherever his adventures lead for the day.
Additionally, while they only work on automatic transmissions, these dead pedals do play nice with most floor liners or carpeting systems.
Tailgate Table
Picnic tables. Folding card tables. Other kinds of benches or places to put food.
You’ve probably seen a little bit of everything when your dad preps for lunch on the trail or tailgating before a big game.
And, well, your dad also probably knows as much his way around a grill as he does a Jeep, so why not give him some additional space to work his magic with a handy tailgate table.
This product bolts to the inside of his tailgate and easily folds down to provide plenty of space to hold those cooking necessities, or allowing extra room for plates and beverages.
When finished, the durable black power-coated steel table cleans quickly, folds up and locks into place against the tailgate almost like it was never there.
Alloy Wheels
Look over any parking lot filled with Jeeps, or even during a local Jeep event or off-road trip, and you’ll no doubt see all kinds of different Jeep wheels.
It’s true. Changing out the factory wheels is a priority for most Jeep owners.
Now, your dad may say a Jeep wheel is just a Jeep wheel, but in reality, different wheels can actually help the vehicle’s off-road performance while also giving the Jeep a more rugged appearance.
Plus, most aftermarket alloy wheels are lighter than factory versions, so he can lose some weight in the process.
Aftermarket wheels usually have better backspacing and offset, allowing the tire more articulation when off-pavement so it doesn’t get swallowed up by the wheel well — especially after adding a body or suspension lift.
What are those things?
Well, wheel offset is considered the distance from the center of your wheel to its mounting surface, which is the part of the wheel that comes together with the rotor on installation. This measurement helps define where the wheel will sit and is typically measured in millimeters.
The higher the offset, the more inward the wheel will install, leading to a narrower vehicle stance and less clearance between the suspension and your tire’s inside edge. The lower the offset, the more outward it will install which leads to a wider vehicle stance and more clearance between tire and suspension. This, generally, is better for those who have added a suspension lift along with larger tires.
Wheel backspacing is a related measurement, but a bit more complicated as it is the distance from your wheel’s inside edge to its mounting face - equal to half the wheel’s width plus offset, plus a half-inch.
Wheels with more backspace have less inside wheel clearance and can potentially rub up against the vehicle’s suspension, steering system and other vehicle components. Less backspace on a wheel means more inside wheel clearance and little risk of rubbing. Again, those who have (or are planning) on lifting their vehicles and adding larger tires, should look for wheels with lower backspacing.
If that’s not enough, alloy wheels come in a variety of eye-catching designs and colors so you can easily find something that compliments his Jeep's style or scheme.
Tubular Doors
When the weather turns warmer and tops start coming off for long summer trips, it only makes sense that many also look at their Jeep doors. After all, a Jeep is one of the few vehicles actually made to have the doors come off.
However, when they do, it can cause some discomfort for those who don’t really like all that open space on their side, even though they still want to enjoy a real Jeep ‘airy’ driving experience. Perhaps your dad falls into this category.
A great Father’s Day solution is Jeep tubular doors. They are really the perfect alternative for anyone looking to pull off their full or half metal doors, but needing something there in that space.
Tubular doors provide just the right amount of air-to-material coverage, and most latch right to existing door hardware. Some can even be outfitted with canvas bags to help with coverage and cargo storage.
Keep in mind, though, when your dad does remove the factory doors, he’ll lose the factory mirrors. Now, some tubular doors may come with their own mirrors, or accept the factory ones which makes things easy, but if not, it is a good idea to invest in either some relocation brackets or some other style of workable mirrors.
Seat Covers
Your dad may not know this and just prefers his Jeep seats the way they are, but you can provide him something that will help preserve the life of those seats.
Jeep seat covers.
Why covers? Mainly because Jeep seats are affected by the elements more so than just about any other type of vehicle seating.
In winter months, it means continuous exposure to moisture every time either of your climbs into the Jeep. In summer, well, once that top goes down, those seats can be attacked by weather and sun, not to mention the usual water, mud or other debris.
This is why Jeep seat covers are a serious, and popular, investment year after year.
Whether it is snug-fitting neoprene, vinyl, ballistic nylon, polycotton, or some other material, seat covers will give your dad’s Jeep seats the shield they need to increase their overall longevity, while offering a good bit of comfort as well. Plus, covers can hide seat imperfections or discolorations. And with all kinds of color combinations, they can also provide a nice way to change over the vehicle's interior look.
