The First Upgrades for My Jeep Wrangler Willys

[@BarelyMadeItCrew]

This feels like I found a video of trail recon 20 years ago lol awesome having the kids narrate and build their own rig.

[@f1rstclass366]

I've always preferred the Coup Jeeps.

[@morgancook6481]

A few observations. First, I think it's super cool. TrailRecon has become a full on family affair! Second, The videos are still fresh, well thought out, and we'll produced. Third, it's crazy how much you favor your Dad lol. Even the mannerisms, it's great!

[@lovessummer3614]

Is it me or was that Brad with hair and a mustache? Great video and your mannerisms are just like “father”

[@Gravexero]

Recommendation: keep it a minimalist Jeep and run it with the top off all topless season! Use backpacking stuff to camp!

[@dkowitz12]

I pretty much use backpacking stuff to camp already! I definitely don't want to turn it into a monster rock-crawler that's for sure

[@leewinter28]

Great video Devin! Your father has built a very cool brand with Trail Recon. These videos help so many of us with our Jeeps and 4x4’s. Keep them coming!

[@dkowitz12]

Appreciate it!

[@leewinter28]

@@dkowitz12 Sorry about misspelling your name. Now I know. See Trail Recon is far more than just an off-road knowledge base. ;)

[@jsang9601]

Devon is a natural in front of the camera

[@dkowitz12]

I really appreciate that :)

[@saginawtn8006]

Well, I think he’s a natural. I came years ago to the channel for the 4-wheeling and found the great dynamics of family and friends to be the real blessing. God bless

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@ghoulie69]

I love that family is becoming more involved with the channel

[@dkowitz12]

Me too!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Nice work! I'm loving this project. The new decals look fantastic. I have a 4Runner, but I really enjoy Jeep content. It's been great to see this channel branch out into a family affair, and I have to say I laughed out loud when day two started and you were holding a coffee mug. The nut didn't fall far from the tree!

[@dkowitz12]

No it did not haha!

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

Your comfort level on camera is amazing. Nice job, kid.

[@Stomper67]

Two things that came to me while watching the video. 1. Do the JL hood latch mod. My wife loves them on her ‘17 JKUR 2. Maybe paint over the silver JEEP lettering and “graphic” on the plastic engine cover with yellow to match the body color.

[@OscarTheJT]

One of the things that a lot of us that have been tinkering with vehicles for a very long time forget is, not everybody has done that. It's good to see you so exited about learning and doing new things to your vehicle. Your dad is a great resource, and between the two of you, your Wrangler should turn into something you can be very proud to drive. Keep up the good work, and I hope your enthusiasm continues.

[@dkowitz12]

Thank you!

[@norcoredneck]

Makin it yours. You boys share so many mannerisms with the old man. Enjoying the additions to the content.

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@adampolselli597]

Crazy. Two months ago when this video came out, I had no clue how applicable it would be to me so soon. Yet, here I am, a proud first-time Jeep owner. And a Willys, no less! 😃

[@TrailRecon]

Congratulations!

[@adampolselli597]

@@TrailRecon Thank you! Between Regina's and now Devin's, I'm glad to be part of the 2-door crew!

[@arthurstoys7981]

Go Jeep!!! Nice to see a son saying nice things about his dad. Congratula for the family.

[@dkowitz12]

I say nice things about him once in a blue moon lol

[@ingelri2]

First! Hey, great to see the kids getting more involved in the channel. If you don't like the look of the applied products for your faded black fenders and bumpers, you can actually get specially designed trim paint that will make them look as good as new. Look for it at places that sell professional body repair products.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm excited to have them be a bigger part of the channel. I wanted them to get the experience with these first videos of not only working on their vehicles solo, but also filming and editing the process... I'm very proud of how they did!

[@dkowitz12]

Hopefully we will just get bumpers/fenders that aren't plastic down the road

[@garygioia422]

Good thing you love and respect your dad, Devin .... Because you are soo much your father's son. Great beginnings!

[@joewagoner8724]

Good job. There’s nothing better than a Son showing the same interest in mechanical projects.

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@LivingTheDream-RocklanderUSA]

Awesome job, Devin! It looks great as is; but if it were mine, I’d add an AEV Snorkel, Teraflex 2.5” lift, Bilstein 9500 shocks, Swarbar disconnects, Front LCA, Brake upgrades, BFG KM3 295/70 r17, Black Rhino Wheels, Bolt hood lock, Hood Struts, K&N Air Filter, H6 Yellowtop Optima battery, Yellow front grill, Cascadia4x4 solar hood, and Alpine DoubleDin radio with GPS-applle carplay, WD40 Rust Inhibitor for all frame rust, GRMS or CB, and new seats. To each there own, and build it for how you plan to use it 😊

[@dkowitz12]

I'm gonna have to take notes from you! Haha

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Devon Oil Eater orange cleaner comes in a spray bottle will remove the adhesive from vinyl decals you can also use goof off or isopropyl alcohol

[@Fixitall-ACE]

Let’s Go!!! Love the new videos from your sons!!! Can’t wait to see more!

[@nativetexson]

Good job Devyn. Your dad must be psyched. TrailRecon puts out terrific videos that are both full of info and reminders. Cheers-

[@mrminer604]

The tailgate table is a game changer. I love the tailgater. A product I can't live without.

[@dkowitz12]

I'm so stoked to have it as a part of my rig

[@jonathanh8174]

Agree! Never had interest in a tailgate table until I went out with a friend who has one on his Jeep. Needless to say, it was amazing to have that bit of prep space for lunch and now I’ve got one on my JK.

[@moabwheeling1305]

Great video Devin ! You were very well spoken . Looking forward to more upgrade videos on your Jeep. Take care and catch you on your next video. P.S. The Trail Recon decals look great .. Way to go.

[@davidbutler3787]

Great job. Brad's legacy! What a wonderful blessing. His mannerisms are just like his dad.

[@dkowitz12]

Monkey see monkey do

[@UranSakura]

Inspirational…all the things i wanted to do on my Jeep. Feeling confident to tackle this on my own. Keep the videos coming.

[@earlsmithson4749]

Very nicely done young man. This video is a big help to those starting down the modification trail. I have a ‘21 Willys and really like that dash mount. Hope it comes in gecko green.

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@tomsfunband]

Great video! Thanks for bringing us along....and I LOVE your watch!

[@wreckem7115]

I love how the channel has moved to integrate more "Jeep Family" videos. Well done and I look forward to more!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I'm lucky that my family enjoys this too!

[@FOUO88]

Love this! It’s like going back in time to see Brad as a young man haha. As a fellow 2 door driver I can’t wait to see this jeep transform.

[@christopherpike8269]

I felt like I was watching a flash back to a young Brads first KZbin vids. Way more polished and professional though without the newbie camera / editing struggles. Really trippy vid.

[@TrailRecon]

Oy ya, his first video is 1000x time better than my first several videos!

[@dkowitz12]

Luckily I have had an expert helping me through this process lol!

[@hereto246]

WOW , looks so much like Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Chip off the old block, just with less gray hair! LOL!

[@daisuke8872]

Man you look just like your dad and that's making this channel even more cooler

[@dadams5040]

I’m with you on the Willy’s and 4 wheel drive logo I removed both from my 23 Willy’s!! It cleaned it up so much!!

[@larshamilton40]

hood struts are an easy, practical, upgrade... Jeep's lookin great!

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@dougmoore5923]

Have you heard of “Goo Gone”? It gets rid of the sticky residue from decals and stickers. Still need to use a little elbow grease. Just thought of another great .and simple add to your Jeep. Pneumatic hood struts for your engine hood. I put them on mine. 30 minutes and no hood prop later! A great add to your keep.

[@DonovanGoodwin]

If you get a long enough cable you can run the cable behind the dash and have it daylight right where the windshield meets the dash. There's a rubber flap there and it makes it perfect for cable management. That's how I have my radio mounted and wired.

[@braydenbreen9467]

We need more content on this jeep. I have a rhino 2dr Willys so this is perfect content for me.

[@tonyk1amt806]

Good job Devyn! Upgrades are a personal touch, and not everyone is going to like everything, the thing that matters is that you like it. The changes look good to me. I’ll be building a table for my next jeep, as my current one won’t be with us much longer.

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@jendrarambharos4379]

Great video! Good job getting your hands dirty, i'm sure your dad is super proud of you! A couple of things, I've scratched a few nice watches, or gotten oil on them, from forgetting to take it off. So I'd recommend taking it off before doing things like oil changes or things where you're sticking your hand into the engine bay around a lot of metal parts. Also, i've tried both black plastic restorers, and while they work in the short term, the only longer term fix i've found was Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat. It's lasted the longest, and looks great! It's held up to a lot of washes, mud, sand, dust, etc. Again, great job and look forward to seeing your Jeep on the channel!

[@connornewton2831]

Great video excited for the next steps in this build!

[@TPindellAuto]

After having my tailgate table for 6 months, its a must!!!

[@rpliegos]

I built my 2015 JK Sport Wrangler following your Dad's product recommendations, so it will be a lot of fun to follow your Jeep's build! I installed the Teraflex ST2 suspension with the falcon 3.3 shocks on my 2 door Wrangler, and I absolutely love how the Jeep drives!

[@victorlgcarvalho]

I'm enjoying very much the videos from the kids! Keep them coming guys!

[@dkowitz12]

Thank you!

[@Earlywinters09]

Love this project, and not just because I have a 2016 Willys JKU. I love the factory decals, but totally respect the choice to remove them. They remind me of the 50s vintage Jeeps I thought were cool as a kid... back in the day

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@chadprice5718]

Can't wait to see your vision unfold ,I got my jeep about the same time .I'm not a car guy either, but your dad has in inspired to push my comfort zone during my build do most my self can't wait for your next one since we are on similar paths.

[@dkowitz12]

Glad he was able to inspire both of us, lol!

[@junomas_7327]

Your Jeep is awesome! The best Channel and family on KZbin hands down! Thanks Trail recon.. absolutely inspiring

[@dkowitz12]

Shucks, thank you man!

[@casemcdonald1187]

i highly recommend Shine Supply Clutch for the paint and fenders. it is ceramic based and it restores plastics for up to 6 months !

[@overland_dadsfl]

Hey Brad,the leave won't fall far from the tree....👍👍👍 Devin is a natural .

[@Donnut123]

Lovin' this Trail Recon 2.0! I just hope my son and daughter will someday follow in my footsteps with an off-road vehicle, or become "car people" of some sort. Can't wait to see what else you do to this Jeep Devyn!!

[@dkowitz12]

Thank you!

[@lloydrage]

I love that the family is getting involved with the channel. Another great video!

[@TrailRecon]

Me too!

[@IntoTheWildernessWeGo]

Nice work! Love seeing you guys on the channel. A nice family channel!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! It's great having the boys get involved!

[@blairk9thor486]

So funny to see Brad in one of those suits that make him look decades younger. I kept waiting for him to peel it back like on Mission Impossible, revealing the real Brad underneath. Nice episode!

[@dkowitz12]

We're saving that for a late season plot-twist shhh

[@jeffreysmith4304]

Good Job Glad TrailRecon will have the Next Generation involved

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@fnnnknorth]

Super cutie! Keep the stache 👨🏻. Impressive voice and presentation for someone who’s new. You have your fathers mannerisms.

[@av8orAH64]

Great job Devin. Good for you. Nothing quite like doing it yourself. The pride of ownership comes through getting under the hood and in your Jeep to make it your own. VR, Gary

[@mrderek800]

If you & your brother are looking for more of a mild build then I would highly suggest going with the smallest long arm suspension lift to keep the drivability for commuting but also keeping the Jeep & Tacoma very off-road worthy. Plus a long arm lift kit should give a smoother ride when compared to a short arm lift kit.

[@incog74]

Nice. Been watching your dad for a while. Fun to see your riffs. Like your comments on the "4 wheel drive" sticker. Fully agree! Keep them coming!

[@mikeu.s.n.9099]

Your videos are good for people like me. I have a 2018 2 door jk with 20k miles I just purchased and I am new to these jeeps like yourself. Hope to see more videos soon.

[@dkowitz12]

More will be coming for sure!

[@kenpoultonjr]

So cool the whole family is involved. I’ve watched every video since the XJ days, keep up the great work everyone!

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks! I do miss the XJ even though it wasn't mine lol

[@JP-ic1fi]

Another quality product from the TrailRecon Team. Looking forward to seeing what else the boy's come up with.

[@thomasvrieze527]

It does look better, totally agree

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

I was viewer 2, its still playing. Im a long time subscriber. I remember when trail recon began. Its great to see you follow along with your dad. The bond of father and son does not compare to any other. Sometimes its a hard one to foster. Looks like you guys have alot in common. I am enjoying your video with my morning coffee. Well done brother!

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

And nice choice in citizen watch, i have the same one!

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

Also check for the classic 3.6 oil cooler line leak under the intake manifold. That leak is what causes these to burn up. Its a small leak but the oil pools and when you are trail riding it spills out of the engine valley onto the hot exhaust. It can light and burn the jeep down. Your rig looks like it was just daily driven. The leak could go totally un noticed until you go wheeling with your dad

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for being a long time subscriber! I'm blessed to have my sons helping and enjoying working in the garage and having adventures on the trail.

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

@@TrailRecon you have done well brad. Keep on living the dream.

[@dkowitz12]

Thank you!

[@boondocksaint7212]

Bro! That dash bar looks good, but you're gonna hate how when you're driving, you're going to get a constant bright yellow reflection in your windshield. Good luck with your build!

[@PurpleJeepleEater]

Just got 2016 back in December. check the brake fluid to see if it needs a bleed and refill. also remember the cabin air filter

[@louiskudlak2256]

Good start buddy 👍🏿

[@1sam110]

I just bought a 2021 wrangler Willy’s sport in hellayella and I love it.

[@wesliggett2454]

It’s just like watching your dad!! Awesome work!

[@dkowitz12]

Appreciate that!

[@kebob2150]

Nice job on the video. Remember to keep the old air filter and use it for trail runs on dusty trails until it is past its service life.

[@charlesking9745]

I enjoyed your video! To make oil changes easier (or at least cleaner) install a fumoto drain valve. Then the next time you change oil all you do is connect a drain hose to the valve and direct the hose into the recycle container , then open the valve and all without a mess!

[@timraley]

Great video as always. Can't wait to follow this build. His instructions are very easy to follow (for us that aren't so mechanically inclined). Keep up the good work and welcome to the channel.

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@KyleBeahen]

I used a heat gun on my faded plastic, it works way better than back to black, and lasts alot longer. Something to try! Great video, Devin!

[@fonzdedios6625]

The stickers look great. But I would've put them on the windshield pillars. And you can just use a hand held torch to bring back the color of your frnders. And I would put a ball valve on the oil pan

[@supwell]

Nice video man! Taking after your dad, you're a natural in front of the camera - keep 'em coming

[@dkowitz12]

Appreciate it man!

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Great content as always

[@purleybaker]

Hey Devin-great video. The Jeep looks much better with the Trail Recon decal. I'm looking forward to seeing the future changes you make.

[@ArtHistoryNstuff332]

Last July I bought a low mileage 03 TJ for myself (on my birthday) knowing full well what I was getting into. Every month something gets addressed. Have done a lot to this point, but this weekend it's the big seven electrical cables. Building mine right along with you.

[@dkowitz12]

Good luck, hopefully everything gets worked out soon

[@briguy11490]

Check out the cerakote trim restorer. Works absolutely amazing and lasts a long time too. Been going strong on my Jeep over 2 years now

[@juleesadventures7925]

This is a Brilliant video same as all the TrailRecon videos. More please ❤🇬🇧

[@dkowitz12]

As you command!

[@sdechc_jku2900]

Try “wipe new” brand for the plastic. Works great and last pretty good too

[@kassenklein]

The Vector bar looks great! Nice job, Devin.

[@hdrider2071]

Looks great ! and you will be a " car guy " in no time.

[@andrewsharman4419]

Another excellent video. Great to see the guys adding to the brand!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@fscottgray9784]

I would suggest a cerrocoat product for the plastic. Griots makes one as well as a couple of other companies that use it and they last much longer than the other brand IMO. Bullet Points mounting solutions is another options for phone mounts etc. For easy engine bay detail I use meguiars Hyperdressing diluted with water 4 or 5 to 1. wash the engine bay and while it is still wet spray the diluted hyper dressing and walk away. It will dry even and makes it easier to clean next time.

[@GentleGiantFan]

My Vector bar was custom painted to match my interior too......textured black. 🤔 Looks good. I've always liked the yellow/black combo on the Wranglers. I want that Trailgate table for mine.

[@matsherwood6277]

Really enjoyable video to watch. Well done.

[@RodManson-gi6jl]

This one is a beautiful Wrangler ,and you are doing great to this iconic 2 door Jeep .your decision not to go with extreme lift & Tires would keep the Willys even more in the tradition , best wishes !

[@explore_off_road]

Most of us were like you, didn't know much until we started messing with our own vehicles. That's how I learnt, anyway. It's good to do so you DO learn, then you can diagnose issues or do trail repairs in the future... I find it kinda therapeutic... well until I find that ONE bolt that won't come off and I start to make up four letter words.

[@arielgs]

Brad, you've got younger!!! heheh joke aside, great to see a family enjoying and mixing life plus work plus lifestyle!! I own a yellow Wrangler from 2016, and I can not stop working on it!! Love the Trailrecon videos, and your content is an inspiration for me and many many others!!! Keep it coming!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@mikebryant8082]

Great job man! Keep listening to dad..I know when I did nothing went wrong!

[@dkowitz12]

Nothing goes wrong... most of the time ;)

[@mikebryant8082]

@@dkowitz12 MY dad was an amazing mechanic. Over 30 years as an operating engineer in Philly local 542. When my Chevy Vega lost a head bolt..he fashioned one out of an allthread rod and permatex. It held till the day we traded it in!

[@billwaterhouse5894]

You're also very natural in front of the camera...like you're dad. Great stuff Devyn. PS you're music selection is excellent. Just a tip on stickers, after removal, spray some wd40 on the glue and wipe...excellent at removing glue residue

[@dkowitz12]

Appreciate the compliment for the music selection lol, and I'll have to try WD-40 next time for sure!

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Yes sir, I believe you will teach your kids the WD-40 trick, works great. Looking forward to this build, very enjoyable.

[@DestDroid]

Cracked up at the 2wd Jeeps not existing thought.

[@dougenyart9243]

Hey man the oxidation on the finders and bumper are some of the hardest things to keep black so if you want to make sure it goes and gets the penetration as far as you can try using the heat gun or you can use a ceramic one project farm has a good video on that and the one that he recommended was Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat, Plastic Trim Restorer it was only available on Amazon but now Wal-Mart has it for 16 or so this is what I used on my jeep jl and jt both have about 40k miles and only have used it once still repelling water like new I also use chemical guys after each wash so I'm constantly stacking it hopefully this is helpful just be careful if you use the heat gun

[@jasonwilson7998]

Awesome episode! Excellent job explaining everything!

[@dkowitz12]

Thank you!

[@gruntmiles1914]

You can take a heat gun too the fenders and bumpers to bring the black color back

[@GATORADDAM]

The family business is fantastic!!

[@bobt471]

Great job🎉👍

[@jonathanwelter]

I agree with you that it should be assumed that a Jeep is 4 wheel drive. Good job. Already better wrenching on your vehicle than your brother. Didn’t have to change your transmission fluid. LOL. Keep it up both of you. You’re doing great! I’m sure your dad is proud of what you’re doing.

[@dkowitz12]

Between you and me my brother is much better with cars, but I'm not gonna let it get to his head ;)

[@roadramroverland]

Awesome :) loving the DIY 😉 cant wait to see more of your projects

[@dkowitz12]

Thanks!

[@scubad3170]

You can run your phone cable between the windshield and the dash. There is a channel that runs from the left pillar all the way to the right. Then you can run your cable down behind the dash and no one will ever see it. Install your USB charger behind the dash, splice it into the rear of power port near the AC controls. :)