by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
This build story starts like any good one does — merely with an idea. A light bulb if you will that flashes in the mind and causes something to rise to the surface. Only, this build story didn’t begin recently like so many others you may encounter across the Jeep landscape. No, this one actually began 30 years ago in a small southeastern Pennsylvania garage where Quadratec Founder Ted Wentz Jr. fell in love with a 1989 Khaki Metallic Wrangler YJ Sahara.
And it is every bit the build story of a company, as it is one of a vehicle.
That’s because Wentz Jr., a former professional race car driver and automotive enthusiast, actually became so entranced with his khaki Wrangler, what it represented and how its rabid fan base worshipped the brand, that he decided in 1990 to create a company specifically to sell products for Jeeps.
Quadratec was born.
“I wasn’t really thinking about starting a company,” Wentz Jr. said. “Being in the automotive aftermarket, I couldn’t really find the stuff I wanted. So what I did was, I said you know what, I’m going to start a company. I’m going to sell parts, I’m going to sell accessories for Jeep.
”And that’s what we did.”
In the ensuing 30 years, as Wentz Jr.’s children grew up next to that 1989 Wrangler Sahara — helping their father with the business, while falling just as much in love with the thing as their dad, — his company also grew from a small garage-based one that bought ads in the back of four-wheel-drive magazines, into something that is now the largest independent aftermarket Jeep parts and accessories supplier in the world. All the while remaining a family-oriented business.
”When I started Quadratec, it was just me and my two kids; stocking shelves, getting packages out the door, really almost out of a garage-like environment,” Wentz Jr. said. “And it occurred to me that a family business should stay a family business. So 30 years later, we’re still a family business.
”My son Ted, he’s now the CEO of the company and we intend to always be a family business.”
Traditional wisdom says a 30th anniversary gift should be pearl. Well, as Quadratec geared up to celebrate its milestone anniversary in 2020, it decided on a different color. Khaki. Specifically, a first-ever custom build by the company that would take a 2020 Wrangler JL and paint match it exactly to reflect that Khaki Metallic 1989 Sahara which first helped start the business.
But as the story of this build continued to evolve, it became so much more than just a paint-matched reflection.
Behind the skilled craftsmanship of nationally-renown vehicle builder Greg Henderson, owner of Unofficial Use Only, the Wrangler underwent a facelift and acquired square headlights and period correct front bumper. It also saw that same flat-style YJ bumper attached in the rear along with bumperettes. And yes, even the back license plate folds down to reveal the period correct gas filler.
”Having Quadratec approach me to work on this build is both humbling and a big honor for me,” Henderson said. “The first part I ever purchased on my first TJ 20-some years ago was from Quadratec, so having them ask me to help them make this build is kind of full circle and amazing.
”From the first call they told me I had creative freedom with this build and as a fabricator, there is nothing better than that because it really dials you in and goes a long way in the custom fabricating process.
”I’m very proud of how this turned out and it feels like a real home run. I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction as this is unveiled. To me, that is the best part of the whole project.”
Along the way, numerous vendor partners joined the build process for this Wrangler, now dubbed YJL, and helped transform it into an ultimate trail weapon behind numerous top-of-the-line performance components.
The Quadratec custom YJL is outfitted with an all-new Teraflex RT4 Long Arm Suspension Lift Kit and Falcon 3.5 Adapt Shocks, which provides 3.5-inches of lift and superior performance over rugged terrain. The additional ride height offers clearance for the vehicle’s 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Tires mounted on paint-matched Quadratec CJ Retro Wheels. Custom Tom Wood’s Drive Shafts accommodate the additional lift with their signature Double Cardan design.
Quadratec's YJL Build Manager Eric Ammerman said vendor participation in this build was crucial to bringing it to life.
"It was amazing to work with so many of our vendor partners throughout the design process of the YJL," Ammerman said. "From the start, we did not want this vehicle simply to be something that sat in a booth at shows. We wanted the ability to wheel the YJL on trails around the country using the very parts our customers can buy. And I can't overstate how great it is to partner with so many excellent brands."
Quadratec’s YJL build also arrives trail-ready thanks to the company’s signature QRC Side Armor Guards and tubular doors, both custom painted to match the vehicle. Above the wheels, Rock Slide Engineering Fender Flares allow for superior tire clearance and are built from 11-gauge aluminum for maximum durability. A MasterTop Bimini Top provides weather protection and an unmatched open-air feel for occupants.
Quadratec's Premium Heated LED Projector Beam Headlights illuminate both road and trail with up to 3,200 lumens of light output, and its heated lens design craftily prevents ice or snow buildup. Quadratec 6-inch Round LED Auxiliary Lights contribute additional brightness when needed; each producing 5,000 lumens for improved trail vision in low-light conditions.
The YJL’s interior features an innovative plug-and-play Alpine X409-WRA Dash Restyle audio/navigation system, complete with 9-inch touchscreen display, smartphone compatibility and an off-road mode displaying tire pressure, an inclinometer, trail maps and more. Custom Corbeau Trailcat Seats pair with Overland Outfitters’ Seatback Bags for premium function and a unique Wrangler YJ throwback aesthetic. Quadratec’s Ultimate All-Weather Floor Liners fit seamlessly and protect the Jeep’s floor from dirt and debris. Beverage duties are handled thanks to special-edition Grizzly Coolers Quadratec 30th Anniversary cups.
And this build story, just like Quadratec, is far from complete as it will continue this year with many other surprises to come.
“It is very fulfilling to see a modern version of my father's Jeep but with the spirit of the original,” said Quadratec CEO Ted Wentz III. “We shared so many great times in that YJ and I even learned to drive in it. Back then I could never have imagined we could create something today that not only takes me back to my youth but showcases what we, and our valued partners, can do for our customers.”
For all the fantastic parts included on our 30th Anniversary Sahara YJL build, as well as a detailed walkthrough by our video host Rob Jarrell, head over to our Jeep YJL Wrangler page.
