Custom Jeep Hood Decals Map Your Travels – News

Thanks to the prevalence of modern GPS systems, newer drivers will likely never experience the right of passage that is trying to decipher an unwieldy paper map under fading light while simultaneously nursing the last precious drops of gasoline, only to end up hopelessly lost. But thanks to the new map-themed hood decals from Mopar, Jeep owners will at least get the chance to try, although this time around the map is vinyl, and stuck—semi-permanently, we hope—to the hood.

Made from premium 3M films that “meet automotive engineering standards for superior graphic performance,” owners can use Jeep’s online tool to choose a map from a selection of pre-loaded trails. Or, if you’re feeling adventuresome, you can type in a zip code or the name of a favorite trail and channel your inner cartographer, picking a region, and even adding a point of interest. (We designed the map on the green Wrangler below using 1000 Jeep Parkway, the street address of the original Willys Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio, because we’re clever that way.) Users can also swap the rustic topographical-themed graphics for street-level maps. We’d call that using your hood to keep you from getting lost inthe hood, if you will.

Retailing for $295 plus installation, the program has applications for the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Cherokee. Ordering is easy. After you finish your design on Jeep’s website, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a part number and design code. Take that to the dealer, and your custom map will arrive in 8–10 business days. Then you can schedule an installation with the dealer or independent contractor. DIY’ers are welcome to have a go at it themselves.

Andrew Wendler

Associate Editor, Buyer's Guide

Andrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit.