Forgotten Jeep J20 Is Now the Perfect Overlander: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
Wicked 1978 Jeep J20 Pickup has been in the same family since new. About 25 years ago it was restored to overlanding perfection.
The Jeep J20 pickup truck was produced by American Motors Corporation from 1974 until 1987. However, despite the near decade and a half model run it is nearly forgotten today. Raise your hand if you have seen a J20 pickup on the road in the last 5 years. We don’t see many hands. The good news is that some folks do remember these classic Jeep vehicles and are saving them from the crusher. Today the new Gladiator fills the Jeep pickup role, but there is just something extra cool about the classic. Especially when that classic has been converted into the ultimate overlanding vehicle.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” presented by Nitto Tire is all about this wonderful Jeep J20 pickup and what has gone into making it the vehicle we see today. TFLclassics shared a video of this Jeep on their YouTube channel. In the video, Bert, the owner of the J20 walks us through all the details of his ride. It is an impressive build that Tommy Mica of TFLclassics ultimately rates an 11 out of 10.
Saved From Junkyard
Bert begins his overview by giving us a little history of his J20 pickup. It is a 1978 model that has been in his family since 1977. After nearly 20 years of hard use the Jeep had seen better days and in 1994 was ready for the junkyard. That is when Bert stepped in and saved it. He did a frame-off restoration of the Jeep. Instead of it being scrapped and used to make soda cans, it has been converted into a fantastic overlanding vehicle.
Exterior Details
Starting upfront is a pair of J.W. Speaker headlights to light the way. If that is not enough light, there is a light bar on the roof that holds eight retro looking KC off-road auxiliary lights. There are also a couple of small LED cube lights built into the front steel bumper. That should be the lighting covered. And speaking of that front steel bumper, it holds a Warn winch as well as a pair of recovery hooks. Moving towards the back you will see the Leitner rack system that provide all sorts of extra storge for everything Bert would need. In the back is a swing out rack that has a tire carrier as well as a jerrycan. Bert claims to have about 10 gallons of extra fuel storage on this rig. The exterior of this J20 pickup not only looks rugged but is extremely functional.
Overlanding Features
Moving into the pickup truck bed you will find another host of features that would be useful to anyone out on the trail. There is even a slide out refrigerator back there. In the storage box there are critical items such as the extra battery, and shore charger. Also, in the pickup bed you will see the ARB air compressor. MAXTRAX recovery boards are also on hand to help Bert get out of any perilous situations. Covering all this up is an ARB awning setup. The roof rack over the cab holds a shovel and an axe. One last detail you will notice on the outside of this rig is the many antennas. The Jeep has a GRMS, Ham, and CB radio. You should have no worries taking this Jeep J20 anywhere in the world.
Engine and Interior
Under the hood there are only minor modifications. The original AMC 360 cubic-inch V-8 remains in place. However, it does now have a Holley carb and MSD ignition system connected to it. Bert does have plans to eventually install a fuel injection system, but for now that is just about all that has been done in the engine bay.
Hop inside the Jeep and you will notice, it looks nearly brand new, but like the engine there are no major changes. The gauges are all original. However, you will see a couple rows of accessory switches for things like the lights, and lockers. And of course, inside the cabin you will find all the radios that use the antennas we saw on the outside.
How Would You Rate It?
After Bert does his walkaround of the Jeep Mica gives us his score. He gives it an 11 out of 10. His reasoning was the rarity of the J20, and the job done restoring this one. And the fact that the J20 is so off-road worthy. Checkout the video below and then head to the JK Forums and let us know how you would rate it.
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