Throwback Thursday: Custom 1986 Jeep CJ7 Is the Ultimate Tailgate Rig
Custom 1986 Jeep CJ7 has been modified to not just take you off-road but let you party when you get there.
Typically, when we highlight a custom-built Jeep, it is because it has been equipped with enhanced off-road gear. Or it has been outfitted for overlanding adventures. The custom 1986 Jeep CJ7 you see here has certainty received some off-road upgrades. But that is not really the focus of this rig. This is a party Jeep. This Jeep has been modified to maximize the fun factor once it reaches its destination. This Jeep makes both the journey and the destination the highlight. And to find it, we had to dig a little bit deeper because this build was not showcased on a high-profile Jeep or off-road adventure channel. In fact, it was found on the YouTube channel of a mortgage broker. But mortgage brokers can have fun too.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” is all about this custom 1986 Jeep CJ7. It is owned by Brian Shields. And yes, Shields is a mortgage broker, but he has himself one hell of a CJ7. While you can see it has been lifted and rides on beefy tires, it also includes a fuel-injected 401 engine hooked up to a TH400 automatic transmission. And while that is all very cool, this build is centered around in-Jeep entertainment items. Shields posted a walkaround video of his Jeep on the Shields Family Home Loans YouTube channel. It might not be the first place you look for Jeep content. But we think you will be pleased with what we found.
Handcrafted
The folks at Handcrafted in Chandler, Arizona are responsible for doing all of the entertainment related work. The stereo, lights, and all the custom work that goes with it was completed by Handcrafted. As you can see in the video the work is exceptional. Clearly all the technology you see here was not available back in 1986. But the integration is so clean that you could be fooled into thinking it was all OEM. They did a beautiful job and made sure to add a few unique Jeep touches.
Head Unit
Shields turned to the folks at Dakota Digital to provide him with a digital display that includes all gauges in one unit. Right next to the gauges is a custom-built docking station for an iPad. The iPad can easily be popped in and out of the docking station and like the rest of the work it is wonderfully integrated. In the center console is a Sony Bluetooth head unit that gets the signal from the iPad in the dash. The Sony unit is hooked up to the speakers and amps and will play you tunes for as long as you want.
Speakers
JBL speakers are throughout the Jeep. But again, the way they are incorporated into the overall design makes them look almost factory. Handcrafted did a great job designing the enclosures in the doors with a little Jeep flair. In the back are a set of built in cupholders along with tweeter enclosures. And on each side, there is a 12v and USB hookup to charge up any of your devices.
Pièce de Résistance
Think of this Jeep as a mullet. Business up front and a party in the back. There is a BBQ grill that hooks up to the trailer hitch and takes power from a nearby 12v connection. Open up the tailgate and pop the cover off the subwoofer enclosure and bam, there is a beverage cooler back there. Now flip that cover over and it acts as a cutting board. So, you have tunes, brews, and food in the back of this custom 1986 Jeep CJ7. What else could you possibly need?
Lights
A little extra lighting can always enhance a party. This Jeep has that lighting. Sure, it has auxiliary off-road lights but again this Jeep is about fun and practicality. Underneath the Jeep is a set of custom LED lighting. The light display can be controlled via your cell phone. Tough to imagine a more fun Jeep than this custom 1986 Jeep CJ7. Checkout the video below to see it for yourself.
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