Retro Gladiator build, my modern take on the Old Honcho

[Rusty PW]

AndyB..... one heck of a build there. Some of us would appreciate seeing your work on the next project too.

Agree. Post your new build on here too.

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[KevinM60]

Truly amazing!!
I had to look up "The Hammers". I'd never heard of them. I'm going out to Lucerne for Thanksgiving week and I'm going to have to check that out. Can't say that I'll hit the Backdoor but I want to check it out anyway. My first look online says it's a pretty tough one.
Very impressed with your build.

 

[Blade1668]

Truly amazing!!
I had to look up "The Hammers". I'd never heard of them. I'm going out to Lucerne for Thanksgiving week and I'm going to have to check that out. Can't say that I'll hit the Backdoor but I want to check it out anyway. My first look online says it's a pretty tough one.
Very impressed with your build.

Not been involved in off-roading long or much. "King of The Hammer's" .

Not a big surprise many people haven't heard of it, unless you were a long time reader of the 4x4 rags of years past.

.

BTW: the first Jeep I ever rode in often as a kid was a "Honcho" Jeep pickup, one of the best riding trucks I had ever had ride in then, the next one was a SJ Wagneer.

 

[PJZ]

@AndyB what an incredible job, nice work! Will also be watching for you on the trails and hope to see it in the wild.

 

[KevinM60]

Not been involved in off-roading long or much. "King of The Hammer's" .

Not a big surprise many people haven't heard of it, unless you were a long time reader of the 4x4 rags of years past.

Definitely a greenhorn here.
I’ve been watching some hammer videos since I got home.
the place is way out of my league but I like the area and with a whole week camping in Lucerne I may get out there to check out the easier stuff.

 

[Blade1668]

Definitely a greenhorn here.
I’ve been watching some hammer videos since I got home.
the place is way out of my league but I like the area and with a whole week camping in Lucerne I may get out there to check out the easier stuff.

Out of my league too, I quit trying to "keep up with the Jones" a long time ago with my XJ at 33s-35s when 36 and up was starting to be the norm and 2 1/5 ton axles. Many of the places I had a good time at were starting to be just like driving a semi graded trail for the really big tired vehicles and or getting really beaten down. One of the reasons I went to 4wheelers I could find smaller places and still have a good time for cheaper, plus closer. A added bonus if it breaks I could trailer it home and still drive to work.

 

[KevinM60]

Out of my league too, I quit trying to "keep up with the Jones" a long time ago with my XJ at 33s-35s when 36 and up was starting to be the norm and 2 1/5 ton axles. Many of the places I had a good time at were starting to be just like driving a semi graded trail for the really big tired vehicles and or getting really beaten down. One of the reasons I went to 4wheelers I could find smaller places and still have a good time for cheaper, plus closer. A added bonus if it breaks I could trailer it home and still drive to work.

There are plenty of place we can get to that most people can’t and that gets us off the beaten trail and into some really nice places.

 

[Hootbro]

Nice Build.

How long in real time has this build taken you so far?

 

[AndyB]

Nice Build.

How long in real time has this build taken you so far?

Truck was purchased second week of December. I drove it 400 miles over 2 weeks to confirm no major defects. January 2nd tore it down. On August 5th did first real test driving and only thing missing was rollbar and spare tire mount. Finished roll bar on Setember 7th, right before Jeep Bash. Finished spare tire mount October 3rd, right before Hot Wheels event. All minor electrical and tiny trim last week. Pretty sure it will never end....

Before I bought the truck I had a rendering, made a model, and full build list. I ordered many of the parts in December as well.

 

[T-Rock]

Excellent job & sweet looking truck. congrats!

 

[WestwallNF104A]

That is a truly impressive build! I may see you on the Rubicon! It's almost my backyard!

I LOVE the visor. If you ever take it to production put me down for one!

 

[wchevron]

And here I was, patting myself on the back for installing a leveling kit. Amazing work.

I think the truck proportions looks so much better with a bob bed.

 

[KevinC]

@AndyB - your attention to detail and meticulous work is evident in this build. It is a shame you couldn't get into SEMA with it. I truly believe it would have been one of, if not the nicest on the floor.

Looking forward to the way ahead.

KevinC

 

[Hootbro]

And here I was, patting myself on the back for installing a leveling kit.

Most of us do not have an industrial size shop with a 4 post lift and plasma cutting table like the OP. We all work within what we have.

 

[ezekio3160]

Truly enjoying your process custom build please keep posting with updates as this is way better than mainstream magazines in my opinion.

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