Rescuing an Abandoned 54 Year Old Jeep Gladiator J2000

This is the first video in a new series on saving a mid 60s Jeep Gladiator. In this episode we attempt to drag it home and give it a new lease on life. Stay tuned as we have multiple episodes already being edited.
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Music by: Bensound
Intro song by Sam.
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[@dale5898]

Now that’s a roadside compressor. You don’t fool around Son!

[@oneproudchump8457]

I have a 1963 J300 with the 230 Tornado. Bought it last year and now am having it trailered home. Awesome truck and super cool the family is involved. Your truck will live on forever with your kids involved. Best to you and your build.

[@TexasHillbilly]

That is awesome!

[@stevethompson4934]

I have some J-300 emblems left

[@shabadoo24]

A real Gladiator

[@kevincoleman1226]

Glad I found you.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

I have a 1966 Jeep Gladiator J 2000 pickup with a 232 straight six and 3 speed standard transmission. My Dad bought it new in December of 1965 as his service truck for his Service station business. It is still my plow truck. My cousin and I did a complete rebuild from the cab back in 1993 and replaced the 7' - 0 " bed with a good one from a local junkyard. This 1968 model you have here should be a good project for you. Good luck with it.

[@TexasHillbilly]

That’s awesome that you still have it. How do you identify that mine is a 68? I have yet to determine it’s exact year. Decoding the vin gets me everything but the date of production.

[@Ratchet-strap-Garage]

Reminds me of my 67 gladiator j3000 my dad scrapped when I was away in the Army. Same green blue color. Long bed single cab, inline 6 with a 3 on the tree. Closed knuckle front axle. Sat for a few years because one of the gears became none existent. Killer deal finding one free . They're extinct up here in Illinois

[@TexasHillbilly]

My goal is the get this thing road worthy enough to get a photo of it next to a new “Gladiator”. I did pay $500 for it. Still a killer deal.

[@jjtrucker5950]

Yep they rusted away bad here in ILL, I don't have any old Gladiators but I do have some 1980's J series pickups. They are scarce and hard to come by in any condition these days, that's why whenever I do so one nearby I am interested no matter what condition. I have been doing rust repairs on two different J trucks for the past few years. The sad thing is I bought a few parts trucks several years ago I ended up taking apart and scrapping that were less rusty than the two I have been working on lately. If only I knew then what I know now,

[@jonallen1985]

I love those old Jeeps

[@gertraba4484]

1971

[@Dirtydeviantjbyrd]

That's awesome excellent family project. Enjoy the build with your kiddos and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you!

[@flatbrokegarage]

Great video. Looking forward to watching the others. I'm in the process of rescuing a 68 J300 Gladiator now. New subscriber now

[@TexasHillbilly]

Awesome! Thanks for the sub!

[@peerzadeitsalegendary585]

I really appreciate your content 😊😊

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thanks man!

[@ScottZirkel]

Glad you were able to get it out of there! Also glad you choose to do it while I was out at dinner, it was pretty hot that day.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Hey Scott! Thanks again!

[@CARLOS62B]

Well done on saving the old Jeep. Greetings from York, England.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Hey Carl, Howdy from Texas and thank you for watching.

[@swhod2190]

Nice find a good price! Like to see more of it in the future.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you for watching. HD is still processing, but you can watch Part 2 now.

[@dixonrudman2570]

Nice project.

[@enriquelopez9124]

That looks like a good restoration project

[@deraldjensen5228]

Great content just had shoulder replaced so im watchin youtube as my project!!

[@davidryan573]

A Saturday holding down the couch, maybe Cruisin at 67ave and Bell, but it’s a working weekend, life at Costco, mid week off.My old Neighbor had 3 Jeep’s, 1 Gladiator finished (he made it a Hancho clone), another older’63 just started. Good luck

[@kbj12106]

My second vehicle back in 1977 was a 1971 J 4000 Gladiator 360 V-8 4 speed stump puller. It was bought on loan with the first $500 being from the 1967 Pontiac Bonneville sale that was my first car. 38K original mile Montana truck that I paid $1900 for back in November 1977. That pickup was the very same green color that yours is.

[@smittysmat7826]

Very cool! I have the 1972 version of that same truck. By that time(72) they had dropped the “Gladiator” name. Mine is actually called a J4000. Similar condition as yours. Wish I had your tailgate! Rough as it is, it looks mint compared to mine. Lol! Will be watching your progress!

[@BipolarBear777]

Out of all the vehicles I’ve owned my Jeep’s been the best I’ve had and it’s been around for 15 years now, TJ Wrangler. 👍🏻

[@xmo552]

88 Comanche and 04 Grand both with the 4.0... I can't kill them.

[@davevanderwiele194]

Nice work been there

[@jeffcolmus4900]

Just came across your video y'all must be new thanks for saving that old Jeep truck that is so cool I just subscribe to your Channel can't wait to see what comes next 🇺🇸

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thanks Jeff! Part 2 is up.

[@1SmittysGarage]

New sub! Awesome find and will come to be a sweet project. Blessings and respect to the hustle and grind!

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you!

[@shanevanhove8026]

I work on my 81 J10 Saturday nights. One day, it'll be my daily.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Little victories!

[@thetroll32]

Had a 1970 luved it

[@davevanderwiele194]

Wow nice find I have a 1970 J 4000 with a 350 Buick from the factory it also has a factory power lock rear Dana 44 your front axle is probably a closed knuckle dana 27 beautiful find I wish you luck with there’s nothing like old iron

[@TexasHillbilly]

That Buick 350 is no slouch. Had one in my first car. It ripped.

[@austinaubinoe]

Really cool, I have a 67 gladiator J3800 327 3 speed in my barn right now. Hell Creek makes 4" springs for these. The windshield is the same for all 63-91 full size jeeps. If the motor is bad, pretty much any AMC/jeep inline six will drop in. Those front kaiser turn signals are pretty rare! Also, that originally had a padded dash. Always nice to see when the dash isnt cut for a modern radio. oh and if your looking for a tire for this down the line, I am going with the interco TSL 34x9.5x15

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you for the tips! I just asked the question about windshield in part 2.

[@upscaleshack]

Other AMC/Jeep engines won't "drop right in" because the 232 used a different bell housing before 71. You could make a later 232 or 258 or AMC V8 work, but it wouldn't simply "drop in" because it wouldn't match the bolt pattern for the transmission.

[@jonathanmiddleton1141]

Next time you run across a vehicle with decent looking tires, that are just flat, and off the bead, try putting a ratchet strap around the tire, as close to the center tread as possible, and, get it tight enough to seal the beads on both sides to the rim, and, then shoot the air to it. I’ve done it many many times over the years with great success.

[@TexasHillbilly]

They were so hard I didn’t think I’d have much luck with the flat spots. I thought about pulling a Mortske and slipping tubes into them.

[@dale5898]

And I bet you thought you’d be out of there in thirty five minutes. Lol.

[@danielheartsill4269]

Saturday evening, living in the Dallas area from five pm till seven we eat dinner while watching The Three Stogies on channel 55.2. Then we do the dishes and watch the Buzzr Network on channel 27.3. Buzzr shows game shows from the 50's,60;s, 7o's and 8o's. Then we go to bed. Now aint that thrilling?

[@Theshed12]

Always strap down axles they don't bounce around like the frame does lol

[@dale5898]

I had one of those. Mine was older ,Jeep was still part of Keizer. It looked identical to yours but it had a 350 v8 I believe it was a Buick made engine. I was told that that engine was original to the truck as per vin number. I wish I still had it. 4 speed 4wheel drive. Now I drive a 2019 Prius. No Shissst. But it does have awd. LOL. Have fun with that beast.

[@TexasHillbilly]

This one is still a Kaiser as well. See part 2 where my son points out the body tag.

[@brianhayes7618]

Sat night usually watch some KZbin especially coldwarmotors they are hilarious. Monday night is my favorite KZbin night Mortskey repair and puddins fab shop very entertaining

[@doughamm5590]

Looking like time for some overloads for the truck and new ratchet straps

[@eddief3326]

drove many 4x4 working on farms and have oned many myself one farmer had a 1972 J10 . it was one of the best 4x4 I drove 360 auto. tranfercase would not shift too much mud.

[@shoptooltalks7584]

Nice jeep, that compressor should have gone in the bed of the jeep though 😂

[@chm779]

Hey man that's a great classic Truck I have been doing my j10 proyect for over 3 years and keep going lol😂 almost done!! you are funny!! yes bro get all your tools i got them already!! First thing i got was an impact gun Good luck !!! In wich state are you bro. ? Keep us updated !!

[@Fitzinyourhead]

Just stumbled onto your channel and I cant believe you’re only at 45 subs. A year or so from now when you get your 100k subs plaque I can brag about being your 46th subscriber. Look forward to watching you grow I’ll go tell my friends to check u out too.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Hahaha. If the channel ever makes it to 100k, Ill think of this comment. I appreciate the kind words.

[@hectorsandoval6817]

Mil veces la que trae remolcando ! Que las de hoy!

[@TexasHillbilly]

Si

[@craigbowley6783]

Typical Saturday night is watching KZbin.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Typically better than what's on TV, right?

[@craigbowley6783]

@@TexasHillbilly Always especially watching people like you rescuing old American steel and doin something with it👍

[@RonaldWallis-dj5pe]

Hey man, I love the video, but I'm just wondering why you didn't strap the compressor to the steel rack on the jeep? Anyway, I'm happy to see that the old iron has been rescued! I have a '65 Gladiator and despite the headache it's giving me sometimes, I love it! Keep it up!

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thanks for watching. I was too worn out after all that work in 100+ degree weather. I couldn’t hardly lift my arms, let alone the compressor. In hind sight, I should’ve left all that out of the video.

[@dinadaughtry8993]

1972 down Mopars had left and right hand lug nuts to,go figure!

[@mikeyoung5211]

Around the axle

[@cdeprima1209]

Starter fluid to blow tires on bead

[@journeyman2003]

Short box to boot! I have a 74 j20

[@axolotl1973]

I hope this old beauty gets to be a offroader and not lowered with bling wheels. Don't diss the mirrors the are just on the wrong car. 😉

[@jonathanmiddleton1141]

Saturday evening, mostly watch KZbin

[@stevethompson4934]

God I miss my J-300

[@johnstach4601]

starts simple repairs and see if restoring.otherwise a nice body restore.pb blaster time

[@user-xt4gs1ev2n]

I like this video, I'm looking 4 0ne.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thanks for watching. There's a lot of them still out there.

[@user-xt4gs1ev2n]

Hey man surprise to hear from you wasn't expecting, thinking about buying some land it's in rough area That's why I'm looking for something like that don't mind if I have to do some work on it will be interesting I like the old ones they're pretty tough I am enjoying your video take care enjoying your family also.

[@TexasHillbilly]

I love the hustle. Make it happen!

[@xmo552]

It's got 80s Chevy truck steering wheel and Iroc mirrors. Sell me that grill, just don't look up their prices first. I saw a Dana 44 or 60 on the back.

[@lloydburris7487]

It's turned over at least once as the numbers don't line up anymore indicating it has rolled over .....

[@davevanderwiele194]

Yeah that’s a Dana 44 rear

[@jamessmith7691]

That is a good find , good video. Do you have the f/f mode on your video camera.

[@TexasHillbilly]

I do. My Timelapse footage became a black screen once the video rendered. I still have some learning to do with editing.

[@jamessmith7691]

@@TexasHillbilly I can't wait to see the will it start video.

[@TexasHillbilly]

James, I uploaded part 2 last night. Thanks for your support.

[@dougwebb9164]

Should have just put the compressor in the back of the Gladiator good luck with your build

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you.

[@jaymartin5774]

I work on Saturdays

[@gravedigger8]

hindsight is 20/20 but you could have put compressor in the bed of the jeep

[@TexasHillbilly]

Totally. I was afraid the 2500 lb winch wouldn’t be able to pull the jeep up. Now I’m sure it would’ve been fine had I loaded the bed.

[@wayneyoung6094]

That's exactly what I was thinking watching this

[@smittysmat7826]

Lol! I was saying, “just chunk it in the cab…lay it across the bench seat!”

[@jameskendrick573]

Vermont on the title you don't have to live there

[@freemansgarage]

Good call! That's one of a few states that take non resident registrations

[@jjtrucker5950]

I have 3 jeep J trucks now, and always looking for more lol

[@xmo552]

Same. I have a WJ CJ MJ FC need a J truck 😁

[@jjtrucker5950]

@@xmo552 I have 84 j10 long bed, 81 j10 short bed, and 81 j10 sportside honcho.

[@TexasHillbilly]

This will likely be for sale soon. ;)

[@xmo552]

@@TexasHillbilly I need to play a deaf ear. I can't keep bringing home orphans. I need space and monay.

[@jjtrucker5950]

@@TexasHillbilly You are too far away for me , the added expense of transporting a non running vehicle that far is a deal breaker for me at the moment, plus I have 10 vehicles to worry about right now and currently not enough room lol. I know where a 79 is sitting less than two hours from me that I want to pick up and storing it is the main reason I haven't bought it already. The rust through on the side of the bed is very common on these trucks, there is a flange there that is spot welded connecting the upper and lower sections together that runs the full length of the bed, they always rust through there. You can buy replacement outer bed sides that are one piece , no more seams to cause rust. BJ's offroad is a great place for FSJ parts, but the older rigs like yours are a bit more limited to find parts for. Nor am also carries bed sides. I haven't replaced any yet but I did buy a pair a few years back, the price has increased dramatically since then, and it's a big project to replace a whole side. They both also carry replacement floor pans that are sold in half width sections.

[@user-tl2ug9ep8k]

Great vid. Just found this channel, and subscribed!! I shoot pistols at the firing range on Saturdays.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you for subscribing. Are you saying you shoot at the range that can be heard on camera?

[@user-tl2ug9ep8k]

No not that range lol! I see why you may have thought that lol!😅

[@dalleymonroe3836]

That’s a gm sterling wheel

[@bennyogden4524]

Come on man all that walk around is really cool but let's get it loaded man just get it loaded and see if that motor will run

[@dinadaughtry8993]

Man I would like to get another jeep, I rolled my 97tj down highway 17 at55-60 MPH broke a few bones but still alive and if I can find another one it's not going to have coil springs leave springs for me,I will crush anything that is not set up with leaf spring suspension staying with the older jeeps that one you found is cool wonder if you can get a title for it in Texas, here in Florida next to impossible, can't even scrap a vehicle if you don't have a title

[@freemansgarage]

You register it in a state that accepts non resident vehicle registrations. When you receive your registration in the mail, you take it to your local tax office & switch the title to your state.

[@jimmywhitlow2012]

283 is a Chevy V8.

[@enriquelopez9124]

That steeringbwheel looks like it is from a Camaro just like the seat

[@TexasHillbilly]

Is that a Camaro seat? I was trying to figure it out. The mirrors looked Camaro as well.

[@spamanator666]

It's got side marker lights, so that would be '68 up. So 54 years? (video title says 56) Didn't understand the struggle with the air compressor either, you had a Jeep with an entire truck bed., even without the tailgate going down compressor was light enough to lift it up over.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thank you, I’ve been trying to nail down the exact year. I was too spent to lift the compressor high enough into the Jeep’s bed. I should’ve loaded it before winching.

[@spamanator666]

@@TexasHillbilly Yessir! understand that struggle completely, especially if you have had Covid anytime in the last six months, absolutely wiped out sometimes!

[@andrewgraham9977]

subbed, I'm in Kerrville; can't be far from you. If you're ever in Kerrville, I run around in a little `48 CJ2A, wave at me.

[@TexasHillbilly]

Andrew, thank you for watching and subscribing! Ive seen a flat fender cruising near the post office once or twice. Maybe it was you.

[@andrewgraham9977]

@@TexasHillbilly If it was red with the windshield down, it probably was. I like your channel, waiting for ep 9.

[@TheBlackKnight07]

why didn't you put the air compressor in the box of the old Jeep you could have tied it down in there the old Jeep looks pretty good I hope it all works out for you

[@TexasHillbilly]

Thanks man. I was afraid the tiny winch on the trailer wouldn’t be able to pull up the truck, so I left the bed unloaded. Once on the trailer, the bed was so high, I couldn’t lift the compressor high enough. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@coachgeo]

wish mine was not stolen back around 1988. Was not even a runner yet.

[@TexasHillbilly]

I hate to hear that. I’ve seen tons of them on the market lately. Some good deals to be had.

[@jasonbinckley2346]

would have put the compressor in the bed of the Jeep

[@TexasHillbilly]

I know, right!

[@MK-FreedomUSA]

Love the Jeep my man. But for future reference, and I try to tell as many people as I can, people have been hurt and killed by attaching the tow strap to the ball hitch. The sheer point is not as high as one would think. But they are only designed to pull trailers. I just want to inform people to be safe and stay alive.

[@One-Crazy-Cat]

Yeah and any pull strap should have a damper in event something does shear. Even a heavy blanket in middle to help catch recoil.

[@scottbeasley7680]

You need to invest in some chains & load boomers to chain that truck down good.

[@TexasHillbilly]

I agree. Luckily I didn't have too far to drive and majority of the trip was back roads.

[@jjtrucker5950]

68 should have still had the tornado 230 engine and not the AMC 232.

[@TexasHillbilly]

You are correct. I’ve narrowed it down to a 66 or 67.

[@mikeyoung5211]

Lay it down

[@arlie3334]

Just found ur channel

[@TexasHillbilly]

Welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@trevormangus7832]

So you can’t drop the tailgate on the Toyota but why couldn’t you just put it in the back of the jeep

[@TexasHillbilly]

Long story short: didn’t know if the winch could pull the jeep up, so I wanted it as light as possible. When ready to put it up, I was too tired to lift it high enough into its bed. It was higher than it looked.

[@davidcantrell6237]

Working on my 40 ford sedan. If not doing that be doing things with the wife !!! Or watching you tube.

[@smoosmoo3755]

KZbin, netflix or whatever the wife wants to do.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly soon all combustion cars and trucks including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Car washs will be forbidden too because they are climate killers, now they want to slow down all the gas station pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime.!!! (BABVVEN & TEBBVEN & BEFVO laws)!

[@TexasHillbilly]

That’s sad. If that tragedy ever makes it’s way to Texas, you know we’ll be refining our own gasoline in the hills like moonshiners.

[@michaelwerk9430]

But why?

[@bp4887]

This is a vdeo in how not to do things

[@TexasHillbilly]

Correct. Thanks for watching.

[@bp4887]

@@TexasHillbilly Cool Jeep tho

[@billymiller1319]

Isaw your channel for the first time and as an owner of a 47 flatfender is subcribed. Un fortunately you blasphemed more than 3 times so i unsubscribed again. Please think about what you say. Billy Miller from South Africa

[@TexasHillbilly]

Huh?

[@JWBEATY1012]

I am not even going ot watch this video but i wanted to tell you those are not gladiators they are J-10 J-20s . Trucks . Before you mis-represent stuff and show your snowflake age.

[@TexasHillbilly]

I wish you would’ve watched. This is in fact a Jeep Gladiator J2000, not a j10/20.

[@robertdonald4409]

how do you fix cars if you can't even strap down an air compressor ?

[@TexasHillbilly]

I know, right! What a moron.

[@commentselements2534]

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