Abandoned Jeep J20 Gets Wicked Tremors-Inspired Makeover

Acquired for very little money, this Jeep J20 just needs a basic mechanical overhaul and a couple of parts to make movie star cool.

Anyone who’s ever seen the movie Tremors – a B-horror film from the ’90s – undoubtedly remembers the Jeep J20 that helped the movie’s main characters evade giant man-eating monsters. That particular pickup was equipped with the rare thriftside short bed, some knobbier tires, and a small lift, which helps it navigate all sorts of terrain in the movie. Since then, many have attempted to replicate the movie-famous Jeep J20, and that recently included the folks behind the Pole Barn Garage YouTube channel after they scored an abandoned example of the pickup for a mere $2,500.

As one might imagine given this information, the 1980 model year Jeep J20 isn’t exactly in great condition, and that’s certainly the case – it runs, but not very well, and the pickup has its fair share of bumps and bruises. However, these aren’t things that a little elbow grease can’t fix, with a to-do list that includes rebuilding the carburetor, replacing filters and fluids, adding a new radiator, and swapping out the cheap Chinese brake master cylinder with something of better quality.

After a little time and effort, the Jeep J20 is running pretty darn good, though it obviously needs a bit more work before it’s ready for something like a road trip. Next, it’s time to address the brakes, and then our host can move on to things that are a bit more fun – like installing a three-inch lift kit. Throw on some knobbier tires, and this old J20 is looking pretty darn cool already – just like its movie counterpart.

Following the finishing touch of sorts – a heavy-duty oil-field pipe bumper that our host custom-welded himself – we’d say that this Jeep J20 is a pretty cool piece on its own regard – movie inspiration or no. Given the fact that there’s very little money wrapped up in this project, it certainly seems like a no-brainer for anyone that considers themselves to be a massive Tremors fan, as is the case here, but then again, we’re digging the look even though we aren’t necessarily in that camp.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.