At Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam, we celebrate Jeep’s legacy — and nothing represents that spirit for 2025 quite like our event build: the Surf Crawler, a custom 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This project blends classic style, modern upgrades, and coastal vibes to create a true rolling ambassador for MBJJ.

We’ve loved getting to meet folks out at events and meet-ups as we take the Surf Crawler out into the world. But this Wagoneer isn’t just for shows — we’re daily driving it, too. We see the stares on the highway, hear the honks at stoplights, and catch the Jeep waves. And we’ve had some of the best conversations with fellow Jeep fans at gas stations (we’re there a lot!). Thanks for all the love for the Surf Crawler — we can’t wait to see more of you over the coming months as we work toward getting it ready for Jeep Jam this October.

Here’s the latest on how the Surf Crawler has come to life.

Reliability Under the Hood

The Surf Crawler stays true to its roots with the original AMC 360 5.9L V8 under the hood. With just under 100,000 miles, the engine had solid bones but was held back by poor tuning, vacuum and exhaust leaks, and outdated, inefficient design. Our goal was to keep the classic powerplant while giving it the refresh it needed to become a reliable daily driver ready for the road and sand.

We started with key performance and reliability upgrades, including a Holley Sniper 2 EFI system (with PDM), an Edelbrock Performance 4BL intake manifold, and a Holley Hyperspark distributor, ignition, coil, spark plugs, and wires. Updates to the fuel system included a Holley drop-in returnless fuel pump, new fuel lines, filters, and filler hoses. We also added a high-output alternator and an electric fan to improve charging and cooling.

On the repair and cleanup side, we tackled a new head gasket, header gaskets, dipstick tube, rear main seal, and oil pan gasket, installed new belts, flushed the radiator and oil, removed unneeded vacuum lines, and cleaned up the wiring and engine bay. We gave key components a fresh look with black spray paint and temporarily removed the air conditioning system for a cleaner, simpler setup.

The Surf Crawler now runs stronger, stays mostly cool, leaks far less, and looks the part under the hood — exactly what we need for a dependable, event-ready cruiser.

Lifted and Beach-Ready

To give the Surf Crawler the clearance and stance it needed for both sand and street, we turned to the team at FBK Off-Road, who installed a Skyjacker 3.5-4 inch suspension lift system. The kit includes Softride leaf springs front and rear for a smoother, more comfortable ride that stays true to the Wagoneer’s character. New Black MAX shocks deliver reliable, consistent performance with increased fluid capacity and a durable twin-tube design. FBK put in serious work to make sure everything was done right — every last bolt torqued and checked so the Surf Crawler would perform as it should.

We matched the lift with 33″ Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires on white aluminum wheels, all supplied and installed by Black’s Tire and Auto Service. These tires deliver rugged style and reliable traction on both sand and pavement, with PowerPly 3-ply sidewalls for added stability and puncture resistance. A silica-reinforced compound boosts wet handling, extends durability, and helps keep road noise in check.

We’re excited to welcome both Skyjacker and Black’s Tire as first-time vendors and sponsors at Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam 2025, and we’re grateful for FBK Off-Road’s continued support in their eighth year partnering with MBJJ.

Retro Styling with a Coastal Twist

The Surf Crawler’s look is all about blending vintage Jeep charm with relaxed beach vibes. Native Sons Vehicle Wraps & Signage designed and installed a custom deep orange 3M color change wrap overlaid with printed graphics that highlight the Wagoneer’s iconic lines. The design includes a bright white roof, wrapped white bumpers, classic-style stripe, bold MBJJ logo, and a subtle white woodgrain texture — all nods to Wagoneers of the ‘70s and ‘80s, reimagined for a fresh, coastal feel.

Finishing touches include:

• Full ceramic coating and window tint by Coastal Coating

• A 9-foot surfboard mounted on the roof rack with pads and straps from Village Surf Shoppe

• Holley Retrobright headlights and upgraded LED marker lights for style and visibility

What’s Next?

Next up for the Surf Crawler are two key projects sponsored by Holley: upgrading the brakes with fresh Baer components, and tackling the exhaust system with a new Flowmaster FX muffler and exhaust tubing. Both upgrades are focused on boosting the Surf Crawler’s capability, dependability, and overall vibe as we take the build to the next level.

We’re always open to ideas and suggestions from fellow Jeep fans, builders, and brands. What else should we do?

Want to Partner on the Build?

The Surf Crawler is more than just a build — it’s a tribute to Jeep’s history and the vibrant community that keeps it alive. From the Willys MB to the Grand Wagoneer, Jeep’s story is filled with vehicles that have stood the test of time. The Surf Crawler honors that legacy while inspiring future adventures, whether it’s turning heads at Jeep Jam, local meetups, or regional shows.

We’re proud of what the Surf Crawler represents and invite brands, sponsors, and vendors to join us on this journey. If your company offers products or services that align with this build, we’d love to connect.

Contact Philip Van der Vossen at PVanderVossen@NSPromos.com to learn more about partnership opportunities. Let’s celebrate Jeep culture together.