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AEV Brute
SEMA 2006
American Expedition Vehicles has released their new Brute kit, which allows a TJ owner to convert their Jeep to an AEV Brute. The kit includes all body panes, frame extension, bed, top and most hardware. As expected, the quality and fitment is exceptional. I have long admired the Brute conversion and now it is available to those with a Jeep, some solid mechanical skills and about $9,000
Contact:
PO Box 621
Missoula, MT 59806
Office: (406) 251-2100
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In the outside vehicle display, an assembled Brute was on display with 35" tires, sil guards, rear quarter protection and F/R winches. | |
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This detail shows the rear reciever and winch, along with the quarter protection. | |
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In the AEV booth, the display BRUTE showed the individual panels used to construct the bed and cab. | |
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Another close-up shot of the rear frame member with integrated winch and 1/4 guards. The longer bed allows the fuel tank to sit just enough forward to allow the winch to fit. A possible option includes a saddle tank, which if combined with the TJ tank will provide nearly 40 gallons and a 600 mile highway range. |
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This shows the tight integration of the new cab panel, which forms the back half of the cab and allows utilization of the factory hard doors. | |
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This is a pre-production top, but very representative of the final result. Door handles are also provided, just aft of the side door glass (note the mold recess). | |
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The fenders and hood shown are optional, and part of the high fender kit. The high fender kit works for all TJ's and allows for +2" tire size. | |
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The attention to detail and quality is shown throughout, all the way down to the tailgate hardware. All metal, flush-mount latches. | |
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The bed corners are impressive and all steel. Complicated bends and forming allowed for tight tolerance to the bed sides and the tailgate, while providing for stock Jeep tail lights to be nearly flush mounted, protecting them from trail hazards. | |
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Close-up of the rear quarter protection. | |
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Close-up of the winch integration. | |
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14 gauge bed sides with high clearance cut-outs. Those are 37" tires. | |
These three detail shots show the connection between the Jeep tub and the Brute cab components. |
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This shows the cab back with vent and hard top integration | |
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Factory quality throughout, including stregthening ribs formed along the back panel. | |
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Molded into the new cab top is a pair of map lights and a provision for a gauge. Also shown are the view windows and roll cage | |
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Front 3/4 shot showing the winch bumper, high fenders and new, coweled hood | |
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Detail of the high fenders. These can be used on any TJ | |
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| By Scott Brady, Expeditions West | ||