Welcome to the (Urban) Jungle Randy's Rubicon Brute Story and photos by Chad Westfall Many people see Jeeps as a single use vehicle, meant to be built and taken off road. The Jeep's inherent size and flexibility shine like few others. But when Randy Cupp was looking for something to show off and drive daily, he chose a Jeep Rubicon for the flexibility of the platform. There are many products on the market that people can add to personalize their Jeep. But Cupp went so much further than just adding bolt-on parts. His Rubicon has become one of a handful that have been transformed into a Jeep Brute. The Brute is a conversion kit produced by American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV for short. This kit takes a regular TJ and coverts it into a pickup truck. Wanting to make this conversion, Cupp searched for a suitable shop to make it a reality. He quickly turned to Mike's Off Road in Haltom City, Texas, near Fort Worth, to do the work. Mike's Off Road has been around for years, and together with Randy they came up with a game plan for the kit's installation, as well as a custom paint scheme. The results are both show stopping, and award winning. The first thing that stands out when you walk up to this Brute is the custom yellow paint job with rock scene graphics. As you get closer, a Fab Fours Lifestyle bumper with a Superwinch tucked inside lets you know this isn't just for show. Pro Comp Xtreme 17" x 9" wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All Terrain 305/65s fit nicely under the fenders, thanks to the 2" Teraflex spring lift kit and AEV's highline fender kit. The AEV stamped steel bed has a Line-X sprayed-in bed liner for protection. Mike's Off Road fabricated a custom swing out tire carrier in the rear that holds the spare. Smoked Euro tail lights replaced the stock units to help with the overall look. In opening the doors, notice that the rock paint scheme has been carried throughout the interior. All the carpeting was been removed and the floors covered with Line-X. The seats were reupholstered in leather to match the paint. The cab has a roomy, spacious feeling because of the raised roof line, thanks to the skylights. The windows have also been tinted to help keep the intense Texas heat out. It wasn't until we filled up at a gas station during the photo shoot and had another TJ parked next to us, that the 18" of added length was apparent. When Mike's Off Road did the AEV conversion, they had to cut the frame and extend it 18 inches to fit the almost six-foot bed. So, any time you are around the Dallas/Fort Worth area and see this Brute, feel free to stop and talk to Cupp. You will be one of many who want to know more about Randy's Rubicon, as he can't go anywhere without people staring, taking photos and asking questions. This truly is one attention getting, urban jungle show stopper. A Fab Fours bumper, driving lights, and Superwinch are featured up front. Pro Comp Xtreme 17" x 9" wheels & BFGoodrich All Terrain 305/65s fit perfectly. Line-X bedliner protects the AEV bed and makes the cargo area more user friendly. Mike's Off Road custom fabricated the swing away tire/Hi-Lift jack carrier. GPS navigation and Line-X instead of carpeting were two off-road additions inside. AEV includes overhead skylights and a raised roof in the Brute package. Custom yellow & black leather seats extend the color palette to the interior. Cutting and welding 18 feet to the frame was needed to accommodate the 6' bed.