Easter Jeep Safari Concepts - Unbelievable Builds... Maybe
About this episode
Jeep concept vehicles at Easter Jeep Safari get dissected hard—especially the “lacklustre” lineup and how Jeep’s budget/leadership constraints may be showing. Neil, Scott Brown, and Phil Bruce debate what counts as a true concept, then rank favorites and disappointments: the Buzz Cut, Red Rock/Laredo-style sticker builds, Anvil 715 safari theme, and a retro-inspired 1984 XJ resto-mod. The crew also calls out missed opportunities (engine swaps, overlanding practicality, and design follow-through) and ends with personal updates, including FedEx chaos in Charleston and Jeffrey switching from Jeep life to a Subaru hatchback.
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The Easter Jeep Safari has always been the proving ground for Jeep’s wildest ideas—but the 2026 concept lineup left a lot of enthusiasts scratching their heads.
In this episode, we break down all six builds—from the military-inspired Wrangler concepts to the retro XJ restomod—and ask the bigger question: did Jeep play it too safe this year? While the lineup leaned heavily on heritage cues and subtle upgrades, many felt it lacked the bold innovation and boundary-pushing creativity the event is known for.
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taking the top off
"I used to love, love, love taking the top off [190.6s] In March, April"
“Taking the top off” refers to removing the Jeep’s roof panels and/or doors for open-air driving, a hallmark of many Jeep models. It’s especially popular in spring and early fall because it turns the vehicle into a more outdoorsy, weather-friendly ride.
Jeep
"But like in the past jeep Would do like teasers... So we're going to be discussing the EJS stuff"
Jeep is the car brand this episode is about. They put on the Easter Jeep Safari and show off special off-road concept Jeeps there.
Jeep is the brand behind the Easter Jeep Safari and the concept builds discussed here. Their EJS concepts typically focus on off-road accessories, trail-ready upgrades, and styling that fits the event’s theme.
block of clay
"Unlike other concepts Where it's a block of clay That is on a turnstile And you're just It doesn't move"
In car design, a “clay model” is like a life-size sculpture used to figure out the shape of the body. The host is saying Jeep’s concepts are different because they’re built to be used outdoors, not just displayed.
A “clay model” is a full-size sculpting method used in automotive design to shape surfaces before final tooling and production. The host contrasts clay models that sit still for design review with Jeep concepts that are built to be driven and used on trails.
Ford Bronco
"And I know that this year Bronco was out there At the same time that EJS was"
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV built for off-road driving. It’s designed to go on dirt roads and trails more easily than a typical car. The podcast brings it up because it was around during the same timeframe as EJS.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged, off-road-focused SUV known for its ability to handle trails and rough terrain. It often comes up in discussions around classic off-road culture and modern revivals, especially when people compare what was happening in the same era of events. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as being around the same time as EJS.
wind tunnels
"And put them through the wind tunnels And then"
A wind tunnel is like a giant fan test area where engineers study how air hits a car. It helps them make the car more efficient and stable.
Wind tunnels are facilities that measure how air flows around a vehicle. Engineers use them to reduce drag, improve cooling, and refine aerodynamic stability—especially important for concept vehicles that may be shown at events before production.
interior
"Most of the time they didn't even have an interior Just be like top of seats"
“Interior” refers to the cabin components like seats, dashboard, and controls. The segment notes that many concept vehicles shown at events may not even have a finished interior, emphasizing that some builds are primarily for design presentation.
concept vehicles
"Where they want their concept vehicles To be appreciated by the masses"
A concept vehicle is basically a “what if” Jeep or truck. It’s built to show off ideas and see if people get excited before it ever becomes a real production model.
Concept vehicles are one-off or limited-run designs meant to preview future styling, technology, or off-road capability. They’re often used to gauge public reaction and internal buy-in before any production plan exists.
Wrangler Rubicon
"... worth doing And ultimately that was EJS and the Rubicon That was where the Rubicon"
The Wrangler is Jeep’s off-road SUV. The podcast mentions it because it’s a common choice for serious trail driving and routes like the Rubicon. It’s brought up as something people consider doing for off-road adventures.
The Wrangler (in general) is Jeep’s signature off-road SUV, known for its trail-focused design and strong aftermarket support. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of what’s “worth doing,” tying it to events and specific off-road routes like the Rubicon. That makes it a central reference point for people building or planning off-road trips.
SEMA
"And then ultimately at SEMA [873.2s] You'll have all six on display"
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies bring custom builds and new aftermarket parts. If something is “at SEMA,” it’s usually meant to impress enthusiasts and get attention from the industry.
SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, focused on aftermarket parts and custom vehicles. When a podcast mentions concepts “at SEMA,” it usually means builders and brands are showcasing new ideas, styling, and performance hardware to the enthusiast market.
winch
"It's got a worn winch which I think they have to [964.4s] At this point [965.9s] It's got"
A winch is like a heavy-duty pull tool mounted on the front or rear. It helps you get unstuck by pulling the Jeep out using a cable.
A winch is a motorized cable system used to pull the vehicle out of mud, sand, or obstacles. In off-road builds, it’s a key recovery tool, and a “worn winch” implies it may be older or not in great condition.
37s
"It's got [968.3s] 37s on V-Lock wheels [969.7s] Never seen that before"
“37s” means the tires are about 37 inches tall. Bigger tires help the Jeep handle rough terrain, but they can make the ride heavier and more demanding.
“37s” refers to 37-inch tires, a common size in serious off-road builds. Larger tires improve obstacle clearance and can help traction, but they also add weight and can affect gearing, steering feel, and ride quality.
tire size
"We don't know how big the tires are [1214.9s] I want to see the front end of that"
Tire size isn’t just about looks. It can change how high the Jeep sits and how well it handles bumps and trails, but it can also affect ride and efficiency.
Tire size affects how a Jeep looks and how it performs off-road. Bigger tires usually mean more ground clearance and better obstacle clearance, but they can also change gearing, ride quality, and fuel economy.
Non-removable roof
"You love the Fact the roof is Non-removable So You know"
A non-removable roof means you can’t take the roof off. That can make the vehicle feel more solid and sealed, but it won’t give you the open-air “remove the top” experience.
A non-removable roof means the vehicle’s roof structure can’t be taken off like a typical convertible or removable hardtop. On concept Jeeps, this often signals a focus on structural rigidity, weather sealing, or a specific safari-style silhouette.
Kelsey Hayes
"[1464.3s] And friend there [1465.0s] Talked about the original aluminum [1468.2s] Slotted wheel manufacturer [1470.0s] Kelsey Hayes [1471.3s] Kind of a nod to the Kelsey Hayes days"
Kelsey Hayes was a company that made parts for cars, especially wheels and brakes. Mentioning it here is basically a throwback to older, classic wheel designs people get excited about.
Kelsey-Hayes is a historic automotive supplier best known for wheel and brake components. In the Jeep/Easter Jeep Safari context, referencing “Kelsey Hayes days” is a nod to classic wheel designs and the era when aftermarket-style wheels were a big deal.
stock plastic bumper
"[1478.6s] This [1480.2s] Literally has the stock plastic [1482.6s] From bumper [1483.1s] That is what [1485.4s] Irritates me the most [1488.2s] Literally [1489.3s] You went so close [1491.2s] It is a stock plastic bumper"
That means the Jeep still has the factory bumper cover made of plastic. The speaker is annoyed because a custom build usually swaps that out so it looks fully upgraded.
A “stock plastic bumper” means the vehicle is still using the factory bumper cover material rather than a fully custom metal or aftermarket bumper. In concept builds, keeping the stock bumper can feel less “complete” because it limits the visual and functional transformation.
tow hooks
"[1493.4s] They did a contrast color match [1495.3s] On the tow hooks which you know [1497.1s] I'm okay with that [1497.9s] They matched that to the grill"
Tow hooks are the strong points on the front (or rear) of a vehicle used for towing or recovery. In custom builds, people often paint them so they look like part of the design.
Tow hooks are recovery points used to attach a tow strap or recovery rope. On off-road and concept builds, they’re often finished to match or contrast the grille/bumper so the recovery hardware looks integrated rather than like an afterthought.
JL builds
"And with this really Stalantis Jeep Chrysler Gives us potentially one of our most Underwhelming JL builds"
“JL” is the Wrangler generation. A “JL build” means a Wrangler JL that someone has modified, usually for off-roading.
“JL” refers to the Jeep Wrangler JL generation (2018+). Calling something a “JL build” usually means a Wrangler JL that’s been modified—often for off-road use—so the discussion is about how well those builds perform or impress.
orange seatbelts
"For the buzz cut Is that it has orange seatbelts"
Orange seatbelts are a visual styling cue that can make a concept build feel more distinctive and intentional. In concept vehicles, color-matched or contrasting safety hardware is often used to reinforce the theme.
A-pillar and bumper lights
"I think You've got orange rings On the lights You've got really classic A-pillar and bumper lights"
The A-pillar is the part of the Jeep’s body right by the windshield. Some builds add extra lights there and on the front bumper to help you see better off-road.
The A-pillar is the vertical support between the windshield and the side window, and it often houses trim and lighting on off-road vehicles. “Bumper lights” are auxiliary lights mounted on or near the front bumper to improve visibility when driving off pavement.
Mopar
"You've got the Mopar Rubicon bumper"
Mopar is the official Jeep/Chrysler parts brand. If a build mentions Mopar, it’s usually talking about Jeep parts made to fit and match the vehicle’s style.
Mopar is Chrysler/Jeep’s official parts and accessories brand. When a concept build references Mopar components, it usually means Jeep-specific aftermarket-style parts designed to fit and look factory-correct.
BFGs
"Yeah, there's a lot of BFGs It's all BFG"
“BFG” means BFGoodrich, a well-known tire brand for off-road driving. People pick them because they tend to handle rough terrain better than regular tires.
“BFG” is a common shorthand for BFGoodrich, a major off-road tire brand. In Jeep builds, BFG tires are often selected for their reputation in all-terrain and mud-capable traction and sidewall durability.
resto mod
"The biggest investment in this In this resto mod which is Most people will never know Most people will never ever know"
A “resto mod” is when someone restores a classic vehicle but also modifies it to improve it or customize it. It’s not just stock restoration.
A “resto mod” is a restoration-modification hybrid: the vehicle is kept in the spirit of the original, but updated with modern upgrades or custom fabrication. The speaker is emphasizing that some of the biggest work (like custom body pieces) can be hard for casual observers to notice.
33 inch BFG All terrain tires
"You got custom painted Wheels with 33 inch BFG All terrain tires and I'm going to Jeep nerd out For a second"
This describes a tire setup: 33-inch BFG all-terrain tires. The larger diameter and all-terrain tread are common in Jeep builds because they improve off-road traction and ground clearance.
structural rock rails
"They put an integrated Structural rock rails on this"
Rock rails are the tough bars under the doors that protect the sides when you hit rocks. “Structural” means they’re built to help the vehicle’s strength, not just look cool.
Structural rock rails are heavy-duty side protection designed to take impacts from rocks while also adding strength to the body. Unlike simple cosmetic steps, they’re typically tied into the frame/structure.
period accurate
"It has period accurate [2455.1s] Beaded seat covers [2457.1s] That's right"
“Period accurate” means the car looks like it belongs in that exact era. So the details inside and out are chosen to match the time period.
“Period accurate” means the build is styled and equipped to match what would have been available in the specific time period being referenced. In concept builds, it often affects interior materials, dashboard details, and even small accessories.
Rubik's Cube on the dash
"Cause those are [2461.0s] Rubik's Cube on the dash [2462.9s] Yeah [2464.3s] So Davey would want this one"
Putting a Rubik’s Cube on the dashboard is a fun throwback detail. It’s there to make the interior feel tied to a certain time period.
A Rubik’s Cube mounted on the dashboard is an example of a “retro tech” or nostalgia prop used in concept builds. It’s a visual cue to a specific pop-culture era and helps sell the theme of the vehicle.
Motorola
"[2482.0s] Like Motorola [2484.0s] Car phones [2485.9s] You know and again outside of the fact"
Motorola is a well-known electronics company. In this context, it’s being used to point to the kind of old car phones people used back in the day.
Motorola is a major consumer electronics and communications brand, strongly associated with classic car phones and other mobile tech from the 1980s and 1990s. Mentioning Motorola helps anchor the concept’s “era” theme with recognizable real-world tech.
NDAs
"[2487.9s] That we don't actually get to know who the builders are [2490.1s] And the NDAs"
NDAs are legal agreements that stop people from talking about a project details. Here, it means we don’t get to know who built it or exactly what they did yet.
NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) are legal contracts that prevent builders from publicly sharing details about a project. In concept-build contexts, NDAs are common to control information until the official reveal.
1984 Cherokee
"The concept is built from a well preserved [2513.6s] 1984 Cherokee [2515.1s] Focusing on functional air quotes"
They’re talking about a Jeep Cherokee from 1984. It’s the older, classic generation that people like to build on for car shows and themed builds.
The speaker is describing a Jeep Cherokee from 1984 as the base for a concept build. In Jeep terms, this is a classic-era Cherokee that’s often chosen for its simple, rugged platform and strong aftermarket support.
33's
"And it's got 33's on it [2565.8s] Because we know that [2567.2s] You need two inches and high clearance flares"
“33’s” means tires that are about 33 inches tall. Bigger tires need more room in the wheel wells so they can turn and flex without hitting the body.
“33’s” refers to 33-inch-tall tires, a common size upgrade for off-road Jeeps. The speaker is explaining that fitting 33-inch tires requires enough clearance and flare space to avoid rubbing and to keep the setup functional.
35's
"You could have had 35's on this thing [2580.4s] Had this real low slung"
“35’s” are even bigger tires than “33’s.” To run them, you usually need more clearance and more suspension/body modifications so the tires don’t hit anything.
“35’s” refers to 35-inch-tall tires, a larger step up from 33-inch tires and typically requires more lift, trimming, and clearance work. The speaker is arguing that the build could have gone bigger if the vehicle had been set up differently.
carbon fiber flares
"As it sits The carbon fiber flares The paint"
Carbon fiber flares are the widened parts around the wheel wells. They can help fit wider tires and they also look really cool.
“Carbon fiber flares” are wheel-arch extensions made from carbon fiber. They’re often used to add tire clearance and a lightweight, high-end look—common on show builds and performance-oriented concepts.
Easter egg
"Cool that type of easter egg stuff That sells"
An “Easter egg” is a fun hidden detail you only notice if you look closely. It’s there to surprise and delight people who really pay attention.
An “Easter egg” in automotive design is a hidden or subtle detail meant for people who look closely. On concept builds, it’s often used to reward enthusiasts and create a story behind the styling.
Nitto Recon
"[2842.3s] It's got the 35 inch [2843.9s] Nitto Recon [2845.3s] Which is literally what we just put on"
Nitto Recon is a specific off-road tire model. The speaker likes it because it grips well on rough ground but still feels stable and smooth. They’re basically saying it’s a good all-around tire for a Jeep.
Nitto Recon is an all-terrain tire model from Nitto. In this context, the host is highlighting its off-road traction and how well it balances for ride quality. It’s being compared to other common Jeep tire brands used on similar builds.
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