1969 JEEP WAGONEER

In anticipation of KC HiLiTES’s 50th Anniversary in 2020, Alan Wang, CEO of KC HiLiTES, wanted to build one that captured both KC’s heritage of the 1970s, while showcasing KC’s latest innovations. Alan considered many classic rigs - from a Toyota Land Cruiser to a Ford Bronco but eventually decided on a classic Jeep Wagoneer. He then brought in Rick DeWeese, who meticulously built the infamous 1966 Dunewhore Bug, to fi nd and build what he envisioned. Rick searched “far and wide” and fi nally located a 1969 Jeep Wagoneer in Southern California. He was fortunate enough to fi nd this “survivor” Jeep in almost mint condition, but just restoring it to its original stock form wasn’t enough. Rick wanted to put his creative spin on this build.

After months of working with Nick Valentine from NVFab and understanding Alan’s requirements, the AdvHulk Wagoneer debuted at the 2019 SEMA Show. The nostalgic vibes with modern amenities of AdvHulk became a hit at SEMA and made Top 10 Overland Vehicles. From there, the AdvHulk Wagoneer made its public debut at Four Wheeler Adventure Expo in Costa Mesa, California and there was a surprise reveal of the RC MiniAdvHulk provided by RC4WD.

We asked Alan more about his backstory with the Wagoneer build.

OWNER: ALAN WANG ALANWANG | | @KCHILITES @KCHILITES WORDS: WORDS: KC HILITES STAFF // KCHILITESSTAFF // PHOTOS: PHOTOS: JORDAN KEPLER JORDANKEPLER @LOST.SASQUATCH / MATT GIRGIS @LOSTSASQUATCH / MATTGIRGIS @RAD_Z71 @RAD Z71

Modern conveniences on an old classic make this 1969 Wagoneer a reliable and comfortable adventure rig. “After fi nally meeting George, the original owner of the Wagoneer, and seeing the care that it takes to restore a classic vehicle, I now have a newfound appreciation of the art. I wasn’t expecting the Wagoneer to have the creature comforts of a newer rig, and I quickly realized patience is key. Some of the things like the old tailgate window motor had to be rebuilt. The locks and old crank windows had to be realigned. The windshield wipers had to be redone. Some of the newer upgrades like the motor, transmission, and gearing, had to be tuned a bit more to get the AdvHulk to its optimal performance. It just took more time.

My ultimate goal is to take this Wagoneer on long off -road adventures, so we continue to make adjustments. Since SEMA Show 2019, my team and I had a chance to take out the Wagoneer to off -road trails from King of the Hammers, Big Bear, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. I’m so grateful that my staff is deeply passionate about the products we make and even more passionate about using them.

I know they had a lot of fun doing the shakedown runs, but now I’m looking forward to taking my family out with this beast and creating new memories with my wife and kids.”

Being a KC shop build, expect the 1969 Jeep Wagoneer to feature a host of KC HiLiTES products. From the top, they worked closely with NVFab to fi t a custom Pro6 M-RACKS and a Rear Chase Bar on the back. The A-pillars are Slimlite LEDs, which can be used with a variety of 6” covers. The headlights are Gravity Pro, with additional Carbon Pod Gravity inserts embedded within the grill. The front blinkers were repurposed with a 10” KC FLEX LED Light Bar. The fog pockets use the Amber Gravity G4 Fog Lights. Then, the Green Cyclone Universal Rock Light Kit was installed throughout the underbelly of this beast, while matching Green Cyclone accessory lights were used for under dash lights. To fi nish it off , they added a Diff used Cyclone accessory light for the interior dome lighting.

As a KC HiLiTES shop build, the 1969 Jeep Wagoneer features a host of high quality KC HiLiTES products.

• Custom Gravity Pro6 M-RACKS • Rear Chase Bar • KC FLEX LED 10” Light Bar • Gravity Pro Headlight • Gravity Insert from Carbon Pod • Slimlite LED A-Pillar • Amber Gravity G4 Fog Lights • Green Cyclone Universal Rock Light Kit • Green Cyclone Under Dash Lights • Diff used Cyclone Dome Light

• V8 Motor: LY6 6.0L with LS3 cam by

NVFab • Holley Performance ECU and harnesses • Aeromotive fuel pump and fi lters • Novac Radiator/Core Support and mounting brackets

• 4L80 Transmission and rebuilt transfer case by Maximum transmissions • Currie Enterprises F9 front and rear axles • Reid Racing high steering knuckle • Warn hubs • Custom shifter and linkage by NVFab • Custom steering linkage by NVFab • Tom Woods drive shafts and transfer case slip yoke eliminator kit • Power steering solutions. Ram assist and rebuilt/upgraded steering box • Fuel safe cell. Cradle/mount built by

NVFab • Magnafl ow muffl er, complete stainless • 3” exhaust built by NVFab • Hooker exhaust manifolds

• XTC Power Products Switch Power

Control Systems • Electrical wiring by Hardwired

Performance • (2) Optima Battery Red Top Batteries

• Custom Front and Rear Bumper by

NVFab • Custom Tire Carrier by NVFab

• Walker Evans Racing 17” Wheels • BFGoodrich KM3 M/T 37”

• ICON 2.5” Reservoir Shocks • Atlas leaf springs front and rear

• M8274-70 Warn Winch (70th

Anniversary Edition) • Factor 55 Flatlink

• Full Intercom System by Rugged

Radios • Rockford Fosgate Audio System • Custom Rear Cargo area • SnoMaster Small and Large Fridge • PRP Seats / Harness / Recover Ropes • Tie Straps • Custom carpet, door panels, and headliner by V&M upholstery • Center console wrapped by NVFab