January/February 2021 Vintage Truck
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The January/February 2021 issue of Vintage Truck magazine is available in our gift shop now and will be available on newsstands soon. Our cover story about Scott Domine’s 1976 Jeep J-10was written by Tom Gibson and photographed by Brad Bowling.
Michigander Scott Domine set out in 2010 to create his Jeep “super truck”—a custom build, but using OEM Jeep, Kaiser, and AMC parts for a product indiscernible from a factory model. Domine’s history and longtime enthusiasm for all things AMC began in high school at age 16, when he drove a 1969 AMX during his junior and senior years. In addition to that AMX, he currently has a 1972 Javelin, a 1976 Pacer, and our featured 1976 Jeep J-10 in his garage.
The dream-build J-10 project began with countless internet searches of ads, many of which linger on the world wide web for years, long after the vehicle has been sold. Such was the disappointing case when Domine pursued a Jeep in nearby Rochester Hills, Michigan, but by a great stroke of luck the man on the phone had another J-10 he would consider selling. Domine was interested to hear more about the 1976 Honcho with the short box, Z-code 401ci V-8, power brakes and steering, bucket seats, and factory air conditioning.
The Honcho Townside was originally a California truck that seemed to fit Domine’s plan perfectly. The next day, he went to Rochester Hills for a test drive. The J-10 wore its original Nautical Blue paint, had faded “Honcho” graphics, and its blue vinyl interior (with denim on the door panels) was well worn but original with a center armrest and column- shift automatic. The original 401ci V-8 had been removed and replaced with a tired 304 V-8 from a 1970 Hornet, but the Jeep’s body and frame appeared mostly rust free and straight. Domine bought the J-10 on the spot, and it became the platform for the super truck’s construction.
One of 5,058 Jeep J-10 trucks produced on the 119-inch wheelbase in 1976, the Honcho package added $699 to the J-10’s $4,463 base price. All were 4X4 models, and net weight of the base half-ton truck was 3,773 pounds. Major options, such as the 401ci, 215hp V-8 ($295), factory air conditioning ($480), and Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission ($325), pushed the Honcho’s list price when new to more than $5,500. (This was a significant number, since that was also the price negotiated to buy the Honcho on that summer day in 2010.)
To read more about this beautiful 1967 Dodge pick up a copy of the November/December 2020 issue of Vintage Truck magazine!
Articles in this issue include:
Just Add Milk
After years of work, the Utley family has a 1952 Divco to make them proud!
Story and Photos by Candace BrownOPERATION: Super Truck
This 1976 Jeep J-10 is Scott Domine’s OEM dream!
Story by Tom Gibson, Photos by Brad BowlingA Tale of Two Restorations
Andrew Straw has owned this 1929 Ford Model AA since he was 13 years old.
That was 50 years ago! Story by Robert Gabrick, Photos by Brad BowlingThe Gravedigger’s Pickup
David Cardinal’s First Series 1955 Dodge was fitted with a dump bed when new!
Story by Loren Hoekema, Photos by Brad BowlingRussian 4X4 Trucks
Story and Photos by Bill SiuruLetter from the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Chevy Talk: 1932 Chevrolet Model BB
For Ford Fans: 1947 Ford
Delivery Designs: 1938–40 Studebaker Urbans
Photos from the Attic
Books in the Bed: Reviews by Robert Gabrick
The Road Less Traveled: Velie Motors Corp. after WWI
Hey Loren!
Aid for the Anxious Amateur: Fan Failure
Classifieds
Show Guide
Granny Gear: That Old-school Two-wheel-drive Touch
If you can't find Vintage Truck on a newsstand near you, call 800-767-5828 or visit our Gift Shop to order current or back issues. To subscribe, call 888-760-8108 or click here.
