Want the classic Jeep Scrambler look on a modern Gladiator? You get it with three pieces: retro body-side stripes, a matching hood graphic, and custom door or hood lettering. Jeep teased a Gladiator-based JT Scrambler concept at the 2019 Moab Easter Jeep Safari but never sold it, so owners recreate the 1980s throwback themselves with vinyl decal kits. Here is how the look comes together, what fits a 2020 and newer Gladiator, and how to do it right.
What were the Jeep Scrambler and Honcho?
The Scrambler was the long-wheelbase pickup version of the CJ, sold as the CJ-8 from 1981 to 1986. It came with bold body-side stripes, big block hood and bedside lettering, and bright period colors. The Honcho came earlier, a trim package on the full-size J10 pickup through the 1970s and into the early 1980s, known for its wide tapered side stripe and the Honcho name splashed down the bedside. Both leaned hard into stripes and lettering, which is exactly why they translate so well to vinyl today.
Scrambler vs Honcho: what is the difference?
Both are classic Jeep trucks with big retro graphics, but they are not the same vehicle. Here is how they compare, and how to get either look on a Gladiator today.
| Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) | Jeep Honcho (J10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1981 to 1986 | Mid 1970s to early 1980s |
| Body | Long-wheelbase CJ pickup | Full-size J10 pickup |
| Signature graphic | Bold body-side stripes with block hood and bedside lettering | Wide tapered side stripe with the Honcho name down the bedside |
| Classic colors | Yellow-over-red and other bright period schemes | Bold multi-stripe combos, often over white or tan |
| Get the look on a JT | Retro Scrambler stripe kit plus custom lettering | Tapered retro stripe plus custom Honcho-style lettering |
The Gladiator Scrambler concept Jeep never sold
At the 2019 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep rolled out a Gladiator-based JT Scrambler concept dressed in throwback graphics, and it got plenty of Gladiator owners thinking about retro-izing their new pickups. The catch is that Jeep and Mopar never added Scrambler-specific graphics to the accessory catalog, so the only way to get the look is aftermarket vinyl. Heritage and concept details reported by MotorTrend.
Is Jeep bringing back the Scrambler?
Yes. At Stellantis Investor Day in May 2026, Jeep confirmed the Scrambler name is returning, this time as a two-door, Hemi-powered pickup based on the Wrangler. Reporting points to a shorter two-door body with longer front doors and side steps, a removable rear hardtop section, and swiveling rear seats, plus a high-performance SRT version widely expected to carry the 6.4 liter 392 HEMI V8. The timeline is still loose, with the truck expected somewhere around 2027 to 2028 as part of Jeep's next product wave. In other words, the Scrambler badge is officially cool again, and you do not have to wait years to get the look. A retro decal kit puts the classic Scrambler style on your current Gladiator right now. Revival details reported by outlets including The Fast Lane Truck, Gear Patrol, and Expedition Portal.
What the retro Scrambler look is on a Gladiator JT
On a 2020 and newer Gladiator, the retro Scrambler build comes down to three pieces:
- Body-side stripes that run the length of the truck in the classic tapered retro shape.
- A matching hood graphic in the same color scheme.
- Door or hood lettering that finishes the throwback, just like the originals wore their names.
Our Retro Scrambler Body Stripe Kit covers the stripes and hood graphic, cut to fit the 2020 and up JT.
The full throwback side stripe and hood graphic set, cut to fit the 2020 and newer Gladiator in classic retro color combos.
The trademark catch: why the lettering is custom
Here is the part most guides skip. The Scrambler and Honcho names, as they relate to Jeep, are trademarked. That means the retro stripes and hood graphics in the traditional yellow-over-red scheme are freely available, but the actual Scrambler or Honcho hood lettering cannot be sold as an off-the-shelf product. The workaround is simple: order the lettering you want as a custom piece. Our Custom Text Hood Lettering lets you set the exact text, font, and color, so you can spell out your build the way the originals did without stepping on a trademark.
Spell out your own retro hood or side lettering. Pick the exact wording, font, and color to finish the Scrambler look.
Classic color combos and period touches
The original CJ-8 Scrambler came in a wide range of schemes, so there is no single correct answer. The traditional yellow-over-red is the icon, but gold-over-black, red-over-orange, and other retro pairings all fit the era. If you want to go all in, period-correct touches like white wagon wheels and wood-look bedsides sell the whole 1980s picture. Not sure which colors read best on your paint? Order an Oracal 651 sample swatch and check the combo in person before you commit.
Do retro Scrambler decals fit every Gladiator?
The stripe kit is cut for the 2020 and newer Jeep Gladiator JT and works across Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave, since the body panels are shared. Order by your model year and follow the included placement guide. The vinyl is durable, weatherproof, and made in the USA, built to hold color through sun and washes.
Can you install it yourself?
Yes. These kits are designed for a careful DIY install with basic tools, a squeegee, and a spray bottle of soapy water to float the larger pieces into place before they set. Take your time on the long side stripes, and a helper makes alignment easier. For a full walkthrough, see our installation guides.
Frequently asked questions
Are these official Jeep or Mopar Scrambler decals?
No. Jeep and Mopar never released Scrambler-specific graphics for the Gladiator. These are retro Scrambler-style stripe and graphic kits made to recreate the classic look. Jeep, Scrambler, and Honcho are trademarks of their respective owners.
Which Gladiator years do they fit?
The kit fits the 2020 and newer Jeep Gladiator JT across all trims. Order by your model year for the correct cut.
Can I get the actual Scrambler or Honcho lettering?
Because those names are trademarked, the lettering is available as custom text only. Use our custom hood lettering to set the exact wording, font, and color you want.
How long do the decals last?
Made from durable, weatherproof outdoor-rated vinyl, they hold up for years outdoors with proper installation and care, resisting fading through sun, rain, and washes.
Do I need a shop to install them?
No. Most owners install these at home using the wet method and the included instructions. A helper and a slow, careful approach on the long stripes give the best result.
Build the Scrambler Jeep Never Sold
Start with the retro stripe kit and finish it with custom lettering for a full 1980s throwback on your Gladiator JT.
Shop the Retro Scrambler Kit →Made in the USA. Free shipping on orders over $59.99.
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