Nominator Information:

Name: Sheena Landry

Social Handles:

Facebook

TikTok

Nominee: Tom Landry

Passion: Off-road, painting, body work, building custom rigs

Reason for nomination:

I am reaching out on behalf of master fabricator and body man, Tom Landry aka The Box Doctor. Tom is a good friend to so many and a very avid off-roader.

Tom is well known for his body/paint work and custom vehicle builds out of the south Birmingham, AL area. He originally became known for his title as the “The Box Doctor” from all of his custom Jeep Cherokee XJ builds. One of his favorites was named Precious that he built to the 9 and it was a beautifully restored Jeep.  In the last two years, he decided he wanted something more capable and unique, while still having the true heart of a Jeep Cherokee. Tom acquired an old VW Beetle body in a trade and the idea came to him. A VW Beetle with full Jeep Cherokee drivetrain and running gear (4.0L, AW4, Dana 30, and Chrysler 8.25), thus the “Jeetle” was born.

The Jeetle has been a long-drawn-out project that Tom has devoted countless hours to along with the help of a few close friends.  Tom finished the original rendition in late 2023 and took it to its first car show hosted by Alabama Truck Outfitters here in Homewood, AL. The shop was so blown away by the creativity that he won best in show as well as a Baja Designs off-road light bar that was right at home on the Jeetle.

This past May, Tom took the Jeetle to its first ever Florida Jeep Jam, in Panama City where he entered in various off-road events and shows. By the end of the week and out of the hundreds of contestants, Tom’s Jeetle was awarded 1st place in the modified class.

Needless to say, Tom Landry has grown quite the presence with the Jeetle. To the extent that he is known as the “Jeetle Guy”. Which features a lot of major parts, including the ones you guys make.  Early this past month Tom was awoken by his jeetle completely engulfed in flames.

Tom did what he could to put it out, but it was too far gone at this point. All the way down to the body and frame with a drivetrain left in shambles. He believes the fire started somewhere around the battery but isn’t 100% as to what exactly caused it.

But Tom is one of the most resilient people I know. Instead of getting mad or sad, he immediately started tearing it down to rebuild it better.

Tom is one of the most upbeat and generous people I’ve ever met. He’s devoted countless hours to painting charity build vehicles and gifted several kids their first cars. As well as volunteering his own time away from his business to work on friends’ rigs. He has a heart of gold and deserves as much as he gives.  He’s resorted to selling two of his personal shop vehicles to try to fund the rebuild to the best of his abilities. All I can say is he is an amazing hardworking man who keeps a smile on his face and has not stopped working on the new build since it happened.

Nominee Social Handles/Website:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Winners are chosen quarterly and may win cash, gear or equipment, depending on current needs and goals.

Nominee votes are counted by Likes, Shares and Comments.  

Help us pay it forward by nominating, sharing and voting