AM General FJ-8A

I vote for a 4-cyl Cummins TD

 

It's an AMC... it deserves AMC power! It had a six, so a 4.0L six would be nice motivation, or a 4.6L stroker! IIRC it had a 232, not a 258, right? The "stroker" is a 4.0L block with 258 crank and rods.

Or an AMC V-8. Go for really different and locate an AMC GEN-1 327 and use that! Not as much fun as a Mopar or other big-block, but sure would be cool! Jeep used that engine in the Wagoneer and truck from 63-67, called it the "Vigilante" V-8. Of course they used a Buick 350 from late 67-early 71, switched to the AMC GEN-3 V-8s starting in 71. That's if you wanted to make it look like Jeep was out of their mind and stuck a V-8 in it from the factory. A postman in a V-8 FJ-8 would be something to watch out for... but he might have been happier (as long as the gov't was paying for gas...)!!

 

I think it would make a nice vintage camper.....

 

Man, I have one of those to! Mine is a 74 model. I have a Huge service book for it from when I bought it from the postal service. Be glad to share it with ya!

 

Cool! If you'd photocopy that and mail it to me I'd be more than happy to pay you for it. What engine does yours have?

I thought about AMC power but couldn't find anything decent around here other than some 258s. I think the big block Olds will look pretty cool in there.

 

I wish I kept the RHD mail jeep I had years ago,it had a Chevy II 4 cyl and p/g but might have been able to squeeze a V8 in it.

 

For AMC power look for the old big Grand Wagoneers. All Grand Wagoneers have a 360 V-8, earlier big ones could have a 304 or 401 as well. 401 was used through 79, but don't hold your breath looking for one -- few and far between (as are the 304s). 360s are pretty common and easy to build for power. AMC used a VERY conservative cam. The big pickups and old big Cherokees usually had a 360 also. Pretty easy to find the Jeeps reasonably priced and rusted out.

Only slight problem is the transmission. 65-79 will have a GM TH-400, from about 65-74 the tranny used a factory adapter to the AMC engine, about 75-79 AMC had GM cast them a special AMC bolt pattern case. The adapter also had a spacer for the flexplate, if you get one of those don't forget the spacer (take the converter and flexplate off). From 1980-91 (last GWs were 91 models) an AMC case TF-727 was used. Both are 4x4 trannys and will need to be converted to 2WD. Not a big deal if the trans needs rebuilding anyway, just grab a generic GM TH-400/Chryco TF-727 and rob the tailshaft parts. Except for the case the trans is the same as GM/Chryco models. Might be cheaper just to go to Novak for an adapter though.

Of course if you want to build a 904 for the added power you can use a 72-83 AMC six cylinder car trans. I wouldn't stick a stock 360 in front of a stock 904 though! Lighter, but the cost to build would be as much as converting a 4x4 trans, I'd think. AMC cars with 304s used a 998, which might be okay in a light vehicle behind a near stock 360, all 360/401 cars used a 727.

 

Good info, Thanks! I looked around here but didn't come up with anything other than a 304 so when the deal came up for the big Olds and the TH400, I grabbed it. I think it'll freak some people out seeing that under the hood.

 

Agreed!

 

Mine has a 232 in it. We used it as a service-delivery van in my swimming pool buisness for years. Those things were built real stout! I am now turning it into a shaved ice van for a 16 year old gal (surfer girls shaved ice). This book weighs about 5 lbs! PM me and I will send it to ya and copy any or all of it and mail it back, no problem.bro!

 

Alright, I'm sittin at work bored to death and cant close up shop until 2 so my brain started working overtime. I think I could make this work; I think the only extra $$$ outlay would be to have the glass cut and coming up with something else for a back door; maybe some cut down panel truck door or a school bus rear door. And a lot more welding wire of course. Someone talk some sense into me if I'm about to make a huge mistake!

 

Decided against it; I wanted this to be a quick winter project and I'm afraid that will tie it up all summer.

 

Here's another several hours work with the DA; also a set of seats I picked up at the boneyard today.

 

Looks like it's coming along nicely. The old drag racer in me has to ask this but it looks like it's already pre tubbed, How wide a tire can you put under it in the rear?

 

I'm diggin' the van! Wish I could find a small rig like that, in LHD, around here. That would make a great van to commute in and just haul what needs to be hauled.

 

Mid mount the motor, look up the original Ford Supervan.



Doc

 

Nice score on the seats - what did they come out of? I am hooked on this project and can't wait to see it back together.

How tall is it?

 

Thanks all, I'm glad some people are interested in this; I know it's not normal rod material. I found those seats in a 74 Dodge van; i'm going to get them recovered in black. Merlin, your right on the huge wheel tubs. I've got a set of 295/50s for the rear on some stock steel Vintique wheels for the back.
Back at it today as soon as the shop heater gets the temp up. It's 15 degrees outside this morning.

 

Here's where I got to today; I had to push it out, blow it off with an airgun and sweep up all the blue dust, it was getting overwhelming. Also here's the front. It's pretty beat up so I'm going to try and build a new one. I got these trimrings off of Evilbay; maybe these and a square tube grill will make it look cool. Definately different turn signal lights, too.

 

What you might consider for the turn signals, are a pair of 1968 front side markers off of any '68 Dodge or Plymouth. They are chrome, with a light lens that is maybe an inch in diameter. You'll need the light and the one-wire pigtail, if you find one on a car somewhere. The front Chrysler units are squarish, and mount in the front bumper side. I can send you a pic of one, if you'd like.

 

Lay it on me.

 

used to be one around here that was driven by a midget selling ice cream and the kids thought it was cool as hell! they thought he was the luckiest kid because he could drive.

 

HA! That's funny! I'm 5'6 so I'm not too far from being a midget. My wife and even all my kids are taller than me.
Thanks for the VH video, Muttley! Man, that brings back memories. I graduated high school in 85 so VH was king in those days. I remember cruzin in my 455 72 Pontiac Bonneville with the stereo crankin on Jamie's Cryin like it was yesterday.

 

Finally made it all the way around; now just the doors, hood, some edges and the roof too sand. I had cut out a panel in the rear that needs replaced; I'm going to work on that tomorrow. Also painted the footwells and sliding door tracks with POR-15. My son came by and started cleaning up the motor but we ended up taking a break to do some pickin. Back on it tomorrow; 1 more day off before it's back to work.

 

I finished up building a new rear panel for the roof and got it welded in; also set the motor and trans in place to start figuring out mounts. It looks like the headers are going to fit so I'm happy with that.<!-- / message --><!-- attachments -->

 

Looks like I may have to notch the frame for the drivers side header after all but no big deal. I stuck the old front end on just to see what my forward clearance is going to be. Here's the last of them for today; I'm ready for a break for a few days.

 

isnt that Borats truck?

 

Don't think borat could handle that one once falconvan gets finished with it.

Looking good man!