AM General FJ-8A

I finally got the whole drivetrain bolted down with the headers on and it looks like it will all fit. I had to move the motormounts for the third time but now it finally looks like it's going to be good. I had the wheels off to drill a hole for the mounting bolts and while I was there I put on new shocks, went through the brakes, packed the bearings and greased the frontend. The big headache now is trying to get the #@%!!!!!! dipstick tube in the block! There was no way to put it in first because I couldnt get the header past it. Enough for today; I'll try again tomorrow.<!-- / message --><!-- attachments -->

 

This beast needs some sort of graphics on it. Not sure what, but something simple and understated. I'm diggin' the results!

 

My wife came up with this one; I think it's pretty cool.

 

Great job on the FJ-8...I've been a mechanic for the Post Office since '82 and worked on a bunch of those old 1/2 ton trucks.
They were still on the road in most of the Northeast states until the early 90's.

 

Cool! That means there's still some parts floating around out there. That must've been a neat job; working on post office trucks.

 

If it was easy.......everyone would be doing it.

Hang in there, it will be worth all of the headaches when you run it around the block the first time.

 

As best I recall the FJ vans were built on CJ frames -- possibly stretched, but I think they are standard CJ wheelbase. I know for sure the early models were built on the CJ frames -- so were the old FC (cab-over -- FC stood for "Forward Control") trucks, one on a standard CJ frame, one on a stretched one.

 

That's true, Frank. I've found that many CJ parts fit this thing.

 

Looking good! Like the logo too.

 

the origninal by Robert Crumb would look cool on the side

 

I used to have that T-shirt when I was a kid! Crumb had some great stuff; it's been many years since I saw that era of comix. Fat Freddy's Cat used to be pretty funny.

After a couple nights in the garage after work, I finally got the header bolts all tight and some more stuff bolted on the engine. Luckily this thing had removable panels under the wheelwells so it made some of it a litlle easier. I had to pull the intake again because I saw what looked like the intake not covering one of the ports but it turned out to be nothing. Better safe than sorry. I still havent got that dipstick tube all the way down but for now I'm not going to worry about it. I'm going radiator shopping at the boneyard Monday so the front end may be on next week.

 

How about this on the side

 

That's cool; I might have to find a spot for that.
It feels like they go really slow when you get to this point. All that little stuff sure eats the clock. I had to build an alternator bracket to move it in closer to the engine. The stock one had it hanging way off to the side, plus with eliminating the power steering pump and A/C, I didnt need all those huge brackets anymore. I looked through my scrap bucket and found a Chevy top bracket along with a couple of straight pieces left over from an old garage door opener kit so here's what I came up with.
I alsi ditched the chrome water neck; it had a weird angle to the heater hose fitting and was kinking the hose. I got a few more small things hooked up and bolted on; hopefully a little more tomorrow.
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It's been a tough couple weeks at work so not too much done on the Iscream. I did start going through the wiring harness and getting rid of many years of crappy splices, toasted wires and bad switches. I think it'll come out OK even though it looks a little rough here. I also got my radiator from Summit and did a little tweaking on the decal design.
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I like how you did up the alt bracket, Won't be too much longer before ya gonna be cruising.

 

That is a cool graphic for the van. Can't wait to see this pup on the road.

 

Thanks guys, I cant wait to see it on the road, either. I wish I hadnt have had to change jobs in the middle of it; it's tough to get time to work on it beause I'm getting home later and working a lot of OT, but I'm still doing what I can. I got the dash wiring roughed in, along with all new switches, hooking the wiper motor and control arms, and the center console put together. It doesnt look like much but there was a whole day here wiring, hooking up ductwork for the heat/defrost, and relocating things from its previous spot. I'm pulling out a lot of old splices as I go along and running new wire and will clean everything up once I'm sure it's all working.

 

Once you get it running if you think you might need better brakes try to find a FJ-8C.
They were the last model of 1/2 Ton AMG vans and had disc brakes up front...should be easy to swap.
I think the were made around 83-84.

 

crazy project I LOVE IT keep up the great work

Crafty

 

Thanks guys, glad you like it. Thats a good idea on the brakes; I wonder if a CJ-5 or 7 from the later years might fit, too. Its got pretty decent size drums so it should stop OK. I dont imagine it'll be going very fast as far as top end; im just hoping for some impressive burnouts.

 

Did a little more wiring this evening; I got the rear harness put back in. Also ordered these from a Jeep place; they came in today.

 

I will have to say that you are doing a great job on this vehicle. I have a 1984 FJ8C which I am going to rebuild soon. I plan on making it into a Hotdog/shave ice truck here in Hawaii. I know this retired Gunny at Camp Lejeune who sells hotdogs at the rifle range so he is making a killing. 3 Rifle Ranges opened for a week for 200 Marines at each, he comes by 3 times a day and we all buy something from him, $2.00 for a hotdog, $1.00 for a drink will be about $9.00 a day a marine is buying from him. $9.00 X 600 Marines equals $5400 in a day. My goal is to sell hotdogs to the tourist since many do not eat raw fish like Hawaiians do like. Your truck is looking great and I hope mine will also be looking that good. I plan on doing my business at the tourist sites and also near the pier where the ships come in. Love to see new pics and keep up the good work.
SSgt Wright

 

You can find parts for your truck and I know a guy who has most everything. Type in FJ8C on ebay even if you have a FJ8A but click to his store on ebay. If its not on ebay, call him like his store on ebay says, he will get it for you. His name is John from Texas. Tried to leave you number here for you but I wasnt able to post it.

 

Postal Jeep Parts Plus is his website, John Rose at 4699513500. This guy has everything that you are or will be looking for. Tell him the Marine from Hawaii sent you his way. I swear. if he doesnt have it then nobody has it and that is how much I trust this guy because he will either have it or find it for you!!!!
He will find any part that you may need or are looking for. Great person dealing with also.

 

Thank you, SSgt Wright! It looks like we're in a fairly exclusive club; not many of these FJs left out there. I've bought some parts off of Ebay for this from PJPP and they do have some good stuff. I really like the body lines of your 84; I wish mine had the rounded wheelwells and the flat hood. I had never even heard of these things before I stumbled on this one while looking for parts for my 48 Plymouth coupe on Ebay. It was so bizarre looking and it was only about 100 miles from me so I had to try and do something with it. I'm pretty happy with the way it's coming so far. Post a few pics of your truck if you get a chance; I'd love to see it. Also, thank you for your service, sir. My dad was a WWII veteran from the European theatre and my brother was a Marine stationed in Hawaii back in the 1970s. I wish I had served but I was a selfish, messed up young man and by the time I was straightened out enough to see the importance of serving my country, it was too late for me. Because of guys like you we all have the freedom to work good jobs, raise familys, and of course build hot rods.

 

I bet there are more out there than you think, just few "fixing them up" to the extent you are. More like SSgt Wright -- hot dog or ice cream vending machines. Nothing requiring a big block... unless you're selling without a permit and need to make a quick get away before the cops show up.... ;>

 

Me, I am going to make sure it passes all health rules and ect... I dont want to kill anyone unless its with my M16A2. Yes, they are out their but far and from and nobody wants to sell them. Go To Ebay or Craigslist you will see them time to time. They are asking $3500-$5000 and thats a truck never been changed.
I am starting my business and I will buy another truck. At that time my FJ8C will be rebuilt!.

 

Frank, are you saying they have vending trucks WITHOUT big blocks? Something sounds wrong about that; there should be a law to change them all over. Hey, are you still going to do that AMC article you talked about?
Good luck on your vending venture, Sarge! I think your figures look sound; I cant imagine a hot dog truck not doing well with that many young guys for customers. I'm glad to hear these things are bringing a decent price; i plan on selling this one in the fall or winter. Got to have a little fun with it first.

 

Yeah, nothing should be under powered... I'm sort of waiting to see what I have for the magazine. I'll probably use your truck eventually, since it is indirectly AMC. But I'm saving it for when I don't have something more directly AMC to use. Will probably get it in there by the time you finish the truck for sure though!

 

If you ever plan on selling her let me be the first to know!!!!