AM General FJ-8A

Hey Sarge,
The DDP on the fenders was put there because in her years as a working girl at the Post Office, she must have been in quite a few fender benders, and there was all these little creases, and lots of Bondo on the front end. What I did was pop rivet 1" aluminum angle around the perimeter where the DDP piece would go. Then pop rivet another piece of aluminum angle to the first piece of aluminum angle creating a channel. Then pop riveted the DDP to the top of the channel made of two pieces of aluminum angle. Filled the gaps with DumDum (a paint-able caulking that can be had from NAPA) that came out looking like it was welded.

Lorrie's front and rear bumper as formidable!

BTW, the wheels are Wagon Wheels, the tires are Bronco 31 X 10.50 R15 LT Radials, and she's going to have Full Moon Hubcaps.

We're still waiting for rain from Himicane Alex.

Hope you are well.

JC

 

Hey Mr. OPB,
Alas, I haven't worked at the Crane Company since 1986.

I DOES have a unique look to it.

I had a trailer hitch installedr, and the guy that put on the hitch messed up the rear bumper, so that it slopes down hill about a half an inch at the rear instead of the top being level. I've looked at how to fix it, but it would involve taking it completely off, welding the existing holes shut, and re-drilling the mounting bolt holes. It may get done one day, but right now the focus is on getting Lorrie back on the road.

HYAW

JC

 

JC, no wonder why stamps keep going up and now talk of cancelling Saturday service. It must be all of those postal drivers with the fender benders. Their insurance rates goes up and so does the price of stamps.
To keep them from having accidents 6 days a week, they are now talking about cancelling weekend service. So now they can have accidents 5 days a week. Just kidding!!! But my wife is very well known for fender benders. As for a paint job I am thinking a (grabber green) with a white top but I want the top to look like it has just been snowed on. I want to sell hotdogs and shaved ice here in Hawaii since their are no jobs here and if they were jobs I wouldnt be considered since I am not Hawaiian.
But I am leaning towards that grabber green for the paint job with a white snow look for the roof and around it sides. Have to make it look clean and also make it look like shaved ice which Hawaiians love.

 

Hey Sarge,
You have to remember, Lorrie's stint with the Postal Service was terminated in 1974 (that's when she came to live with me), so she hasn't had a fender bender since, BUT that doesn't mean that the DRIVERS at the Post Office changed anything. They just have NEWER vehicles in which to bash around.

You may be closer to the TRVTH than you might at first imagine.

Lorrie was one time sitting in a parking lot, and when I got back to her, there was a dent in the front of the Left Door Post, and a note on the windshield which said: "Everyone who saw me hit your van think I'm leaving my name and phone number, but I'm NOT!"

Is this going to be where the White looks like it's hanging down like icicles?

I know that FalconVan's Iscream has that BIG Oldsmobile V8, and Lorrie has her MIGHTY 225 Slant-Six, but WHAT engine does YOUR van have?

BTW, Otis P. Body: E-Mailed John Rose about the Windshield Wipers. He wanted to know what "saddle" they used. I sent him JPGs of the Wiper Arm End, and the mounting connection on the Wiper Blade. He said he can special order them for me. They'll be $25.00 each.

We still have spates of rain here left over from the Hurricane Alex weather system. Nothing much getting done on Lorrie.

Hope this finds YOU all doing well.

JC

 

JC, mine is still all original. 258 in line (4.2L) with the hated carter 2 bbl carb. Transmission is a TF 999A or now called (32RH). Axles are Dana 44s.
The valve cover needs to be changed since it is plastic which will warp and have a tendency of catching fire.
The only thing that I did notice that the last owner did something to the wiring which will have to be replaced.
Paint job, I like that grabber green for some reason but I want the top to look like freshly fallen snow, something like that picture on page 2 here. But I want it to look like ice and snow.
I did notice on PJPP website, John Ross, he says on his ebay store that he did work at the post office as a mechanic and feel free to call him for any questions that you may have.
All I know is that I have bought a few items, actually allot of items from him and I have been happy so far with what I have gotten. I'm still looking for the e-brake switch to connect to my e-brake. He doesn't have that but I'm still looking.

 

Hey Sarge,
I'm assuming that it is a six cylinder. And about the Carburetor, why the "hated" Carter? Lorrie has a Holley 1920 that I rebuilt some months ago. Click here:

http://msamericanpi.bravehost.com/1920carb.htm

I can't tell you what Rear Axle that Lorrie has just off the top of my head, but her Transmission is an A747. .

Is this going to be a problem?

Lorrie, being a resto-mod, has been totally rewired, and it is nothing like original.

And you know how to do that? Or know where to get it done?

His reply was PROMPT. I'm afraid I'm going to have to look around for another solution to the Windshield Wiper situation though. I mean at for $50.00 for the pair, I think I can devise some other way to do it. And since I'm not opting for strictly "ORIGINAL", it'll be easy to do something else.

I haven't any conflict with his quote. It's just that it's a bit beyond my budget. But so what? Lots of things are beyond my budget.

"E-Brake Switch"?

Well, we're supposed to have a let up in the rain from Hurricane Alex today and tomorrow. I "MAY" get out and do something on Lorrie. Like tomorrow go get the necessary stuff to either panel the Interior, or the Plywood with which to build the Engine Cabinetry, or maybe get the two NEW (used) Tires. We'll just have to see how things go.

Hope you are well.

JC

 

Sounds like SSgt Wright's might be a feedback carb -- has a computer. If so that's a reason to hate it! Seriously though, all the electronics/emissions just need to be working properly. They start to fail with age, and no one knows how/wants to fix it. So the engine starts running worse and losing power. When everything is working properly it actually runs better and has a bit more power than with all the stuff removed. It can only be restored to near the same power by retrofitting older pieces designed to work without the electronics/emission equipment.

The plastic valve cover can be properly sealed, but they do eventually warp again (takes several years!). One problem is people tend to over tighten trying to improve the seal, and that doesn't work -- makes the cover warp. Got to have a good gasket and good clean surfaces. A cork gasket stuck to the cover with weatherstrip adhesive works well, just a skim coat of RTV between gasket and engine. All mating surface must be THOROUGHLY cleaned with solvent first! That's another step often skipped. But I'd get one of several stamped steel or cast aluminum replacement covers if this is a long term keeper. Make sure you get the one for the year engine you have though! Or go ahead and get a Jeep 4.0L head from a salvage yard and do that upgrade, get a header and good valve cover in the process.

The valve cover doesn't catch fire, the leaking oil does. Most probably caught that, but just to clarify... the cover WON'T catch fire by itself! It will melt once the oil catches fire though... otherwise it's pretty heat resistant.

 

Yes, its a Carter 2BBL BBD electronic feed back carb which everyone hates. Bought 2 used ones and had them rebuilt for spares for the future. The van is in great shape except it seems like the last owners tried to add something to the wiring under the dash. Too many splices, some burned wires and ect...
OTIS P BODY, I made a excell spreadsheet of replacement parts (3 tabs) with manufacturers and part numbers. Each time I buy a new part I add it to the list so its easy to find next time. If you want that list let me know. Maybe you can add items to it and we can share our parts information. Its tlwright1775@yahoo.com if you want it. Well, I hope everyone will have a great 4Th of July. Me, I'm staying home since I have a fear of things that go "Boom"! I always hit the ground thinking its either a mortar round or a rifle fire. Been like that for 5 years but hopefully I will get over that fear. Anyways, Happy 4Th of July everyone!!!!

 

Happy 4th! Sarge, the nice thing about the AMC 232/258 is there are good aftermarket intakes/headers/cams/carbs available that can really increase performance and you can ditch all the emission stuff if you want. They're really good engines; should go forever once you get it lined out.

I got my rails for the rollup rear door cleaned up and put back on, along with the top rear panel they attach to. I also got a start on the doors; welded up some holes where some padlock hasps had been, straightened a few dings, and getting them ready for primer. Tomorrow, I hope.

 

FV, how hard was it for you to take the side sliding doors off and the rear door ?
My sliding doors are hard to open at times and it feels like a bearing or maybe a bad roller.
I don't know what the track is riding on for it to slide.
How long did it take you to even take the doors off?
Like to have that fixed soon because its a pain using the door handle and pulling it back since they seem to be made out of pewter.
Hope you and the family had a great 4TH of July and to everyone else that are watching this post.
Semper Fi,
Sarge

 

The biggest problem with the electronic feedback BBD is failure of the servo in the carb. Well, I take that back -- not replacing the sensors when they fail is the biggest problem. It has an O2 sensor and a few others just like an EFI system. The little temp controlled vacuum valves go bad over time too. If you replace it get a carb AND distributor from a non-electronic setup. Then get rid of all the vacuum lines, computer, and wiring. The non-electronic distributor is curved a bit different than the one with the electronic carb.

 

Tell the truth, I do beleive in KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid.
I hate anything that is computerised in a vehicle and so many vacuum hoses. The vacuum hoses I want to get rid of definately. I hope Otis P Body will look at my prior post and this one. Here is a web-link of recalled items on the FJ8C and the vacuum hoses was one of the problems.
Here is the link (http://www.automotix.net/autorepair/recalls/am_general-fj8c/). Me, I think the engine bay should be clean of any wires and vacuum lines so you can repair the easy when needed. Todays cars seem to have us home mechanics lost in the dark with all that new BS that it is added.
Again (KISS), Keep it simple stupid. Less things to worry about and less to go wrong.

 

"dont take the candy if ya dont wanna get in the truck"..... henry rollins

 

I had to take the inner wall panels off and the top door tracks, then they came out fairly easy. Mine were hard, too. It was because of years of crud built up in the rollers on the top. They should work fine now. You can get new hardware cheap from www.stepvanparts.com. We did have a good 4th, although my sister lost her house to a fire from fireworks. Luckily they all got out OK.

 

Sarge, if you need help finding a non-servo BBD and older distributor let me know. The original distributor will work, but I prefer the older one due to a slightly different curve designed to work without all the extra stuff. Not much difference, but there is some. You might just consider ordering a Weber replacement for the BBD though. The two-stage Weber carbs sold by most Jeep dealers can deliver more power and better fuel mileage, or at the worst a bit more power while retaining existing mileage. Most Jeepers swear by the Weber conversions instead of at it like the BBD.

 

I'm sending my FJ8C to the media blaster this Monday. I'm still looking for either OEM window regulators and window locks or I'd really like a conversion kit so I can roll my windows up and down instead of manually sliding them. So if anyone knows what window regulators will fit or have access to some OEM regulators and window locks I'd be interested.

Falcon, would you be kind enough to post some pics on what you're doing for window regulators?

 

by the by, I also started a facebook page if y'all are on face book. It's a bit easier to post little stuff on. Hope you check it out and join in. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=133325533362813

 

If the window slides down into the door you might just try some hot-rod power window kits. Would definitely work, and are made to fit narrow doors.

 

Hey Otis,
So far I'm planning on using the slider windows; we'll see how they work. I think the easiest conversion otherwise would be a cable operated electric window; some of the street rod universal types I've seen look easy to install and relatively inexpensive. The doors are not very thick so I dont know if there's enough room for a crank set up. Thanks for the facebook link, too!

 

By the way, FV, sorry to hear about your sister's house. I'm glad they got out safely.

 

Hey Mr. OPB,
Same on Lorrie. I'm of the opinion that the P.O. gave the manufacturers the specifications, and the manufacturers designed THEIR version of them. They are so similar.

I became convinced, after trying to get Lorrie's Starboard Door out that the Doors were installed BEFORE the Roof was put on.

Alas, Lorrie's Bottom Guides are welded in!

Anyway, I'm in the process of fabricating Lorrie's Engine and Storage Cabinets. Had to make some NEW Saw Horses on which to cut the Verola Plywood. When I got the Plywood, I also got the FRP Paneling to line Lorrie's Walls and Ceiling. So NOW it's just the HEAT, HUMIDITY, Mosquitoes, and Fleas that are holding up the progress. I'm going to start working early in the morning, and late in the evening when it's cooler, and all it's going to take is a big can of OFF!

HYAW

JC

 

Thanks, Otis. They got out but lost just about everything. Thank the good Lord they had sufficient insurance. It'll still proobably be a good year for them to tear down what's left of the old place and build another, though.
My friend got the hood straight for me and I've been working on the doors and inside panels. I got some of them primered this morning. Gotta stop for today, my oldest daughter is moving into her first apartment so I've got to go load up.
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I have not been here for about a week. Bad case of pink eye. Must be the plants the neighbors have been planting all week and I must be alergic to them. I will be back on latter when it clears up. Talk to you all soon, sarge

 

Otis P Body. The book that you have, is it a repair manual or actual parts list with numbers.
I have the manual and its like 550-600 pages. Its about the size of a ream of blank copier paper. Got that for $75 on kill bay. Great manual but the only numbers they show are for the tools that you need. Does you van still have the emergency break switch on it still? I have a green wire that goes to the e-brake but no switch so I dont even know what the part number is or even what it looks like. Its not even talked about in my manual. If you have one, can you take a picture of it or even the parts number if its still on the switch itself. The book is printed on both sides of the paper and at still like 550-600 pages. The repair manual does have a good wiring diagram. Need to learn to scan with my copier and send it to my laptop. I will learn how to do that this week I hope.
Sarge

 

Sarge, it's a parts catalog with diagrams. I'll be done scanning it in this week. For now if you want to PM me your email address I'll send you the pages with the emergency brake diagram and part numbers. Keep in mind AM General never commercially made available the parts so chances are you will not find the part numbers useful; however, the diagram might be useful in finding a suitable replacement.

 

Hey Sarge,
I noticed that. No one has been here for a while.

I've been painting some of the Interior Panels that go into Lorrie as I can do that indoors.

It's right at 100* outside, and 1000% humidity! Dangerous to lethal for someone my age to be out in.

I've got all the FRP Paneling with which to line Lorrie's Interior, and the 3/4" X 4'-0" X 8'-0" Verola Plywood with which to make Lorrie's Engine and Storage Cabinet. I also got a really nice "fine-tooth" SkilSaw Blade with which to cut it all.

I didn't have anywhere indoors to put all that material, so I had the guy who delivered it from the lumber yard put it in on Lorrie's Floor. Now I have to get it out of there a piece at a time in order to lay it out, and cut it to the required sizes and shapes.

In the meantime, I've fabricated two NEW Saw Horses, and have them set up in the Light/Vusic Studio where it's cool.

I'm afraid that unless we have a more moderate weather snap, that it will be a couple of months before it will be cool enough for anything more to be done on Lorrie.

Anyway, hope you get over the "Pink Eye" ASAP.

Hang in there.

JC