My Jeep FC170 (Forward Control) "Patina Rod" project

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I got the windshield removed today (with help from my loving wife). The lower lip of the windshield frame is in BEAUTIFUL condition. The upper lip, however, will need some repair work, which I expected.

I also removed the stock heater unit. I'll eventually install a more compact & efficient aftermarket heater unit (Flex-a-Lite Mojave, or something similar).

 

[Nuclear Redneck]

Look like you've got some built in A/C in the floorboards....


Seriously, that looks like a neat project. I like the attention to detail.

 

[Itsavanman]

Very cool! first off I have a suggestion for cold weather paint. Look up medium wave infrared curing lamps.. there $150-300 depending on which one you get, they don't heat the air, they heat the work piece, I just got one to do 'glass work on my heep over the winter. there supposed to raise the temp of the piece about 80 degrees which should get the temp above 40-50 so paint can cure in the winter. also have ya thought about a sleeper box behind the cab? with 15' of frame behind the cab, ya have got the room for it. also a suggestion for the steering, what about an angle drive? vw vans use them, as do Toyota van wagons, and possibly Previas, definitely not 1 ton tough, but there might be others, and an angle drive should let ya use a regular box. also what about the stock box with add on power steering, like the retrofit kits of the 60's? also off the top of my head, what about a flipped box from something rear steer / front steer (opposite of what you have) pointed twards the angle drive.. might work too.. just some random thoughts that bounced around my head while reading.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Very cool! first off I have a suggestion for cold weather paint. Look up medium wave infrared curing lamps.. there $150-300 depending on which one you get, they don't heat the air, they heat the work piece, I just got one to do 'glass work on my heep over the winter. there supposed to raise the temp of the piece about 80 degrees which should get the temp above 40-50 so paint can cure in the winter. also have ya thought about a sleeper box behind the cab? with 15' of frame behind the cab, ya have got the room for it. also a suggestion for the steering, what about an angle drive? vw vans use them, as do Toyota van wagons, and possibly Previas, definitely not 1 ton tough, but there might be others, and an angle drive should let ya use a regular box. also what about the stock box with add on power steering, like the retrofit kits of the 60's? also off the top of my head, what about a flipped box from something rear steer / front steer (opposite of what you have) pointed twards the angle drive.. might work too.. just some random thoughts that bounced around my head while reading.

Great ideas across the board.

Regarding the curing lamps, I'll look into them. I think I can find plenty to keep me busy over the winter, primarily sheet metal repair (I just ordered a shrinker/stretcher & hammer & dolly set today). I definitely like the idea of being able to paint year-round, though.

Yes, I thought (and am still thinking) about a sleeper can, but it would have to be the right style to work aesthetically with the cab. I have done some searches, but have turned up more info on semi sleeper cabs than the smaller ones I'm wanting to check out. I'll keep looking.

Steering is still a big question mark, but I'm still considering all options. I'll be using something heavier than the stock box, though.

Thanks again for the thoughts...I love the input, and appreciate the design ideas.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Look like you've got some built in A/C in the floorboards....


Seriously, that looks like a neat project. I like the attention to detail.

Thanks! And yes, the floors need some repair (starting sheet metal repairs soon).

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

So glad I stumbled across this build thread. I love the old FC Jeeps and this one looks like it will be a great built to follow along with. It would seem that your attention to detail is going to make this one a long term project... perfect for me, I am not going anywhere and love to have a few of these builds to follow.

Nice work so far!!
Greg

 

[frig84]

Could you possibly use a steering gear box out of something right hand drive? Don't have anything, just curious if had been considered. A Class-A RV steering setup might get you there.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

So glad I stumbled across this build thread. I love the old FC Jeeps and this one looks like it will be a great built to follow along with. It would seem that your attention to detail is going to make this one a long term project... perfect for me, I am not going anywhere and love to have a few of these builds to follow.

Nice work so far!!
Greg

Thanks Greg.

Could you possibly use a steering gear box out of something right hand drive? Don't have anything, just curious if had been considered. A Class-A RV steering setup might get you there.

Yes, I have thought about a reversed RHD steering box, frig84 (similar to what Jeep did with the "Mighty FC" concept truck). A reversed FJ60 steering box is another option, and is proven amongst the buggy/hardcore crowd.

 

[java]

That head turned out beautiful! Is it still that glossy after its dried for awhile?

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

That head turned out beautiful! Is it still that glossy after its dried for awhile?

Thanks! Yes, it still has a semi-glossy sheen after drying.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Let the sheet metal fab learning begin. My Eastwood hammer & dolly set, and sheet metal shrinker/stretcher just arrived (heck of a sale on both, with free shipping, to boot). I'm looking forward to putting them to work.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Oh man, I wish we were neighbors... lol,

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Oh man, I wish we were neighbors... lol,

Update...

$50 and ~7 hours of driving later (glad gas is currently cheap!), and I'm back from Perrysburg, Ohio with these four 1000-mile take-offs from a 2012 F350 dually (the guy swapped aluminum wheels on to his buddy's truck). I only needed one wheel to replace a crusty one in my original set, but these are actually in beautiful shape, and the price was certainly right for the set.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Good score.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Good score.

Thanks. I thought so, as well.


Update...

I believe I mentioned earlier in the build that one of the unit bearings on my 2005 Dana 60 front axle is bad ("gravely"). The presumably original (OEM) Timken bearing is good; the no-name replacement bad. I'm not one to go "bargain basement" on critical parts like this. That being said, I sold an engine and some other parts this week, and was finally able to afford a couple of replacement front wheel bearings (unit bearings) for the front axle. First, these F350 unit bearings are freakin' spendy (hence me having to save/sell stuff to buy them), but relatively speaking, rockauto.com had some great pricing. While this is is my first order through RockAuto, I have heard good things about them on various forums.

NOTE: I went with Timken P/N SP940201 bearings...the good stuff; this is the part number for dually (DRW) vehicles. (If you're ordering for an SRW vehicle, you'll want P/N SP940200.)

When I replace the wheel bearings, I'll also finish painting the knuckles and finally be able to call the front axle "done". Despite the too-short studs on the one good Timken unit bearing, I'll keep it around as a spare (preparedness!), knowing that the studs can be replaced with longer ones necessary for the DRW adapters, if necessary.

I also thought I'd check in on the "budget build" aspect of this project. A year after I started pulling together parts for this FC170 (and after buying the new unit bearings), my net investment in everything, including the complete FC170 from which I'll be using the cab is.... <drumroll/>

$2950.58

Not bad, IMHO. It has taken a lot of hard work, and slower-than-I'd-prefer progress on the truck itself, but it's the approach I have to take to afford this great hobby (especially given that I'm also rebuilding late-model Jeep Cherokees with each of my two daughters).

Now, I need to start saving for the (tentative) Cummins 4-cylinder...

Craig