My Jeep FC170 (Forward Control) "Patina Rod" project
- Thread starter 1x1_Speed_Craig
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I'm currently painting my new unit bearings this weekend before installing. It's a shame to cover those pretty things, but I know that they'd only be pretty for 30 seconds in the weather. Pics soon... Brake rotors, dually adapters, and calipers will be heading to the sandblaster soon.
I'm also now actively looking for a Gen 2 Cummins 12V 6BT, automatic trans & t-case, if anyone should happen to know of a donor truck. I'll consider a 2WD (and would look into a divorced transfer case if that were the case), but certainly prefer a 4WD donor.
I'm also now actively looking for a Gen 2 Cummins 12V 6BT, automatic trans & t-case, if anyone should happen to know of a donor truck. I'll consider a 2WD (and would look into a divorced transfer case if that were the case), but certainly prefer a 4WD donor.
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
Thanks, Humvette.
The quick & easy update first. I received my new Timken unit bearings, but can't, of course, install them without first clear-coating them. I already had a can of Eastwood Diamond Clear Satin on the shelf, so that's what they got. I still have to buy new studs to mount them to the knuckles (8 total @ $7.50 each from the Ford dealer); the dealer was out-of-stock when I stopped in the other day.
The next point of business is following up on the potential sleeper cab idea...we decided not to go this route for a couple reasons, and will have to explore other "tiny housing" options on our truck.
- Aesthetics. I just couldn't grow to love the look of the sleeper cab, at least in my first drawing.
- I found an engine/trans for my project! Why, you say, would this impact the sleeper cab idea? Read on, friends...
I'm buying a complete 1995 Cummins 12-valve 6BT and 47RH 2WD automatic transmission from a guy a couple hours from me (on my local Jeep/off-road forum), and will be picking it up in a few weeks. It's a low-mileage drivetrain...160K on the engine, and ~2K on the "mild performance build" rebuilt transmission (documented). Of course, the 2WD transmission dictates that I'll also be using a divorced NP-205 transfer case.
After bouncing the idea off a few well-respected friends with a lot more experience/know-how than me, here's my first (crude) rendering of a mid-engine Cummins 6BT install in my truck (I'm 99% certain I'll be going this route). My drawing overlays an illustration of my frame on fleet.ford.com. My wheelbase is actually 25" longer than the illustration (165" WB). A mid-engine setup will lighten the front end, eliminate any "Cummins won't fit under the cab" issues, it'll be quieter, offer more interior space, have better cooling, negate the need for a custom tilt cab, etc. Even with the "hump" in the bed, the flatbed area behind it would still be a minimum 10 feet long...12 feet if I choose to dovetail it like in the drawing. The hump would obviously impact a sleeper cab design possibilities.
As with the sleeper cab idea, the bed would skinned with Corten (naturally weathering) steel to blend well with the patina on the cab. There would also be an expanded steel mesh piece behind the engine for air flow. The bed sides would include built-in storage for gear, and conceal my 21-gallon fresh water tank. I also drew in a roof rack basket (e.g. Thule) on top of the engine hump. The flat bed will have multiple tie-down points, and stake pockets for possible "low sides", if needed. I also plan to equip it with both a gooseneck hitch and rear/bumper-pull hitch.
I'd add some detail to the bed sides (radiused corners, OEM FC-looking rear fender flare accents, etc.) to pull the design together.
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I got the 2003 GMC W3500/Isuzu NPR steering column pulled last night, and it looks like it should be a relatively easy retrofit into the FC170 cab (I'll grab the related vehicle wiring, too). Benefits? Modern *tilt* FC column, ignition & turn signals/controls on column, and oh yeah...I already own it. It appears to be 1-2" taller than the OEM column, but it'll be easy to shorten it up. I'll likely strip off the plastic cladding, and fabricate a sheet metal cover of some sort. I'll also (eventually) be looking into a snazzier-looking steering wheel option.
I plan to pull the NPR's integrated brake pedal/brake booster/accelerator pedal this weekend. The booster looks BIG, but I may be able to squeeze it into the FC. If so, it'll be a big win in the braking department.
I plan to pull the NPR's integrated brake pedal/brake booster/accelerator pedal this weekend. The booster looks BIG, but I may be able to squeeze it into the FC. If so, it'll be a big win in the braking department.
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DEFENDERBEAM
strategic command
Nice concept. It's cool to see some FC love.
Did you happen to notice there was an FC crew cab for sale not too long ago, that was re-mounted onto a mitsubishi fuso chassis. I think they also retained the diesel engine, so it was basically a fuso with a jeep mask.
A VERY RARE Jeep mask at that!
It could be an interesting build to look at for ideas.
Did you happen to notice there was an FC crew cab for sale not too long ago, that was re-mounted onto a mitsubishi fuso chassis. I think they also retained the diesel engine, so it was basically a fuso with a jeep mask.
A VERY RARE Jeep mask at that!
It could be an interesting build to look at for ideas.
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I saw it, but wasn't a big fan of the "extended nose" on that particular truck. It was still cool, though.
UPDATE:
Well, it wasn't "by design", but things fell through with the engine/trans I was going to get, and I just lined up a different 6BT (owned by a mechanic friend) and 4WD 47RH transmission from a friend-of-a-friend. SO, no more divorced t-case plan. I am, however, on the hunt for a NP241 DHD transfer case that'll bolt up to the 47RH.
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I'm picking up both my new-to-me Cummins 6bt, and 47RH transmission/related parts late next week. Can't wait (just need to play "Garage Tetris", and make a bit of room. I am still looking for a 1998-2002 NP241 DHD transfer case (from behind a Cummins Auto), if anyone has one available.
I finished pulling the 2003 Isuzu NPR brake booster/MC/pedal assembly this week. It'll be a very tight fore/aft squeeze, but I think I can modify it to work in the FC cab. It'll require "nesting" the steering column forward a little, along with some minor floorpan clearancing (I have to repair them with new steel anyway). I already took preliminary measurements, and will get better measurements to map out the existing column/steering wheel location next weekend. I also need to finish pulling the underdash brake lines and wiring harness, some of which I should be able to re-use.
The assembly uses a remote brake fluid reservoir (not shown), which on the NPR, mounts under the left side of the dash just inside the door opening.
If I can get this to work, it'll make the NPR purchase very worthwhile, save many hundreds of dollars on aftermarket brake components, and provide solid braking for the 1-ton Ford calipers/rotors.
I'll also try to use the NPR accelerator pedal, cable & idle control.
I finished pulling the 2003 Isuzu NPR brake booster/MC/pedal assembly this week. It'll be a very tight fore/aft squeeze, but I think I can modify it to work in the FC cab. It'll require "nesting" the steering column forward a little, along with some minor floorpan clearancing (I have to repair them with new steel anyway). I already took preliminary measurements, and will get better measurements to map out the existing column/steering wheel location next weekend. I also need to finish pulling the underdash brake lines and wiring harness, some of which I should be able to re-use.
The assembly uses a remote brake fluid reservoir (not shown), which on the NPR, mounts under the left side of the dash just inside the door opening.
If I can get this to work, it'll make the NPR purchase very worthwhile, save many hundreds of dollars on aftermarket brake components, and provide solid braking for the 1-ton Ford calipers/rotors.
I'll also try to use the NPR accelerator pedal, cable & idle control.
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
Well, I bought my first "real diesel" yesterday—a 1995 Dodge 12v 6BT. My mechanic buddy Ron is going to deliver it to me later this week. It runs great, but I'm sure I'll spend a good amount of time cleaning it up and making it "purty", as well as doing some basic preventative maintenance, including addressing the "Killer Dowel Pin" (KDP).
The only diesels I have owned to date are a couple Nissan SD-33s in two (2) Jeep CJ-10a tugs I owned, and a Mercedes OM617 5-cylinder in an '80 Mercedes wagon. These were all normally-aspirated, and were pretty gutless overall; I'm looking forward to the power of the 6BT (and I'm not even a big "power hound").
It's a bit of a tangent, but I used to make my own Biodiesel for the old Mercedes. However, I sold my equipment to pay attorney bills during an ugly divorce from a real "piece of work" (arguably the best decision I have ever made, and I'll leave it at that). You can see my BioPro 150 processor in the background of this old photo. It made 40-gallon batches of ASTM-grade biodiesel at a cost of $0.85-$0.90/gallon. I built the cone-bottom drying tank in the front, but sold before I had the chance to use it. It would have increased production considerably, and freed up the biodiesel processor to manage the chemical reactions instead of needing to also use it as a (less-than-efficient) fuel dryer. The BioPro had a few quirks/issues, but overall, made great fuel.
That being said, I do not have intentions of getting back into biodiesel production in the future, as I don't expect to be driving this FC enough miles to make it worthwhile. It was fun while it lasted.
In addition to the 6BT, I'll also be picking up my '94-'95 47RH transmission next Sunday. In the meantime, I have sold more of the old Willys FC150/FC170 parts, and the '99 XJ driveline I originally intended to use. After the engine/trans purchase, and sales of the misc. parts, my net "investment" update is...
$3,267.50 (still manageable, given my limited disposable income, and the two (2) other Jeep Cherokee XJ 2-door builds with/for each of my daughters)
Next on the purchase list are some new front unit bearing mounting studs & brake dust shields (dealership), and keeping my eye out for a '98-'02 Dodge 2500/3500 NP241 DHD transfer case (any leads around Michigan are greatly appreciated; I have been watching car-part.com, as well).
The only diesels I have owned to date are a couple Nissan SD-33s in two (2) Jeep CJ-10a tugs I owned, and a Mercedes OM617 5-cylinder in an '80 Mercedes wagon. These were all normally-aspirated, and were pretty gutless overall; I'm looking forward to the power of the 6BT (and I'm not even a big "power hound").
It's a bit of a tangent, but I used to make my own Biodiesel for the old Mercedes. However, I sold my equipment to pay attorney bills during an ugly divorce from a real "piece of work" (arguably the best decision I have ever made, and I'll leave it at that). You can see my BioPro 150 processor in the background of this old photo. It made 40-gallon batches of ASTM-grade biodiesel at a cost of $0.85-$0.90/gallon. I built the cone-bottom drying tank in the front, but sold before I had the chance to use it. It would have increased production considerably, and freed up the biodiesel processor to manage the chemical reactions instead of needing to also use it as a (less-than-efficient) fuel dryer. The BioPro had a few quirks/issues, but overall, made great fuel.
That being said, I do not have intentions of getting back into biodiesel production in the future, as I don't expect to be driving this FC enough miles to make it worthwhile. It was fun while it lasted.
In addition to the 6BT, I'll also be picking up my '94-'95 47RH transmission next Sunday. In the meantime, I have sold more of the old Willys FC150/FC170 parts, and the '99 XJ driveline I originally intended to use. After the engine/trans purchase, and sales of the misc. parts, my net "investment" update is...
$3,267.50 (still manageable, given my limited disposable income, and the two (2) other Jeep Cherokee XJ 2-door builds with/for each of my daughters)
Next on the purchase list are some new front unit bearing mounting studs & brake dust shields (dealership), and keeping my eye out for a '98-'02 Dodge 2500/3500 NP241 DHD transfer case (any leads around Michigan are greatly appreciated; I have been watching car-part.com, as well).
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
It's not pretty yet, but it eventually will be. Here's my new-to-me '95 Cummins 12v 6BT (200K miles). Pay no attention to the turbo condom (compliments of my mechanic friend, Ron). Ron sold me the motor, which he pulled from the '95 Dodge that he parted out, and even delivered it to me. Easy, peasy.
Other than checking/addressing the potential Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) issue, I just have to decide how much preventative stuff I'm going to do. My friend Ron says I should just install it & run it. I'll probably do just that.
We're picking up the '94-'95 Dodge 47RH transmission (and various other bits) from a friend-of-a-friend tomorrow.
I also started thinking more about gauges. My friend BJ built a beautiful J-truck with a GM LS engine install & Super Duty suspension/axles. He used a slick-looking Dakota Digital direct-fit instrument cluster in the J-truck, and turned me on to the company at that time.
I'm thinking about their VHX-1013 gauge set for the FC. The display options are pretty impressive. Thoughts on the look of these gauges with the shape of the FC dash? I certainly like 'em!
Other than checking/addressing the potential Killer Dowel Pin (KDP) issue, I just have to decide how much preventative stuff I'm going to do. My friend Ron says I should just install it & run it. I'll probably do just that.
We're picking up the '94-'95 Dodge 47RH transmission (and various other bits) from a friend-of-a-friend tomorrow.
I also started thinking more about gauges. My friend BJ built a beautiful J-truck with a GM LS engine install & Super Duty suspension/axles. He used a slick-looking Dakota Digital direct-fit instrument cluster in the J-truck, and turned me on to the company at that time.
I'm thinking about their VHX-1013 gauge set for the FC. The display options are pretty impressive. Thoughts on the look of these gauges with the shape of the FC dash? I certainly like 'em!
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virginia_jeeper
Craft Beer Explorer
slick looking guages!
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
We picked up my new-to-me '94-'95 47RH auto transmission and various other bits (flywheel housing, flex plate, starter, trans mount, 6BT exhaust downpipe) today. I also got some heavy-duty casters from the seller. I plan to use them, some misc. steel, and a few spare Jeep Cherokee bottle jacks, to build a rolling engine/trans cradle that I can use to position the engine, and fine-tune the height/level for mocking up & designing the motor & trans mounts/crossmembers.
On the way home, we stopped into an antique store (not normally my gig) that happened to be next door to Saugatuck Brewing where we ate, and we found these reasonably-priced old wrenches. Couldn't pass them up. Perhaps they'll find their way into this build as handles/levers, or just aesthetic accent pieces.
I also ran across this early CJ stamping that I have had in a storage locker for years. Perhaps I'll weld it into the dash panel just for looks/branding. Hmmmm...
On the way home, we stopped into an antique store (not normally my gig) that happened to be next door to Saugatuck Brewing where we ate, and we found these reasonably-priced old wrenches. Couldn't pass them up. Perhaps they'll find their way into this build as handles/levers, or just aesthetic accent pieces.
I also ran across this early CJ stamping that I have had in a storage locker for years. Perhaps I'll weld it into the dash panel just for looks/branding. Hmmmm...
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
Monday update...
The Jeep gods have shined down upon me, as I found this 16-ft. aluminum chassis cab flatbed & storage boxes for a very reasonable price while looking for something completely different (I actually found the ad a couple weeks ago, but didn't notice the beds listed with all the other parts). It's surprisingly affordable, as in it would likely cost me more to build it myself, and will still be lighter than what I could build. I'll have to paint the aluminum to blend better with the FC cab's patina, and will probably skin the storage boxes with Corten steel. I'll also have to cut an opening in the front for the Cummins.
I have a buddy who welds aluminum (I don't), and will have to talk to him about some design changes to the headache rack, and a few other little things.
I'm getting one of these aluminum beds, along with storage boxes (which need TLC) under both driver & passenger sides.
The Jeep gods have shined down upon me, as I found this 16-ft. aluminum chassis cab flatbed & storage boxes for a very reasonable price while looking for something completely different (I actually found the ad a couple weeks ago, but didn't notice the beds listed with all the other parts). It's surprisingly affordable, as in it would likely cost me more to build it myself, and will still be lighter than what I could build. I'll have to paint the aluminum to blend better with the FC cab's patina, and will probably skin the storage boxes with Corten steel. I'll also have to cut an opening in the front for the Cummins.
I have a buddy who welds aluminum (I don't), and will have to talk to him about some design changes to the headache rack, and a few other little things.
I'm getting one of these aluminum beds, along with storage boxes (which need TLC) under both driver & passenger sides.
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