Somebody please talk me out of this...

[BKCowGod]

In my search for a fun and useless project vehicle I came upon the following...
It can be had for somewhere well below $1800 -

For Sale: 1972 Jeep J2000. This is a FULL SIZE 1/2 TON Jeep Pickup. It looks like a giant Tonka Truck. Always gets people to look and ask because there aren't many around anymore. Body is straight. 360 v8 with pointless distributor. Turbo 400 tranny. Dana axles front and rear. Runs strong. Needs some restore work but starts right up and runs well. For total restore it needs: electrical and interior work, and some rust repair. This truck is a reliable daily runner.I am a "motivated seller"

http://c.im.craigslist.org/Mt/1x/lQxWSKor8sxsWxtbkyMjOXwbT9DA.jpg
http://d.im.craigslist.org/5Q/k5/2WcRfmiQc0jWtB0bLaST60fskroa.jpg
http://a.im.craigslist.org/Ri/qz/LBtUQI9sre96tlSDvmVSau6NJV9a.jpg

[BKCowGod]

more info:

drove it today - runs great, looks pretty good, rust in the usual j-truck spots (crease of the bed on both sides), several decades of mickey mouse fixes and a gas gauge that reads backwards.

oh, and it sounds like pure evil - twin side exit glasspack exhausts from a 5.9l V8... not very environmentally friendly, but everybody needs a vice.......

[Scott Brady]

Cool truck. If you have time to work on it, I would buy it!

[LUISJG]

well if its for fun of having a project without thinking you will get your
investment back, its a nice truck to buy.
however if you intend to use it for long haul , gas milage will kill you, no ac etc.

[kcowyo]

I've had an odd fascination with Jeep trucks for years. My inner-redneck has always wanted a stepside Honcho......:rolleyes:

http://www.ifsja.org/readers/gladiators/pictures/quirk3.jpg


If the truck you're looking at is a J2000, then it's a 3/4 ton, not a half ton for starters. For an easy check, the front axle should be a Dana 44 and the rear a full floating Dana 60. The Turbo 400 tranny is money, well worth having.

The 360? From my reading on the International Full Size Jeep Association web site (http://www.ifsja.org/index.html), it is plagued with vacuum line and electrical problems. The market for them is small and as an investment, the resale opportunity is even smaller.

A friend here in town has a cool '78 J10, all camo painted with a snow plow and he's looking for someone to swap in a 4bt Cummins because he's tired of pouring money down that 360 V8 hole. He absolutely loves the truck, as seems to be the case with most J-truck owners, he just detests the engine.

If you're up for a love/hate relationship, you may have found your vehicle. It's a Jeep thing.

[vengeful]

Don't do ... Oh bugger, I can't even get through it.

I say do it. The J-Trucks are total nostalgia pieces, and they're so cool looking when they're all dolled up. Put a mild lift and some 33s on it, with a good paint job, and it'll be a sweet romper! :sombrero:

Then again, the responsible voice inside my head says, do you really need another money pit?

[mike h]

Money pit on the horizon! But I've always had a soft spot for those tonka jeeps too...as well just about anything with a V8... and what good is money anyway? Project trucks are fun when you have the time and money to tinker, so if that 'window' is open in your life right now, I'd go for it!

[cshontz]

Nice, but ... I'd hold out for a CJ-10. ;)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/456849558_9594954a72.jpg

[BKCowGod]

you guys all suck... I'm taking it to my mechanic buddy (I know nothing about american trucks) in the next few days, and I'll upload some full size pix this evening.

I am also in the process of stripping the interior of my '87 BMW 535iS daily driver (racing dynamics springs, bilstein shocks, M5 stuff, M535 stuff, and a bunch of other mods that mean nothing to truck folk but picture it feeling as stable at 145mph as any other car at 60mph and you get the idea) and I just installed new seats and a custom console in my 'zoo (first Isuzu ever with Porsche seats, methinks.....). I don't need another project, but the price would absolutely not change my lifestyle (dipping into the Porsche 911 fund). We'll see...
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/seat.jpg
http://www.kuhgott.com/coppermine/albums/uploads/suspension/normal_l4.jpg

[fisher205]

I had a '74 step side and still miss it. The only problem I had w/ the 360 was jumping a timing chain. It ran really strong and the balance and handling of the J-10's was better than any pickup I've ever driven. It would be a fun project, if a person has enogh time and money. - Brad

[Scott Brady]

CJ10

That brought back some memories.... USAF

[\\'anderer]

I have a killer 401 engine sitting in my garage for that thing. :Mechanic:

[Haggis]

Buy it. Jeep full sizes are to cool to pass up! Around here they go for a premuim because its so hard to find one that hasn't rotted away from the winter salt. AMC made some killer motors and there is a fairly good aftermarket support for them. Some of my buddies here are hardcore AMC muscleheads and are absolutely rabib about their rides (AMX,s Javelins, Ramblers and the like). If that Jeep were close enough to for me to drive to in a day, I would be trying to buy it out from under you.:peepwall:

[SLOwag]

Don't do it, hold out for the classic lines of this.

[Haggis]

Oh! That's cool! Is that a '62?

[SLOwag]

I'm not an expert on Jeeps, but I believe that one is a '64....don't know how long the grill looked like that.

[BKCowGod]

plans changed - if it passes my mechanic's inspection tomorrow and the monetary dealings work out, it'll be in my hands soon!!!!

and a little secret - i prefer the later grille.

[77blazerchalet]

I'd say hold out for the ultra-rare extra cab shortbed version, Jeep was way ahead of the curve on the concept of "more passengers/tiny bed area".......

- Russell
Ps it's not photo chop, it's Photoshop, a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

[vengeful]

Photoshop - n - Image rendering and editing program produced by Adobe Systems.

Photochop - v - The act of using Adobe Photoshop to alter or create an image.

:):victory:

[BKCowGod]

thanks for the x-cab pic, but I think I'll keep it original :P

more pix:
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep/DSCF2103.JPG
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep/DSCF2110.JPG
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep/DSCF2132.JPG
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep/DSCF2133.JPG

[mike h]

I like those bumpers - they look solid, simple, and fit the truck well. Ditch those weak nerfs and make a set of sliderz to match?

m.

[77blazerchalet]

Vengeful - "Photoshop/photo chop" - ya got me there. I'm such a slave to temptation in altering photos like that. Speaking of classic Jeeps and Blazer Chalets, check out this auction (lots of pics, might be slow to load): http://vanderbrinkauctions.com/items/details.asp?ID=208&ItemType=AUCTION&ShowAllPhotos=True

The 6th pic is a Jeepster, scroll further down the page for a lone pic of the Chalet (which unfortunately had its pop up roof blown off, notice the rope over the top), then there's more pics of it further down. Look through the whole bunch, there's another CJ, and a Willys pickup, plus a bunch of other projects everybody needs to be talked out of....

Full disclosure note: I don't receive a dime for promoting this auction, just wondering if somebody in the Nebraska area could get the serial number of the Chalet off the little plate near the back door (they haven't responded to my email request for that)..... and to give a good home to it and the other projects!

[BKCowGod]

Those weak nerfs are actually made of exhaust tubing. I laughed my *** off when I realized that... I've been frequenting BJ's offroad, and the prices are incredible to someone whose only real options for offroad gear generally including shipping from Australia

[BKCowGod]

Nobody talked me out of it, so I went ahead and bought it. It's in way better shape than I was expecting and I get a wonderful amount of guilty pleasure out of opening up that 360 and letting the glasspacks do their (no)thing.

Just FYI - most of the reliability problems with the 360 were for the later ones when they were saddled with a bunch of extra stuff. This one is nice and simple, and the pointless dizzy makes it a lot easier and more reliable. The slushbox is weird to me, as are the unboosted brakes, but I'm getting used to them. I also get better mileage than expected - though 12-14 is far from good, it's not all that far from my BMW. Oh, and it's wired for a second gas tank :D

It will never be an expedition rig, but it's hard to beat for weekend cruising and some mud play... and (silicon valley folk will understand this one) I haven't been cut off ONCE in a week of driving!

postpurchase images...
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep2/images/IMG_1136.jpg
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep2/images/IMG_1140.jpg
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep2/images/IMG_1147.jpg
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep2/images/IMG_1158.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I confess.........

I did not read this whole thread.

But I see that BK bought this beautiful Jeep!

BK...........I think you made a wonderful choice!

A 4 Inch Lift........36" tires.....a Rear locker.........and this thing will go anywhere!

And LOOK!..........you could even put a tent on top and you have not even started yet!

I've even been looking for these older Jeeps for my son and myself!

Now just how could I find one, .........in say.............Diesel>?!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Trails to you!....................:26_13_1:

[jim65wagon]

and it's wired for a second gas tank :D
It will never be an expedition rig, OMG! Why not?!

Wired for a second tank, 4wd, already has a rack for a tent, add sliders and a winch and it's quite possibly the perfect expeditionary vehicle!

[RedDog]

Great find! I love those J trucks. When I was a kid in the 60's there seemed to be one in every other farm yard.

Tonka trucks were mentioned. A guy in Michigan did his '65 up like the toy - complete with decal on the door.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/DogofRed/Jeep/SanbornTrucks500.jpg

I still have my similar blue Tonka model with horse trailer and here's my Tonka CJ from a book case in my den.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/DogofRed/Jeep/TonkaJeep.jpg

[BKCowGod]

I just can't justify a 12mpg expedition rig, and it's a bit touchy mechanically, and VERY loud even without the glasspacks. Air conditioning and other luxuries... I may build it up to be vintage expo, but I would never take it some of the places I've taken the 'zoo.

Then again, it IS possible to drop a diesel in there :D

Oh, and the license plate choices are down to '72 TONKA' or 'DISCRET'

[kcowyo]

If you don't have any plans for the rack, why not pull it off and see if you recoup a mile or two per gallon?

The paint in your photos looks better than in the first set of pics. The bench looks in good shape too. I bet the V8 is fun to drive after being used to the 'Zuk.

So where's the shop-rag gas cap? ;)

[BKCowGod]

rack is for sale if anybody wants it!

The gas filler was relocated, but the P.O. left the old hole. I'm trying to think of something creative to do.

hehe - looking at the side view: can't beat that approach angle, though the departure angle leaves something to be desired. Amazingly, it's just about the same wheelbase as my 'zoo, just with a foot of fat sticking out the back...
http://www.kuhgott.com/temp/jeep2/images/IMG_1138.jpg

[Big_Geek]

Looks to me like you DO have boosted brakes (at least you have a booster behind the master cylinder in the picture you posted of the engine bay). I'm wondering if you just need a new booster (about $100 from you friendly, local parts store)...

Anyway, NICE truck! I like these Jeep trucks as well and was actually looking for one before I bought the XJ.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do with it!

[The Swiss]

rack is for sale if anybody wants it! No no no no, you don't have to sell the rack; you have to buy a roof top tent for that rack. Can you imagine how it would look with a Maggiolina??

Cool find, congratulations!

[Monkeyboy]

Great Truck!

We lived in Riverside (CA) as a kid with the Ag College Dean as a neighbor.

He and his buddy were always bringing back neat plants from the desert - in the J-20 - to fill in his yard ... yeah, I'm sure they had appropriate permits for that :)

KAA

[Westy]

Kinda reminds me of this Jeep I saw for sale awhile back...cool rigs

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=117568&stc=1&d=1080062108

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=117570&stc=1&d=1080062194

[Lostmanifesto]

Keep us posted what this truck is doing now! Its making me think I need one! lol:smiley_drive:

[BKCowGod]

Truck was traded some time ago for a Cherokee Chief which traded for my current Datsun... I miss that orange monster!

[Mr. D]

that orange monster was cool

[BKCowGod]

that orange monster was cool

Yes it was... Sigh, but I do like getting 25mpg instead of 10, having a heater and turn signals and brake lights and a reliable starter, seatbelts, a gas gauge, keys, suspension, and other features that appeal to my soft side.

Still.....
http://www.kuhgott.com/gallery/d/16394-2/DSCF2691.JPG
http://www.kuhgott.com/gallery/d/14466-2/IMG_0592.jpg

[Xodius]

Very nice Jeep!! Think you need to drive it out to vegas so I can take a closer look at it :D

[The Adam Blaster]

Very nice Jeep!! Think you need to drive it out to vegas so I can take a closer look at it :D

You must have missed he part where he said he sold it a while back. :D

[GetOutThere]

Truck was traded some time ago...

ARGGGGGG!!! :ar15::ar15:

What an amazing expo-potential rig that was!!!

Where's that "smashing my head against a wall" smiley when I need it...

[BKCowGod]

ARGGGGGG!!! :ar15::ar15:

What an amazing expo-potential rig that was!!!

Where's that "smashing my head against a wall" smiley when I need it...

Oh, it was a great ExPo rig. Took me to some amazing places and had a lot of fun. I just had to realize that I didn't need the capability it had, nor the size, nor the power. I downsized and while I do miss that truck, I do not regret my decision. If I had space for another vehicle in the garage, it would be filled by either another FSJ, a Scout, or a 1987 Porsche 911SC.