1963 Gladiator J200

[Chris P.]

There is a '63 Gladiator near me for sale. 230 OHC three on the tree. Im guessing it has a D53, D44 front, and t90 tranny?

The bed is rusty but may be fixable, and there is some rust in the rockers and floor.
The serial number is 10091. Does this mean it is the 91st truck built? How available are hydraulic parts for the clutch? The pedal goes right to the floor.

[Elliott]

No, it means it's the 91st truck built in it's series, which is split up along the lines of wheel base and axle configuration at that time. There is a hydrualic clutch slave cylinder on ebay right now and I think the MC is still available through NAPA.

[Tornado230]

Sent you a PM.

[Tonka J200]

The serial number indicates that it's the 91st of that particular model of truck, not all trucks total. The first five characters will tell what model it is (i.e.2406F, 2406A, etc.).

Hydraulic clutch parts are available, I've replaced both the master cylinder and the slave cylinder on mine. You may try just adding some fluid and seeing what happens, though.

[Chris P.]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm very familiar with the later FSJ's but it there anything I should watch out for when looking this one over?

[Elliott]

Pretty much the same issues, expect to see the brake master and wheel cylinders as rotted/corroded as then clutch. You'll often find these Kaisers have had lift blocks added to the front springs. The gas tank usually has is fair share of crap in it.

[Chris P.]

Here it is:

http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/cto/918996818.html

What do you guys think? The bed has lots of rust, but might be saveable. Cab floors have some rust along with the rockers.

It seems to be all there with the exception of the tailgate. Its not running right now, but it doesn't look like it would take much. I think the last time it was driven was about five years ago.

[trellis8]

I have the same truck in similar condition. I think you should buy it! I love the old 230 motor, very cool. Offer $300 and see what he says. Looks like it's worth the $500. Good luck!

[Elliott]

I think you should buy it! I love the old 230 motor, very cool. Offer $300 and see what he says. Looks like it's worth the $500. Good luck!

copy that

[ComancheRob]

The resounding sound of BUY IT should be heard right about now.

Giv'er. Looks great for $3-500.

[1cdccop]

I had one the same year and running gear, no rust, swaped in a 327 vigilante and TH400 out of a 64 waggy parts truck that was laying around the yard. My experience with the 230 OHC, :banghead: Parts for these engines are like finding Waldo. The parts counter dude will give you a deer in the headlights look when you tell him what you got and when located might as well be gold plated! The fuel pump set me back about $60.00 and my 230 would bend dizzy shafts on a daily basis. Never figured out what was causing it. You could build one hell of a small block Chevrolet or AMC 360 for what you will spend on one of these Hemi sixes. Another thing I would keep in mind is that the 63 has a Ross cam and lever steering system, which is also a nightmare if it is worn out. The one I had was so sloppy I looked like a drunk going down the road, and parts for it either had to be rebuilt in a machine shop or a junkyard find. If you're looking to do a complete stock restoration(trailer queen) then for $500.00 by all means go for it. They are cool old trucks and not to many around anymore but if you're looking for a low budget trail rig or daily driver, I would look for a 64-69 with the 232 six or 327/350 V8 and Saginaw steering. This is just one mans opinion though. Good luck.

[Chris P.]

I was able to look at it a little closer yeaterday in the daylight. The pics in the ad may be a little misleading in terms of rust. The bed seams and floor have holes. I'm not sure if the bed would be saveable. It would need lots of rust repair. If I did get the truck I'd want to find a better bed.

http://www.oldengine.org/members/cprops/glad1.jpg

http://www.oldengine.org/members/cprops/glad2.jpg

http://www.oldengine.org/members/cprops/glad3.jpg

http://www.oldengine.org/members/cprops/glad4.jpg

http://www.oldengine.org/members/cprops/glad5.jpg

[Elliott]

That's the tip of the iceburg I'm sure. Might be good for a parts rig though.

[chrisnsarah]

that's quite a bit of rust for $500, but if it runs and drives, then go for it. I'm just used to western tin I guess. 230 parts can be a bear to find, NAPA.

For the hydraulic clutch, the MC is the same as a brake MC in a 50's Chevy. Even NAPA can get a rebuilt MC and I got a rebuild kit for the slave cyl from them too.

On the plus side, if the bed is so far gone, you can always go custom flatbed.

[grand_wag_85]

Don't mean to hijack but Jeep had hydro clutches then went to mechanicals?

Atleast with a J truck there's less panels to replace once they rust out. I'd go for it for $500 if she runs.

[Elliott]

Don't mean to hijack but Jeep had hydro clutches then went to mechanicals?

Yes, and around '72 they briefly used a cable system.

[fulsizjeep]

Yes, and around '72 they briefly used a cable system.YES! I am looking for parts to fix a 72 clutch linkage system as a matter of fact. You know where I can find any parts? A donor? Not many around these parts that have not been crushed. Also looking for a set of 16" 5 on 5.5 wheels like used on J4600 with D60-2 rear end and some of the heavier Willys trucks. <thanks>

As for the J200, ditto on tip of the iceberg.

[Elliott]

I can't remember if I bought that clutch cable system or if it got scrapped before I picked it up... and wouldn't know where to find it right now anyway. But I do have five of the rims (really nice) you are looking for (~'69+) and I'd trade them for five of the earlier 16" rims that have the nubs for hubcaps.

[chrisnsarah]

Don't mean to hijack but Jeep had hydro clutches then went to mechanicals?



It was shortlived, only up to '65 with 230 OHC rigs. You still had to periodically adjust it.