My 1987 J20 Build

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Randyzzz
    258 I6
    • Mar 03, 2008
    • 354

    My 1987 J20 Build

    I figured I better start a build thread here. I have one going on CJ-8.com already. It will be slow progress, but the end result should be cool...here goes!

    Background story- Beginning May, 2016...

    I have always loved FSJ's and have owned multiple Waggys. But I never had a Jeep Truck. I knew that someday I would build one, but that day never happened...until now. The need for a tow vehicle provided all the justification I needed to start the Craigslist search. I missed out on a few, passed on many more, and finally found "The One". It is a rust free J20, 1987, originally owned by Al Unser Jr. of Indy 500 fame. After negotiating a screaming deal including delivery from Springfield OR to Redmond, OR, I was a proud new owner. Here's what I started with...

    Craigslist ad:





    Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 09:57 AM.
    Randy S.
    It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
    1987 J20 SOLD
    1966 Waggy SOLD
    1970 Waggy SOLD
    1982 Scrambler SOLD
    1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper
  • Randyzzz
    258 I6
    • Mar 03, 2008
    • 354

    #2
    Got it home, here's some of the initial pics. From the front and it looks just like the add-



    From the rear-



    Dealer decal-



    Proof provided by seller- yep, Al Unser Jr's truck!

    Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:02 AM.
    Randy S.
    It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
    1987 J20 SOLD
    1966 Waggy SOLD
    1970 Waggy SOLD
    1982 Scrambler SOLD
    1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

    Comment

    • Randyzzz
      258 I6
      • Mar 03, 2008
      • 354

      #3
      So, my first order of business was to check it all out. Tired 1977 360, 727, 228. Nah, not my style. Hacked wiring by PO. Big Time. Mouse infested Waggy seats. No headliner. Wheel flares cut to fit bigger tires.














      But...No rust. Yep, I love it. And...low mileage 60K..not that that matters.

      Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:08 AM.
      Randy S.
      It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
      1987 J20 SOLD
      1966 Waggy SOLD
      1970 Waggy SOLD
      1982 Scrambler SOLD
      1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

      Comment

      • Randyzzz
        258 I6
        • Mar 03, 2008
        • 354

        #4
        OK...Photobucket is being too frustrating. I'll continue tomorrow...
        Randy S.
        It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
        1987 J20 SOLD
        1966 Waggy SOLD
        1970 Waggy SOLD
        1982 Scrambler SOLD
        1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

        Comment

        • swampdrainer
          232 I6
          • Jun 05, 2009
          • 69

          #5
          Nice looking truck! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
          1982 J10
          1992 FJ80
          1997 FZJ80

          Comment

          • Frank Ziebert
            327 Rambler
            • Dec 04, 2016
            • 620

            #6
            Standing by.
            1970 J2000(2500) Currently undergoing frame off resto
            Stinger 2005 Jeep Unlimited, Sahara, Rubicon slightly modified

            Comment

            • Kaiserjeeps
              360 AMC
              • Oct 02, 2002
              • 2791

              #7
              Wow! A celebrity truck with intact floor pans. Some things are worth waiting for. Nice looking rig.
              Melford1972 says...
              I’d say I feel sorry for you, but I really don’t, Mr. “I-stumble-into-X-models-the-way-most-people-stumble-into-Toyota-Carollas.” 🤣
              -----------------------
              I make wag parts
              1969 CJ-5 41 years owned
              1969 1414X Wag in avocado mist
              1970 1414X Wag in avocado mist
              1968 M715 restomod
              2001 Dodge 3500
              2002 Toyota Tundra
              2006 Toyota 4runner was Liz's, parked



              Building a m715 over at the m715zone
              Beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Temple Murdered by covid on Oct 19th 2021
              Keep a small violin, There is always a worse story than your own

              Comment

              • Randyzzz
                258 I6
                • Mar 03, 2008
                • 354

                #8
                So, next step was to start the teardown.

                Into the garage.



                Off with the front clip. No rust, all the bolts came right out. Just a lot of mud.



                Lots of dirt in the cowl...



                Lots...

                Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:31 AM.
                Randy S.
                It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
                1987 J20 SOLD
                1966 Waggy SOLD
                1970 Waggy SOLD
                1982 Scrambler SOLD
                1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

                Comment

                • Randyzzz
                  258 I6
                  • Mar 03, 2008
                  • 354

                  #9
                  Next step, out with the engine, trans, and t/c. I had them sold by this point. It was a 1977 360 out of a Chief, a 727, and a 228 case.



                  Next step was a thorough washing of the frame. There was so much dirt I should have been paying property tax on it. But- no rust and everything came clean. You can see some fresh Rancho front springs in this shot- they were installed shortly before I bought the truck.



                  There was a lot of haphazardly placed seam sealer all over on the firewall and cowl. All original, but it looks like they gave kids balls of Pla-Dough and had them stick it wherever... I'll reseal all that before it all goes back together.



                  The wiring under the hood looked like a victim of Jack the Ripper, but I have a couple of spare Waggy harnesses to pick from. Under the dash looks good. So, I removed the seats and cleaned the floor pans. Things of beauty! The seats were shot, the mice had made them beyond nasty. Here's a pic of the beautiful rust free floor pans!

                  Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:37 AM.
                  Randy S.
                  It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
                  1987 J20 SOLD
                  1966 Waggy SOLD
                  1970 Waggy SOLD
                  1982 Scrambler SOLD
                  1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

                  Comment

                  • Randyzzz
                    258 I6
                    • Mar 03, 2008
                    • 354

                    #10
                    So, at this point I was beginning to collect bits and pieces for the build. I got a couple of Jeep Liberty seats, but I decided I really wanted a bench. I picked up a couple of front fenders to replace the ones that the PO trimmed the flare lip on. I also picked up a rusty bed with good flares to cannibalize the rear flares from.

                    The engine was a bit of a challenge, but after many dead ends I finally bit the bullet and ordered a remanufactured GM 6.0 LQ4 engine from AER. They rebuild engines for Ford, GM and Chrysler, and I got a wholesale price to boot. It's a 2004 engine, so same drill as the 5.3 in my Scrambler.





                    I also picked up a headliner form SMS, $135 delivered. Looks nice!

                    Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:40 AM.
                    Randy S.
                    It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
                    1987 J20 SOLD
                    1966 Waggy SOLD
                    1970 Waggy SOLD
                    1982 Scrambler SOLD
                    1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

                    Comment

                    • Randyzzz
                      258 I6
                      • Mar 03, 2008
                      • 354

                      #11
                      Next step was to remove the cluster and dash bezel. I forgot how much fun removing the actual cluster bezel was. Whomever in Jeep decided that the defroster vents needed to be attached to the back side of the glove box with one way speed nuts should be shot. My hands look like I went the rounds with an angry bobcat. But- the good news is that Jack the Ripper of wiring was unable to get to the wiring behind the dash. I removed a bunch of scotchlocks and what's left looks to be in great shape!





                      I gave the bucket seats one last try, but even with a smaller steering wheel my beer muscle just gets in the way. It all worked out well- I traded with Frank Ziebert my buckets for his bench seats, I'll be able to make one good bench out of his two.





                      All this dash removal was in preparation for the install of a Vintage Air heat/cool/defrost unit. It's a servo controlled unit, smaller than the Magnum but it should be plenty.



                      It fits like a dream! Passenger view-



                      View from down low-



                      Lots more fabrication will be involved with the A/c install- I'm planning on cutting in the vent registers into the black strip at the bottom of the dash, and then I still have to adapt the defroster vents and fill a bunch of holes in the firewall.

                      Enough for tonight- to be continued. We're getting close to being caught up!
                      Last edited by Randyzzz; 09-22-2017, 10:53 AM.
                      Randy S.
                      It's not what you Buy, it's what you Build.
                      1987 J20 SOLD
                      1966 Waggy SOLD
                      1970 Waggy SOLD
                      1982 Scrambler SOLD
                      1981 Scrambler - Current Project/Keeper

                      Comment

                      • Frank Ziebert
                        327 Rambler
                        • Dec 04, 2016
                        • 620

                        #12
                        Randy I have a slightly used B 350 with a t400 that I'll swap you straight for that 6.0
                        1970 J2000(2500) Currently undergoing frame off resto
                        Stinger 2005 Jeep Unlimited, Sahara, Rubicon slightly modified

                        Comment

                        • 200M
                          230 Tornado
                          • Mar 28, 2017
                          • 1

                          #13
                          Nice project! I need to start a thread for mine
                          1972 J4000 Camper Special
                          1982 CJ-7

                          Comment

                          • DarkMonohue
                            Shakes hands with danger
                            • Jul 01, 2012
                            • 1145

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Randyzzz
                            ...delivery from Springfield OR...


                            Really!? That was right in my backyard. I must have been sleeping on CL. Not that I need another J20, but...

                            Looks real good. Let me know if you end up over here again.
                            '85 J20 Old Man Truck, bought @ 65K miles - not great, but better than walking.
                            Member, FSJ Prissy Restoration Association
                            High quality junk here: intro thread and slow build thread

                            Did you know? Willys is just Willis spelled differently, but pronounced the same. Neither Willy nor his apostrophe are involved.

                            Comment

                            • itselliot
                              350 Buick
                              • Aug 28, 2010
                              • 1042

                              #15
                              A/C

                              Just noticed your A/C install
                              I also am going that route, but I am putting the cold air outlets in place of the ashtray and clock slots in the dash (1979 J20) are you going with the Gen 4 unit? I see that the sliding controls are same as what I am using...but I'll be mounting them vertically on the left side in place of the old controls.

                              What model # AC kit did you order?
                              If the PM's are full,...try e mail!
                              [email protected]
                              616 four 03 44 0 five
                              '78 J-20 401 Q/T not quite stock anymore....Frame off Resto Mod..Super Cab nearing completion. SOMEDAY
                              "90 GW 360/727/229/3:31s 2" lift (SOLD in 2015)
                              '78 CJ7 Built from Scratch over a 7 year span.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X