New Guy Alert
 

Hello all,

I'm in Spokane Valley, WA. I picked up a father-son JEEP project about three weeks ago from a field... the 1962 Jeep Gladiator factory 2 wheel drive has the 305 V6 mated to the T-98 4 sp.

It was a Forestry Dept. rig and I'm pretty sure they did the conversion since it is a pretty clean installation overall.

So far, I changed the plugs, wires and the Holly 500 CFM 2 bbl carb. The guy I bought it from put on new fuel pump to get it running because he wanted my son and I to be able to dive the project home.

Were keeping the engine in the jeep since it is a shocker to see one in a jeep. So, if you all don't mind, I'd like to hang out here and keep up with the latest info on the engine since most jeep guys thought I was wrong about having a GMC 305 V6, they thought I meant a standard SBC.

I've got plenty of pics and even a video, or two.:yeeuh:

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Welcome to the club:

Sounds like an interesting conversion.
Sure looking forward to the pics, more info. and
you guys enjoy the new toy.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Amen brother! Thats a conversion I'd like to see too. Please post some pix! Having a father/son project is a great way to hang out with your kids too. Sometimes when my daughters and I are fiddling with our ol' truck I just look at 'em and say, "And she thanks we're just fishin'.." we both get a grin out of that.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Thanks, I think it is an unusual swap, too. I've only seen one other jeep with this engine and that was in Colorado.

Here's the jeep as it sits today (New tires and a power wash).

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1695d0e7.jpg

Here's the engine the day we brought it home:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps849230b4.jpg

It ran pretty good on the way home. But we did a tune up (plugs and wires).

Old plugs:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps108e388c.jpg

Really old oil filter, the code on the side was obsolete.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psb2d5ddc8.jpg

The oil gauge line dry rotted off, I installed a new line and reused the vintage gauge.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psab2f5856.jpg

Then the carb started leaking.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7f4a75a1.jpg

I had a spare 500 cfm from another project. Ordered the adapter...
So my helper horses around going to get it...

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4155a6f2.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6f5fe3d7.jpg

That's where we're at today. I am planning on an HEI upgrade, but need to do some research 1st. Then dual exhaust... And detail the engine. I did attempt to paint, but stopped when the 57 GM red looked more burgundy/maroon than red.

Here's a video my son shot on the second drive around the block after the tires, oil change and mild tune up. My first YouTube video (his, too).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOgq2ftgbuI

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Way cool a spokanite With a 305 v6 in a jeep. Jeeps aND jIMMIES ARE MY PASSION. I think I know why the v6 is in the truck. The government bought lots of Kaiser built stuff in the 60's with the horrible tornado engine. Locally the forrest dept also bought a lot of GMC Stuff. The tornadoes blew up regularly at very low miles. Now I have a 67 M715 with a 318 mopar that came from fairchild AFB. I bought this 20 years ago. It had a tornado engine that blew up in 71 at 3500 miles. In the 60's and 70's the airforce had lots of dodge trucks. A friend of mine was a mechanic at the base in the 70's and said they put mopar stuff in the m715 trucks because it was common knowledge the tornadoe engines were no good and they had lots of mopar crate engines and the occasional wreaked truck for parts. Finally I have seen a lot of chevy 292 conversions in m715 trucks. These appear to be Gov-mt approved because I have seen some paperwork to support this. So since the forrest service had gmc and kaiser built stuff at the same time it would not surprise me to see the motor pool mechanics use what they had, and from what I have seen on the other conversions the work was good. Barry. Spokane WA

Re: New Guy Alert
 

That makes perfect sense. I've seen a few m715's with the 318. That's a good motor, too.

It's nice to see another Spokanite around the forum! If you see us out and about, honk and wave and we can shoot the breeze!

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Nice truck!
I bet you guys will have fun at a cruise, or show, when Jeep guys come up and ask what-in-the- world iz zat?
Sure looks rust-free and straight sheet-metal, too.

I've worn out 2 '78 Jeep pickups, 1 '80, and still use a low mile '78 for bad weather. All with 360, quadra-tracs, toughest trucks I ever drove for farm use. I'm sure a Jeep believer for tough, hard-use trucks. Wish they still built them.
Not to offend any Jeep people, but imo, the pickups were the ugliest critters on the road, but loved them for their durability, tough, and almost impossible to break.

Looking forward to watching what you do to your truck.
Do you know what the approximate mileage is on the truck?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

It was a great find for a jeep guy like me. My son was asking for a jeep project for about a year before I started to look for one. This was the 4th one we looked at... It was 3/10 of a mile from the house, too. I suppose it was meant of be.

My first vehicle as an adult was a jeep Comanche and that truck worked and played hard. I've been a fan ever since.

No idea on the mileage, the speedo cable wasn't hooked up... It still isn't. I just took pics of the T-98 stamp on the tranny tonight, and the adapter plate, too. The mileage on the instrument cluster is a 89,000. But that's not saying much. With the straight body, minimal cancer, though, you never know. It is on my list of stuff to do to do a compression test on each cylinder.

The bench seat has "72 Grand Torino" written on the side in yellow paint marker. I guess the acyronym J ust E veryone E lese's P arts fits this jeep more than most. It does have a limited slip in the rear axle, but I don't know the gear ratio... That stamp/tag is missing.

Here's a short video of when the previous owner fired it up for us. It sounds like a louder singer sewing machine to me.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=Iw5oTgVI7D8

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Great Find, Welcome to the Club.

I saved your pics for use on the 6066 GMC Guy website if thats Ok with you. it will be posted on the Powered By GMC Big Block V6 page.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Great move, Jolly:
It's another example of how versatile the V/6-12s were, and how many different applications they popped up powering.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Welcome to the club. I believe that is the first Jeep I ever saw with a stepside bed, that era anyway. Born & still in Ohio. Donrm 1966 GMC 351E

Re: New Guy Alert
 

It's all good. I joined the site to share and learn. It was the 6066gmcguy site I used to figure out what engine it was and to see if it was worth keeping in the truck, or if it would be better as a boat anchor (as some jeep guys would suggest). Use the YouTube links, too.

At any rate, if it isn't broke, don't fix it, so it'll stay. I've posted pics of this on both my build pages, they'll be cropping up over the net soon enough.

My 63 wagoneer panel delivery pops up everywhere on the net, too.

Here's the adapter on the truck:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psfb4d01cf.jpg

Here's the t-98 tranny stamp:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8a0dcc47.jpg

Any other pics you need let me know.

Is there an off the shelf HEI set up for this yet, or is it still a "build your own" kind of deal?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

The flat fendered jeep trucks of the late 1940's through the early 1969's were all stepside trucks. When Kaiser took over the jeep line and made the truck that I have under the willys logo, they offered a stepside but called it a thriftside. The standard bed, non-stepside was called a fleetside.

Here's my 66 Jeep Truck, a stepside.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...0/snowjeep.jpg

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Welcome and I gotta say; I like that Jeep body style! How about some pics of the interior?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Yep. I can do that.

Any off the shelf HEI set ups, or is it still a build your own kind of thing?

Meanwhile, here's a quick and dirty video on an easy upgrade for off road, or driving lights (100 watts). 1 of 2... 2 is still uploading...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=VecAGTT-Wlc

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Here's the interior:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psc44f69a9.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psc4a6973a.jpg

Re: New Guy Alert
 

I believe there is an HEI made from all new parts that is being sold on ebay, but I don't have a link for it. Perhaps one of the other members will chime in. If it were mine, I would install a Pertronix - easy, relatively inexpensive, looks stock. In fact, I did install a Pertronix in mine and am totally satisfied with it.

Ray

Re: New Guy Alert
 

We've used Petronix for years in both V-6 & V-12s. Had great service from them. Sure makes them start easier, seems to have more pep and power. On the irrigation motors, they ran many hrs, trouble free.
Again, I sure like your "Hybrid truck".

Re: New Guy Alert
 

I've heard nothing but good stuff about Pertronix from several different sources...a lot easier to install than after-market HEI, too.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Thanks for the heads up. I did see that one on eBay, but was unsure if it was the right set up for my 305.

I did take her out to the hardware store, 17 miles round trip. The odometer reads 38k...

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps35f2c8f1.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps83945f5b.jpg

It ran pretty good, I will replace the cap and rotor and take a look that the points while I'm in there.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

I just noticed I never included the oil bath air cleaner. It looks stock. I cleaned it up and painted it, but with the adapter to the new carb, it sits too high and hits the hood. That was a real disappointment, as I wanted to keep the cleaner with the engine.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psc7650619.jpg

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Awesome rig!

I've had(and still have) a few Jeeps and that is a great combo. I had a 76 that I put a 401 in. It was a short fleet and I was always looking for a thrift side bed for it. I love the M-715s also.

Owning an oddfire Jeepster is what got me curious about the GMC V6s.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

"tommyduncan
Re: New Guy Alert
Awesome rig!

I've had(and still have) a few Jeeps and that is a great combo. I had a 76 that I put a 401 in. It was a short fleet and I was always looking for a thrift side bed for it. I love the M-715s also.

Owning an oddfire Jeepster is what got me curious about the GMC V6s."

Thanks tommyduncan. The Daunltess and the Oddfire are great engines with a strong, proven history in Jeeps. I was pretty perplexed by the GMC V6 until I landed on this forum.

I am chasing down a starter at this point. O'Smilies doesn't have them in their system, BotoZone can't get them... NAPA has one in Seattle, so it'll be here tomorrow. I used the NAPA part number listed on this forum (obsolete number), but the counter guy said putting a "2" in front of the number gives the "new" number, but the starter no longer has a lifetime warranty- only a 3 year warranty is available. But I am glad to get one after being shot down at three auto stores. I was about to have mine rebuilt locally, but NAPA had one.

If all goes well, I'll post pics of the starter and the number. I loved the 5/8" bolts holding the starter on! I expected 9/16". Beefy- but a tight fit in a FSJ (Full Sized Jeep).

Re: New Guy Alert
 

I ran in to you last year at the Valley home depot. We chatted about your truck,The maroon one, you showed me the engine, and discussed powerlocks and t 19 trans. Now I will have to post a pic of the 68- M715. Barry

Re: New Guy Alert
 

WOW! That is a great looking truck.Congratulations

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Wow, it's a small world after all (sing along if you'd like). I remember that, we also talked about lockers and differentials, too! I ended up using my M Series Dash as a pull out drawer for some shelves, lol. Post pics of your M Series, I am always glad to see them.

Thanks klausz!

Meanwhile, I did manage to score a deal on a 65 gladiator truck that had a recently recovered bench seat. So I slowly dismantled the 65 and labeled and stored the parts and scrapped the rest (the bed and cab were about the only peices I couldn't reuse).

So I cut a few inches off the mounting brackets to set it down in a more comfy place.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...pse8bf9902.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9a99875a.jpg

Semi-gloss paint

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps68e69891.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps53649aa1.jpg

Oh yeah, we did insulate the floor after painting it and treating it for surface rust:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psbc2f2757.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psd757857d.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps77447094.jpg


We re-used the old rubber mat after repainting it with bumper paint and a vintage refurbished sparkling green floor mat all over black Ottozone black carpet.

So that's where we're at- I did swap in a speedo cable from the 65, too. So now the odometer works as well as the speedometer itself!

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Thats funny. When I saw you and chatted I was driving one of the jeeps I had just put a d44 with a detroit locker in. I am always impressed with a good solid 4x4. Keep your eyes out for the green jimmy pictured here. BARRY

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Barry, is that some type of hood lock system?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Nope it had a big whip antenna for the cb radio.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Barry that color green is the color my truck originally was. Do you know if that was the 2 tone pattern in 62 or was it like the earlier ones?

Oh, and sorry to hijack... sometimes you just gotta...

Re: New Guy Alert
 

That looks pretty nice, I would notice that if I saw it driving down the road.

I did the starter today and it's back to normal as far as starting.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psdd003df1.jpg

Napa had the starter in Seattle. 90.00 +\-.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9c0ba186.jpg

So I parked it outside while I am building a truck bed trailer and when I wrap up around 10:00 pm, I go to try the lights and they don't come on! I have tail lights, but no head lights. I check power to the light switch, it's fine. Out going power is nil. I replace the switch with a spare and lights come on. Then they ground out. I fix the ground and the lights come one again. Then they go out- again. I recheck the circuit and double check the grounds and nothing. Then I remember the last time this happened in another truck and check the dimmer switch... Incoming power, but no outgoing power. I swap the dimmer and lights are up an running again.

Here's a close up of the bad switch:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psc2dc6c51.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4db2e8a9.jpg

While I was at it I checked all the bulbs in the turn signal lamps and the headlight connections. The rubber gaskets looked great and the wires looked great, too.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psf89c6275.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9d78a62d.jpg

I thought this pile of dust on the lower, inside portion of the headlight beauty ring was a bit weird.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psb3afe4b6.jpg

So now I can drive her to work!

Re: New Guy Alert
 

New guy has some skills! Nice job figuring it out.:yourock:

I just went through the same thing but they started working before I found the problem so I had to keep looking. It was just the connection to the bright switch.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Nice work! What was the part number at NAPA for that starter?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Lol, Yeah, that's usually how it works with floor dimmers. I tried the dimmer switch replacement first. I don't know what the blackend tab does on the actual headlight switch, but it looks melted and burnt and I am not sure why- it must've grounded out. All seems fine now. Whew.



FetchMeAPepsi
Re: New Guy Alert
Nice work! What was the part number at NAPA for that starter?

Here's the part number off the paper work:

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps12973259.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps162d1933.jpg

Apparently the starters are getting harder to find. I was looking to have the old one rebuilt locally because the bushing kit is available. I did not get part numbers for the bushing kit, though.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Thank you for this valid part number. I had to have mine rebuilt last time as well.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

This one was at pull and save north last winter, the truck had a rebuilt stromburg, rebuilt distributor new clutch, coil,wires,water pump , and radiator. It also had a hole in the block! I got all of the stuff for about 75.00 I went back later and and grabbed the trans and light switch for about 60.00 more.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

There's a GMC v6 at the valley pull n save in the pre-70 row right outside the door by the resale lot. Last I checked it had everything but the carb.

What do you reccomend for a power steering pump edition?

Re: New Guy Alert
 

I raided that truck the day they set it. The north one has a 66 i6 truck that had a lot of good stuff. They also have a 66 in the NEW. Old yard they are starting. No self service though. I bought a bunch off it to, areally cool bird hood ornament for 20.00. There is two two tons with v6 engines also. Go talk to Tim at the Spaulding counter at the north store. I think there is a j truck out back. It's all out behind the crusher. Lots of cool old stuff out there. It costs more but they are not crushing it for years. Also they don't charge to wander. I also know a bunch of old back woods scroungers from kalispell to enterprise Oregon . The Oregon guy just brought a 56 Willis wagon and on the 18 th is bringing a 58 Willis truck. No charge and with papers . This guy finds the craziest stuff. So if you want let me know what you need or want and maybe we can go treasure hunting.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Forgot the pump and brackets ? Hahaha not to easy to find. I don't let them go when I get one. I have one now. I always keep one around. It's like spin on filter housings. And double pulleys . Hard to find. The pump is the same as international pickups and pull and save always seems to have one or two. I can let you copy the brackets if you would like. From what I have seen fab work comes easy for you.

Re: New Guy Alert
 

Lol. Rare as hen's teeth! I just figured that out after 1.5 hours scouring the net.

I have a season pass to pull n save- I am addicted to that place. I pull all the divorced np205's off the internationals. I have a few spare AMC 4x4 PS pumps I can use for mock ups, so copying the brackets would be great!

If you'd like to trade any of my motorin' skills for yours and get our own GMC V6 thing going, I am in, as I have A LOT to learn and I am will and able to work! I'll PM you my number and you can call me when it's good for you. Thank you very much!