Though marred by surface rust,...
Though marred by surface rust, the interior is surprisingly unmolested. Look through the top of the steering wheel and you'll see the groovy factory issue radio delete plate.
Last issue we showed you some of the findings we spotted during a recent scavenger hunt at Mielke's Used Auto Parts. It's a time-capsule bone yard in Sheffield, Massachusetts, where we stumbled onto this wild assortment of Toledo's finest. The unusual thing is how most of these Jeeps look like they were parked decades ago - when they might have still been relatively solid and workable. But alas, exposure to untold harsh winters and humid summers has reduced them to forest art status. Then again, if you see something you can use, Mielke's is open for business, just give 'em a call.
The solution arrived in 1965...
The solution arrived in 1965 with the addition of the AMC-sourced 327-cube Vigilante V-8. Available with two-barrel (250hp) or four-barrel (270hp) induction, the 327 was offered in 1965 and 1966 before being replaced by the Buick-supplied Dauntless 350 (230hp) from 1968 to 1971. With American Motors' acquisition of Kaiser-Jeep midway through 1970, a return to AMC 232 and 258 (sixes) and 304, 360, and 401 V-8s was natural. Somebody snatched this Vigilante's heads and intake.
Judging by the sagging door...
Judging by the sagging door hinges and perforated fender, this '65 Gladiator J-2000 pickup has seen plenty of road salt but still looks tough as nails. The Gladiator arrived in concert with the Wagoneer in 1963, but both were initially hampered by a lack of available V-8 power. With its single overhead camshaft, the Tornado 230-cube six was innovative, but couldn't compete with the optional V-8s offered by Ford, GM, and Dodge.
America's first SUV, the 1963...
America's first SUV, the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was on the scene decades before the term was coined. Though all 1963 to 1965 models share this narrow grille design, the single circuit master cylinder tells us this one's a '63 or '64. This 4x4 has the standard solid front axle and leaf springs (now missing). An optional independent front suspension was offered from 1963 through 1965 that substitutes torsion bars and articulated drive axles for a softer ride. Few were sold and fewer remain.
The cast-aluminum cam cover...
The cast-aluminum cam cover used on the 230-inch Tornado six could easily be mistaken for a Mercedes part. Unfortunately, the Willys-designed OHC six-the sole engine offering for 1963 and 1964 Wagoneers before V-8s were added in 1965-was plagued by camshaft wear and oil leaks before being phased out by an AMC-sourced 232ci pushrod six during the 1965 model year. The OHC 230 Tornado's under-square 3.44 x 4.37 bore and stroke formula emphasized low speed torque while the free-breathing cross-flow cylinder head added power at highway speed. It was an interesting two-birds-one-stone strategy. By contrast, AMC bestowed the 232 six with an over-square 3.75 x 3.50 displacement recipe. Both are capable performers. Ironically, though the OHC six was nixed from civilian applications after 1965, a refined version was used in military Gladiator M-715 trucks from 1967 to 1969. A major change was the relocation of the motor mounts from the front cover to the sides of the engine block to eliminate oil leaks.
The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was...
The Jeep FJ-3 Fleetvan was offered between 1961 and 1964 in response to demand from the U.S. Post Office as well as private needs for a small, easily maneuvered light cargo carrier. The non-postal version of the Fleetvan is most often found with this example's conventional lefthand steering position. Aside from the different steering location, commercial FL-3s share the postal version's 80-inch wheelbase but are generally fitted with longer bodies with greater rear overhang. Judging from its faded green paint, this one is probably a former Bell Telephone field service unit.
This FJ-6 shares the F-head...
This FJ-6 shares the F-head four used in earlier FJ-3s. The Warner Gear T-90 3-speed manual was offered, but rarely specified on postal Jeeps due to the added burden of shifting placed on the driver / delivery person. The original operator of this FJ-6 must have been thankful it's got the optional Borg Warner automatic transmission. Check out the huge work shelf to the left of the steering wheel.
In 1965 the FJ-3 was replaced...
In 1965 the FJ-3 was replaced by the FJ-6. This '66 FJ-6 is a former U.S. Post Office rig, complete with RH steering to ease rural mail delivery. The FJ-6's angular construction and increased frontal glass area added interior volume and allowed for a large desk surface next to the driver for mail sorting. No doubt, the simplified flat body panels-devoid of compound curves-reduced stamping costs for improved profitability during construction. We're digging the original-issue Jeep hub cap on the front wheel.