Another Flatrod
I saw the picture of your Willys hot rod (Trail Head, Jan. '09). I think it's pretty cool! I started working on mine 2 years ago. Gabor Toth West Palm Beach, Florida
RC And Diesel
Love the magazine, I have received it forever. Loved the RC shoot out ("Remote Blowout" Jan. '09). It was just in time for Christmas. I'm sure someone will cry about it though.
You continue to ask for a diesel-powered Jeep and blame the manufacturers for not producing it. I have been a long-time diesel owner and currently own three. The huge problem is the cost of diesel and the added cost of the diesel engine up front. Unleaded is currently $1.54 and diesel is $2.64 (here in Colorado). Assuming a gas Jeep gets 20 mpg, a diesel would need to need to get 34 mpg to have the same 7.7 cents/mile fuel cost as the gas Jeep (not likely). Also, the Jeep would cost more up front (approx $5,000?). It does not seem that with diesel pricing the way it is, that it would make much sense to go diesel. It gets worse when you start adding more expensive oil changes and double the trips to emission stations. Diesels require yearly tests in Colorado. Seems you'd be better off pushing for turbo-charged four-cylinder gas engines than wasting your time looking for diesel Jeeps.
That said, I'd still love to own a J8. Tony Evergreen, Colorado
Baja Bomber
During the '80s and early '90s my parents owned the Rough Country Offroad centers in the San Diego area. In the time that I worked for them I got to see and work on almost every kind of 4X4 ever made. I was recently going through some of my old pictures and came across this old Jeep. I don't remember who owns it, or what we did to it, but it looks like we just put on some tires and maybe wheels. You just gotta love that retro-safari look. Makes me wish I had a four-door Randy Leazer Keokuk, Iowa
Word is that Jeep FC was rolled in Mexico some time ago. Good news is that it's being repaired!
Reader Responds
Yes Jim, I hate your Jeep (Mailbag, Jan. '09). Your Jeep needs sand, and not the kind at the dunes. I'm talking blasting media. Lose the paint. It has to go. You won't get trail respect as you are now. My stock F150 would get more respect on the trail, and it's a 5.4L V-8 2WD with a limited slip. I would recommend picking up a copy of the June '06 issue of Jp, and look to the feature on page 86, "Livin' in the Past" for some guidance.
For your Jeep's tub color, I would think an easy transition to a solid metallic garnet or deep red would suffice. Don't spend too much on the paint. If you're going to use your Jeep as designed, you will be giving it a Rust-Oleum spray repair very soon. Think Project Hatari! But with a bit less rust.
As of now you are not even Jeep Wave worthy, but by simply questioning your Jeep's ugliness, I think you are on your way to recovery. Send pics of the sandblasting. Your Jeep will thank you. And so will the entire Jeeping world. Do it. Why are you still reading? Call a paint shop now! Go!Brian PaoneSt. Augustine Beach, Florida
Military Addy
Love the mag. I was reading "Military Parts Guide" in the January '09 issue and just wanted to add a guy who I deal with. He's old school so he doesn't have a Web site. But I figured you can use it for personal reference: Nelsons Surplus Jeep Parts & Military Tires, 1024 East Park Ave., Columbiana, Ohio 44408, 330/482-5191. The best time to call is Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon (EST).Clint BochanVia e-mail
Cover Me
This is a picture of my low-budget '89 Wrangler build. This is what kind of Jeep most people can afford to build in these economic times. I think you should do a budget-build with my Jeep on the cover.Bob TrayerForce, Pennsylvania
More Vintage
I just wanted to say, give us some more stuff like "Vintage Iron, Vintage Trail" (Jan. '09). It wasn't so much the vintage part that I liked as it was that I was glad to see some Jeeps that were still basically Jeeps driving an interesting trail. There are plenty of rags about rock monsters and extreme stuff out there which is why I hope to see more articles like this one in Jp. I like the pastime that once was Jeepin' and this article brought that back. In my opinion, nothing beats taking a well-equipped Jeep on a long scenic trail with some challenging spots thrown in along the way. Keep doing stories like this and I will keep subscribing. Jordan JohnsonHowe, Texas
Baddest Jeep Ever
I found an old issue of your magazine with a write up about the M35A2 military truck (June '06, "Baddest Jeep Ever!") and I want to purchase one. Do you know a place where I can get one that is closer to New Jersey than Utah?Alex GrangerAndover, New Jersey
You're in luck; we just ran a story about how to buy a 21/2-ton military truck in the January '09 issue ("Buying Big"). You can see the story online at jpmagazine.com. There are several different dealers listed across the U.S. that can put you in the driver seat.
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Write to:JP Magazine Editor6420 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90048E-mail to: john.cappa@jpmagazine.com