FrankenJeep! Working the bugs out of it. New pics added 11/07/08

[poolmike]

It isn't exactly a tuner, but a fun project. Here is a brief history. It is a 1968 Kaiser/Jeep M715, designed for the U.S. Armed forces based on the full-sized Jeep platform. Roughly 30,000 units were produced in 3 different forms: troop carrier, ambulance, and a service truck. Most went to Vietnam never to return home.

I purchased mine in stock formation 7 years ago. It had faded blue paint(U.S. Navy color) with a homemade sheet metal hardtop that was painted red. I don't have any pics of it in that condition.

Soon after I bought it, the stock 6 cylinder was evicted to make room for a fairly radical 406 small block Chebbie. I also busted out the olive drab paint, then brushed and rolled it over the original paint and rust. I cut the centers out of the original split-rim wheels and welded them into some tubeless style rims with some 37" Super Swamper tires.

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/221/img0175ke0.jpg

http://img428.imageshack.us/img428/1657/img0164db6.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8294/img0162zh6.jpg

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6834/img0177ih3.jpg


I drove it like that for 6 years until Dec '05. 5.87:1 gears+ thirsty small block= 4mpg. I could not afford the fuel anymore, so the turbo diesel transplant started. I opted for a 6.2 Liter Detroit diesel. I called on my buddy George Whitlock, who is a diesel mechanic to build the engine.

The bare block

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/552/eb16kc.jpg

Rotating assembly with 17:1 pistons and custom made stud girdle kit

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9370/eb20iv.jpg


Prepped for surgery

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7595/dieselswap003az1.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6492/dieselswap004zy9.jpg


The aluminum headed 406/TH350 combo removed.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3462/dieselswap006gw0.jpg


After removing the motor/trans, I started to realize that the rust demons owned the truck and I needed to address the situation.

The driver's side of the cowl

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6339/dieselswap007yk4.jpg

Driver's side rocker panel...aka 'Jeepoxide'

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8161/dieselswap011az3.jpg

the remains of the floor

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8089/dieselswap010ql9.jpg


The whole truck went to the media blaster to get stripped

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6015/dieelswap016em3.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/289/dieelswap015zk8.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1927/dieelswap019ne9.jpg


The framed prepped with POR-15 rust inhibitor.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9861/dieelswap020tb7.jpg


New floors and rocker panels welded in

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5871/tires008rd3.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/2571/tires006xu0.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5993/jeepfiatpics004ew8.jpg


Now it is time for reassembly. Here is the engine/trans mounted in the frame

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9016/garage002tn8.jpg

New wheels/tires with a 8" lift

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8284/jeepfiatpics003fg7.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2122/jeepfiatpics002sz2.jpg


That is it for now.

[Dave]

nice! cant wait to see it completed!

[BlackBulletTSi]

that jeep is freakin sick seriously

[Honest_Bob]

Awesome project! Looks like the mini would fit in the back of that thing. :rofl:

[ggmr610]

that thing is awesome. keep up the goodword.
cant wait to see it done.

[poolmike]

I took the rest of the sheet metal to the media blaster for stripping and priming. The hood, fenders, rad support, front valance, and new doors are painted in Vietnam era Olive Drab.

Here are some crappy pics of the old rusty doors that I'm hacking up to fabricate into trail doors. 25,000 trucks produced, more than half went to Vietnam never to return, less than 3,000 are currently registered in the U.S., and I just hacked up two doors that only fit these trucks. Anywho, I have to pick up some sheet metal to finish the doors.


http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q313/poolmike/updates013.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q313/poolmike/updates015.jpg

[robman7835]

sweet project.....i can't wait to see it done

[Shockwave179]

Def different as far as projects go, keep up the good work.

[R33P3R007]

Woot!!! I want a ride when it's done. in the mud of course

[Cutlass372]

Love the Grenade shifter knob ;). Atleast thats what I think it is?

[TROLL]

measure twice, cut once :) nice going mike...

[dickerdieter]

grenade shift knobs ftw!

[88TSI_Rob]

That thing is so badass!

If you don't mind me asking, where are you getting the media blasting done?

[poolmike]

That thing is so badass!

If you don't mind me asking, where are you getting the media blasting done?

John Torbert in Newtown. He is very reasonable. PM me for his number.

[LSHatch]

Used to love seeing that thing driving around. People would stare at it like "what the hell is that thing." It's so freaking big.

[CleanNeon98]

whats the progress with this thing?

[Danronian]

Awesome project.

[poolmike]

whats the progress with this thing?

I have Minis on my mind.....Once I get all of the paint stripped off of the white Mini and send it to the body shop, I will resume work on the Jeep. I need to recruit a few people to remove the cab with me, then I pull the trans, install flywheel/clutch, put the trans back in, and throw the cab back on. After that, it is literally a matter of assembling the truck with just a small amount of fabrication. I just need a little more money.....and time...and more moneyandtimeandmoneyandtimeandmoneyandtime........ .

[CleanNeon98]

I have Minis on my mind.....Once I get all of the paint stripped off of the white Mini and send it to the body shop, I will resume work on the Jeep. I need to recruit a few people to remove the cab with me, then I pull the trans, install flywheel/clutch, put the trans back in, and throw the cab back on. After that, it is literally a matter of assembling the truck with just a small amount of fabrication. I just need a little more money.....and time...and more moneyandtimeandmoneyandtimeandmoneyandtime........ .

I could lend a hand with the removal...dont expect me to know anything, but I can lift stuff and unscrew bolts just fine lol..you should build ramps for it and haul the mini around...or 2...or all of them lol im sure they will fit

[Vypurr]

You have the most simple but coolest projects ever!

[Turbo s60R]

You have the most simple but coolest projects ever!

what he said:iagree:

[Nors]

Coolest vehicle on TST. For sure

[italianblaze]

grenade shift knobs ftw!

yeahhhh
had one of these on my Porsche so BA !!!

[poolmike]

After 1 year of stashing some project cabbage$$$ and pondering my axle situation, the project will proceed....slowly.


I already swapped my stock axles for a GM 14 bolt rear axle and a Dana 60 front axle. After many long discussions with, uhhhh, myself...puny 1 1/4 ton axles just wont be strong enough. The hunt is on for some Rockwell 2 1/2 ton axles. If I can find 2 front steer axles for a good price...well, 4 wheel steering will be teeeeeets!


Here is a link to a crappy video of a Kaiser M715 like mine, with a 4 cylinder Cummins Diesel showing off it's strength


http://homepage.mac.com/ltalessi/iMovieTheater124.html

[Honduh]

Coolest Jeep Ever!

[Honest_Bob]

Here is a link to a crappy video of a Kaiser M715 like mine, with a 4 cylinder Cummins Diesel showing off it's strength

http://homepage.mac.com/ltalessi/iMovieTheater124.html


Thats an awesome video! :mrgreen:

[poolmike]

Spent the whole day working on the truck, putting my welding skills to work. I finished patching up the remaining holes in the cab, then removed it from the chassis. I cut out the original transmission crossmember to make room for a custom fabricated crossmember that I will make tomorrow. I also ordered a whole mess of parts to keep the project rolling along.

She's 40 years old this year! July 4th is my goal to have it roadworthy.

[Blkmax]

thats awesome. Its gonna be fun truck in the end, it looks indestructable. Good luck with it!

[SpendOne]

Mike, know anyone interested in a 4cyl diesel motor??? My buddy has one in his garage that was originally in his Ranger project. To sya the least, when the truck was all done, he couldnt stop b/c of the tq at idle.

[poolmike]

Mike, know anyone interested in a 4cyl diesel motor??? My buddy has one in his garage that was originally in his Ranger project. To sya the least, when the truck was all done, he couldnt stop b/c of the tq at idle.

Yes, I am interested. PM me the info or pictures of the engine. If it happens to be a Cummins or Perkins or Hercules.....I WANT IT!!!!!!

[SpendOne]

I believe its a Cummins.

[SpendOne]

Its definately a Cummins 4BT which is confirmed by the owner (drop in motor on the Jeep). He knows they are worth money but hes not looking to make a killing on it so its pretty much best offer. As stated this is froma precious p[roject and the motor is in 100% running order. PM me your number Mike and Ill forward it right over to him and Im sure you can go check it out this weekend. He also has alot of deisel stuff laying around if your interested.

[poolmike]

PM sent!

[scutzi128]

Looks sick mike your collection of unique cars is awesome.

[poolmike]

Thanks to SpendOne, I have another decision to make. I just picked up a Cummins 4BT(unknown condition). I will run a compression test on it to see if its good, then decide if I want to run it in the Jeep. I wanted to build a 4BT from the beginning, but I could not afford to purchase a core then build it up and a free 6.2 Detroit came to me. After being built, I keep reading how the 6.2/6.5s like to belch the crank thru the oilpan without warning under no load at 12psi boost.

I think if the Cummins checks out ok, it is going in the truck.


She's a biggin'

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/8085/dsc0339om7.jpg

*note the Mini engine in the background here....another project for another day picked up at an auction Saturday.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/332/dsc0340pu1.jpg

Some extra parts

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2835/dsc0342fq3.jpg

[SpendOne]

I heard you go a hell of a deal. :wink: That motor shoukd be fine. It ran great when it was pulled. Good luck with everything.

[poolmike]

I made the decision on Tuesday to pull the plug on the Detroit diesel 6.5L project in favor of a 3.9L 4 cylinder Cummins. This is the engine I wanted from the start, but was unable to find for the right price. I will be officially named the Wonder Engine. It came from a Wonder Bread truck. I Wonder how many hundreds of thousands of miles it has on it. I Wonder if it has any compression at all. I Wonder how much blow-by it has. I Wonder if it will even consider starting for me.



He she is.....and before anyone asks, YES IT IS IN FACT TILTED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. The Chevy transmission adapter clocks the engine 10 degrees to the right.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9913/dsc0343ui7.jpg


pay no mind to Ralph the painter in the background...

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4451/dsc0344oz0.jpg


http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8995/dsc0346pk4.jpg


Plenty of transmission to floor clearance

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1146/dsc0345jv6.jpg



If all goes well, I will get the HX35 bolted on this week, get some fuel to it and try to start it next week.

[poolmike]

After a couple of weeks of fabrication work, and countless parts runs....it starts and runs on its own power. I had it running for ~20 minutes today with no serious issues. The injection pump leaks and needs a rebuild. Compression test shows 370psi in all four cylinders. Now it is time to take everything apart again for paint.

[TROLL]

:)

pics of fab work, or are you going to wait till its all cleaned up and pretty looking?

[zerioustt]

mike you kick ass and so does your collection of rides!

[TGilb2007]

Dude, awesome. I like how you find the most odd, off the wall cars, and make them work.

This gonna be a work truck? Or another toy?

[poolmike]

The purpose of this truck was always to be a really fun daily driver, and a truck that I don't have to care about. It worked well for me for 5 years until tin-worm consumed the truck and gas prices kicked my ass. 4mpg with the gas engine wasn't working anymore.

With the 4 cylinder Cummins, I plan on eventually pulling 400hp/600ft.lbs. while getting 20-25 mpg burning veggie oil. I also want to figure a way to mount a Mini engine under the bed to drive the winch, but that is another project for another day.

[SpendOne]

Mike, glad to hear you got it together.

[poolmike]

Mike, glad to hear you got it together.

Yeh, I need your boy to score me a Cummins to Chevy flywheel. Cummins gets $900+ for a new one.

[SpendOne]

Ill ask him tomorrow for ya.

[poolmike]

He said he doesn't see them too often, so don't worry about it. Ask him if he has anymore engines.

[Honest_Bob]

I wanna see this thing getting diiirty. :mrgreen:

[Mercury]

Badass!

[poolmike]

Thanks....but right now it is completely disassembled, AGAIN. The chassis is at the media blaster again. For some reason there as some pitting coming thru the POR-15 rust inhibitor, so I had to strip it all down again. This time I had the blaster shoot the frame with 'Black Beauty' and then immediately shoot it with epoxy primer. Meanwhile I have been working on the sheet metal stuff...insulating the cab, prepping parts for paint. Hopefully, by next week I will have the chassis painted and assembled with the cab painted and installed, and most of the drivetrain painted and installed.


My neighbors hate me. And they will really hate me when the entire area is covered in olive drab dust.

[poolmike]

This project is kicking my ass lately. I got the chassis, cab, fenders, hood, and radiator support painted and ready for assembly, but the drivetrain is not ready yet. Hopefully my clutch will be in tomorrow and I can finish assembling the drivetrain, and finally start assembling this truck.

[TROLL]

hey mike, are you working on it tomorrow? my day is pretty open, if so i'll come hang out for a bit and see what you're up to, and lend a hand if there's any lending of hands needed.

[poolmike]

I'll be in the garage all day, with th exception of a couple of parts runs. Stop by.

[poolmike]

I went three rounds with the f'ing transmission today. Couldn't get the input shaft into the pilot bearing. I went two rounds with it this afternoon, and it owned me for 4 hours. My buddy George came by after dinner to assist, and we got it together. Now, hopefully I can make some progress tomorrow, in the form of installing the transfer case, and the cab...permanently!

[poolmike]

Most of the chassis fabrication is out of the way. I bolted the drivetrain together and sprayed some 'drab on there. Now I have to remember how it goes back together......


Here is my exhaust manifold and HX35 exhaust housing, ceramic coated by Bonehead.

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1845/dsc0041yw6.jpg


And now for the 'drab


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5940/dsc0044xx8.jpg


http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6651/dsc0043xc5.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7210/dsc0045uj0.jpg


http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7655/dsc0046sq9.jpg

[poolmike]

Bigger tires needed. These tiny little 38" Michelins just won't cut it. It is going to need at least 42's!


http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2970/dsc0049lp6.jpg


http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/680/dsc0048cy7.jpg

[CarbonIS]

if you're getting bigger tires Mike, I'll take those ones and put them on my jeep!

[poolmike]

if you're getting bigger tires Mike, I'll take those ones and put them on my jeep!

That would require lifting your Cherokee. And some fender tuning with a sawzall. DO IT!!!

[CarbonIS]

hmmmm....

[poolmike]

I love the smell of that canvas top. I really miss it. I really need a much larger garage.

Anywho, I bolted some more parts on today for one final test fit before I prep them for paint. The windshield frame needs some attention due too rust:roll: The trail doors will look good when finished. I will work on that this afternoon. Also, my hood is hitting the radiator cap. I have to address that by dropping the radiator 1" or so.


http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4461/dsc0110mq4.jpg


http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3228/dsc0111yj4.jpg

[lownslow95]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/Kanno/redx6lt.jpg

[DropTopChevy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/Kanno/redx6lt.jpg

Looks like your the only one seeing X's so get some better internetz.

[jc8889]

Sick build, nice to see something different.

[poolmike]

I've been taking advantage of some unfortunate slow time at work and burying myself under the Jeep every spare minute I have. I will get some pics up soon.

The biggest challenge was cutting out the rotted floor of the bed. I have been putting it off for 2 years now. I replaced it with 1/8" tread plate, then painted the bed and bolted it back on. That is a HUGE step in the right direction. Seeing the truck body painted and assembled was just the right motivation for the following steps...

1. Take my spare injection pump to Fuel Injection Service in Allentown, PA for a rebuild.
2. Remove the front axle, cut the spring perches off and weld the new perches on like a pro instead of a newbie.
3. Tear into the front axle, replace bearings, seals, u-joints, king pins, and install new billet hi-steer arms.
4. Install new front rotors, calipers and pads.
5.Get the phone call from Fuel Injection Service, saying that my pump is bad and needs $1800 to fix it:jawdrop:
6. Remove injection pump from engine and deliver that one to F.I.S. for a rebuild. Only $1000 for that one.
7. Disc brake conversion on rear axle.
8. Press in 32 new wheel studs.
9. Make a mounting bracket for clutch slave cylinder.
10. Start running brake lines
11. Dropped of measurements for brake hoses at Trenton Brake.


I still have an insane amount of work to do, but I am pushing hard to have it mobile this fall.

[Proven]

That thing is seriously bad a**. great build man.. good work.!

[poolmike]

If the air in Bucks County seemed a little thick today, it is because of me:mrgreen: The little Cummins fired up today. It was a bit of a battle bleeding the air out of the injection lines, but when the smoke and soot cleared there was a smooth running Cummins. I immediately jumped in the cab and shifted through the gears(no driveshaft) and the trans and transfer case seem quiet.

Still plenty of work to do.

- finish the brake lines
- measure for/purchase/install 4 shocks
- take the door glass to SOG for some tint
- rewire the truck
- exhaust
- purchase and install batteries
- rebuild/install front winch
- that's all I want to think of for now

[TROLL]

down the home stretch! sweetness...

[Got Insulin?]

This is cool as hell, man. I've seen your, uh, Mini "woody" (ho homo) at the Hooter shows before. I'll make sure to say "hello" next time. Very cool projects all around.

[OMGz Turbo]

sweeet cant wait to see this thing cruising around again haha

[poolmike]

I picked up my new rear drive shaft Friday and installed it this morning, finished plumbing and bleeding the brakes, installed the power steering pump. Tomorrow I will finish plumbing the hydroboost and go over all of the nuts/bolts holding the chassis together, then attempt a short drive around the neighborhood. Still plenty of work to do, but it is getting closer.

[OMGz Turbo]

You need a jake brake hahha

[jdmwill]

i f'n love it i want one so bad now. the thing is a monster literally. keep up the awesome work brother.

[poolmike]

Holy Sheeetz! It is going to be one hell of a puller. I was terrorizing my neighborhood with the truck this afternoon. No exhaust at all makes it sound like a tractor. I didn't get much over 25-30mph, but I can say that 4 wheel power disc brakes with hydroboost is way better than 4 wheel manual drums. It is back in the garage for wiring, exhaust, and some misc. stuff before one final coat of drab.

It's getting closer to roadworthy!

[poolmike]

I spent the afternoon wiring the truck. I have all of the light circuits functional, the fuel solenoid and starter are working. Tomorrow I will mess with the gauges and electric cooling fan.

The next adventure will be running some form of exhaust pipe, and mounting some shocks.

[CleanNeon98]

Mike, you gotta bring this to one of the friendly's meets!

[olletsocmit]

thats awesome dude.

[poolmike]

Mike, you gotta bring this to one of the friendly's meets!

When it is roadworthy, I will drive it to the meets.

[CleanNeon98]

When it is roadworthy, I will drive it to the meets.
Uhh....crap, I wasnt serious....just please be careful, I dont want my miata to get stuck in your undercarrige somewhere :bigeek:

[MuddyREX]

Uhh....crap, I wasnt serious....just please be careful, I dont want my miata to get stuck in your undercarrige somewhere :bigeek:

Don't worry, I don't think Mike would even notice......

[Vypurr]

I remember seeing Mike's Xmas tree...That was manly...I can only imagine what he would do to a miata given the chance with a big truck and winch! haha. I keed...kinda

[TROLL]

sweet... glad to see things rolling along now. i'm sure the light at the end of the tunnel is providing great motivation.

[poolmike]

Miata's will be used as traction aid during off camber situations.

[CleanNeon98]

Miata's will be used as traction aid during off camber situations.
Well at least its good for something :cry:

[poolmike]

I took it on the road for the first time on Saturday. The truck runs really good and I only ran into a few issues. It had the dreaded 4x4 'Death Wobble' which is just plain scary. A quick toe adjustment took care of that problem. The second issue is gearing. As I suspected, the 4.10 gear ratio isn't enough. I will need at least a 4.88 or 5.13 for proper pulling.

The road testing was fun and made me realize how much I missed driving this truck. There is nothing like folding the windshield down and going for a drive, and now with the turbo screaming through 1.5 feet of pipe the drive is that much more fun:mrgreen: There is no more doubting that my neighbors hate me.

[poolmike]

The truck has been running great, with just a few minor issues. The transfer case needed a little love in the bearings, brake master cylinder #5 is leaking at the piston(made in China...go figure), horrible death wobble in the front end. All of which should be cured by this weekend.

So far, I have been pulling ~20-25 mpg in this thing, running a diesel/used oil blend. I couldn't be happier with that.

Here is the only pic I have of it in one piece. From the Jeff Daniels Jeep Show.

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/8066/dsc0028lo2.jpg

[BluMeanie]

I forgot about this thing! Heh, it doesn't fit in the parking spot.

[Jeffros Spec V]

Death Wobble is probably the scariest thing in the world next to having a gun to your head.

When I bought my Jeep I had no idea what death wobble was. I was cruising down 276 and all of a sudden I thought my wheels were falling on. I almost crashed HARD.


Anyway, glad to see this thing back on the road! Can't argue with 25mpg out of this thing.

[R22B]

Very nice build!

[poolmike]

Went out clowning around in the truck today in search of some mud...didn't really find any but the weather was too nice to not go for a topless ride. Took a few pics in my travels.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/4826/dsc0159oh8.jpg


Yeh, I know he lost. Whatever.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7296/dsc0163ob9.jpg


http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/1214/dsc0157xt3.jpg


Some topless photos

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7839/dsc0179tp8.jpg


http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3430/dsc0183tc4.jpg


And one while driving...


http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7757/dsc0171df5.jpg

[Vypurr]

That things still awesome! Needs some more meat on those tires tho!

[poolmike]

I haven't decided on a tire yet. Custom 22.5's are going to set me back $450 each plus tires. I want roughly a 42" mild tread with a serious load range. Most of it's use will be on road. I will locate some 40" boggers for trail rides.

[Goddabob]

Your Jeep is awesome. I bet you had the coolest vehicle at that show.

[Erik]

thats nasty! i never noticed this journal. Must say, it looks really odd with the windshield down. pretty cool to look at though

[Honest_Bob]

Pure awesomeness, and with it getting 25mpg I'd be saving money driving that thing to work VS the wrx. :roll:

[OMGz Turbo]

Wow the progress looks great mike, good luck.