| My 1968 Jeep "Gladiator" | ||
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You Gotta Go
See This !!! |
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I have always had a fond liking towards Jeeps and Willy's vehicles. When our house was being built, a small CJ3B with a plow moved dirt and tons of stone to wherever it was needed. Not once did it get stuck or even think of tiring. Unfortunately, rust got the better of the truck and it was eventually sold. I saw it a few years later, but it was now being used for parts.
My favorite brand of Jeep's are the "Gladiator" series pickups. These monsters date from about 1962 through 1969. They are usually most recognized by their grill being just in the center section of the front. I had always wanted one of these.
In the summer of 1996, I decided to stop at a local dwelling where a "Gladiator" truck had been sitting for many years. The man decided that he wanted it out of his yard and told me to take it away if it was worth $50 to me. I thought that was a bargain. Turns out the truck was a 1965 J-300, with a 230 cu. in. "Tornado" straight six engine. The engine didn't turn or even think of turning. A neighbor towed the truck home, on four flat tires, with his Dodge Power Wagon. It then sat to be looked at where it was discovered that the engine had bad main bearings. The truck was thought to be a loss.
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This was the 1965 Jeep "Gladiator" that I discovered in a local persons yard.
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| I was towed home by this monster!!! |  |
Then in September of 1997, I saw a newspaper ad for a 1968 Jeep Pickup. I thought, "This is great." I went to look at the truck and found it to be running and all there with the exception of emblems and the correct grill. I bought the truck, a 1968 J-3000 with a 350 cu. in. "Dauntless" engine. The truck had to be towed home because all the wheel cylinders were bad from sitting for 6 years.
First task was to clean as much of the truck as possible. My Shop Vac had a workout to say the least. Next phase was to replace all the brake cylinders and shoes on all four wheels. As I waited for parts, I fixed the turn signals and reverse lights. I then discovered that I didn't have oil pressure and rebuilt the oil pump. Now I am ready to enjoy my Jeep.
| Year: | 1968 |
| Make: | Kaiser/Jeep |
| Model: | J-3000 |
| Engine: | 350 cu. in. "Dauntless" made by Buick |
| Transmission: | 4 spd. |
| Curb Weight: | 4152 pounds |
| Gross Weight: | 7000 pounds |
| Brakes: | Four Wheel 12" drums |
| Hubs: | Manual, Warn "Lock-O-Matic" |
| Front Axle: | Dana 44 |
| Rear Axle: | Dana 53 |
| Gearing: | 4.27:1 |
| Unique Feature: | 134th "Dauntless" engine Jeep |
A note for everyone. The grill in the pictures below does not belong on this truck. The previous owner had it changed. I evetually plan on changing it back the proper grill like the one pictured above.
UPDATE!!!
This task has been done!!! See what the truck looks like NOW!!!
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Pictures of Trucks I have found on country drives. Click Here!!!
