Betsy, my 1959 Jeep FC-170

[billiardspintail]

NOTE: I am posting this under the correct account.

Hello all, I'm going to try to keep this updated as I work on this truck.

I don't have a ton of time because the truck isn't at my home, but at a friends house that lives ~30-45 minutes away, and I do not have a ton of money.

However, I do have some parts already to get her going:

- Chevy 350 Shortblock
- T90 3 speed manual transmission
- Spicer 18 Transfer case
- Dana 44 front axle
- Dana 53 rear axle

I also have a camper shell that I am planning to outfit for some very comfortable camping.

And a million smaller things.

Here are some shots of my picking her up in Oregon, about 12 hours drive from where I live:

I'll keep you all posted!

 

[Steve]

That is such a cool vehicle!

 

[billiardspintail]

That is such a cool vehicle!

Thanks Steve! I'm hoping I can ride on the expertise of others to learn what I am doing. Because of this truck I've already learned to weld (poorly, but I can do it ) and will soon learn the finer points of engine, transmission and transfer-case rebuilding.

 

[Steve]

and will soon learn the finer points of engine, transmission and transfer-case rebuilding.

Good luck! Just this afternoon, I found that my MG, which is one year older than your Jeep, has a blown head gasket. It has 26 miles on it since a costly major engine rebuild...

 

[billiardspintail]

Good luck! Just this afternoon, I found that my MG, which is one year older than your Jeep, has a blown head gasket. It has 26 miles on it since a costly major engine rebuild...

Whoa, that must hurt. Good luck with the repairs!

 

[Corrie]

She totally looks like a Betsy! Keep us posted on this build!!

 

[billiardspintail]

She totally looks like a Betsy! Keep us posted on this build!!

I'll do my best thanks!

 

[NorthStar96]

I like your Jeep! oh the possibilities!

 

[doobie_dave]

Sick dude! Sick!

Sent from my LGLS991 using Overland Bound Talk mobile app

 

[billiardspintail]

I like your Jeep! oh the possibilities!

I have many plans for her! I should probably put some designs up for feedback.

 

[billiardspintail]

Sick dude! Sick!

Sent from my LGLS991 using Overland Bound Talk mobile app

Thanks! That's what I said when I first learned about the FC line. Took me 3 years to find one.

 

[NorthStar96]

I have many plans for her! I should probably put some designs up for feedback.

good idea! theres lots of goodies you can get to beautificate her. (is that even a word)?...beautify

 

[billiardspintail]

Using an old picture from when I picked up the truck, here is my basic plan for a modular bed platform for the camper. Let me know what you all think!

 

[billiardspintail]

Picked up a Chevy 350 to T90 adapter, a T90 rebuild kit and some CB radios, including 2 108" whip antennas!

 

[ArmyofMike]

What an awesome Jeep! That is very unique! I love the old markings on the tailgate= 4wheel drive.

Keep us updated on the project.

Is there a way to insulate the cargo area? The metal seems like it would make for a challenging environment in cold/hot weather.

 

[billiardspintail]

What an awesome Jeep! That is very unique! I love the old markings on the tailgate= 4wheel drive.

Keep us updated on the project.

Is there a way to insulate the cargo area? The metal seems like it would make for a challenging environment in cold/hot weather.

Thanks! We have almost everything to put the drivetrain together when the time permits.

I have an idea to insulate the cargo area, as that is going to be my sleeping area. I am going to use 1/2" to 3/4" thick closed cell foam and attach it to the inside of the camper. The foam should be good enough for insulation, that plus my blankets and an oil lantern should keep it warm.

I also plan on some kind of fan setup for warmer whether, though I haven't figured that out yet.

I'll keep this build thread as up to date as I can!

 

[billiardspintail]

I was hoping some overlanders here could help me out with something.

I am trying to think of a good way to increase my fuel capacity (when I eventually get her up and running). I currently have the stock 18 gallon tank that sits under the truck in the rear. I have been thinking that I would like to buy an aux gas tank and put it in the bed of the truck. But I know being in an enclosed space with gasoline isn't the best idea.

Does anyone have experience with this? I wanted to buy actual gas tanks to put in the bed, not gas cans, and I would route a breather pipe to the outside so fumes would go outside and not in the sleeping area. Are there any other ways that I could increase my fuel capacity without just piling on gas cans (I am already planning on having some).

Thanks!

 

[billiardspintail]

The parts are starting to flow in!

As expected the truck came with only a Spicer 18. My surprise when I see it has a Koenig PTO adapter already set up!

I already bought the transmission and bellhousing adapter. Wait what's this connected the to transfer case?

That is a T90A, and a GM to T90 adapter. Already under the truck. I really should have checked before buying a second transmission and adapter

On top of that, the clutch and pressure plate are on their way!

 

[O.Dfj]

I'm excited to see this build progress, I love FC Jeeps.

 

[The other Sean]

I was hoping some overlanders here could help me out with something.

I am trying to think of a good way to increase my fuel capacity (when I eventually get her up and running). I currently have the stock 18 gallon tank that sits under the truck in the rear. I have been thinking that I would like to buy an aux gas tank and put it in the bed of the truck. But I know being in an enclosed space with gasoline isn't the best idea.

Does anyone have experience with this? I wanted to buy actual gas tanks to put in the bed, not gas cans, and I would route a breather pipe to the outside so fumes would go outside and not in the sleeping area. Are there any other ways that I could increase my fuel capacity without just piling on gas cans (I am already planning on having some).

Thanks!

What kind of room do you have between the frame rails and bed sides? I would NOT suggest putting the fuel tank of any kind in the same area you will be sleeping.

What is you need for the extra fuel? 18 gallon tank seems decent. Personally, adding an auxiliary tank can get complicated in a hurry. For the time and effort, I would simply add a few jerry cans to the bed sides.

Not being a Jeep or FC person, is there a larger tank available (original equipment or aftermarket) that bolts in place of the stocker?