Jeeps are still very new to me, but this thread will try and track getting the truck back into drivable condition again. (And I'm sure to be filled with plenty of rookie questions for anyone listening)
Background: a friend (and big jeep nut) passed away a couple years ago and left me his 1968 super wagoneer, in an unknown state of repair, we moved it to a friend's barn to assess and hopefully come up with a plan, but I'd love any input of what you think might have been going on or what to check on.
Condition:
- It looks like there might have been a vinyl cover on the roof, but that had been roved and there is a hole above the passenger side. The headliner was removed also, but it looks like the backing is still needs to come out and be redone.
- We had a body shop come look at it and they think they could patch up the roof and any rust they find if we can pull the glass out and maybe the interior to protect it. They suggested maybe a rhino type of spray-on once it is fixed to provide a bit of texture like the vinyl did but not have the issues of trapping water and rusting out again. I kind of like the idea, and given I haven't found anyone here that would even attempt to install another vinyl roof, it might be our best bet.
- The right exhaust header and starter was removed, and there was a newer smaller starter in a box I think was meant to go with the jeep. Does this look familiar to anyone?
- The tailgate doesn't seem to open and had the back panel off. Is the key ment to roll down the window first, and then you open it from the inside? I can't find a tailgate latch on the outside lol. (I promised rookie questions)
- The steering column has a nice wobble to it, I didn't see anything obviously to tighten up, but maybe there will be something internal to tighten if I get the cover off?
It looks surprisingly solid and absent of rust, but
since I have no idea what I'm getting into let me just link you to the album which will probably give you much more info in a single glance than I could ever try to describe
PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EooHc5FZSwhkwmJU7
I am 100% open to any and all feedback on what you see. I'd appreciate any mechanical/technical guidance, as well as any historical or fun facts on these jeeps.
The jeep is at another friend's barn, and he's very mechanically inclined, so hopefully he'll be able to make sense of any suggestions.
I know there are a couple of things he recommended I start trying to find, in case anyone could point me in the right direction.
- Gaskets for rear windows and windshield
- Tailgate operation instructions/repairs
- Factory service manual for 327 amc
- Efi converion options
I'm located near Harrisonburg VA, in case anyone was close enough that wanted to come poke at it with us sometime.
Looking forward to learning more about this truck and thanks for any and all help!