Inspector-Gadget
New member
OK -- So you have all figured out that Inspector-G has wwwwaaayyy to much free time on his hands...right? Well, you are all correct: I do, and this post will confirm your opinion.
Now that we have that out of the way, I want to share my latest junkyard discovery. I found a fully intact Jeep Fleetvan, an FJ-3. The FJ-3 was manufactured from 1961 through 1965, and it was built on the venerable CJ-3 chassis. For comparison of the two models, here is a drawing of a CJ-3 superimposed on a Fleetvan.
I did not have a camera with me during my junkyard expedition, but I found a few pictures on the web of an identical model Jeep Fleetvan.
A front quarter-view:
A side view:
That phone number is absolutely inspired!.
A rear quarter-view:
Lots of glass for good interior illumination.
So I am looking at this junkyard FJ-3, and my mind begins to whir. "HHhhhhhmmmmm -- This hulk, if restored, could be a great Jeep club support vehicle." You know...a Jeep club mother-ship.
The FJ-3 could carry the spare parts and extraction gear: towing straps, hi-lift jacks, snatch blocks, shovels, portable generator, welder, air compressor. I would think that a Fleetvan could be modified, within the limitations imposed by the body style, for at least mild off-road use.
Another idea: A Jeep club chuck-wagon. Jeepers need a hearty breakfast to begin a hard day of off-roading and breaking their Jeeps. Afterwards, a nourishing brunch of suicide level high cholesterol and comfort foods would be in order.
New and Improved Menu:
(Breakfast)
Scrambler Eggs with Ru-Bacon
Gadget Grits
A Hi-Lift Stack of Blueberry Pancakes
Paragon Egg McMuffin
Moab Sausage Sandwich
(Brunch)
Jeep Shakes
Wrangler BBQ-Burgers, with choice of Rubicondiments
Commando Coney's
Sully's Scrumptious Sufferin Succotash (you have to say it like Sylvester the Cat)
Wagoneer Cheese Steak Sandwich (for the big appetite)
The Jeepz.com Offroad Club Sandwich
Inspector G's Patented Bubbacon Chicken Wings -- Mild, Medium and Bellybutton Lint Spontaneous Combustion Hot!
LauraBoston Baked-Beans (tasty, but wicked gassy!)
PASmokeater Chili
Baked Laredo Potato
Sahara Fries
Roundeye's Curley, Larry and Moe Fries
LadyJeepFreak Phins-Up Phinny Phish Sandwich, with Phries
Pineaplebob's Corn On the Cob
Renegade Pizza
Joopin's Jumbalaya (northern version -- contains no alligator)
Tug-N-Pull Salt-Water Taffy
Kiddie Jeeper Happy Meal (A box of miscellaneous model Jeep parts which the kiddies can spend countless hours trying to assemble into a working model Jeep -- just like Dad!)
(All of the above served off the FJ-3 rear step-bumper, buffet style...Jimmy Buffet style)
As if those ideas were not enough, I had a third idea: the Fleetvan could be restored and turned into an off-road mini camper. It would be great for extended stay deep woods fishing and hunting trips. Picture the Fleetvan with a travel trailer galley, fold-up bunks, a head and other creature-comforts installed.
Yes, folks -- a Jeepabago!
So there you have it.
Since the "Bubbacon" is more-or-less finished to the extent that I had envisioned, I am looking for a new project.
So...what do you think? Please post your votes.
Inspector-G should buy the FJ-3 and turn it into a:
(1) Jeep Club Mother-Ship?
(2) Jeep Club Chuck Wagon?
(3) Jeepabago?
(4) Inspector-G should forget the whole idea, come out of retirement and GET A JOB!!!
:mrgreen:
Regards,
Gadget
PS: For the amateur Jeep historians out there, here is a link to the web page from which the above pictures were lifted:
http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Siblings/Fleetvan.html
A very nice web page which is worth the reading time for those interested in the history and production variations of our treasured toys.
Now that we have that out of the way, I want to share my latest junkyard discovery. I found a fully intact Jeep Fleetvan, an FJ-3. The FJ-3 was manufactured from 1961 through 1965, and it was built on the venerable CJ-3 chassis. For comparison of the two models, here is a drawing of a CJ-3 superimposed on a Fleetvan.
I did not have a camera with me during my junkyard expedition, but I found a few pictures on the web of an identical model Jeep Fleetvan.
A front quarter-view:
A side view:
That phone number is absolutely inspired!.
A rear quarter-view:
Lots of glass for good interior illumination.
So I am looking at this junkyard FJ-3, and my mind begins to whir. "HHhhhhhmmmmm -- This hulk, if restored, could be a great Jeep club support vehicle." You know...a Jeep club mother-ship.
The FJ-3 could carry the spare parts and extraction gear: towing straps, hi-lift jacks, snatch blocks, shovels, portable generator, welder, air compressor. I would think that a Fleetvan could be modified, within the limitations imposed by the body style, for at least mild off-road use.
Another idea: A Jeep club chuck-wagon. Jeepers need a hearty breakfast to begin a hard day of off-roading and breaking their Jeeps. Afterwards, a nourishing brunch of suicide level high cholesterol and comfort foods would be in order.
New and Improved Menu:
(Breakfast)
Scrambler Eggs with Ru-Bacon
Gadget Grits
A Hi-Lift Stack of Blueberry Pancakes
Paragon Egg McMuffin
Moab Sausage Sandwich
(Brunch)
Jeep Shakes
Wrangler BBQ-Burgers, with choice of Rubicondiments
Commando Coney's
Sully's Scrumptious Sufferin Succotash (you have to say it like Sylvester the Cat)
Wagoneer Cheese Steak Sandwich (for the big appetite)
The Jeepz.com Offroad Club Sandwich
Inspector G's Patented Bubbacon Chicken Wings -- Mild, Medium and Bellybutton Lint Spontaneous Combustion Hot!
LauraBoston Baked-Beans (tasty, but wicked gassy!)
PASmokeater Chili
Baked Laredo Potato
Sahara Fries
Roundeye's Curley, Larry and Moe Fries
LadyJeepFreak Phins-Up Phinny Phish Sandwich, with Phries
Pineaplebob's Corn On the Cob
Renegade Pizza
Joopin's Jumbalaya (northern version -- contains no alligator)
Tug-N-Pull Salt-Water Taffy
Kiddie Jeeper Happy Meal (A box of miscellaneous model Jeep parts which the kiddies can spend countless hours trying to assemble into a working model Jeep -- just like Dad!)
(All of the above served off the FJ-3 rear step-bumper, buffet style...Jimmy Buffet style)
As if those ideas were not enough, I had a third idea: the Fleetvan could be restored and turned into an off-road mini camper. It would be great for extended stay deep woods fishing and hunting trips. Picture the Fleetvan with a travel trailer galley, fold-up bunks, a head and other creature-comforts installed.
Yes, folks -- a Jeepabago!
So there you have it.
Since the "Bubbacon" is more-or-less finished to the extent that I had envisioned, I am looking for a new project.
So...what do you think? Please post your votes.
Inspector-G should buy the FJ-3 and turn it into a:
(1) Jeep Club Mother-Ship?
(2) Jeep Club Chuck Wagon?
(3) Jeepabago?
(4) Inspector-G should forget the whole idea, come out of retirement and GET A JOB!!!
:mrgreen:
Regards,
Gadget
PS: For the amateur Jeep historians out there, here is a link to the web page from which the above pictures were lifted:
http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Siblings/Fleetvan.html
A very nice web page which is worth the reading time for those interested in the history and production variations of our treasured toys.