UPDATE: **Status Unknown** was on eBay
As a street vehicle, someone may enjoy it. But, as an offroad vehicle, well, someone didn’t think this idea through.
“Up for auction is a ultra rare 1961 Jeep FJ3. This legendary Jeep was made for the US postal service. The FJ3 sits on a Toyota 4Runner chassis also with the power plant and drive train (22R). This build was made with an off road purpose in mind and with a “rock crawler” vision at the fore front. It can be taken any way the new owner desires. We decided to clear coat the patina in order to preserve the original US Postal colors. This is a fabulous project vehicle that is sure to draw tons of attention. Its a time capsule. We haven’t touched any mechanical, but the vehicle does start from the ignition. We have not hooked up the drive shaft to drive it or installed shocks. The FJ3 has been in Northern California for many years in the dry climate which minimized the rust. However, the combination of the US Mail colors and light rust make for a fantastic patina that you could not replicate yourself. The off road wheels and tires are nearly new. The overall presence of the van is one of a kind for sure.”
Even as a 2 wheel drive stock vehicle, the fleet van was prone to tipping. To put this on a 4 wheel drive chassis and raise the center of gravity is a death wish.
Gone!
unless you really look at the FJ3 frame with the body off, you would never suspect that it is already s really bad design but at 35 mph it would be safe enough on paved roads for the USPS. But DOT required them to be crushed after service.
The original FJ3 or FJ3a body wieghs the same on the FJ3 frame or Toyota frame, meaning also that it wieghs less than a Toyota body. An original FJ3 frame was modified from a CJ-2a frame, that was butcherd to modify the frame was an abortion, with the right hand side frame rail cut and removed by 28″ and a flat plate was welded in horizontally at the bottom to connect both cut-off frame rails, to allow for the driver to drive standing up. If you wiegh the frame, tires, wheels, axles and tiny springs of an original FJ3, there is not much weight below the FI3 light weight frame. then mount above the frame the heavy 134f and Warner automatic +add the extra wieght of the twin sheetmetal body, it is a wonder it doesn’t roll over if it gets a flat tire while driven on flat ground, I mean really has anyone ever looked at an FJ3 the could use wider and stronger springs.
Advantages of an off road FJ3 on a toyota frame the body will still be 5′ wide by 8′ tall but it will have a much wider foot print, think also of the stronger frame that should not twist, also add the weight below the frame heavier larger axles wheels and tires and springs that are wider. Engine if more power and torque trans has more gearing, it is all mounted in the frame and best of all it is running gear that is lighter.
I would have probably would have wanted to buy it, it if I didn’t have 2 Fj3 and 2 FJ3a sitting here. One of these is for sale.
JESSE YBARRA I’d be interested to see what you have for sale, pls fwd pics and info uspsdelivers 4 me at aol. com
I’d like to see what you have for sale. Please email some pics.
Thanks!