J10: Neil's J10 Build

[neil_se]

So I've been chasing a classic Jeep to tinker with for a little while, having been to 5 or 6 Camp Coffs since 2007 but never in my own jeep I've had a few modded 4WDs before and was won over by the strong driveline of the J10 with that face only a mother could love

I picked this 1984 J10 up at the Marathon Spares Tamworth auction last week. It's got a few minor rust in the rocker panels and some decent dents in the front guards, but otherwise pretty good. Has a 350 Chev fitted already with 4sp manual and NP208 transfer.

Progress is going to be fairly slow as I've got some other major expenses this year and a track car project that will eat up most of my funds, but I hope to keep the J10 long-term. Plan is:
1. Get it running properly & roadworthy (redo wiring, fix transmission & transfer oil leaks)
2. Wheels & tyres
3. Straighten body, custom tub & respray
4. Suspension & lockers




Shed height isn't ideal for my hoist, but better than nothing. Not so much of a problem with my RX7!



30 years worth of gunk coating the underside



Fuel tank retaining straps?!


Interior is in good condition, except for the mess of electrical accessories

[neil_se]

Marathon reported that the car had been running, but we couldn't get it to start after the auction. Not surprisingly, when I got it home I found the dodgy wiring the cause. I bridged one of these glass fuse connections with a bolt and heard the electric fuel pump chatter away.



It runs rough though as the choke on the carb is incomplete. Not knowing a thing about carbies, I've ordered a reconditioned replacement that will be here this week.



Clearly a previous owner loved accessories, but had no clue about wiring. Today I started on stripping out anything non-factory including spotlights, air horns, reversing camera, sat nav, stereo with stacker, UHFs, dual battery and more.




Here's what I removed in a few hours



And what's still remaining

[Duk]

That wasn't a bad unit you got yourself - I considered it just for the cab to put over a diesel J10 which has a rough body but everything is reasonable. but we are down sizing and future room could be an issue.
Kicking myself I didn't bid on a couple of those Willys though - went for a cheap price me thinks.
Agree with you on the wiring - it was abit of a nightmare.

[Jimmyb]

Got a good contact in Tbar for wiring who will come to you and loves old cars if you need.

Keep suspension simple, spring over, long shocks and lock it up.

[neil_se]

Cheers Jimmy, the wiring all looks pretty simple. Once I've separated all the rubbish from the factory harness then I just need to wire up the elec fuel pump properly. There looks to be a lot of spare plugs in the engine harness too.

I had the same thoughts with the lift. There doesn't seem to be many options for kits to suit a FSJ in Aus.

[Jimmyb]

Originally Posted by neil_se

Cheers Jimmy, the wiring all looks pretty simple.

Look up Brendan James Peacock on FB for wiring, he is cheap and good!! Tell him your a mate of mine.

[neil_se]

Cool, I already had him in mind for my RX7 wiring!