After all the calculations for how much I was going to sink into this jeep I finally ended up restoring it with the Buick V6 engine in it.
The only thing done to the frame to accommodate the Buick V6 was to add two motor mount brackets to the frame right next to the original L4 engine mounts. This was done so that the L4 could be put back in (if someone wanted to) without having to remove or change anything. There would just be the two Buick V6 mounts sitting unused next to the original L4 engine mounts.
The original transmission and transfer case mounts in their original locations were used with the Buick V6 so as to not alter the jeeps frame with anything other than the two added Buick V6 motor mounts already mentioned.
The other non stock items were as follows:
- A T90 transmission instead of a T84 was used. This required a M38 jeep transmission cover to be used instead of the original.
- A longer T90 transmission input shaft was used.
- A “Advance Adapters” custom Buick V6 to T-90 bell housing was used.
- A different clutch disc, pressure plate, throw out bearing retainer, and throwout bearing arm was used.
- All brake and clutch pedal mechanisms remained the same with a little tweaking of the clutch linkage going to the throw out bearing arm.
- The radiator had to have one of its tank hose connections moved to accommodate the engine.
- My plan was to add a radiator overflow, a custom oil filter installation, and a custom air cleaner arrangement.
- The jeep had been converted to 12VDC so I also planned on a 6VDC drop down transformer for the B/O drive light and a step up 12VDC to 24VDC transformer for the operation of a PRC 77 vehicle mounted radio.
- Installation of a remote master cylinder filling point was also in the plan.
- A new overdrive unit was to be installed and a custom shift boot arrangement made up.
- A custom made heavy duty steel bumper of the same size as the original was in place when the jeep was acquired. It was done so well that I kept it on the jeep.
- Turn signals and additional “mini brake lights” were planned as an addition to the jeep.
With this list in mind for the “Jeep Police” I decided to begin my home done frame off restoration of this jeep as a WWII U.S. Marine Vehicle. The Frame serial number and the data plate numbers match. The tub appears to have been the original or an exact replica (since the GPW had no body numbers stamped on it).
These are the purchase pictures of the jeep in July of 2014. (The camera date setting is wrong as I had not set it correctly from the start)
