File this in the “I didn’t know it existed but now desperately want it” department: this custom 1983 Jeep mail truck features twin small block Chevy motors paired to a TH-400 automatic and Jeep rear end, all while maintaining the right-hand drive steering that postal Jeeps were configured with. How’d you like to see this rolling up to your mailbox? Find it here on craigslist for $15K and thanks to Barn Finds reader angliagt for the find.
The message in the back window tells you just about everything you need to know as to the motivation behind this creation, but I’d argue it’s a wicked build regardless of the redneck ingenuity involved. Postal Jeeps are fairly easy to find as projects, and not worth a whole lot as a restored specimen. Why not build a custom cruiser like this, all while enjoying the side-eyed stares thanks to the steering wheel being on the “wrong” side?
The seller says the truck pulls hard (shocking) and that it also features “….power rack and pinion steering and power disk brakes on the front wheels, drum brakes on the rear axle.” The Jeep is said to drive nicely, able to cruise all day at 70 m.p.h. on the interstate with one hand on the steering wheel. Some of that stability can be explained by its construction, which consists of “…a custom built frame of 2 x 6 x 3/16 steel tube with a power train sub-frame of 2 x 4 x 1/8 steel tube, both engines and transmission are hard mounted to the sub-frame which is rubber mounted to the main frame.”
The seller will also include a set of doors that will need to be modified to fit, but that he only drives it in nice weather with the doors off. This wild creation is hard to put a price tag / value on, but I’m sure the seller’s ask reflects a fraction of the original time and money involved. While this isn’t for everyone, you have to respect the length the original builder went through to preserved a postal Jeep and give it new life as a twin-SBC-powered monster that can deliver the mail and then some.
Nice! This thing looks like it would be uncontrollable. And 16 unmuffled pipes will have your ears a ringin’. Kind of an odd cooling system setup, looks like it would overheat in short order. I’d have to think a cop would throw the book at you with this.
Now that I’ve had time to digest….
When I first saw the beast, I automatically assumed that it was 4WD, based on the really big front tires…. But no. I was thinking “Tommy Ivo” all the way… Not too disappointed, but….
LOL.
That connection between the engines… A weak link? Interesting engineering.
I also could not help but wonder at the two motors appearing different. How much cost/trouble would be involved in using matching valve covers?
Some great comments here. I too wonder about the claim of achieving 70 on the highway.
A modified bit from C&C pops to mind here.
Magistrate: “You’ve been charged with endangering the public anywhere on or near local roadways. How do you plead?”
Postal Driver: “Insanity, Your Honor.”
Magistrate: “Insanity? How does that apply?”
Postal Driver: “Well, I’m Crazy about that stuff!” :-D
Your right on all counts but I sure would like to fire that puppy up early in the morning after the next door neighbors party all night.
Speechless…..
I love trick !!
Historic plates. No inspections required…
The seller says it cruises at 70 on the highway. Well, with two electric fans, two electric water pumps, and two electric fuel pumps, along with two ignition systems running and no visible charging system, you’re going to deplete those two blue tops pretty quick. No matter how cool your ride is, sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow takes all the cool out of it.
“Express Rail”
“preserved”
Lol
Gives a new meaning to the phrase “gone postal”.
They must use this one for Priority mail.
I think the sticker in the rear window says it all (haha) Nicely executed on the cheap
Cool looking, probably good for driving around the neighborhood. Great for attracting crowds at shows. Driving on the highway…not so much
i want to see this deliver my mail
I saw this in person at a cruise-in a few months ago, but I have to admit I wasn’t around when they fired it up!
I’d be scared to drive that thing, although it looks cool.
I’d run this in the modified class at the tractor pulls if I where inclined to pick up chicks at family gatherings.
Ed Big Daddy Roth lives again
Hmmm… I wonder how much air flow you get with radiators perpendicular to direction of travel.
I’m more interested in the Mustang in the background
Pretty steep price for an unfinished project as it’s illegal to drive in it’s present configuration.