Modern postal vehicles have a way of making the old-timers look like ancient dwarfs, but if you’re as old as me, you probably recall a Jeep very similar to this 1979 AM General DJ-5G here on Craigslist delivering the mail in your neighborhood, and perhaps racing outside to see what goodies the driver may have placed in the box. While this one’s not as up-to-date as what the USPS currently uses, it was well-designed for the period specifically to perform postal duties, but now seems like a fun relic to have around in an automobile collection. It’s in Westcliffe, Colorado, and the asking price of $4,750 doesn’t sound unreasonable. Rocco B., thanks for spotting this one and sending us the tip!
The DJ-5G was a one-year-only model and featured an Audi-sourced 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, which was also found in the Porsche 924. Sadly, no photos are supplied from under the hood, but it sounds like quite a bit of maintenance has been performed recently. The seller reports that new plugs, belts, and hoses have been installed, and that the radiator has been rebuilt. The carburetor is also listed as new, but it’s likely time to replace the oil pan gasket, as a leak has developed there. Fortunately, the automatic transmission has been overhauled, and it’s said to have come with a 100k-mile warranty.
Unless they grew up overseas, the next owner will likely have to re-learn how to drive, as these were designed with the steering column placement on the right side. Instead of a second front seat, a package tray was utilized instead, with even more cargo room in the back. Unless you get creative, this one’s truly a one-occupant vehicle, but that’s how the USPS wanted things for efficiency. This Jeep is said to have already traveled over 100k miles, but the interior still looks quite good for its age and the amount of use it’s seen.
Few specific details are provided regarding the exterior, but the sheet metal appears straight and solid, and the paint also remains in excellent condition. This seems like a lot of fun for less than five grand, and while it may not get you to Cars N’ Coffee as quickly as some of the other participants, you’ll almost certainly have zero competition to contend with in the parking lot. Any thoughts to share about this 1979 AM General Postal Jeep?
Wild find Rocco 👍
I remember my first day driving one of these (different year) for USPS. I got back and told them it needed brake work because it wouldn’t stop. Coworker jumped in a drove around the parking lot. Said, no it’s fine. It doesn’t stop because its a postal jeep
Nice little ride, would be a fun vehicle to have
These postal Jeeps used a variety of engines over the years. This one sports the same modified VW/Audi/Porsche 4-cylinder engine that AMC offered in the Gremlin and Concord (with few takers) in the late 1970s.
Hey, come look, I finally got a 4wd Jeep,,ma,,what’s that? It’s not? Get out,,,oh, oh, wifey gonna have my rear on a plate,, don’t laugh, I knew someone with that exact scenario. Their face was priceless when I told them it was a 2wd and their actual looking at the front. They thought ALL Jeeps were 4wd. Buyer beware.
Couple things, the USPS stopped selling postal vehicles due to liability, and while it is legal to drive one that was sold before that,( 1980?) unless it’s used for USPS, like police cars, I don’t think it can have the logo. Many rural post offices still use private contractors. I can’t imagine the pay is great, but not the hardest job. No benefits or operation costs, sounds iffy to me. Today, the modern Grummans are stripped of usable parts and crushed.
Audi engine, you lost me after that. Needs a nice 302. Sad what has become of the once great USPS. I feel it is on purpose, just my own humble opinion of course.
These make good deer lease vehicles, but this one’s too nice for anything like that.
I remember the one they issued me floated all over the place. It was everything that I could do to just keep it in its lane.
Cool!!
We purchased a post office jeep in 1976, to use to drive home weekends, a 200 mile round trip. We took the cargo shelf out, and threw in a bean bag for one of us to sit on. Sometimes a friend would ride along, sitting on top of one of the rear wheel well covers. Crazy times. It drove fine, but the suspension was not very good. We even installed new shocks, but it didn’t help.
I’m looking now (again) for another DJ5 this one is too far. My last one was a 1978 with an AM General 6 cyl. and a 727 torqueflite (stock original) I have heard only bad things about the ’79 with the Audi engine due to over heating issues. You can still get anything for these things! In fact I still have a bunch of parts… GLWTS
The police department that I retired from used postal jeeps as “jeep checker” vehicles from the late 1970’s to the mid 1980’s. They replaced the three wheel Harley Davidson servi-car motorcycles that were no longer being made. Also for better protection from rain, snow, and cold weather. As a rookie, they were a step up from walking a third shift beat by yourself. Pulling over traffic, and driving it lights and siren through traffic was an adventure in itself. One of my coworkers rolled one and only destroyed the light bar. Fun memories.
I was a Rural Mail Carrier in NH for 20 years. I never drove one of these but I was assigned a couple of the “Modern” Grumans. In cold NH, they were equipped with a rudimentary defroster, but lacked even a basic heater. We were instructed to disconnect the hose to the defroster and direct it instead to our feet. IMHO, they should have installed crushers at the exit from the factory and crushed every one as it came off the line.