1966 Jeep Gladiator
with 66 Alaskan Camper
Story by: Scott Ball
Editor: Mark Smith, JeepTruck.com
1966 Jeep Gladiator 327 Vigilante 3sp standard column shift.
Original unrestored 13,800 miles.
Original Indian ceramic paint.
All drive train original. I have made an effort to keep all original parts and rebuild instead of replacing, Carb, master cylinder, fuel pump, washer pump.
The only parts non original would be the carpet, heavier leaf springs and the Super Lug STA tires.
I also have the Goodyear tires that were put on in 1981 with 300 miles on them now and still in like new condition.
I first became aware of this truck in 2010 when the original owners had just sold it. I was able to contact the new owner and talk to him about the truck and see if he was willing to sell it or what were his plans with it. He said he wanted to go through it all and get it back on the road, it had been sitting for some time, stored indoors though.
Fast forward to 2025, I was looking on Facebook marketplace in Fresno CA and noticed this 1966 Jeep J3000 listed, it had just been in for a few hours when I saw it. I contacted the owner and asked if I could give him a call. Once I was able to talk to him I told him that I think I talked with you about 15 years ago about this truck! He said that would have been his brother, he passed away and I am dealing with his estate.
He wasn't interested in the truck and getting it roadworthy, his brother didn't ever get it on the road.
So we made a deal and I got the truck shipped to Sumas WA.
A couple of weeks later the truck arrived in Sumas, I live in Abbotsford BC, just across the line. I grabbed some tools and spent a couple hours working on it to get it roadworthy enough to drive it home, approximately 10 miles.
First I went through the whole fuel system and fluids. Went through all the electrical, brakes etc.
I had to get the truck inspected here in BC because it was brought from out of province, so everything had to be repaired and working properly.
Next I focused on the cosmetics
Did a paint correction and was able to bring the Indian Ceramic paint back to life!
Removed the camper and also detailed up the bed of the truck. Camper had been on since new.
The rubber flooring in the truck was brittle and cracking so I removed that and got a charcoal carpet to match up nicely with the original charcoal coded interior that was only available with the custom cab option.
All glass is original and like new. Trim, rubber mouldings etc like new.
Truck is now running, driving and looking like a 13k mile truck should!
The Alaskan camper just beautiful!
It's actually seems like a bit of a sad story though. It is fully stocked with camping supplies but they are brand new, from the 60's
I don't know the full story on why that is but it seems like the older couple bought it as a retirement plan to travel but it was seldom used for whatever reason??
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