While this line may be more recognizable from the song “Winter Wonderland” it nevertheless led off a 1960 advertising folder promoting the Forward Control FC-150, utility wagon, pickup truck and CJ-5. By this time, the FC-150 was several years old and had migrated from a smaller CJ-5 48″ frame to its very own 57″ platform.
The brochure went on to read” The Jeep FC-150 truck is truly at home off the road as well as on. ‘Jeep’ 4-wheel drive takes you where you want to go – brings you back, whatever the weather or terrain.” In fact, this cab mounted engine provided the front end weight to really grip and coupled with its low gear ratios, it could not be stopped. It did require a rear counterweight to offset the heavier front end and provide the rear slippery surface traction. Three power take-off points operated a variety of special equipment and accessories such as trenchers, wreckers, winches and snow plows.
It was advertised as being ideal for a host of businesses, industrial, agricultural and personal needs. In fact of the roughly 15,000 sold in the total Forward Control line (FC-150, FC-170 and dually) most were used as service station support vehicles or on the farm. The cab had an unobstructed view in all directions which aided towing and overall visibility.
Powered by the reliable F-head 134, the FC-150 was one tough truck. As an option, a 4 speed transmission was installed and gave it still more torque at low RPM’s. 50 years later, these are the most sought after drivetrains.
If you have any plans on acquiring a FC, there are some issues that are unique to these machine. The drivetrains and engine are standard with the shifting control (side) effected by long levers that link to the cab. The cables for e-Brake and speedometer are unique and hard to find. Keeping in mind that any vehicle is not supposed to “last forever”, the body has some challenges. The floors can certainly rust out, but the lower cab corners are the first thing to go, especially the front ones. There are no aftermarket replacements and you will be on your own to fabricate new. The pickup beds are known to disintegrate if not cared for and I have removed them by myself (my own two hands) simply by ripping them from the mount points of which there are 6 (or 8?, I dont remember!) The doors have a tendency to lose the rubber stop that prevents them from opening too far. They get a bad crease and its a difficult repair.
The gas tanks rust out where they rubbed the truck bed. Again, no aftermarket that I am aware of; a panel repair is needed.
Radiators are almost certain to need recoring as the original metals were inferior.
Most mechanical parts are available so there are no issues there. It comes down to how much time and money do you have to invest.
All versions of these Forward Controls are worth restoring and these will rank just behind the Jeepster (original one) in scarcity.
