New M715 Owner, Lots of Questions on My Build

I found an M715 locally last week that it's really good shape, and I'm getting started on restoring it as close as possible to original. I've been digging around this forum as much as I can and on some other sites, but I still have several questions. I don't want to clog up the forum with a bunch of threads, so I'll just put them all here for anyone who has any input.

1. What's the best source for body/cab hardware? I'm finding drivetrain parts, but noone seems to have seats, bumpers, canvas tops, grills, etc in stock. I'm also wondering what the best source is for the original axe/shovel gear that mounts on the bed.

2. How did the original tailgate latch? This truck just has a random carabiner clipped on to hold it shut.

3. Has anyone swapped 4.56 gears into one of these with the stock engine, and does it help make the truck more driveable at highway speeds? I have a set that came with the truck and am debating putting them in. Tires are the original size.

4. Where/how were the batteries originally mounted on these? This truck has aftermarket seats and the batteries are in plastic boxes behind the seats.

5. Does the 230 engine share the same exhaust manifold as the commercial AMC/Jeep straight 6 engines? I think this one is leaking or cracked and I'm wondering if a header for a CJ7 would fit.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Here's a pic of what I'm working with.

Scavenge. There are a few businesses you can try but parts are drying up for body parts. Memphis equipment. Vintage Power Wagons
.. although they left the M715 business. Best thing to do is find a parts vehicle and buy it.

1. Seats .. I have a ser for sale
2. Bumpers. You can easily make the no winch version. Winch and bumpers. I have those for sale as well.
3. Top. There are a couple places we all get them made at. Poke around on here don't remember of my head.

Edit: http://www.odcloth.com
https://www.newlifecanvas.com/copy-of-m38-m38a1

4. Grill. Didn't come with one.
5. Tailgate. Just a metal hook on the end of a chain.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13375533356...cAAOSwIxJgl2QH
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...chain&_sacat=0

6. Yes 4.56. Many run those.

Edit: https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/b-21...ukon-gear.html

7. Batteries. Two in a metal box between the two single seats.
8. Exhaust manifold. No you can not to my knowledge. Yes cracking is a common issue with the 230 manifold.

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Welcome. Nice looking truck you bought.

Memphis has newly made front bumpers, I have one and it is perfect. There was an outfit on craigslit parting FSJ trucks and had a lot of M715 stuff may want to check that out.

Appreciate all the input and direction.

I've got the seats and bumper taken care of, and I'm finding info on the rest. I think I have most of my questions answered, and am ready to dig into this truck.

We have a header and are parting out the motor and axles. We are posting things as we go in the for sale section.

So a lot up for grabs for someone doing a complete restoration. If you are looking for something specific on the motor let me know.


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The exhaust manifold from a civilian 230 engine will interchange to the military engine...they were built civilian from 63 to 65 and military from 67 to 69.

Nothing else interchanges for the manifold...

The 4.56 gears are the cat's pajamas. My truck is very comfy at 65 MPH.
If I had changed gears before changing transfer cases, I probably would have kept the stock transfer case.

You might as well plan on replacing all the bearings in the axles when you do that. And the wheel cylinders.