CAFÉ RACER 76: A One-of-a-Kind 1958 Jeep Forward Control 150

by Verne Simons
Once in a while a vehicle comes along that is so different, so forward-thinking (pun intended), that it kind of changes everyone’s perspective on what cool is. Such is the case with this one-of-a-kind 1958 Jeep FC-170, which hit the automotive aftermarket like a half-mile-wide meteor crashing into a planet. Between aggressive tracks, retro-feeling shiny three-stage Viper Green paint, and the rumble of a healthy and modern 5.7L Hemi, this truck probably has your attention. We know it got ours. Miss all three, and you better check your pulse ’cause you might be dead. The truck, built by the employees of Daystar (known for polyurethane parts) for the annual SEMA show (more on that in a minute), is quite an attention-grabber.

Every year for the past eight or so, the employees at Daystar (including the CEO) have put in a few extra hours to build Daystar vehicles for the annual SEMA show. These vehicles are used to showcase Daystar’s diverse products in a way that will be eye-catching. In the past Daystar has built some pretty cool rigs, including a Jeep that sat upside-down for the whole show. Last year Daystar put together this green beastie.
It turns out that this FC, bought by Daystar CEO Mark Turner at one of those high-end classic car auctions, was a bit rougher than expected. But after some disassembly, and with hopes of a just mild build, it became apparent that the shortened FC-170 (the previous owner shortened the frame and bed) was in pretty bad shape but hidden under a shiny paint job. Mark was about to toss in the towel and part out the old truck when the employees volunteered to go the extra mile to rebuild it and make it their SEMA showpiece. And rebuild it they did.

Both front and rear axles are G2 aftermarket replacement Jeep JK units. The front is a heavy-duty Dana 44 from G2 carrying G2 axleshafts, 5.13 gears, and ARB air lockers. Both axles are 5-on-51⁄2 bolt pattern, with the front axle using military Jeep J8 unit bearings.

Tech Specs
1958 Jeep Forward Control
Drivetrain
Engine: 5.7L Dodge Hemi with VVT
Transmission: Dodge 545RFE
Transfer case: Jeep JK NV241
Front Axle: G2 heavy-duty Jeep JK Dana 44, 5.13 gears, ARB air locker, J8 Unitbearings (5-on-51⁄2 bolt pattern), Reid Knuckles, Baer JK 131⁄2-inch rotors with 6-piston calipers
Rear Axle: G2 Jeep JK Dana 60, 5.13 gears, ARB air locker, 5-on-51⁄2 bolt pattern, Baer JK 12-inch rotors with 4-piston calipers
Suspension
Springs & Such: Custom leaf packs front and rear from Dunbar Spring, Daystar Polyurethane Bushings, Scorpion Shocks
Tires & Wheels: Either tracks or 35x10.50R15LT Interco SSR radials on Wheel Vintiques 18 Series Artillery chrome outer/bare inner wheels
Steering: 1st Gear Off-Road FC power steering box, Howe power steering pump
Other Stuff: 3-stage Viper Green paint by Krusty, Ron Davis radiator, Warn, M8000 winch, Randy Ellis Designs bumpers, Painless Performance wiring harness, KC HiLites headlights, MagnaFlow stainless exhaust (2.5 duals to 3-inch single), Hot Wire Auto’s Hemi Hot Rod Harness engine harness, AirAid air filter, J.E. Reel Drivelines (1310 CV front, 1350 CV rear), Daystar switches, Daystar wire grommets, JK booster and brake master cylinder actuated by a Novak slave cylinder

1958 Jeep Fc 150 On Wheels Photo 86924408

When the FC is not wearing the tracks, a set of Interco SSR 35-inch radials is wrapped around 17x8 Wheel Vintiques 18 Series Artillery wheels. On the tires the Jeep is much more civilized and looks like a well-executed resto-mod. Daystar’s Mark Turner has even threatened to daily-drive the truck.