One of the most standout builds we’ve encountered is Roy’s 1962 Jeep FC-170. This unique rig was purpose-built not only for camping and exploring but also as a chase truck for assisting a race team in Baja.
Let’s dive into what sets this truck apart and why it earned a spot as sPOD’s booth vehicle at the 2023 King of the Hammers.
Roy has spent most of his life around Jeeps and was looking for the ultimate Jeep build. In 2002, after searching for the right project, he picked up this Jeep FC-170 from Pinion Pines, CA in 2002 after seeing it for sale on Green Sheet. For Roy, this was the start of one of his most favorite builds he has done.
“I built this truck, not just for going camping and exploring, but also to act as a chase truck when helping the #94 Christopher Polvoorde trophy truck race team down in Baja”, explains Roy. “The Jeep spends a lot of time in the local deserts and mountains and has seen a lot of rough trails that haven’t been driven for a while. It is purpose built and modular in a way that adapts to whatever event or needs may be expected.”
Roy has set his FC up with a dual sPOD BantamX units daisy chained together, controlled in the cab by the sPOD touchscreen controller. This set-up allows Roy 16 channels to power all of his lights and other powered accessories that have been added for when he is off the grid.
“I use the sPOD system because it is simple to install and there is not much room under the dash in an FC to begin with. It powers all of the exterior Baja Designs lights along with the A/C and Trans cooling fans, and Bed/Canopy power accessories”, explains Roy.
The FC did not start out to be a show truck. Throughout it’s build, the attention it garnered allowed Roy to use his FC-170 as a show vehicle. But don’t let the looks fool you, this rig is meant to go out and hit some of the roughest trails out there. By no means is this Jeep a trailer queen. As Roy says, “With all of my rigs, I do use them, not abuse them.”
20 years of traveling all over California with the Jeep FC-170. From the mountains to the deserts, Roy has taken his Jeep FC almost everywhere on the trails, stunning other 4×4 drivers by the fact that he has taken it where it it shouldn’t have gone. While it’s plenty capable, he explains “is that it will want to go up most anything but is a
bit more nerve racking going down something steep, the back end has
re-positioned itself more times that I care to think about.”
We here at sPOD love Jeeps, even more so when they are as unique as this 1962 FC-170. The scarcity and unique-ness of this utilitarian truck earns it a spot on our vehicle spotlight wall. Visit @1stgearoffroad on Instagram to learn more and follow where Roy takes his rig next!
Products Used on the FC-170
