UPDATE: This jeep was sold on eBay.
The jeep looks great. The seller has plenty to share.
“Hi, I purchased this Willy’s from a gentleman in Texas who performed an approximate 3 year, nut and bolt, frame off restoration on it. As far as I can tell from the paper work, and speaking with the previous owner, this vehicle has always been in Texas up until now. I have a photo file of over 2,500 images on three compact discs that contain every aspect of the restoration, as well as a meticulously kept journal of hand written notations, and a box of receipts totaling well over $20,000. I have included 12 images of the restoration in process prior to my purchasing it, as well as 12 images of how it appears today. Every single part of this Willy’s has been disassembled and either rebuilt, renewed or replaced (for full disclosure I should mention that I’ve noticed the rubber boot on the shifter and a couple other rubber bits show some age). Every part, including the motor, transmission, drive drain, suspension, complete electrical system….. has been rebuilt. I can provide you with a before and after image (and receipt) of practically any and every part on this jeep. The entire vehicle was taken down to bare metal, primed with a rust inhibiting primer and painted. No corners were cut and no expense spared. This was obviously a passion and not a money making venture for this man. I have owned it for about a year and half now. When I received the jeep it had an oil leak coming from the main tranny seal. When the restoration was done, an original felt seal was used and they are notorious for leaks. I replaced the transmission with a new, rebuilt T-90, and installed a new rubber, steel spring main seal. When driven around town, only a tiny drop or two will leak from the seal when it is parked, but when driven off road it will leak a bit more. Maybe a tablespoon’s worth. Other than that, the jeep starts, drives, shifts and performs strong. Only 850 miles have been put on the Willy’s since the restoration (see odometer) and only 300 on the tranny. There are only a few flaws I would like to mention. One is that the fuel gauge works intermittently, mostly it reads empty. On occasion, with no rhyme or reason, it will kick in. The headlight switch works, but sometimes requires that you push it in and out a few times before the lights come on. Once they are on, they stay on until you put the switch in the off position. On the neck of the radiator, where the cap locks on, the seal will leak some fluid. But again, only when driving off road and it doesn’t amount to much. other than that, this Willy’s is pretty much bullet proof. They are fun to drive around town and climb like you wouldn’t believe. What you see in the pictures, aside from a few spare parts, receipts, repair and owner’s manuals is what you get. I do not have a top for it. All original and hard to find parts were used in the restoration, from the turn signal switch, to the horn and side steps. It retains it’s original 6 volt charging system. Once again, rebuilt generator, new regulator and battery. If you are interested in entering and winning any beauty contests with this jeep, this is not the one for you. All the body work was completed without the use of body filler. Although at first glance it appears show quality, with a closer look you can see where body repairs were performed, welds made and sanded. Areas on the hood which had had rust were not filled in, just treated and painted leaving evidence of past pitting. The good news is, is that there is now ZERO rust on this jeep and it is straight and solid as can be, no reason it won’t be around another 62 years. I hate to be selling it, but our family is moving to Los Angeles and I don’t see having much use for it there. …. see ebay add for additional info”
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280811637590+&viewitem=
Last summer I happened to come across the photo gallery from the gentleman who performed this restoration (I believe this is the same vehicle… I ID’d it from the pinstriping on the wheels and the seats). He did a really nice job putting this together, and his work is what inspired me to pick up a ’51 CJ-2A. The photo blog of the restoration can be found here:
http://gallery.me.com/jstephen1h#100049&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=375
Take a look at the work he did… Impressive. This is really a great jeep!
Matt, I agree with you on that being the same CJ3A. In fact when in saw the post I was looking for that bookmark I had on that build but saw you beat me to it. It also inspired me to do the same on my build by keeping a photo diary of my progress.
If anyone cares to take a look at my build, he is the link:
http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb356/1brale/M38%20restore/
Cheers,
-Brett
Brett, his attention to detail impressed me. I’m a big fan of his choice of colors too. I unintentionally kept a photo diary of my first build, a ’78 CJ-7. I was so paranoid that I’d forget how to put it back together, I took a ton of photos!
And I fat-fingered my first post… mine is a ’51 CJ-3A…
I WISHED I had better documented my first build. Digital cameras have made it so much easier!
btw .. I figured you meant CJ-3A … I need to reinstall the comment editor so people can fix their comments.
– Dave
Welcome
I want the phone number of the owner of this vehicle. Full address. I am a customer of Saudi Arabia
I hope he got me the title of the piece continues to purchase
Greetings
Does anyone know what color that is? I can’t tell if it’s Luzon or Canyon Red (or something else).
I’m working on my 51 3A and haven’t decided yet what to paint it (original color appears to be Horizon Blue, it was painted cream possibly Nassau Cream when I got it). I don’t like either and I already have another blue car, I’m leaning towards red right now…
I think between the low sunlight, background colors, and possible image editing (or at least image translation), it might be hard to know for sure what the true color of that jeep is without seeing it in person.
This is the CJ3A that I restored a few years back. It is a 1950 CJ3A, SN 49809 that I found in a horse barn in Texas. No kidding. My first vehicle that I owned at the ripe old age of 16 was a 1951 CJ3A back in 1967 and sold a few years later. I have been sorry ever since. So when I found this model, I couldn’t resist. Not much is known about it. The previous owner bought it from a rancher that had left it out in the middle of one of his fields. The PO used it mainly for deer hunting on his lease. I have done a total frame off restoration to bring it as close as possible back to original although it was Cypress Green out of the factory and I have painted it Luzon Red with Universal Beige wheels and trim. I have restored it back to 6 volt powered with an Optima Red Top in a replica Willard case. The rear seat is a CJ5A, although you can’t tell it now, converted to a short leg, 4″ cushion CJ3A version.. Other than those items, I have restored it to stock including the diamond pattern side steps from the “steps in a barrel” from Australia, spring cushion front seats, original engine,etc I hope its new owner will enjoy it as much as I did restoring it back to life.
Thanks for that additional history Steve 🙂