UPDATE: Still Available
(08/24/2011) This is a column shift. It appears in good condition.
“1946 Jeep Willys-•
Early column shift
No frame or body rust — California car
Two sets of rims & tires — Chrome & Original
A back up for every engine piece.
Back up column shift transfer case
newer rebuilt engine, re-cored original radiator, new brakes, new muffler, rebuilt distributer, new carburetor, original 46 heater, Roll Bar, more
95% original
(517) 290-5376”
http://lansing.craigslist.org/cto/2905838024.html
Forgive my ignorance, but what is a VEC jeep? Does it have anything to do with the column shift?
Mark … that’s a common question.
From the CJ-2A Page comes this explanation:
there are two distinct early CJ-2A’s. They are referred to as Very Early Civilian (VEC) and Early Civilian (EC) CJ-2A’s. A CJ-2A up to about serial number 34530 is considered VEC and from mid-1946 to about mid-1947 is considered EC. Only minor changes were made after the mid-1947 models.
Here is a great book about how the preproduction and early CJs: http://www.ewillys.com/?p=2558
Read more here: http://www.thecj2apage.com/history.html
I should add that while the VEC designation is used, I haven’t seen the EC designation ever used.
And, to answer your question, the column shift and tool indents on the driver’s side are two common characteristics of the VEC.
I hope that helps … any more questions, either add to the thread or shoot me an email at d@ewillys.com
– Dave