UPDATE: As of 2022, the building appears to still be there, but it is closed.
Jim wrote to tell me a little about Bruce Wadlin and his Florida 4 Wheel Drive & Truck shop. The sixty-nine year old Bruce runs the shop himself, selling “OBSOLETE JEEP & Willys Parts”. Jim grew up with him and said that Bruce has been buying and selling new (old) parts since the 1970s. Bruce is pretty old school, still using only a phone or fax machine. He doesn’t even advertise. So, Jim thought he would place ads on Craigslist and contact eWillys.
The shop is located at 6110 17th Street E, Bradenton, FL. The phone number is (941) 756-7844. Bruce generally keeps hours from keeping hours from 11am until 5PM daily (though the ad says noon to 6pm).
Hum…I’m sure this guy have some hard to find part.
I’ve been to Bruce’s several times, most recently a few months ago.
Great Quality parts, great guy, very smart and experienced, but be prepared to pay top dollar. Don’t expect to cherry pick the shelves for the cash in your pocket. He knows the value of what he’s got.
Dave, in the second photo it looks like he has one of those desirable Kaiser-Willys service signs you previously listed, but this one appears to have some condition issues.
He’s been running an ad in Hemmings for 37 years.
A few years back he had a take off, new condition FC-170 bed and tailgate. The only problem I found was that he wanted $9500 for it!
Dave: Well that counts as advertising!
Does anyone know what happened to Bruce’s parts inventory after he passed away in 2014?
Todd,
I have never heard what happened to it.
– Dave
This is his daughter and the business and all the parts are still there but the business is closed. If anyone wants to buy all the inventory let me know. Suzanne Robinson 727-422-5358. We would love to see it go to someone who really wants it and would continue my fathers passion for the “oldies” unfortunately my sister and I aren’t into it and don’t have the knowledge to continue it.
Hi Suzanne,
I’d be happy to help if I can (I run eWillys). I can create a new post if that would help, but I also don’t want to inundate you with folks asking you if you have X part or Y part or only want to buy the most valuable items. I’ll email you privately.
– Dave
ewillys.com
d@deilers.com
I think Suzanne might have better luck in finding someone to run the business and make payments to her then selling all that inventory outright. But she just may want to be out of it altogether.
Wow. What a treasure.
I think Blaine’s idea is quite sound.