Seth spotted this interesting wagon. If anyone can provide any insights into it, we’d find it helpful.
He writes, I found this very rough abandoned Wagon. What made it stand out was the independent front suspension and the barn doors. It looks stock but I have always been under the impression that the Wagoneer Panel Delivery was the first Jeep with IFS. It is obviously a basket case project but if it’s a prototype or something like that it may be worth the effort to restore.
Dan has posted the photos at the Old Willys Forum as well. He suggested it might be a factory special. He noted, Based on the gauges and rear rear wheels, it looks like a 1946-early 1950 Delivery that someone installed an aftermarket IFS (similar to the Mustang II) and cut out the back rear side windows. That said, it could be a factory special.
Awww, poor little wagon. I’d say tow it home, straighten it out a little and let it be art for your jeep shop. If that’s scramboleer Dan, listen to him. He knows his stuff. He is very knowledgeable and super friendly. He and Don were instrumental in helping me with my last purchase of that willys wagon traveler in Oregon. Jeep people are the best…thanks again fellas!
Could use some tlc
Paul from Willys America might be a good resource to know about this.
Closer inspection looks to me like someone did this many, many years ago, and very well too!
Looks to be a 1949 Sedan Delivery that someone cut one window into the side of it. Front suspension is factory 2WD Planadyne used in all 2 WD from 1946-1/2 to 1954
Paul
Its most likely a 49/50 Panel. I have a 49 2WD SW with the same dash set up (ashtray on top). The front suspension is a Planar front suspension. Used for the 2WD Wagon, Panel from 46-49/50.
I have the same frame that I am rebuilding. Also the frame was a U-Chanel frame (Boxed) and not the standard C-Chanel frame (Lighter and made for 2WD). It also looks like it has a 50% parkway conversion done on it. Meaning the rear was cut out for windows. But this owner only had the rear set done. This was done at a dealer level or a kit could be bought for the original owner to do at home. There were a few done at the factory level from what I have read. IMO this is all original.
I do not believe its a factory special, I thought that was a SW with the barn doors. I could be wrong. But IMO it looks like a 49/50 Delivery with a 50% parkway conversion. Looking at the front cowl there is also a seam on the side. early SW, Panel and PU did not have that. I see it on my 51s but not on my 49.
That being said, Lots of good parts there. Way over my head for a rebuild.
Parts and yard art but relay cool IMO.
Yeah I screwed up the front suspension ID on this one. I assumed the front planar suspension on these 2wd Willys was more like the suspension on my ’30 Model A (a leaf spring turned sideways). I was wrong!
Thanks for the kind words Todd. I’m glad the Traveller found a new good home.
Hi Todd that Traveler Wagon you got is a stand out. Can’t wait to see it done someday.
Dan, dont worry about messing up, that’s how we learn! I thought the same thing on that front suspension a while back and Wayne educated me AND I’m thankful for that. He was very kind and he too knows his stuff. Not too many folks here get sideways and Dave does a good job keeping it clean. Hey peter, good morning! You should see the traveler just after a power wash. Maybe I can send Dave a little progress report and a new picture…
This is the yard art mate for the burned out pickup a week back.
Here is a a short film showing a 2wd panel with barn doors. And other cool stuff too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to7Oa0_hI4c