UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $11,500.
Looks nice.
“The CJ2A was the very first civilian Jeep sold after World War II. This Jeep went through a three-year frame-off total restoration. Anything that wasn’t original was removed. My goal was to return it to what it looked like when it rolled off the showroom floor. I have owned it for 19 years.
The vehicle was completely dismantled. Original frame was sandblasted, primed and painted. Much of the original body was beyond repair, so those portions were replaced with correct reproductions purchased from a Jeep specialist in California. Original grill, headlights, turn signals, chrome headlight trim, bumper & tailgate were retained. The transmission and transfer case are original. The body was completely sanded, primed, and painted. It has NO bondo / body filler. The original paint color (Luzon Red) was found under the dashboard, and the Jeep was returned to that color with original color wheels.
The original engine was completely dismantled, professionally machined, and rebuilt with new piston rings, seals, and bearings. It runs fantastic.
This Jeep is still 6 volt. A brand new Optima 6v battery has been installed, which has much better cranking power than standard 6v batteries that only last about 2 years. Note — this battery is not standard size, so the original battery hold-down bracket (included) does not fit this current battery.
All fuel lines, brake lines, brake shoes, hoses, clutch, regulator, distributor, U-joints, tie rods, ball joints, bushings, engine mounts, and wiring were replaced with new ones.
The original Carter carburetor was rebuilt, but still did not run well. It was replaced with an aftermarket Solex carburetor that runs great. The original carburetor was kept, and will be included with the Jeep when sold.
Original CJ2A rims were located (including a spare), and correct NDT tires were installed and mounted.
All original dash gauges (not aftermarket) were found and installed. Original seat frames were sandblasted and repainted, and seats have been reconditioned with new cushions, and correct vinyl seat covers. Note – Because the speedometer was replaced, the mileage on the odometer is not accurate for this vehicle. The Jeep has less than 200 miles since the restoration.
You will not find a Jeep this age in better condition! Asking $11,500. $20K+ invested. You can find many cheaper Willys Jeeps, but most all are rusted out, full of bondo (or holes) and full of foreign parts. No trades. Cash, or cashiers check from a major local bank only. Lowball offers will be ignored. I’m in no hurry, but am ready to move on to new projects.
Known issues:
While there are absolutely no major issues, here are the known items that should be noted:
Starter is functional but very weak, and should be rebuilt or replaced. Can be found at many Jeep restoration specialists (Mile High Jeep Rebuilders in Denver or online sites). Easily installed.
The steering worm gear has a lot of play in it. Standard / common issue to these Jeeps, but could be improved or easily replaced.
The horn quit working last year — Electrical connector in steering column needs replacement.
The manual passenger windshield wiper needs new rubber, and should be tightened
The rear passenger seat needs to have the front portion of the seat frame bolted down.
Dashboard light bulb is burned out. Probably $2 at Autozone. (Note — bulbs must be 6 volt)”
Looks like a Solex Carb.
“The original Carter carburetor was rebuilt, but still did not run well. It was replaced with an aftermarket Solex carburetor that runs great. The original carburetor was kept, and will be included with the Jeep when sold.”
Too bad the bow brackets were removed, or not put back on the side which would make this correct. Otherwise, a very nice looking job.
Nice rebuild! Even without the brackets the price isn’t too bad.
Jeeps in Jersey need tops.
That’s really a nice one, I’m hoping mine can look half that good by this time next year.
Very nice correct restoration (except bow pockets) – I’d like to know if he gets his price.
In all honesty, it sounds like a partial restoration on the running gear (or tired restoration), and do over on the body. How does a repro body usually affect price, and how “purists” would view it as a restoration? It looks great, but I’m thinking it would make an awesome driver… thoughts?
It depends …. All else being equal, a repro body should suppress the value compared with an original body. But, the whole reason for using a repro is that the original body usually is in the poor shape. So, depending on the state of the original body (even if repaired), the value of a jeep with a repro could be more or less.
If you are buying a jeep as an investment, getting a good-condition original body with your jeep is a smart idea. If you are buying a jeep to drive, go offroad, etc, then the newer body should be made of a better quality steel and will likely hold up better. So, part of a jeep’s value for a buyer is in its purpose.
Perfect sense, Dave… I get if it’s a basket case that the repro body can increase its value, it’s just as I’ve been absorbing stuff in my short time here there seems to be a fair number with repro or salad parts that are called “restored” and asking serious money as if original. This one the seller is right up front about what it is. From a literal sense (to me) original running gear with a repro body is kind of closer to having a VW body than having the original one, if that makes any sense… I love the original look of this one, and I have no issue with the repro stuff in terms of “driver”, as I’d be less concerned about dings dents and general life happening to it… I guess the flip side is finding an original truly restored and then being worried about driving it… my education continues (thanks for the reply)