UPDATE: According to the Willys Spring Reunion Facebook page, this might make an appearance at the Willys Spring Reunion in May!
Earlier this month Nick put together a video and some more pics that showed him picking up his barn find: the 1951 CJ-3A APU jeep modified by the Valentine Welder and Manufacturing Company. It’s a neat looking rig.
Here’s what Nick wrote: Hidden in a barn since 1962. As of Feb 5th, 2016 this is the only known Jeep of its kind. Valentine Welder purchased frames from Willys Overland, and converted them into what’s called an APU (auxiliary power unit). These were fitted with PTO-driven generators that started early jet aircraft. O.E. Szekely also made APU’s, but this is the only known Valentine and also the only original Navy paint of both companies. After a bunch of research I believe this was used on the USS Wasp (CV-18). I have the original government release paper and maintenance manual. It is truly a museum piece.
Here’s the video:
And, this is a link to the G503 page where he has posted more information and photos (lots):
http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1566726#p1566726
This thing is going to be cool to see. I’ve seen a number of the three wheeled versions in my life, but never one of these.
Picking it up from Norfolk would be consistent with service aboard the USS Wasp. The Wasp spent almost its entire postwar career in the Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets and would have been homeported in Norfolk. Very cool piece of Jeep and Aviation history
David, if you check out my thread I’ve done extensive research about the timeline of this Jeep & the Wasp. It does line up! I coped it over here:
-The USS Wasp (CV-18) departed Norfolk on September 16th, 1953 to participate in the North Atlantic NATO Exercise “Mariner” before entering the Mediterranean.
-It was involved in the Lebanon Crisis, part of the Arab Cold War July 15th-October 25th 1958 (pictured below with an APU)
-After loading food, clothing, and equipment, Wasp spent the period 11-18 January 1962 conducting antisubmarine warfare exercises and submarine surveillance off the east coast.
-After a brief stop at Norfolk, the ship steamed onto further training exercises and anchored off Bermuda January 24-31. Wasp then returned to her home port.
The timeline matches up perfectly with this Jeep and could very well be the answer of her military service. It was stationed when the Jeep entered service, and returned with enough time to unload the Jeep and send it off to surplus by March 26, 1962.
Very good find. Looking forward to seeing it in person in Fingham in may. Cool video. I really enjoyed it.