UPDATE: **SOLD** for $1300.
As Greg notes in the text, this very early Convertible DJ-3A (220th made) has been converted into a four-wheel-drive jeep. What’s curious to me is that this jeep is earlier than mine, but as the KS 0-8 speedometer (with an intact needle no less) rather than the KS 0-10 like mine. So, is my speedo original or not? Hmm.
This particular DJ-3A has a number of stock parts, such as the windshield, which appears in good shape, and the Gauze wire filter, which is a hard to find item. The gas linkage and carb are unique to the DJ-3A and are hard items to find. Unfortunately, the underside of the body is rough (perhaps the floor is replaceable).
The frame of this DJ-3A looks original, as it has two plates on both sides which were used to attach the parking brake brackets (you can see one of the four hole plates near the top-middle of the very last photo below).
“1956 WILLYS DJ-3A (Dispatcher) Jeep
Model 56337
Serial # 10221
Block # 3J154786
Block casting # 641087-L-W10 ANI-CR-N2
No Title.
Engine turns over when key is turned.
Oil and coolant look good and where at correct levels when removed from barn (inside for past 10+ years).
The four wheel drive and floor shift are not this jeeps original equipment.
Both floor pans have patch plates.
Rear cross member has been replaced.
Transmission is stuck in gear.
Rolls freely and is in a location to easily load.
Please respond with your name and phone number and I will call you.
If the add is up its still for sale.
No shipping or trades.”
V-e-r-y I-n-t-e-r-e-s-ti-n-g. looking at the oil filter bracket attached to the right side of head, and oil filter mounted on fender left side, we covered this subject just a few days ago, must of had a plow pump at one time. Also, look at those old style spring shackles, man-o-manischewitz! (NJ saying) you could shoot those up with “tons” of grease. and I did…
I’ll have to look an see what speedo is on my 56 has and compare the S/N’s
I thought it was interesting that they kept the original oil bracket holder in place.
Can’t say I’m familiar with that NJ saying! (well, not familiar with any NJ sayings). 🙂
I checked the first edition factory parts books for both the DJ3A and the CJ5. Both show the KS speedo assy as having a 0 – 10 dial. In fact, it appears they used the same photo breakdown for the instrument in each book. However, there are different part numbers for each. 0 – 8 may have been used and then switched to 0 – 10 and then switched shortly thereafter to the familiar 0-9 as we have an NOS 0-9 in inventory with a part number for DJ3A and 6 volt like the others.
Someone must have installed a different axle on the front. Not original to a DJ obviously.
Barney: Thanks for that bit of research. Obviously, the transmission and transferase were also added.
Maybe those first two speedos were sort of random, using whatever they had on hand (that would not surprise me). Eventually, it seems the 0-8 was standard for a short period in late 1956. Next, for a short period, was the all white KS 0-9 (I have seen a few of these in DJs), then the SW 0-9, which obviously became the standard.
I don’t know why, but I always liked those fat turn signals. I can’t tell if they are older metal housings or newer plastic. I think they are installed backwards with red lenses forward. The only ones better are the school bus signal with the arrows in the lens.
Nothing to do with Jeeps, but a comment on a comment . Manischewitz , is a NY wine co. that makes Kosher ( Jewish ) wine . The tag line in its add campaign in the 1950s, 60s and 1970s was ” Mano Manischewitz what a wine! Its a commercial, not a NJ saying
Terry
So there IS someone out there who knows what I’m talking about.
Mine is s/n 11945 with an 0-8 speedo if that helps.
Hello,
I am looking for the pancake style air cleaner like on your DJ 3a. would you have one or know where one is. Greg 573-745-0913 THX
Hi Greg,
Those DJ-3A “wire gauze” or “dry air” filters (http://www.ewillys.com/2016/10/21/the-dj-3a-wire-gauze-or-dry-air-filter/) are hard to find. I would say that only the DJ-3A original gas tanks are harder to find. I don’t know of any offhand for sale. There is a DJ-3A group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2382581395160570); it’s a good place to try and locate one.
– Dave