This is a lefty with a Capstan winch.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/247270289549336/permalink/1591182885158063/
“For sale in Clio mi 48420. 48cj2a 4 cylinder go devil motor somewhat restoration in 90s front PTO winch new top seats fuel tank converted to 12volt needs a new home 8500 green title in hand”
nice little jeep this is number 192670 in case anyone was wondering it falls just outside the window of when they where switching between March April of 48
Nick, that’s a good point. There is a specific reference from the May 25, 1948, Willys Overland Motors Service Bulletin 48-27, page 3, that reads:
“SPARE TIRE – The spare tire mounting on the Model CJ-2A was changed from the right to the left side to comply with the law in a few States. This change became effective with vehicle Serial No. 176061 on March 3, 1948, with some exceptions. This change was not advantageous causing too much concentration of weight on the left side of the vehicle (off-set engine, steering gear, fuel tank and driver) causing it to set low so the right hand mounting was readopted beglnning with vehicle Serial No. 185769 on
April 14, 1948, with certain exceptions. A spare wheel mounting kit is now available under Part No. 670504 to mount the wheel on the tail gate in States where this is required.”
So., my guess is that most likely A) this may have fallen under the “certain exceptions” caveat; B) the body was an extra one or missed one, so they added it to the assembly line after the deadline; Or C) the body isn’t original to the jeep.