Dave here: Nate shared this video of him heading out in the snow to do some maintenance. It looks like that rig is running great and moves really well over the snow. Thanks for taking the time to record it Nate!
Monthly Archives: February 2025
Willys Light & Electric and Auto-Lite
UPDATE V: Thanks to Barry for sharing a recent video made by CruddyCornstalks. he spends time explaining why the engine is unusual and how it works.
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UPDATE IV .. Feb 7, 2023: Nate was able to get this running. Check it out.
UPDATE III: See the internals of a Willys Light Plant here
UPDATE II: More pics of Nate’s Willys Light Plant here
UPDATE: There is more history about Miniger and his purchase of John North Willys Stock in 1929 in a 1946 Fortune article.

This postcard is currently listed on eBay.
The other day Nate forwarded me the following images of a Willys home power plant, built by both “Willys Light” and the “Electric Auto-Lite Corporation”. Not knowing much about any of this (and not having the time to source original info from newspapers of the time), I took a break from house painting to venture down internet rabbit holes. What follows is more of a work-in-progress than a finished piece. Hopefully, folks can add or correct the following.
Let’s start with the pics that Nate sent:
Thank You Brian aka Metalshaper!
Brian posted up a farewell video on his metalshaper channel, it was shared on OWF today.
I personally never crossed paths with Brian in person but his videos are a great resource to our Willys community and will be missed.
Thank you Brian for all you have contributed to our small slice of the automotive world. You have helped alot of people over the years.
Good luck with your future endeavors!
If you ever need anything feel free to reach out to us at eWillys!
https://m.youtube.com/@metalshaperJeep
RARE 1954 M38A1 Ex-Army Jeep Willys and Ex-Fire Brush Truck CA Titled – $12,500
RARE 1954 M38A1 Ex-Army Jeep Willys and Ex-Fire Brush Truck CA Titled – $12,500
“Andy’s Picks”
Brush Truck M38a1
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/escondido-rare-1954-m38a1-ex-army-jeep/7824886819.html
Seller
Running, Driving, and current Registration til July 2025 (2025 sticker in envelope still).
Legit Ex-Army Jeep that was decommissioned and mothballed circa 1960 (“Radiator drained”) then some time in the 70’s or 80’s it was turned over to the Forestry Service and converted for use as a Brush Truck. Purchased from them when it was again decommissioned and replaced with more modern equipment and now Titled in CA.
Original Hurricane Motor and manual trans with odometer showing just over 7K miles. Fires up first try every time. Has an 80-gallon water tank and 150′ hose on the back. The original Clinton Engine pump motor on the back RUNS TOO! The original rotor water pump (that is turned by the gas Clinton engine) had corrosion and it wasn’t worth cleaning up straight away so a brand new and identical pump was purchased and is included (original pump also included) but not installed. The pipes will need new seals and we are missing the strainer so a new one will need to be purchased and installed (from a landscaping / irrigation supply store).
My son and I have taken it to a few car shows and cruise nights and it gets A LOT of attention, even when parked next to pristine, restored jeeps. The patina with the original Army Green and (fading) red over top with the original Army stenciling peeking through just cannot be reproduced. We were working to get the pump setup spraying again, but now college is imminent, he / we are finding other things more pressing. Has been a fun Father-Son project, but time to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it.
Lots of people say they would strip out the fire equipment and use it as a Desert Runner… but… well… whoever buys it can do whatever they want to with it. But there’s a whole lot of desert jeeps out there but I can’t say I’ve personally seen any other fire truck jeeps.
Can you drive it home? Uh, sure. But if you aren’t comfortable driving a 70+ year old jeep with no seatbelts, no doors, no power brakes and no power steering and are otherwise unfamiliar with the Jeep “Death Wobble”, I would recommend you either take back roads slowly or you tow it.
1952 Jeep Willys m38 Miranda, CA $1,800
1952 Jeep Willys m38 Miranda, CA $1,800
“Andy’s Picks”
half way between the cj-4 x-98 prototype and an odd bodd
https://humboldt.craigslist.org/pts/d/miranda-1952-jeep-willys-army-jeep-m38/7818817535.html
Seller
1952 military willys jeep m38 a1, it’s been modified at one time we think it may have been a movie car by the way its done but its neat. I have good spare engine comes with, original one that’s in it sat to long n needs work but I’m sure its probably fixable too. It’s fresh out of a barn, no rust or rot but it’s def been worked. $1800 obo.
Vintage Willys Jeep weight – Clinton, MO $250
Vintage Willys Jeep weight – Clinton, MO $250
“Andy’s Picks”
another cj ag weight
https://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/d/clinton-vintage-willys-jeep-weight/7822726439.html
Seller
Original front end weight for Willy’s agri- jeep. $250 CALLS ONLY NO TEXTS six six zero- four seven seven- three four four nine. thanks
Willys Jeep or tractor slab pad counter weight Evart, MI $225
Willys Jeep or tractor slab pad counter weight Evart), MI $225
“Andy’s Picks”
CJ ag weight
https://centralmich.craigslist.org/grd/d/evart-willys-jeep-or-tractor-slab-pad/7825649683.html
1952 Willys Stake Bed Truck West Plains, MO $14,000
1952 Willys Stake Bed Truck West Plains, MO $14,000
“Andy’s Picks”
Nice original Stakebed
https://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/d/west-plains-1952-willys-stake-bed-truck/7825824285.html
Seller’s Description
This listing is for a very nice 1953 Willys stake bed truck. It has undergone a cosmetic restoration, but the underneath is also in very good condition. It has the F134 engine with the T90 three speed transmission and the Spicer 18 transfer case. The seat has been reupholstered, and the inside has been painted. There was some rust in the floors and the bed pockets, but that has all been replaced with new panels. The lights all work and all the gauges work except the fuel gauge. It starts, runs, and drives as it should. Thanks for your interest.
1940’S LARGE KAISER PORCELAIN SIGN
1940’S LARGE KAISER PORCELAIN SIGN
“Andy’s Picks”
Pre Willys Kaiser sign. Look at the size of it!
https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/1940s-large-kaiser-porcelain-sign/
ITEM DETAILS
- Location: Farmingdale, NY 11735
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: M-0054893-DT
Available for auction is a stunning Kaiser porcelain sign from the 1940s, showcasing vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors. This vintage piece measuring 10 ft by 2 ft is stated by the seller to be in good condition, with a natural patina that enhances its nostalgic appeal.
1945 Jeep MB Spanish Fork, UT $5,500
1945 Jeep MB Spanish Fork, UT $5,500
“Andy’s Picks”
MB project
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmaakEWWT/
Seller’s description
1945 Willy’s mb, motor and transmission have been rebuilt, transfer case and axles have been overhauled, comes with the top and doors, needs Finnish assembly have everything to get this pig up and going! Will make a neat little runner for someone , can get more pictures upon request