Glenn has a friend working on a restoration of a Scheneker Backhoe. Due to the lack of information about these, he wondered if anyone out there in Willysland had any additional information about them. You can either comment or contact me if you want to email me (d@ewillys.com).
He writes, “A local friend is working on a ’55 Willys Pickup with a Schnecker Iron Works BackHoe mounted on back. It looks just like the one in the Willys Special Equipment Catalog. We have been playing with this unit for several years and have never seen another.
We would like to communicate with anyone knowledgeable about these. Probably not many were built as it was not strong enough to take the beating.
As this is being dismantled, it is obvious that much rewelding was required after each use. Complete replacement of the frame is the only answer and a California pickup is here. Frame reinforcements were everywhere and we are trying to find any information as to what was done at the Buffalo Factory.
Somewhere there must be another of these in order for owners to compare notes. This is totally different from the Ottawa on the FC170 later in the 50’s, and also different from the half cab FC170 shown in the current AACA Club Magazine “Antique Automobile” There are many special parts on this vehicle including heavy duty split rim 15″ wheels and a banjo type rear end housing.”
Here are the few brochures found so far:
Similar unit in brook park minnesota. I live 20 miles from there. will try to go that in near future to see if it’s the same or similar. I know he’s been trying to sell it for a couple of years. Solid sheet metal but he wanted 5 grand. dave
Thanks Dave!
The Timkin banjo style rear was stock in Willys Overland trucks. I think Kaiser took over in 54 and then the heavy duty Timkin was dropped in favor of the lighter Dana/Spicer. I’ve heard that Timkin rears could be ordered after Kaiser started building Jeep trucks but I don’t know how long till they were dropped completely.
I have one, I live in Lorain,Ohio and I keep it on my farm in southern Ohio.Motorheads in Elyria rebuilt every under the hood. Jim White and his crew did a fantastic job. It’s street legal and I’ve taken it to the Marengo jeep show last year.My cell is 440-670-4708
Over on Willys Tech Scott Strudwick just posted a bunch of pictures of his 1956 Jeep Pickup backhoe and it looks like the same model. You have to join the Yahoo group to view them. I would think most like minded people are already members. Here’s the link to Scott’s pictures.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WillysTech/photos/album/1169300505/pic/list?mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&dir=asc
WOW!! We’re gaining knowledge now. What did we ever do before sites like this one? Thus far two of these have surfaced to add to Mike’s. I’ve sent Dave pix of one in MN. About that Timken rear end: My Jeep Utility Vehicle Master Parts List dated Sept. 1962 shows PN 644301 “Timken Rear Differential Assy. w/ Drive Gears 39-8, 4:88 to 1 Ratio. Group 21-03 Page 268, only used in 6-226 Pickup.
Also trying learn more about these rigs and how many have survived. I currently own 2 of them both found in Minnesota. Both have been on ewillys. The one From brook park was a nice survivor that must not of had a lot of use. The one I got the other day was used and abused and then neglected. If anyone wants to correspond on these reach me at fast4Franz3s@q.com Dave