UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $4000.

(02/25/2015) Ian is selling his near complete jeep. It ran until he experience a problem with the starter. Ian includes lots of information about the jeep.

I have fallen into the classic trap of rebuilding old iron – I got deep into a project before finally realizing that I am not enjoying it. What I have is 95% of the way to being a totally awesome retro offroader – not the lifted V8 junk that most people do, but rather something that keeps the classic style of the Willys Jeep and improves its performance in sensible ways.

Significant modifications/upgrades:
* Engine replaced with a completely rebuilt Studebaker Champion flat 6 (170ci)
* Second 10-gallon fuel tank mounted under passenger seat.
* Switching valve on the dash to control which fuel tank is used.
* Brakes upgraded to 11″ drums on all wheels.
* Duel master brake cylinder installed.
* Custom armor shield protecting the oil pan

Other work done:
* Hardened valves
* Drive shafts rebuilt
* New radiator
* Custom professional radiator shroud to fit Studebaker engine with Willys radiator
* Optima battery
* NOS Studebaker carburetor
* New Rancho 1″ lift springs
* Transmission professionally rebuilt
* Transfer case professionally rebuilt
* New starter (12V)
* Complete 12V electrical system
* New alternator
* New water pump
* Electric fuel pump
* 6-Blade heavy duty cooling fan
* Really great looking old-style narrow tires

Other details
* Roll bar with gas can mounts on both sides
* Vehicle primered
* Clean, intact title
* New battery cables
* New shocks
* Navy CJ-V35U body
* Includes tow bar

Story Of The Jeep
———————-
I always thought that the ultimate awesome vehicle to have would be an early Willys Jeep. They are just totally badass, right? Well, years ago I happened across an opportunity to pick up one in really rough shape that just had all kinds of potential. It had a flat-6 Studebaker engine in it, which makes about 50% more horsepower and torque than the standard Jeep engine, but fits in the engine bay and bolts up to the stock transmission (because the Studebaker Champion car it came out of used the same model of transmission). That gave me more oomph, and I wanted to couple it with a greater fuel capacity for long off-road trips. I started to work on it myself, and realized that I just didn’t have the skills or equipment to do it all myself. So, I took it down to Desert Dog Automotive in Tucson and hired them to make my pile of parts into a complete Jeep, and to put a few extra touches on at the same time.

My engine had already been completely rebuilt top and bottom by PO Machine in Tucson, and they mounted it up to the frame along with the rest of the drivetrain. They rebuilt the brakes, the electrical system, and the body. They added in a second fuel tank under the passenger seat and set up a fuel switching valve. That gave it a fuel capacity of 20 gallons on tap, plus a gas can if you wanted more. They mounted the dual master cylinder for the brakes, giving it an extra margin of safety in case you damage a brake line on a rock. They gave it a coat of primer to protect the body.

I got the Jeep back from them, and it still had some little things that needed doing, though. I mounted 11″ brakes, so you can stop the Jeep much more quickly than the rather tiny stock brakes. I did some off-roading in it, and it was good.

I then let it sit for a year, because life interrupted.

This winter I went back to start using it again, and realized that I just don’t enjoy it. I don’t actually LIKE working on old vehicles; I just like the idea of them. The last straw was when something went awry with the starter. It decided it didn’t want to start, and I’m not sure why. My local car parts place says the battery is fine, and I just had Luna Enterprises check out the starter – which they say if in great shape. I’m sick of it. Maybe it’s a bad cable from the ignition to the starter. Maybe the shop was wrong and the battery is toast. I don’t know. I don’t care. I just want out of this project.

If you are someone who enjoys tinkering, here is your chance to get an awesome Jeep for less than half what I have in it. All it needs it for the starter issue to be resolved and a coat of paint. It may not look nice and shiny, but the important mechanicals underneath couldn’t be better. My loss is your gain, just get it out of my garage. I have receipts for all the work that has been done; I have a clean title; I have a few extra miscellaneous accessories to go with it. The starter is sitting on the fender right now, so bring a trailer or plan to use the tow bar that’s mounted to its bumper. Price is $6500 OBO.

Here’s a recent video of it running a couple weeks ago, just before this starter thing happened: