Thanks to Maury for doing the leg work on this one. The box behind the rear seat was used for gas, but we don’t know if it was to power the jeep or to carry aviation fuel for some unknown reason. It’s not a typical gas cap.
The seller provided some additional information:
The “box” behind the passenger seat is the fuel cell (gas tank). This jeep was equipped by LAX’s TWA. I bought the jeep through ebay some 5 years ago from the 3 owner who was a young plastic surgeon for the army he painted it green (I was glad he did a bad job, I brought back the red with on can of Goooff and found the red to be in very nice shape) and he added the passenger seat. However he never got it running and let it sit out resulting in the trans to fill with water due to the boot around the stick shift. I had to disconnect the drive shaft to be able to move it. I picked up the jeep in Southern Ca. Another Item not working is the speedometer, When rebuilding the trans, the speedo gear came out brittle and broke, Having not able to find one at the time of the rebuild, we left it out.
From the ad:
“1969 Jeep CJ5, Original California jeep, used by TWA at LAX (one of 3 they used that year). Jeep was to be used by the “Fire Inspector” (you can barely read it on the dash) Has original fuel cell put in for the airport. Original 4 cyl motor. 3 speed trans, 2 wheel drive, (NOT 4X4) Great on fuel.
I have had the trans rebuilt completely $2500. Unknown to me at time of purchase here on ebay, but the trans boot was gone and the trans filled up with rain water and locked up with rust. Had to find and buy, then rebuild a starter (450). Rear end rebuilt with new seals and bearings (500). New tires and new battery. Minimal rust not bad for a 47 year old jeep (see photo) Now the bad news, due to injury at work, and health reasons, I am unable to finish my goal to restore to original TWA days. All that is left is the body. I have over $5000 invested. My loss can be your gain. Jeep is located in Goleta, California. Clean and clear CA title.”