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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
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Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
UPDATE: Price dropped to $4500.
(10/25/2019) The roll cage has not been finished. I will need additional work. This has a rear full floating kit.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/763538520745375/
“1949 Jeep Willys Chevrolet V8 283 4 speed early Corvette transmission with Hurst shifter Warren overdrive positraction front and rear 538 gears power steering new Holly carburetor, new seats, spare rear axles, roll cage (tack welded in, can be removed or finished) title in hand”
I wonder why back in the day some guys swapped close ratio 4 speeds into a Jeep when the SM420 with the granny 6:1 is a much better fit for a Jeep. (just my personal opinion). Idk, maybe they wanted a sports car type Jeep. I suppose a Jeep with the close ratio 4 speed and a V8 has the potential for achieving repeated adrenaline rushes; lol.
I think some folks preferred them for road driving, as it provided an extra gearing option (vs. the granny 4 speed, which was essentially a 3 speed). I found it a much more pleasant and car-like experience using the Ford Toploader in Dad’s CJ-5 rather than trying to shift the SM-420, which we had in our motorhome at the time.
As you note, the Hurst was definitely not a great crawler though. Some folks also liked the close ratio for dune play and drag racing. The SM-420 is also larger in terms of size, while the Toploader was more compact.
When dad switched from his V-8 to the Ford Pinto engine, he also swapped out the Hurst for a T-98. Given the drop in HP, there was little need for a quick shifter, so the T-98 worked fine. And, it was a much better crawler set up (that Pinto engine was super rock solid in the hills, no matter the angle).