UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.
Craig shared this early DJ-3A #1134. There’s a lot of stock jeep there.
“1956 Willys DJ3A “The Dispatcher” Slated as a light delivery vehicle this is the first year for this model of Willys. The production number stamped in the frame is 1134 I believe. I will confirm that. This was my dads first vehicle and has been in the family since 1961. As far as I know we were the second owner. I have the original title. It’s a project. I have almost all of the original parts. What is missing is the motor, radiator, and seats. I have three of the original hubcaps. I have two tires on it that do hold air. The floor pans are rusted out. Last time it was on the road was 1973. It does have a factory heater. If you know the DJ’s then you know it is factory 2wd. I also have the doors. This is very difficult to post as I have a long history with this vehicle. Circumstances in life change and sometimes you have to let go of dreams. Ask any questions you want. I have more pics somewhere I will add later.”
Interesting to note is that this DJ3A has the typical 3A tub with the Dispatcher hardtop. All The 3A Dispatchers with the hardtop that I know of, had the cut out walk through body for the side doors. Also, the top side panels behind the doors, had a factory bend in them shaped like an “X” to make the sheet metal more rigid, don’t see in on this Dispatcher. not that it matters, just things I noticed, still would make a nice “Pizza Jeep”.
I remember when the owner inherited the Dj. It is a very early model before they started opening the entry for easier access in and out, and probably the “stiffening” of panels too. Willys always adapted to “customer need” easily. I’m sure this is breaking the owner’s heart to have to part with it. I hope it gets restored.
Mike-
The very early DJ3As with hardtops still had the original CJ3A/B door openings and the sliding doors covered that opening when the doors were closed. That all changed by early to mid 1957, when the door openings were cut both at the rear and at the front with the new floor extended out to meet the bottom of the doors. I think the larger rear window change took place around that same time. The rear side panels were changed as well so they had an embossed X pattern which would have provided extra strength and also minimized the vibration/rattling of those panels. I suspect the actual number stamped on the frame might be 11134. Once verified, I will enter it into my database. I do have 11125 already entered.
Colin, once again, thanks for the information, these facts I didn’t know, you knowledge on the subject is valued.
Colin, I was thinking the same thing about the serial number. However, I didn’t realize the early hardtops didn’t have the “X” pattern (I need to study that further).
anyone have contact info for this? facebook link does not work for me. thanks, Dave
Hi David,
I haven’t seen this relisted since last summer, so I expect this one sold. I’ve updated the post.
Thanks,
– Dave