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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.
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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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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 .
According to the seller, the rear access doors added to the rear wagon door was related to this wagon being an ice-cream vehicle.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1164321511268804
“1951 Willy’s Wagon. All original four cylinder engine! Granny 4 Speed, withnivertide. 4-wheel drive very rare. 3-way ice cream truck with style rear doors. New wiring harness. Runs good. Great surf wagon project with good bones. Firm 7500,”
UPDATE: I’ve added a few Good Humor truck pics from Mike at the bottom of the post.
This eight-page issue of Jeep news Volume 10 Number 5begins on page one with KJC announcing it would be co-sponsoring the World Series of Golf, which was the first sports tie-in of which I’m aware. In addition, TB commercials for KJC would begin appearing on CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. I wonder if this rise in visibility was the result of the ad agency KJC brought on board? Pages two and three continue the sponsorship and commercials threads.
Page four shares the news that 16-year-old Howard Bartoo, Jr., won the 1964 ‘Jeep’ Derby held at Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Also on page four is a photo of Good Humor’s new jeep trucks, with specially made insulated bodies by the Hackney Brothers body Company, from Wilson, North Carolina. Just below the Good Humor trucks is a photo of a Deibler Trackless Train, produced by the company of the same name out of Manhattan, Kansas. The train’s “Engine” is a jeep chassis with a special body atop it.
Much of page five covers the three CJ-6s jeeps used for tourists at Chimney Rock Park in North Carolina. You can find more pics of the jeeps here. Page six takes readers around the world for a few stories.
Page seven introduces the Meyer Products Jeep Cabs to dealers, though not mentioned was their previous history as Orrville cabs. Page eight contains a variety of photos.
These Good Humor trucks have seen better days! Thanks to Mike for sharing them. He notes, “These were from about 15 years ago, the ones in the driveway was in Pa, he was going to restore, and never got around to it.”
The fourth installment of the 1963 Jeep News shifted back to eight pages with this issue. It’s clear from the front pages thus far in 1963 that the Wagoneer and Gladiators were popular additions to the jeep line up. Each month seemed to bring reports of new sales highs.
Also interesting on page one is the reference to Wide World of Sports (WWOS) filming the 1963 Jeeporama near Boulder, Colorado. Unfortunately, I had no luck finding any WWOS episodes related to that filming.
Page two brings us the story of Noble Trenham and Dean Fisher, a pair of adventurers who went around the world in a modified FC-170. Their story includes their interrogation by Colombian officials who didn’t believe they were on a goodwill tour. The situation looked dire until they produced evidence of attending USC; it turned out their interrogators were familiar with two local boys who were also attending USC. You can read that story here: https://issuu.com/trailsmag/docs/august-2012/25, which is part of a series titled A True TrailBlazer in Trailblazer magazine (series starts with this April issue).
The article also mentioned that a book was in the works. Well, the work took decades, because it wasn’t until 2018 that a book was finally published by Dean Fisher (if there’s an earlier book, I didn’t find it in my brief searches). I just bought a copy, so I’ll let you know what I think: https://www.amazon.com/Roads-Peoples-Birds-Mountaintops-Billabongs/dp/1622881877 .
Page three of this Jeep news shares one of the more interesting DJ-3A ice cream trucks I’ve ever seen. I wonder what ever happened to it? Also on page three, the page reported that the Sareea Al Jamel 4WD Club of Indio’s annual desert trip drew 322 vehicles and 978 people!
Pages four, five and six celebrate the 60th year of the company, starting with Overland. Page seven includes a variety of photos, including a CJ-3B, which is a surprise given those rigs had been ignored by the editors of Jeep News for years!
Page eight tells the story of the “Jeep mounted band”, while a photo farther down on the page shows another example of a Virgin Islands FC used as a tour jeep (here is a different example).
At twelve pages, the November 1958 Jeep News is one of the largest issues published.
Page one contains various dealer info stories. Page two discusses the growth of jeep clubs and their potential as unofficial ‘salesmen’ for the product and brand. Also on page two is a discussion of the jeep-name origin. You’ll note the appearance in that discussion of the term “G P”, which I’ve yet to see definitive proof to if being used prior to the introduction of the Ford GP in early 1941. Bill Norris was able to locate a blurb, possibly from May of 1942, that suggests the letters “G P” that “appeared on all orders for the specifically made car”, however it’s not clear which orders such letters appeared on or when they appeared. But, it’s an avenue worth exploring.
Page three highlights dealer news, while page four shares how popular jeep exhibits had become at local and state fairs. Page five covers the importance of lighting to jeep dealerships, while page six and seven announce that dealerships have penetrated areas all over the US, though none of the dealerships shown are west of Oklahoma (still 1300 miles to LA from OK). Page eight and nine are again mostly dealer news, though page nine does cover a druggists satisfaction with the new DJ-3A dispatcher.
Pages ten and eleven have a wide variety of stories, but I thought the custom DJ-3A “The Goody Cart” ice cream jeep on page ten was particularly interesting. Page twelve covers a story about some jeepers capturing California horse rustlers.
This eight-page issue includes stories about Country Maid’s FC-150s ice cream trucks and Prade Ranches wagon. The Boyd’s FC was included as part of a story on the Boyd family’s travel to South America. Two different articles highlight DJ-3A dispatchers. There are two very different examples of FC-campers, which one looking quite a bit like Dan Horenberger’s old streamline camper (discussed in this Motor Trend article by Jim Allen). Also, don’t miss the last story which shows an FC with two sets of duallies on the rear.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9800.
Ten years ago these were selling for $1000-$2000. This even has a damaged bumper. Crazy price!
“This is the Coolest Ice Cream Truck in Town! 1970 Jeep DJ5 Kaiser Runs Great! Right Hand Drive. Makes it so easy to Serve Customers! 4 Cylinder Chevy Motor Runs Great! New Rebuilt Carburetor New Motor Mounts New Radiator Points and Plugs Distributor Cap and Rotor Button New Radiator Brakes just Replaced Transmission is Great! 350 Turbo Transmission Shifts Smoothly New LED Taillights New Bluetooth Stereo for your Ice Cream Music With Outside Speaker New Power Inverter New Front Open Freezer This a Attention Getter! Great Money Maker! Located in Birmingham Alabama”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000.
Outside looks great, but the inside isn’t as polished as I thought it would be. Still, a refurbished FJ-6 isn’t easy to find.
“Very small very unique 1965 willys fj6 ice cream truck conversion. Truck was taken down to bare metal, roof raised 12 in, professionally primered and then wrapped. It has a Chevy 250 inline 6 with a 2-speed powerglide transmission. Although it is good for maneuvering and is street legal it is not comfortable to drive. It has a class 3 kitchen in it which includes a single basin and hand washing with hot and cold pressurized water. A 3500 watt inverter with 4 deep cell batteries so it can run off the grid. It has Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth receiver. With a slide top freezer and a mini deep freeze. It is currently registered and licensed in Marion county as a class 3 truck. Business is not for sale just the truck. Name and logo must be removed. Would work perfectly for a shave ice vehicle, tap truck, cupcake, ice cream, hot dogs, concessions. I’m reducing my fleet to one truck, and a second brick and mortar”
Blaine spotted this 1947 adorable photo of Lance Borman that’s located at the Smithsonian Institution. It shows Lance in a Good Humor Ice Cream-themed toy jeep.
http://edan.si.edu/slideshow/viewer/?eadrefid=NMAH.AC.0451_ref15
“Lance Borman / Baby Parade / Lake Mohawk [ink on verso)] [photoprint], July 1947
Photograph of child, wearing Good Humor unifrom and cap, in toy truck with “Good Humors” [sic] ice cream sign. Photographer unidentified. Lake Mohawk, New Jersey?
In Box 1, folder 6.
Silver gelatin on paper, 10 x 8″.
Local Numbers: AC0451-000003.tif (AC scan no.)
Update: SOLD.
“RHD retired mail truck converted to ice cream truck. Seahawk colors. Project needs minimal work.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500.
(08/08/2020) It’s a colorful ice cream jeep, but also a little worn looking.
“Clown cones is selling the last of their two Jeeps. So if your looking for a fun way to make some extra cash and put a smile on people’s faces this summer, this ice cream truck is a must. This cute little Jeep is an old 83′ automatic mail Jeep DJ5 with the driver’s seat located on the right side of the vehicle. This little business was family owned and operated for 3 years here in Canon city making it established and well known. It comes equipped with a music box, 2 PA speakers, a small 4ft long by 4 ft tall by 2 ft wide freezer and a 2000 watt power inverter. All work well and are in good condition. You can get an inventory supply store as close as Colorado Springs. The Jeep is in good condition and runs great. Does need a little cosmetic matnence and some TLC. we have really enjoyed this business and are really going to miss it however we are moving and cannot take it with us. Asking 3000 firm”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,000.
It could use some love, but looks solid.
“Kaiser Jeep FleetVan Ice Cream truck. Runs and drives. Straight 6 cylinder. Smokes a little and would recommend towing for long distances. Coker whitewalls. Cold plate freezer. Very unique and conversation starter. No heater and wipers are gone. Nice project with some rust here and there. Great business opportunity or promotional piece? I am located in the Bay Area California. Salvaged Title.”
Do these make enough money to make a $5000 purchase make sense?
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/kent-1974-dj5-vintage-postal-jeep-ice/7105111679.html
“1974 dj5 vintage postal jeep ice cream truck ready to go make your money freezer included old school music speaker lifetime tabs start your own business, be your own boss, do your own events price to sale”
Not sure how the seller came up with the model number “CJ5PEX”. I’d be surprised if this wasn’t a DJ-5. This thing sure has an unusual style.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/582077599000346/
“Sweetie is for sale!!! Start your own ice cream business. Drive the streets, do events, weddings, parties ect! Great and inexpensive chance to own your own business. Inventory available. 6 cylinder motor. Inverter to run freezer. Set up and Ready to go”
UPDATE: **SOLD**
“Very Rare – 1970 Ford Postal Truck – (Right hand drive) Parts are the same as Ford f-100 and broncos of the same year.Engine starts right up. Odometer does not work.
Sounds ready to roll.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/430254061249248/
“Must Sell! Need space in our garage! This ice cream jeep comes with the freezer and information to sell this upcoming Summer. Great condition. Come check it out. Easily can make a profit in a couple of weeks- business on wheels”
Steve shared this ice-cream related photo.
View all the information on eBay
“WOMAN w ICE CREAM TRUCK JEEP @ GOLDEN STATE DAIRY 50’s photo ESKIMO PIE SIGN
Vintage original snapshot photo, circa 1950’s.
Dimensions: 5″ x 3 1/2″
Condition: Good, surface creases/wrinkles, bit of album paper remnants on back, see scan.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.
Bumpers and wheels/rims aren’t original.
“1964 jeep willy fj 6 fleetvan ice cream truck every thing is original only I changed regular to alternator”
UPDATE: This was previously published in July of 2014.
This great article from the July 1947 issue of W-O Sales News highlights the use of jeeps as ice-cream distributors and as a diaper service. Companies highlighted include Better Brands Ice Cream Novelties, Swell Time Ice Cream Corporation, and Wee Folk Laundry.
**SOLD** Was $6500.
“$6500 obo/possible trade. It includes two power inverters. Three Brand New Batteries and Chargers. Two New Freezers. 25 foot Flag pole that is retractable. Custom battery station. I have also recently paid a local garage $3600 to rewire and add all new electrical to the vehicle with Hi Amp Alternator and New Starter. Needless to say, it has a lot that has been done. It is a 1974 FJ-8C and very fun to drive.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000.’
Needs a radiator.
“1981 Jeep Dj5 ice cream truck money making business right hand drive, 2wd, 4 cyl. Auto, was a postal jeep originally. Removable top tonneau cover . Will run and drive but needs radiator. Also has other features. $2,000”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.
“Its smog exempt, well kept and needs little maintenance…..it runs, no mechanical issues”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000.
It’s setup for ice cream.
“The most awesome icecream truck available. Runs Great! Bright orange paint inside and out. Completely updated and re-wired lighting all LED. Flashing amber rooftop light. Exterior horn to blast your classic ice-cream tunes or get new age and rock some modern icecream tunes to get the kids hyped with the amplified sub in the back. That right! This truck has beats!!! I have beefed up the starting battery with a group31 semi truck battery. There is a secondary battery bank of 3 deep cycle marine batteries that power the DC converter which in turn powers the freezer. Back windows are tinted to reduce heat so the electronics can run efficiently. I replaced all the window seals with new rubber. I even installed a battery isolator so you can run the secondary battery bank until it’s completely dead and always have a fully charged ignition battery to start up with. I also have 256 color range LED undercarriage lighting that I will install this week. There simply is not any other icecream truck that come close to being as awesome as this one.”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $2850.
(12/31/2015) Needs some tranny work.
“Selling my 1978 Willys Ice Cream Truck. We are downsizing. It’s a great runner. Needs about $600 in transmission work says my mechanic. I’ve priced this for a quick sale. When the weather changes and you turn on the Ice Cream Music the people come running to the curb for the ice cream treats.”
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/bfs/5466008897.html
This December 1955 Willys News article described the purchase of forty CJ-5s by the Circus Ice Cream Company of Houston, Texas. Do those hub caps look unusual?
UPDATE: ***SOLD** Was $5500.
Runs and drives, but seller has been having some carb problems.
“This is a beautiful vintage ice cream truck. 1984 AM General FJ-8C. Rare, very hard to find these days. It was formerly a mail postal truck. Freezer and shelving built in. We used it for shaved ice. We got a bigger truck so sadly, it’s time to see her go to a new home.
Runs and drives but it will stall out going up steep hills and sometimes at idle. Sometimes it’s hard to start. Drove it today and it ran great until I went up a steep hill then it bogged down and idled rough after that. Ran good a couple years ago when I drove it 500 miles from where I bought it but we left it sitting as a retail shop for one year then drove it home and let it sit in the driveway another year.
