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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.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
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 .
Tom’s looking for some options for putting a smaller steering wheel onto the original mid 50s steering column. I did a quick search, but didn’t locate any specific products.
I’ve always used later model tilt columns with the steering wheel shown to the right. It requires an adapter that slides on to the column (don’t have a pic of that).
Anyone else know of other options?
Here’s a favorite CJ-3B that Jim owned, sold, but now wished he kept.
Jim writes, “This was super nice rig, built frame off, all stock, all new, immaculate, my girlfriend drove it alot and we should have kept it but was offered huge money and couldn’t say no.”
I ran across some extensively photographed and discussed body and framework (boxing in the frame) on the CJ-2A page forums. There are plenty of pics and four or more videos. There’s also some interesting discussions about dealing with hat channels: to fill or not to fill, that is the question (page 3 of the forum). So, if you are doing some body work on a CJ-2A, you’ll find this interesting.
The pic on the right show’s Mike’s first attempt at welding thin body metal. After some additional grinding and filler it looks like it will turn out great.
View the all information at the ‘started body work’ topic on the CJ-2A Page forum
Just in case you think Jim paints everything green, he does know how to use a few other colors, too :-). Here’s his modified CJ-2A. In the post below is his white M-38.
Jim writes, “GM V6 with stock running gear, was very well built, went like stick in the snow, not a drop of rust which always makes me happy”
Jim writes that this jeep came with a “Big 4 bolt camaro 350 V8, auto trans, power steering, disc, later model CJ5 running gear, M38 33/10/15 muds etc. Still have the beast, havent decided what to do with it but its a ton of fun and a handful with all that power!”
Jiim writes, “Ironically, was already sort of OD green when I got it. That nasty bench seat weighed about 250 lbs when I pulled it out, kept thinking it was still bolted in somewhere, nope, just that heavy…”
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I was searching for an image of original CJ-3A gauges when i stumbled upon this article. Both of these are well modified, good looking road and trail jeeps. One of the more interesting features of the ‘Oklahoma Green’ Jeep is the number of gauges that are installed. One Bad Apple certainly has an usual paint job.
Here’s 2 excerpts from an Off Road Adventures Article; each one discuss a little bit about each jeep:
Oklahoma Green: “… Below the CJ3A Willys’ windshield is a dashboard that would be more than adequate in a J3 Super Cub airplane of the same vintage. The aircraft-like dash sports a full compliment of gauges: fuel, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, vacuum, and air pressure gauges along with a voltmeter, hourmeter, and altimeter by Hobbs. A Lev-O-Gauge rounds out the impressive array. Lights and buzzers backup the critical gages. From the dash, Ken can switch on the fuel pump, fast idle solenoid, headlights, heater, and winch. Indicator lights report the status of 4WD, seat belts, ARB, emergency brake, and air compressor…. ”
One Bad Apple: “… The frame was lengthened 6-inches to incorporate a GM 4.3 V6 CMFI 195 hp at 4500 rpm engine with K&N Air Cleaner and Painless Wiring, a GM 700R4 with a manual shift kit, and a Dana 300 transfer case with CV driveshaft. With 4.88 gears, the final crawl ratio is 80:1. The front axle is a Dana 30 with an ARB Air Locker and disk brakes. The rear axle is a Dana 44 with a Detroit Locker. Four-inch lift springs, an off-road track bar, and Rancho 5000 Shocks control 33×12.50 BFG Mud Terrain T/As …..”
Here’s some pictures of Jim’s two Mighty Mites. He notes that they are a horror to work on. In two years, I’ve only seen two or three of these for sale on craigslist. They appear very hard to find.
Here’s the first one:
Here’s an example of how an M-38A1 can be improved with some paint, some parts, and creativity. As Jim notes, “from ugly yellow hunting jeep back to what it should be…”
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Here’s another M-38A1. By painting it green, installing some parts, and adding some touches, it adds a great deal to the military feel.
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Jim writes that this one was “One of my favorites, had a lot of character. This CJ3B was a really ugly ranch jeep I found in Montrose Colorado. Ran and drove well and after I got it home, figured out a way to make use of that ugly bed extension. Every tourist and kid in downtown Durango loved this thing!”
When I saw this thing for sale, I bluntly said I didn’t understand it. But, after looking at the ‘before’ pictures, I can see Jim took the hand he was dealt and played it creatively. Make sure to see the pics of the backend.
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**SOLD**
“The good stuff and everything I’ve added, replaced, rebuilt, etc: Clear Colorado title, Jeep is turn key, start it and go, needs nothing major right now. Original flathead 4 cylinder, Solex carb, 12 volt, rebuilt a few years ago, runs great, excellent oil pressure, no smoke etc. Original transmission/transfer case, also rebuilt, shifts tight, quiet, never does the “2nd gear pop” like so many Willys. Body’s in great shape, CJ3A windshield frame, The usual minor rust in the tool box (see picture) and at the ends of the hat channels. The rest of the Jeep’s in great shape, perfect floor boards front/back, some dents in the rear corners that someone repaired with bondo in the last 60 years….”
Below are some exclusive before pictures of this jeep:
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A reader named Jim has been working with jeeps for quite a while, rebuilding roughly 70 jeeps over the years. He started rebuilding jeeps by adding v8s, lifting them, and hot rodding them a bit. Over the years, he did something unusual, he paid attention to what customers seemed to want. The result, as you will see, is that he has taken a variety of jeeps, provided a military theme, and accessorized them well without investing large amounts of time or money. He said he found that people seem to really respond to the military theme. In addition, he wrote to me, “I cant stand to see an old ranch jeep neglected in some field or some backyard; I have to make it run, make it fun, and bring it back to life again.” He’s found a great niche, has fun, and gets to collect some jeeps. We should all be as fortunate 🙂
Here’s got 9 willys, an m-38, m-38a1, aussie land cruiser troop carrier and plenty of extra parts. Here’s a shot of his barn. I’ll be provided some glimpses of his projects over the next few days (I’ve run out of time tonight). Thanks Jim!
William, a reader from Costa Rica, contacted me this weekend with a question. After exchanging a few emails, he offered to share his project with readers. The 1st picture was taken in April of 2005 and the second in November of 2007. He has made some nice improvements that have made this jeep look much better. You can see all the pics here at cardomain.com. Thanks for sharing William!
After seeing all the interest in stainless on the website, Jeff has kindly provided us with a couple of looks at his all Jewels Flattie. It’s not just the stainless that makes this look nice, but also the accents, such as the execution of the rear bumper design. With a full cage on the inside and a winch, this jeep is quite capable of playing in the sand, the trail or wherever he wants to take it.
Jeff notes below:
“This is my Semi stainless / galvanized jewels body kit mounted on a 1952 cj3a chassis. Currently powered by a chev 153 4cyl. I also own another complete kit that I have been collecting for the last 15 years. It appears there is a lot of interest in these stainless jeeps these days.”
Fowler Automotive appears to perform high quality restorations of mostly older vehicles. As a side project the owner(?) did an MB restoration. I don’t know anything about Fowler Automotive, other than I believe they are in the bay area (based on the telephone numbers).
Here’s a snippet from the webpage:
“A few years ago my son and I traded into a bunch of WWII jeeps and partial chassis. We kept the best three. He needed a summer project so I turned him loose with his buddys to build one jeep from all the available parts. That went pretty well and he ended up with this ’45 Ford GPW which we have taken on many trips over the last five years.”
Click here to see the entire story
A reader named Robert in Wisconsin has provided some pictures of a CJ-2A collection he has put together. For me, this brought back memories of living in Wisconsin. In fact, the reason I sold my first jeep was to fund a move to Wisconsin back in 1992. I knew I couldn’t haul it around and keep it maintained, so I figured it was time to let it go. I called Wisconsin home for two years and have plenty of fond memories of the Dane County Farmer’s Market, Old World Wisconsin, 40 below temperatures (brrrrr) and the birth of my first son.
Robert has been kind enough to share a number of stories and pictures below. Many Thanks! BTW, to the right is the way a garage should look!
#1 – 1946 CJ2A (tan)
I got interested in CJ2As after buying a 1969 Series IIA Land Rover a couple years ago (ed note: shown at the bottom of the post). I had always wanted a Series 109 Rover and had convinced my wife that I needed one for my beekeeping hobby. We had been hauling beehives and honey around in her mini van and she’d had enough of the sticky mess and ticked off bees that got stuck in her van. With her blessing I located a Rover for sale in Minnesota and dragged it home. I really enjoyed the Rover and put it to good use, but found it was way too big for the garage. Also, it was right-hand-drive and it made me feel like I was driving in the ditch all the time. After awhile, I started looking for something a bit smaller that I could still use for the bee hobby. That’s when I noticed a nice looking 1946 CJ2A on ebay. I bid on it and won. The previous owner had done a really nice restoration and equipped it with a vintage Western snowplow. I never thought I’d need a plow, but it actually ended up coming in handy with all the snow we got that winter. I’m convinced the plow saved my back from shoveling. This is the tan jeep with the soft top shown with my dog.
A reader wanted to share a pic of this beautiful all Jewels Flatfender he built over many years and recently sold. He says he already is at work on another jeep. Hopefully, he’ll provide us with some updates as works on his new project.
Paul has supplied us with some additional pics and an explanation of the mounting system. You can view the full article about Paul’s jeep here.
“The first pic with the hood open shows the two Dzus (brand name) (learn how to pronounce Dzus) fasteners which help hold the hood down when inserted into the brackets shown in the 2nd pic. The brackets are just above the yellow ignition coil and next to the master cylinder. I also use another fastener (for a total of 4 to hold the hood) on the back side of the flat fenders. The last image shows another view of the ½” pipe as it is bolted to the top side of the flat fenders. ”
Brian sent me an update on his adaptation of a wranger swinging assembly into his CJ-3B.
“I was going to use a dual master cylinder kit, but instead I located a set of swing pedals from a early Wrangler. With the extra 4 inches of cowl height in the CJ-3B, I found they would fit. This provided me two advantages: (1) the assembly came with a brake booster and (2) I can use the hydraulic clutch kit from Novak to simplify life the install.
Here’s stock assembly from a early Wrangler.
Don’s got a beautiful CJ-3B that he’s clearly spent a great deal of time building. Only a labor of love would produce details as unique as ‘a 4 barrel with a holley from a scout’. If you don’t see this weekly driver around town, then he’s likely in the the hills of Colorado.
Some stats:
James sent me a pic of his recently painted flattie. It looks great and, he write, he didn’t have to bondo it.
As I started looking a the image more closely, I realized that his jeep has reversed shackles on the front and outboarded 2 1/2 inch springs on the back. Nice ….
A gentleman named Vivek contacted me last night. He ran across ewillys while searching for some jeep parts. He’s from India and owns a CJ-3B that he restored. He’s currently working in California for a few months, before heading back to India, so he’s looking to locate a few parts he can take back with him (there’s enough jeeping in India that maybe I ought to head there and work for a few months — can I get a job with my MBA Vivek?). I’ll be highlighting him and his efforts in a post I’ll write in the next few days.
For now, I want to thank Vivek for opening up the interesting world of jeeping in India to me. After a few email exchanges, he pointed me to a gentleman named Mr. Uday Bhan Singh. Mr. Uday, it turns out, owns 45 flatfenders that he has collected over the span of 40 years. This month, autocarindia did an article on him, which has been copied and posted to the Jeep Thrills website, which is also Vivek’s jeep club.
Here are links to the article pages which is worth reading (once open, click on the page to zoom into it):
Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4
To say Mr. Uday is passionate about jeeps likely understates things; The article’s description of him as a Jeep Junkie is likely more accurate. One look at the images of his “great arc” jeep and you’ll see he not only knows jeeps, but uses and jeeps with them. Last year in his MB he navigated the length of the great arc, the 78th meridian that bisects India. The meridian itself stretches about 583 miles as the crow flies, however the actual driving mileage was just under 1200 miles.
To complete this drive, Mr. Uday went prepared. This jeep carries a few extra parts, such as 2 sets of springs mounted to the underside and a special contraption made of poles for helping winch out of difficult places that are strapped to the driver’s side. I highly recommend reviewing the pictures. Even the paint job is nicely unique (reminds me a bit of the follow-me jeep paint jobs).
Brian's been busy creating a new bumper for his CJ-3B build. He's says it's nothing fancy, but I think it's pretty nice. Here's a start-to-finish explanation of the work it took to make his bumper. Thanks for sharing Brian!
"Because the springs are longer than stock, I had to come up with a way to lengthen the frame a little in the rear. So, I fabricated a new rear bumper and incorporated a swing out spare tire mount. In addition, rather than cut holes into the body, I decided to put the tail lights in the bumper. To make the bumper, I only need to use a grinder, drill press, and a Mig welder — it's nothing fancy."
I just got some pics from the owner (who shall remain nameless until he sends me his name 🙂 ) of the jeep formerly known as Pittle Power (I remember it as Piddle Power though). I don't remember the history of the Jeep prior to Jim and Patty Carter purchasing it, but I believe they purchased it so their growing boys, Tim and Steve, wouldn't have to squish themselves into the back of Otis. They purchased a stock CJ-3A, installed a chev 4cyl and attached desert dogs. Otherwise (I'm told) they left everything else stock. Pittle might not have had much power (hence the name), but it could go 99% of the places the modified WWJC jeeps could go.
The Carter's had a habit of naming all their vehicles. There was Otis (the jeep), tote-us (the jeep trailer), Brutus (their first motorhome) and more.
Our To-Be-Named contributor writes:
"The Jeep I bought was owned by Jim Carter(original member of the WWJC). The race name was Pittle Power. Skip Baird helped me with my first swap with a V-6 and a top loader. Al Hamilton and I became very close infact I still have one of his pups Mandy she is a very stubborn German Shorthair."
Editor's note: To the right is the only picture I have of Pittle Power from 1983 (and it's only the hind quarter) hidden behind Danny's CJ-5. While the Pittle Power was never actually raced, I do remember a club trip to Liberty Trail one weekend. After we made camp, Tim Carter decided he wanted to head down to the store and asked me to ride shotgun (somehow he knew there was a remote store at the bottom of the hill we were camped on). So, he drove me down that hill in Pittle Power, a ride I remember vividly because we were travelling sideways down the constantly turning gravel road for a good portion of it. Come to think of it, one time Tim took me for a ride in his late 60's camaro and we travelled sideways heading onto the cloverleaf on ramp to I-405. Maybe Tim always travelled sideways or I just brought it out of him.