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FJ-3 Fleetvan Plastic Model $20.04

• CATEGORIES: Features, FJ, Models This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Blaine and Michael pointed out that this is a program to print these yourselves (3D printer). 

While looking for something else, I happened upon this model of a FJ-3 Fleetvan. It appears legit, but I can’t say for sure.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/S7NPSJHE4/ho-scale-jeep-fj-3-postal-delivery-fleetvan

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My “New” Marx Pressed Tin Service Truck

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Joe in Mesa for spotting this truck at an antique store for only $50. Usually these are pretty high priced (none on bay right now), so I was happy he found this in reasonable condition. It lacks the tow package and headlights, but I’ll take it none-the-less.

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Jeep License Plate Topper Tractor Power **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE II: This sold for $455.

UPDATE: This topper has reached $229.83 with several hours to go. There’s some concern that this plate topper is not really vintage. Read through the comments to see some valid issues with this topper.  There are certainly fakes on eBay, indicated by the comments of some buyers of these toppers.

One of my concerns about the topper is that no dealer is mentioned. I would expect a dealer name to be included if this were a dealer-created topper. But, then, if the seller went to all this trouble to create this topper, you’d think they would have added the dealer associated with the ad below.

I spent some time looking at other 1940s era license plate toppers. The shape and design of the one below seems consistent to me with some others shown on Google Images. But, then, are the ones shown on Google also fakes? I just don’t know.

Still, I like the piece. If you purchase it, but then determine it is fake, complain to eBay:

“If the merchandise is fake, report the listing to eBay and let them take action to enforce their policies. … Your purchase is covered by the eBay Guarantee, which entitles you to receive your money back if the item you receive doesn’t match what is listed. The seller has three days to respond”

Since the seller is claiming this topper is vintage, if they lied, they have no recourse. eBay will likely refund your money and not expect you to return the item (Unfortunately, some buyers are scammers themselves and use this very tactic to get free stuff).

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Maury spotted this CJ-2A topper eBay a few days ago. It’s already at $122.50 (and will likely go higher) with just over a day to go (as of this writing). It’s a really neat piece. I expect this will hit several hundred dollars.

The “Truck Utility Plus Tractor Power” wasn’t a tag line that was used very often. In fact, the only documentation that I can find for it was on an ad for Willys-Overland dealer Caver-Wiggens on May 23, 1947. I have found other ads from that dealer from 1947, but can find no evidence that phrase was ever used again. Whether Caver-Wiggens was responsible for the plate topper or not I can’t say for sure, but it is a possibility. Below is the 1947 ad (from this page):

1947-05-23-caver-wiggins-jeep-ad-lores

View all the information for the plate topper on eBay

“The Universal Jeep Metal License Plate Topper Sign. Nice topper some wear but great condition overall.”

Here’s the license topper itself. you can see the design is the same that appears in the ad, including the square bolt heads on the windshield.

jeep-tractor-power-license-plate-topper1 jeep-tractor-power-license-plate-topper

 
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1997 Wrangler Limo Blue Springs, MO Auction

• CATEGORIES: Features, Other 4x4s This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Need more room for the family? Look no further than this 1997 Jeep Wrangler Limo. It’s currently being auctioned at govplanet.com. Thanks to Bill for sharing it.

https://www.govplanet.com/for-sale/Automobiles-1997-Jeep-Wrangler-4×4-Limousine-Missouri/4525912

“6 Cylinder 4.0L Gasoline Engine, 1997 US EPA Label, 5-Speed Manual Transmission Air Conditioner, Bench Seating, Towing Hitch, LT325/60R20 Tires, Chrome Wheels”

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Dreaming About the Post-War Jeep

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This article originally appeared in 2016.

This April 21, 1944, article in Canada’s The Maple Leaf theorized how the post-war jeep just might help you warm up together in the “slip trench”!

1944-04-21-maple-leaf1

1944-04-21-maple-leaf2 Continue reading

 
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1951 Truck Forest Service-themed Sells for $28,500 at Auction

• CATEGORIES: Features, Willys Trucks This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bill pointed out the sale of this truck that was Forest Service-themed. It sold for the crazy auction price of $28,500.

https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1951-willys-pickup-644110

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“Now finished as a tribute to the U.S. Forest Service, this 1951 Willys pickup is described as a “longtime farm truck,” owned by one family for its first 70 years, that “underwent considerable mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment to prepare it for sale.” Besides new paint and a bed liner, the Willys is said to have received renewed interior electricals, heater refurbishment, and steering work. According to the selling dealer, the finish is about three months old, and any needed rust repair was completed. Because of its previous farm service, the Willys is also equipped with a power takeoff for running implements.”

 
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1970s Gravelrama Articles

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles, Racing This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

These three articles share info about the Gravelrama. This first one is dated August 23, 1974, from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

1974-08-23-cincinnati-enquirer-gravelrama

This second article was published two years later on September 19, 1976, in the Journal News:

1976-09-19-journal-news-gravelrama

The last article is from August 25, 1980, from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

1980-08-25-cincinnati-enquirer-gravelrama

 
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Jeep-Branded Tool Set

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Barney spotted this incomplete Jeep-branded tool set on eBay.

View all the information on eBay

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“For sale is a Jeep tool kit to carry in your vehicle. It consists of a hard plastic case and a set of hand tools. There is a small hammer, a screwdriver reversal to hold hex tools, and a set of hex sockets with a hex tool (One of the sockets may be missing). As you can see the kit is missing the pliers, as well as a few other unidentifiable items. The case is in good condition though dirty, and the latch doesn’t hold strongly- the previous owner used tape to keep it closed. The AMC Jeep logo is in good shape.”

 
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Green Army’s Wood Body Reproduction

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features, Wood bodies This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a good bit of history on the efforts to create a wood body for the WWII jeep. This group built a wood body replica, which, given the lack of specific info, was a good challenge. Check out the finished body using the link below:

https://www.greenarmyproductions.com/wooden-jeep-body-project/

green-army-productions-photo

 
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Various Pics

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Roger has shared these pics over the last week.

This former Army Corps of Engineers Wausau Iron Works plow is cool. It was shared on G503. You can see a brochure for the plow here.

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Morihisa shared this photo of a Willys MA on Facebook:

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Morihisa also shared this one on Facebook:

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