Great old card.
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Vintage Birthday Card w/Jeep on eBay
May 8, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Features Research Archives
More Pics From Charles
May 7, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Charles wrote, “these are very hard to find i became them of a private collection from an ex para commando in katanga – 1956 (rep of congo). All these photo were old and not best condition they were digitalized and renewed as they are now.”
WWII Postcard to Recruit Women on eBay
Great postcard.
“This is a very meaningful historical event of mankind history on postcard and this postcard is VERY VERY RARE.
Our Extensive collections are source through antique shop, collectibles shop, flea market and second hand market, we could not trace the originality and the previous owner status is unconfirmed but the card age consistently.”
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Climbing Colorado’s Storm Mountain in a Jeep
May 6, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: Jeep-Willys-News. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Can Anyone Identify These Parts?
May 6, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Tracy believes these parts were from a 1920s Willys vehicle, but isn’t sure. She’s hoping to get them to someone who could use them. She’s tried contacting the Willys Knight Registry, but so far hasn’t gotten any response.
Jeep Christmas Card on eBay
I like the maze for the jeep on the inside. More jeep-like than a jeep.
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Bantam BRC Copy in Vietnam?
May 5, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
UPDATE: John pointed out that the early GAZ was modeled after the first Bantam. This may well be a restored early GAZ.
Roberto forwarded a link to a celebration in Vietnam that included jeeps. I was checking out the CJ-3Bs and M-606s when I spotted a jeep that looked curiously like a copy of the original Bantam BRC. It’s doesn’t seem to be a perfect copy, but still looks pretty neat. I’ve blown up the pics, so they are a little blurry.
Original post: http://www.tienphong.vn/nhip-song-thu-do/chu-re-lai-xe-jeep-dua-co-dau-dao-pho-ha-noi-947495.tpo
Original Bantam BRC from a similar angle.
Early GAZ
Stretched M-38A1 at Walmart
May 5, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, M-38A1 • TAGS: 4door, Lengthened, Nice. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Seth found this photo of a stretched M-38A1 with extra seats parked at a Walmart. Looks like there’s a small sign attached to the beer case that indicates this may be in Virginia near the National Museum of the Marines
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Dan’s Jeep FC Military M Series Gathering in September 17th-18th
Dan’s hosting an FC gathering at his place in Illinois this September. Though it is branded a military FC event, all FCs are welcome. Contact Dan for more information.
2016 Fort Miles Interactive Garrison
Joe spend last weekend at Fort Miles and shared pics of the event. Thanks for sharing the info!
He wrote, “Fort Miles, a WWII era Military Garrison is along the coast in Lewes, DE. This event provides an interactive garrison exhibit that is conducive to educating the visiting public on the function and significance of Fort Miles during the second world war. The 261st Coast Artillery along with the 1252nd Service Command Support Unit (motor pool) was on hand for the day. During the Cold War years, Fort Miles served as NAVFAC Lewes from 1963 until 1981 as a US Navy SOSUS listening facility.”
1946 Article on Jeep as Tow Rope Ski Machine
May 4, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
The final two paragraphs in the February 1946 issue of the Montreal Gazette describes how workers in Cobourg, Ontario, used the rear wheels of a jeep to drive a tow rope for skiers.
Riggins’ Volunteer Fire Department
May 3, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: Jeep-Willys-News. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
This January 1958 article from Willys News highlighted a group of teen boys who provided the small town of Riggins, Idaho, with fire protection using a fire jeep.
2016 NW FC Get Together Aug 5-6-7
May 2, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Event, FC150-FC170-M677, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
This year’s FC Get Together has a new location, moving from Tacoma to Olympia.
FC-170 Pipe Organ Delivery Service
May 2, 2016 • CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Features, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: Jeep-Willys-News. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Hmm … wonder if he delivered any Wurlitzers in this? This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Alaska WWII Jeep Hardtops & the YL-15
Paul from Alaska wrote, “Recently I was at the Alaska Aviation Museum helping a friend assemble his plane when I noticed a very large photo displayed on the wall of the hanger. As you can see this photo was taken in 1947 at Adak but what really caught my attention were the numerous flat fender Jeeps with hardtops driving on the base. I took a close up photo of a cluster of these Jeeps even though the image is rather grainy but I thought you’d like to see it anyway.”
Labeling these 1 – 5 starting from the left, jeeps #1 and #3 look to have the same top. #2’s top is extended in the rear. #4 has no side windows. #5 I can’t see as well.
There’s a jeep near the top, again with a hardtop.
The full photo is in the background above the rare Boeing YL-15, which Paul’s friend has restored. The plane was built to win a military contract. The wings, tail and flaps come off quickly so the plane can be carried by a 6 by or towed by a Jeep.
Here’s an mocked-up example of a jeep pulling the plane:
And this shows a truck carrying it:
Paul’s M-100 Trailer Teardown
On another note, Paul has begun his tear down of an M-100 trailer, something he’ll rebuild in stainless:
Jeep Parts Needed
May 1, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
I’m sure this has cycled elsewhere, but it’s just so true …. thanks to Steve for forwarding.
Hanksters Hot Rods’ New Showroom in Florida
John dropped by the new showroom at Hanksters Hot Rods‘ in Daytona Beach, Florida, and took a few pics of their jeep. Admission is free and all donations go to the local YMCA.
1943 Letter w/ Jeep Illustration at Top on eBay
April 29, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Here’s a letter on a jeep illustrated letterhead, one I’ve never seen.
“An original World War Two letter including the envelope written by Cliff Brandow who was in the 256th Field Artillery. This letter is dated Oct. 18, 1943. It has the logo of a jeep with soldiers and says, Camp Gordon Augusta Georgia. I currently have other letters written by this individual listed. The letter is in very good condition, with some light wear, the cover has wear.”
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Just a Couple Updates Tonight
April 28, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
I got back late from Seattle late last night, so just a couple updates. Several readers asked if I got anything done on Biscuit while there, but (as Mitch can attest, because he dropped by) I took an hour to stare at the jeep, but between minor book fixes, caring for dad, and sonny-do projects, I didn’t have much extra time.
On my way home I stopped by to visit Roy Williams and his friend, Todd Francis. Todd is the 2nd or 3rd largest manufacturer of two-piece high performance VW blocks in the world. He ships them all around the planet. It was a real treat to watch the blocks being milled, drilled, and cleaned. His racing buggy was pretty cool, too. I didn’t have my camera with me, so no pics.
You can learn more about them on Facebook or at his website (which will be receiving a makeover sometime soon).
Hundreds of M-606s
April 28, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, M-606 (military CJ-3B), Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Blaine spotted this great photo showing hundreds of what appear to be M-606s about ready to be shipped to Iran in 1962. It’s part of an article in the Toledo Blade about the 75th anniversary of the Willys-Overland-produced jeep.
http://www4.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2016/04/25/Toledo-to-mark-Jeep-s-75th-in-August-fest.html
One Way to Save on Gas
April 28, 2016 • CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
The green FC-170 pictured below is the one for sale out of Chicago. I have to say, this is one way to save on gas!
The Australian Combat 6 & Sportster CJ-5s
April 27, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, CJ5, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Maury ran across this rare CJ-5 and figured few people knew about it (I’ve never written anything about it). Kaiser Jeep of Australia built what they called Jeep Combat 6, a CJ-5 derivative. They had Ford 170ci straight 6 motors, the same engine used in the early Mustangs. It was the Australian answer to the Dauntless V6 being installed Stateside.
About 460 Jeep Combat 6 vehicles were made. Of the 460, it is unknown how many were CJ5’s or CJ6’s, as all documented records were either lost or destroyed. The chassis and the tubs were imported from Kaiser’s US plant and assembled with the Ford engines in Brisbane. Here’s photos of 1968 Combat 6 that was for sale about a year ago in Australia:
You can learn more about them at the CJ-3B page (scroll down to the page’s bottom). Here’s an example of a Combat 6 brochure.
According to the 3B page, the Combat 6 marketing didn’t last for long. The Australian arm of Kaiser Jeep dropped the Combat 6 brand, possibly replacing it with the Sportster. As you can see in this ad that was for sale on Australia’s eBay, the Sportster CJ-5 had the inline 6. If anyone has more info, please let me know. I couldn’t find much on these.
More on APUs
Nick and tom have been continuing to research the APUs. They have some additional photos and documents to share, along with a story from Dennis Flynn, a former driver of an APU. Below is his tale, along with a photo of him now and of his former self in an APU.
Dennis Flynn photographed in an APU jeep and one of him now.
Dennis wrote,
I was 18 I made 3rd class Petty Officer and was put in charge of a 12 man start/tow crew working the flight deck on the USS Hancock CVA-19, Essex class attack carrier built in 1944 scrapped in 1976.
Early version of the jeeps used in the 40’s and early 50’s, the yellow ones were mid 50’s through mid 60’s. and cut down quite a bit. The rear axle was moved to the front and steering was done using two small wheels mounted in the center rear, the hood bulge was done to clear the carburetor since the body was lowered. ( it was like driving a tricycle backwards ) and they were pretty squirrelly to drive. A governor was placed on them to keep the top end at about 14mph.
My friend of mine and myself had one torn down for a valve job and had the ships machine shop mill the head, port the intake and exhaust and we made up a split exhaust manifold and removed the governor. While at sea and when we were not flying we tried out our work. Jim took off at the front of the ship (The flight deck was 888 feet long) By the time he got to the Island he was going 65mph. Then trying to stop (this had brakes on the front axle only and they were not all that great to begin with). He was doing pretty good with getting it stopped when he started running over the 1” arresting cables on the rear causing the Jeep to bounce and really get sideways. Jim did manage to stop it about 8 feet from going over the aft end of the deck. We were going about 20 knots at the time and the flight deck to the water is 68 feet down. We both got a super royal ass chewing from the ships executive Officer but neither of us got busted. (I didn’t lose my Petty Officer stripes that I had just made, but I was also the Ships Captain’s driver so that might have saved me)
I made up a “Bragging Card” for us stating that we set a world’s record for a gas driven vehicle on a flight deck while at sea. Jim is still alive and is one week older than I am and I turned 74 last October. When you are young you think you are invincible, It was a great memory and thankfully no one was killed.”
Dennis’ “Bragging Card” for setting a speed record in an APU.
Tom unearthed this government quote for 75 Valentine APUs, one of which would have been Nick’s. Given this info, Nick’s Valentine modified APU (#19) might be the only one left in existence.
Here are some APU related photos:
Rebuilding the Ross Steering Box
Maury published a forum-thread on rebuilding his Ross Steering Box. He (and I) thought you all might find it interesting, too. He also wanted to ackowledge Moses Ludel for all his help (read their exchange here).
This is the link to their subsequent installation & alignment thread: http://forums.4wdmechanix.com/topic/747-ross-tl-steering-gear-installation-and-wheel-alignment/
Here’s a note about Maury’s experience:
I suspect everyone knows who Moses Ludel is, as he has been involved with jeeps at a professional level for several decades. As you may be aware, he has written several excellent books on jeep rebuilding and maintenance, including the Jeep CJ Rebuilders Manuals and the Jeep Owner’s Bible. He is the administrator of the 4WD Mechanix website as well.
The original Ross TL steering gear in my 1967 V6 CJ5 badly needed rebuilding, and I really wanted to accomplish this with NOS parts to the greatest extent possible. Late last year, in researching possibilities for having the rebuild work done professionally, I came across a video on Moses’ website about rebuilding the Ross boxes in which he rebuilt one for a client. I contacted him to ask if he was still doing that kind of work on the side. He responded that he is not, but in short order, he got me interested in doing the rebuild myself. Moses offered to assist me through the process by helping me create a pictorial thread on his website, through which he could advise me as I worked through it one step at a time.
The resulting process of finding the parts and fully rebuilding and installing two Ross TL boxes (mine and my brother in law’s) is thoroughly documented in the two threads linked to above. The first thread is on the rebuilding process itself, and the second covers the installation and alignment of the gear. I found the DIY approach to be very rewarding, including the fact that I “had” to acquire several tools I didn’t own or know how to use before.
Moses’ help and advice were invaluable in successfully completing this project. He is a true guru of all things jeep, and I am grateful that he very generously spent so much time guiding me through this process. I hope these threads will be equally helpful to others who decide to try rebuilding their Ross gearboxes themselves.