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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 .
I ran across this unusual rock and cactus garden. Note that it is a lefty CJ-2A. There seems to be some usable parts left on this old flattie.
A legend in the jeep world, Don Prine passed away this morning at the age of 97. Involved in jeeps since the age of the prototypes (he was one of the drivers who drove a jeep up the capital steps in early 1941), Don has lived and breathed jeeps — jeeping, racing, selling parts and servicing them through Prine Jeep — his entire life. I used to see him at races when I was a kid. In 2008 I spoke to him over the phone about stainless bodies; he couldn’t have been more helpful. He will be missed.
You can read about Christian Hazel’s visit with Don here:
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/08/27/part-ii-of-the-don-prine-story/
Left to Right — Don Prine, Christian Hazel, Herm Tilford. Photo by Marty Tilford.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
Here’s some good details about the rare DJ-6. Seller appears to be parting out similar specs that probably came from the same booklet.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This is a little confusing. Seller calls this a CJ-6A engine, but the tag reads CJ-3A. It’s a flathead, so the CJ-6A designation seems incorrect.
“For sale is a 1963 Hesse Hornet compressor made by the Hesse Carriage Co. It was designed to sit in the back of a pick-up or on it’s own small trailer. This particular Hesse uses a rare Jeep Kaiser 4cyl CJ-6A engine. It pumps air by having two of the 4 cylinders blocked off to compress while the other two function normally. The engine itself looks good and runs great. It may need a small tune-up from storage but nothing major. It does not come with a battery or gas tank. I tested it by rigging up a temporary tank.
Continue reading
This 2014 video by Motor Trend includes a visit to a private collector in Marin County, California, who owns a Bantan BRC-40, a Ford GPA Seep, other jeeps, and other military equipment.
Motor Trend 2014 Bantam BRC-40 http://wot.motortrend.com/1402_epic_drives_episode_26_touring_marin_county_mclaren_mp4_12c_spider.html
Roberto Flores let me know that British singer Dame Vera Lynn’s birthday was on the 20th of March. She had some experience in jeeps during the war. Given the number of men surrounding her in the jeeps, she was very popular. I particularly like the guy with the hat and mustache in photo 2.
I’ve got more information about this jeep train called the Last Chancer from Helena, Montana, here.
“Original Vintage Snapshot Photo Jeep Powered The Last Chancer Tourist Steam Train Helena Montana dated 1964. Size is 3.5×5 inches.”
View all the information on eBay
UPDATE: Don’t forget that next weekend is the FC Roundup. We’d planned on attending, but had to change our plans this week.
The 2015 Jeep FC Roundup will be held March 27-29. Unfortunately, one great FC guy who won’t be able to attend is Troy Fry, who passed away in September. You might remember the amazing work Troy did on his orange and white FC (check out his build photos here). He was an all-around nice guy and will be missed.
If you have any questions about this year’s Roundup, email Jesse Ybarra at m677@cs.com.
Troy Fry (1960-2014) in front of his beautiful M-677.
TWELFTH ANNUAL
2015 Jeep FC Roundup Information
1600 West Colter Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85015
March 27-29, 2015
See last year’s photos: Previous FC Roundup Pictures
This is your personal invitation to another “Most Excellent” FC-Only event in Phoenix, Arizona. Andrea and I, invite all FC Owners and friends of Jeep Forward Controls and Jeep Fleet Vans, to come to see FC and FleetVan Jeeps, meet with other FC-Owners. We invite you, with or without your Jeep Forward Control or FleetVan. This is where you will always see some of the best authentic and original restored, ongoing projects and modified FCs and FleetVans.
Parking on my property is for FCs and FleetVans only, all other vehicles must park on the street. Learn a lot in a weekend, see how other FCs and FleetVans look and run, take detailed pictures, talk to other owners. Bring your FC items, toys, memorabilia, photos, artwork, literature, and manuals to display. See new FC related products and and parts, special tools will also be on display. FC Roundup event hats, T-shirts, will also be available.
There is no charge for the event. We welcome and we are always so very grateful for your donation of any FC related items that are given away during the Saturday afternoon free raffle. Also on Saturday are the large BBQ Hot Dogs and much more, for lunch. Free refreshments anytime.
One of the best things that happens everyday, is that you are also invited to drive your FC / FleetVan or you might ride in an FC Tour Jeep, we have FC-Only groups that cruise to and from breakfast and dinner.
The HOTEL 502, it is a few blocks away, near the lightrail. (N0TICE THE NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED, IT WAS THE CAMELBACK / SAHARA / Hotel 502 LAST YEAR)
We offer transportation to and from the West bound light rail that connects directly to Phoenix International Airport. Arrangements have been made again, for the same optional 24 hr security parking, for offstreet overflow of Haulers and trailers to park for the weekend again during the Phoenix Swapmeet at the County Fairgrounds.
Just throw a couple jeeps in a net and lift them!
“1945- UNRRA workers watch as the first of 94 reconditioned jeeps are unloaded from the SS SAUMON in Antwerp, Belgium. ”
View all the information on eBay
The 1943 Christmas Day issue of The Afro American featured a photo of kids from the Mott School in Washington surrounding a jeep that had been driven into the auditorium. The school had just concluded a war bond drive. There’s no mention of how successful the bond drive was.
Guy spotted this great time-lapse video of a Chevrolet V-8 rebuild.
John forwarded this story from Barnfinds.com.
http://barnfinds.com/1951-willys-m38-jeep-a-worthy-find/
From Barnfinds.com
Was the half top DJ top unique to it, or was it a standard half top.
“Original non color sales sheet , 8.5 x 11 , printed both sides”
View all the information on eBay
I thought I’d posted this years ago, but discovered I hadn’t. This brochure highlights the 12.5 KVA and the 3.75 KVA mobile generator units available around 1948.
This ad appeared on page 3 of the Daily News out of Middlesboro, Kentucky, on April 20, 1942 and the Wilmington Morning Star on April 21, 1942.
This WWII postcard will be shipped from Lisbon, Portugal. Neat illustration.
View all the information on eBay
UPDATE: **SOLD** was on eBay
“VTG Willys War News July 16 1945 Special Postwar Preview Edition Jeep V3 #3 N”
There are some interesting photos in the Brigham Young University Archives that include jeeps. Click on this link to sell all the photos. Here are a couple.
1. This shows soldiers pouring gas into the carb. It’s part of a safety film.
http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/JMHes/id/2244/rec/11 J. Halan Helsop photographer. May 1945. Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
2. [T-5 Clarence W.] Van Liere checks [the] Jeep.
http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/JMHes/id/3173/rec/7 J. Halan Helsop photographer. May 1945. Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
3. [Capt. Merle H.] Chamberlin [sits on the Jeep fender].
http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/JMHes/id/3209/rec/19 J. Halan Helsop photographer. May 1945. Brigham Young University, Harold B. Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
It looks like the taped sign reads “U. S. Coast Guard Air Station”
“You are bidding on an original press photo of Elizabeth City North Carolina US Coast Guard Fire Jeep On Call. It shows the US Coast Guard jeep leaving the fire station after it received a call. Photo measures 7 x 9 inches and is dated 5/26/1944.”
View all the information on eBay
Looks like Hap is driving a 1945 VEC based on the rear hubs.
“You are bidding on an original press photo of US Army General Henry Hap Arnold Driving Jeep Pulling Disc. Photo measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches and is dated 7/21/1947.”
View all the information on eBay
It’s not vintage, but it’s an oddball 6×6. Thanks to Seth for spotting this one.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/4932658107.html
“Welcome to Tyrant Motorworks home of the true six wheel drive Tyrant, the ultimate in offroad traction.Tyrant offer a true 6×6 conversion of a Jeep Wrangler. We customize your Tyrant for your specific needs.
The Tyrant is powered with a 6.1 Hemi engine producing 450 horse power! Featuring 38” tires for extra grip for those for need the ultimate in offroad machines.
The six wheel drirve (6×6) allows you to go places 4×4 drive Jeeps need to air down to travel. All of our 6×6 Jeeps are trail tested and the JK6 and Tyrants and proven performers]
Tuesday’s updates will be arriving late morning (though check out the jeep in the post that follows this one), as will answers to many emails in my inbox. In the meantime, for you early risers who have suffered eWillys withdrawals, here’s an article on FCs to string you along.
A reader asked if the WILLYS logo stamped on a hood could be used to replace the WILLYS used on the rear of Willys MBs during the war. At first blush, I thought they were different, but had never actually compared the sizes. So, below is a comparison (I randomly grabbed a tub and a hood example off the internet). The top photo shows the rear of a tub (obviously being repaired) and the bottom photo is a hood stamping from a CJ-3B.
As you can see, the war-tub Willys logo has more letter spacing than the post war logo. The spacing within individual letters (the W, T, & S) also is less. The post war letters are taller than the tub letters.
The May 1957 issue of Willys News covered the 2nd Annual Jeep Derby in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Among the racers were Bud Jackson from the Hemet Jeep Club and Wally Klingele and Barney Nelson from the Yakima Ridge Runners. Klingele and Nelson drove their jeeps to the event! Only 14 of the 20 entrants completed the eighty mile race.
