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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 .
Here is a three-page press release that discusses the Tactical Personnel-Cargo Carrier (TPCC).
Here’s more info on the TPCC: http://www.ewillys.com/2024/09/06/1959-xm443e1-tpcc-brochure/
The current price for these four model Tactical Personnel-Cargo Carriers os $5999 or best offer. As far as the seller knows, there are no other examples of these models. One is in pretty good shape. The other three are in disrepair.
View all the information on eBay
“Ultra Rare only 4-of a kind known to exist and here they are. These are Kaiser/Jeep 16″ US XM 443E1 Platform Truck Promo-really more of a Prototype. Never put into production. The prototype is made with metal/resin/rubber by the Kindred Industrial Design Company. The one that is complete does have some issues 1) The rubber tires have flat spots from being sat for a long period, 2) The steering wheel is bent 3) The drives seat hinge has popped off is the best description. The hinge pops into place like a watch band does to the watch and should be an easy repair. The features of this prototype: The lever in the middle of the front seats raises and lowers the height of the vehicle and works perfectly. All of the seats flip over to be hidden. The vehicle comes with two tops. The vehicle pieces are all removable the steering wheel,windshield, top, bed rails. The other 3-vehicles are in various stages of disrepair. One is fairly close needs a steering wheel, 4-tires and a seat hinge. The final two are really only parts vehicles. Here is a rare chance to truly own a one of a kind piece ”
Page 2 of this June 1957 issue notes that some vehicles experience a front end shimmy (I expect no one is surprised by this news). The article provides some thoughts on how to deal with that.
This restored Hamilton isn’t priced as crazy as some we’ve seen.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/366433892984537
“Professionally Restored. This is an original. They don’t make a reproduction for this model. Cash only. No venmo. This collectible toy is 70 years old. PLEASE STOP ASKING IF STILL AVAILABLE but rather offer a date and time for pickup. Located near 38th and Gilpin in Denver.”
This weekend we tried pulling the trailer and jeep with the Alpine; I could rarely feel back there. I expect it will pull the tour jeep well also (when the time comes).
We spent part of this Labor Day weekend at the OverBored race, which is always a fun time. Unfortunately, the poor cell reception meant I couldn’t do updates while there, hence the delay in them.
While the jeep performed well, especially the power steering, thanks to the modifications I made to the pump, my deteriorating eye sight proved to be an insurmountable obstacle to success.
A year ago I had the detached retina. Prior to surgery in late August of 2023 I was warned that the surgery could cause the quick onset of a cataract. Following the surgery, everything seemed fine, but by Feb 2024 my left eye’s vision changed (cloudier with poor vision clarity) enough that I needed a new prescription. By May of 2024, the cataract rose to a 3 on a scale of 1-4, necessitating a new prescription, again. By late July, my eye sight declined further, so the eye-doc set me up with a Cataract clinic consult, but that won’t be until the end of October.
Nonetheless, I decided to try racing this weekend, as the jeep (and the Alpine coach) needed another shakedown, even though I figured the poor sight in the left eye might play into slow times. Sure enough, during my obstacle course run, while the jeep was raring to go, I hesitated quite a bit, as my glasses, which fit snuggly in my helmet, still vibrated slightly, leading me a few times to momentarily be unable to see where the course led. Though I completed the first race without making a mistake, I also knew I didn’t go as fast as I thought the jeep was capable of going.
For the second run, this time on the Cross Country course, I decided to be more aggressive. For example, I wanted to see how well the rear end kicked out around barrels, so I was more liberal with my sharp turns and gunning it, which, indeed, caused the jeep to spin nicely around the curves at time. Unfortunately, the speed caused me to make two mistakes. The first time I started to turn where there wasn’t a turn, but that time I just backed up, then got back on course. The second time I rocketed out into the open, only to lose track of which direction to go (it wasn’t well marked, but it’s still my fault). As a result, I ended up going around the outside of the course for about 50ft rather than staying in the correct lane. Basically, I guessed wrong.
For those times I could see, I was having a blast. I could feel what Leftovers was capable of doing and that felt great.
Rob Stafford and I talking while I waited my turn at the Cross Country course.
So, for me, that’s the end of the racing season this year. Hopefully, the cataract surgery occurs without issue (lots of folks report that it’s the best thing they’ve had done) and I can return next May with more success and more aggressive runs.
Anyway, here are some photos from this past weekend, thanks to Ann. We’ll start with a few valve-cover racing photos. Overbored runs this event each year. As the name implies, you build a rolling car from a valve cover. The valve car weight limit is 10lbs. The kids run their cars first, followed later by the adults. Here are some of the kid photos. The first shows Rob and Diana Stafford setting up the track.
A group of vintage jeeps spent several days exploring and camping in the Cascade mountains. I first ran some of these trails (Naches in particular) back in 1966 on my mother’s lap. Years of rigs running these trails, more than a few bigger than old jeeps, have made some of these trails much easier, but there are still some great, challenging trails that can only be done with upgraded equipment like lockers. Kudos to these guys for doing this the old way.
View Episode 1 here (above)
View Episode 2 here
This four-page August 1956 issue includes a mention of the hydro-vac, noting that on vehicles with fresh-air vents that the unit should be mounted on the driver’s side fender.
Life’s been busy this last week. I’ll update as soon as I can!
Improving the steering was one project I addressed this week. First, I worked through both Heim joints and the quick-steer, cleaning and lubing as much as I could. Then, thanks to Rob Stafford’s suggestion, I modified the power steering pump, first by drilling a slightly larger hole through the servo valve, then I lengthened the spring that controls the actuation rate. I felt this was the least invasive of the modification options.
Here is one of the links I relied upon: https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/modifiying-saginaw-power-steering-pump-revive.2712489/. I would call the improvement drastic, but it does seem to have improved the steering. I figured making this change was easier and made more sense than trying to remove the quicksteer, which will be a bigger project.
I also spend some time looking at the rear axle, as I thought it had shifted. After making additional measurements, I concluded that my initial estimations were wrong. The axle hadn’t moved; when at the race, I’d mis-measured. Anyway, I was happy to make a dumb mistake, as it meant I didn’t have to address the issue.
Here’s a rare Howe-built Brush Fire Truck for sale. Call 704 506 0011 (leave message) – View by Appointment Only.
More pics here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/235789696606990/permalink/2456473987871872
“6-cyl. Super Hurricane Engine 4-wheel drive. Converted to Brush Fire Truck from new by Howe Fire Apparatus Company in Anderson, IN. Model HRS-F No. 10249.
It is fitted with a dual snorkel front pump from Waterous Company in St. Paul, MN. Model No. CF-3 Serial No.17739, also with rear hose reel.
Included is a 1996 S10 Frame. Frame and A.Arms have been glass blasted. All brackets and welds are removed and ground smooth. Frame has been epoxied primed. Upper and lower A.Arms have MOOG brand bushings and ball joints.
New serpentine billet specialties along with vintage air unit. Never has had fluids in it.
305 Chevy Truck Engine with new gaskets and freeze plugs – 700 transmission.
Five (5) new steel wheels 15×8 and Five (5) new BF Goodrich Silverton 288/70/R15 Tires.
Clear title. Ready to sell – $20,000.00
Must pick up (does not include transportation)”
I bought this rare Traveller brochure off of ebay, one I’d never seen. It’s printed on a heavier than usual paper, almost card stock thick. This is the earliest example of a Traveller brochure that I’ve seen. This brochure is form number 8-9-tr-60-8-1.
This brochure starts as a 5.5″ x 8.5″ brochure. Here’s the front page. The use of “Traveller’s” plural refers to the 2WD and 4WD as separate models. A 1961 brochure used the singular Traveler and did not show the 2WD with its different styling, but a 1962 switched back to the plural Travellers.
Here’s the back:
The brochure opens horizontally to reveal this page:
The brochure opens vertically to reveal the brochure’s center page (11″x17″):
Here’s the full back:
This issue of the July 1956 four-page service and parts news introduces the Power-Lok differential upgrade, a dealer installation option. A news item on page three seems a little bit too enthusiastic about the clutch adjustments, as the article claims one in three adjustments leads to a clutch overhaul (and service profits).
UPDATE: The seller has confirmed the wrecker does have “J E E P” stamped across the front.
Andy shared this FC Wrecker and jeep. It also includes other toys. I would have bought the two jeeps, but don’t want the rest of the toys.
View all the information on eBay
“Assortment of Auburn Rubber Military toys in great condition. The two large toys in the back are Auburn SaftyPlay Jeep and Wrecker.”
Here’s another interesting 4-page brochure (my guess would be circa 1958) made for the South African market that I picked up on eBay.
This four page issue notes on page two that June 1956 was “Dent’s out of Fenders” month or, I did you not, “DOOF”!?! I don’t know what to do with that info.
Page three references what may be causing a few DJ-3A noises. One note refers to the “clutch driven disc hub”, which can cause a vibration issues between 33 and 45mph, but I’m not familiar with that part. There are a couple other solutions for particular noises listed.
This newly released Meyers Manx dune buggy is powered by a radial three-cylinder engine with LS DNA. The engine alone sells for $25,000, according to the article.
Here’s another Harney Peak Postcard, but this time in black and white. The seller is currently asking $29.95, but will accept offers.
View all the information on eBay
You don’t see an FJ-6A go this fast very often!
UPDATE: Muleyhunter recently added a miner to the hood of his jeep:
====================
UPDATE as of April 12, 2018: This post was formerly part of the JEEP-HERDERS MOVIE and EL DORADO JEEPHERDERS post, but I’ve split that post into three, each updated with some new info and/or pics.
Over the last decade, I occasionally saw vintage jeeps with bronze casted placer gold miners on the hood. For years I’ve wondered about where these originated. They turn out to have an interesting history. Moreover, different castings over the years has led to slightly different designs.
It was a member of the El Dorado Jeepherders who first began selling them. From Ken Hower on Pirate 4×4:
Gold Miner Hood Ornament History:
In 1970, Mike Arnold opens Arnolds For Awards in Shingle Springs, CA (Acrylic Awards | Crystal Awards | Glass Awards | Corporate Plaques).– In 1970, Mike Arnold goes to Alaska to a Gold Rush Event, since the history of gold mining in California looking for a tie in for his business. At the event, Mike finds an artist who has cast these Gold Miner statues. Mike buys a handful and returns to California.
– 1971, Mike installs the Gold Miner on his hood for the Jeepers Jamboree. Mike is a member of the El Dorado Jeepherders, the first organized 4-wheel drive club in the United States. He brings a few statues on the Jamboree to sell, and a few are bought.
– El Dorado Jeepherders adopt the statue for their club and nearly every member of the club, now has a Gold Miner statue hood ornament.
– Ken Collins is the owner of Placerville Jeep. He is also, one of the founders of the Jeepers Jamboree, along with Mark Smith. Ken buys statues from Arnolds Awards and begins giving them away to customers who buy a jeep.
– Chuck Walker. Yes, the Walker behind the famous Walker Hill on the Rubicon, is a sales man at Placerville Jeep. He is there, when Ken Collins is giving them away. Chuck decides to split from Placerville, and open his own dealership in Sacramento, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. He also begins buying the statues and giving to his customers, this is why you see them on Dodge and Jeep around Sacramento.
Back in the day, the retail cost of the statue was $20. It costs far more than that now, simply to make them.
Merlin Scott (a Rock Award winner for lifetime achievement of service on the Rubicon Trail had his Dodge truck stolen a long time ago. They recovered the vehicle. The only damage, his Gold miner was ripped off the hood of his truck.
I want to thank Kevin Arnold and Mike Arnold of Arnolds Awards for telling the story this morning. I want to thank Merlin Scott for telling me who to call. So many of the old timers that pioneered wheeling are passing away, so I think it’s important to preserve that history and those stories. Also thank John Arenz, President of RTF for filling in the names that were forgotten.
I put the link already, but Rubicon Trail Foundation has taken it upon ourselves to be the custodian of that history. Spend some time and go to the website and read through the history of the Rubicon Trail.
VARIATIONS:
After posting this original post a couple days ago, I began looking more closely at the photos of miners I had. Moreover, Mike shared a photo of his miner that includes “Placerville Hardware” on the rear. That got me thinking: given the miners have been produced and sold over the past 50 years, there could be several variations. Then, I found a reference from Jim Allen that some special promo miners had been produced. Here’s what I found among the miners I have documented:
Continue reading
Here I am Wednesday finishing up the lettering Ann made using her Cricut machine. We’ll see if they hold up!
On Thursday we loaded up for our six-hour drive to the west side of the state for Summer Convention. This weekend was very much a test weekend, for the motorhome, for the race jeep, for the trailer carrying the race jeep, etc. And, it didn’t take long for us to run into a problem. When I attempted to hook the trailer to the back of the motorhome, I discovered the hitch and ball did not sit low enough, so when I hooked up the trailer, it was sitting at too much of an angle. Arghhhh! Since we planned to take the truck anyway (just in case we had a problem), we just hooked the trailer to the truck, which Ann drove.
Race jeep loaded and ready for the road.
We arrived early to get a good camping spot and to get through the tech inspection. An old jeep friend Mike Julsrud was manning the clipboard, so it was great to catch up with him. Many ears ago we raced against each other in the 20 and under class, called the “Under the Hill Gang”; these days, we are “way over the Hill Gang”, lol.
On Friday morning, following the 8am driver’s meeting, Ann accompanied me and other racers on a parade lap of the obstacle and cross country courses. It’s a nice way for folks to tour the courses together, get a sense of where to drive, and a great community event. One concern bubbled up during our drive, the engine got a little hotter than it should have. One suggestion was that the timing might need to shift slightly, so I’ll give that a try. The good news is that, during my first run, the temp stayed where it should.
Me at the driver’s meeting with Betty Page and Lizzy in tow. The dogs came with us this weekend and, to our surprise and relief, were really well behaved!
As we waited for the parade lap to begin, Diana Stafford photo bombed us in the Stafford’s race jeep.
Here we are starting the parade lap on the obstacle course. This course was more wide open than the cross country course, which is where the jeeps went next. That truck in front of us wasn’t racing; it was just taking the opportunity to tour the track.
In this first video that Ann took, we were on the obstacle course, I was puttering along in 2nd gear, low range, but the video makes it seem like I was going faster:
Here’s a second video Ann shot just a few seconds later: Continue reading
This summer’s Dispatcher Magazine included some highlights from the Great Willys Picnic, the Willys Rally, and the Spring Willys Reunion. It also included histories of AM General and the Willy 6×6, plus articles on block crack repairs and the Jeep Guy’s Museum, whose billboard we saw as we drove north through Utah, though we didn’t stop because 1) we were on a time crunch and 2) we didn’t know if the parking lot could accommodate the coach.
Just a heads up, we will be leaving Thursday for the PNW4WDA Summer Convention in Ethyl, WA, but still have a variety of things to accomplish, so there might not be any updates until early next week. It depends on connectivity (seems like there was some the last time I was there).
You may remember that in early 2020, just before the first Covid surge, I’d been invited to join Claus and several of his friends on a flat fender trip through the southwestern African country of Namibia. I missed out on that opportunity, not only due to Covid, but also a whole range of family health issues made any type of extended journey impossible.
In 2022, Claus and his friends completed a tour of Namibia, with an excellent videographer in tow. The resulting montage from that trip has been wound into an excellent video. It looks like quite an adventure over some amazing scenery! Thanks for sharing Claus!
The video is blocked from being viewed remotely, so click on the image to go to YouTube. The video is 36 minutes long: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9D2ZFnWOBQ
This rare brochure for an Angus “Invincible” Fire Engines was produced for South Africa. I looked for an example of an Angus Willys Fire engine jeep, but could not locate any examples. I had hoped this brochure had more images, but there’s only the one image on the cover.
Here’s another brochure out of South Africa. I’m not sure what made the DJ-3A “More Dependable” than other Willys 2WD trucks, but it’s on the brochure, so it must be true?!?
Here’s an unusual metal jeep. Thanks to Andy for sharing.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/8360039457360563
“Metal toy vehicle, looks like a Jeep. From Mexico, guessing 1950’s”