This year’s Willys Jeep Rally will be held June 2-3 2023 at its usual location in Houston Woods, College Corner, Ohio. Thanks to Russ for letting me know! You can learn more here: http://www.mw-willysjeep.com
Features Research Archives
Unusual Windshield on MB
UPDATE: As Barney notes in the comments, it appears to be a windshield adapted from a Mighty Mite. You can see an example here: http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2/2020/11/year-m422a1-imperial-ca1.jpg
Buz just acquired this MB that has an unusual windshield setup. I have seen some bubba jobs similar to this windshield, but someone did this much better than most. It does not appear to be an M-38A1 windshield (too narrow), but it doesn’t appear to be a CJ-3A/DJ-3A windshield (curved top holder). Anyone recognize it?
He described the windshield this way:
I bought this 1943 Willys MB with this unusual style M38A1 windshield assembly. It is narrower than the M38A1 windshield and this one has not been cut and welded. Also a very precise adaptation to the cowl to mount the windshield. No doubt it probably harms the value of the 1943 model, but it has to have been some sort of factory modification, it’s not a home brew bubba job. Have you ever seen anything similar to this? I have the history of this jeep back to 1947. The first civilian registration was issued in 1947 to E. W. Worrell who paid $800 for it in Hillsville, VA.
Here are some pics.
Back to the Racer
After an unexpected detour of 6 months, I finally had a chance to return to working on the racer.
My first project was to create the side bars by reusing the 2 1/2″ side bars from the yellow racer. You can see them mounted on the old racer here (my finger is accidentally pointing out the driver’s sidebar in this pic). I cut both of them off this chassis.
Here is a side view of the old chassis. These sidebars are angled upward to attach at the angled portion of the frame near the engine mounts. I liked the look of them, so figured I’d reuse them. At this point, I also plan to build the new racer cage similar to what you see blow, but with a few changes.
Somehow, I managed not to take many pics of this process, but I started with my new metal saw by cutting the side bars so they’d sit flat (I removed the sidebars from the other chassis with a sawz-it-all, so the cuts weren’t great).
Trying to get this angle just right on the front portion of the bars was tricky. So, I cut the back bar first to the optimal length, then dropped the front of the bar over the edge of the table until the tube was level. Then used the flat edge of a carpenter square to draw a straight edge on the bar.
Here, the cut has been finished.
Next, I welded plates to each tube end. Then, I clamped the tubes to the sides of the frame. With that done, Ann and I put the body in place to make sure it fit over the angled side bar, which it does.
Since it looks like things will fit correctly, I will pull the body back off, pull the side bars off, clean off the paint where I need to weld on the frame, and attach the sidebars.
Next, I’ll spend some time determining how the floor, cage, firewall, and the seats will mount, and how the side of the body will attach to the cage (the body sides are weak rather flimsy, so it needs a good mounting system).
Best Top(?) Tire Carrier Reno, NV $250
This looks like a Best Top tire carrier in good shape (see different kinds here). It was mounted on a CJ-2A.
https://reno.craigslist.org/pts/d/reno-willys-jeep-tire-carrier/7575975309.html
“Willys Jeep rear swing out tire and gas can carrier. Holds 2 jerry cans.
Hard to find , very good condition. Came off CJ2A”
1951 DeAnza Trail Jeep Cavalcade
UPDATE: Originally posted Feb 1, 2018:
The May 1951 issue of Motor Trend captured the 3rd Annual DeAnza Trail Jeep Cavalcade. The author, Ernest Reshovsky, titled the article “Jeep Gymkhana”, possibly attempting to reference timed automobile or equestrian contents designed to test driving skill, though to my knowledge the Cavalcade was not a timed event.
Postcard & 1942 Photo of Ford GP “Super Jeep” 6×6
UPDATE II: There’s no date on this rare 6×6 Super Jeep postcard that I just picked up from eBay. I imagine this was published around 1942 or 43. It looks like the postcard was based on this press photo at the bottom of this post.
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Originally poste on February 13, 2014:
Craig spotted this rare photo. It shows a Ford GP 6×6, which also appears to be called a Ford GP T14 37mm. I’m not clear on how many were made, but this one (or something very similar) can be seen here: http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_465000-Ford-GP-T14-37mm-GMC-1941.html
1960 Wooden Nickel w/ CJ-5 on eBay
Starting bid is $10. I’ve not listed another one of these, so I suspect they aren’t too common.
View all the information on eBay
“This is a vintage Wooden Nickel.
It’s from the Toledo Coin Club, Ohio.
1935-1960 Silver Anniversary
On the back is an advertisement for ‘Willys Motors, Inc’
Shows a topless Jeep in the center with ‘Beware of Imitations’ and ‘JEEP Universal’
It’s a real wood ‘coin’ .
It shows some color variation, either due to light staining or just the natural variations in the wood. (see photos)”
2 FC-170 w/ Dump Bed Photos on eBay
There are two photos of this FC from a 1959 show in Australia. Both are 8×10 photos.
Jeep Willys Matchbook From Brazil on eBay
This (probably) rare matchbook comes from Porto Elegre in southern Brazil. It’s priced at $39, but seller is willing to consider offers.
View all the information on eBay
“Jeep Willys rare antique matchbook advertising vintage USA
Brazilian
Good condition
Very rare and collectible
Good condition
Shipping with tracking number and protected package”
Year? Bluff Mountain Postcard w/ CJ-5 on eBay
This is the first time I’ve run across this post card. The CJ-5 appears to have a bed extender on it. Bluff Mountain is in Northern North Carolina.
View all the information on eBay
“Unposted and in very good vintage condition. See zoom photos for detail. Back scanned white-actual color is vintage off-white. ”
5 Ways You Are Destroying Your Engine Video
Bill shared this video. Some good reminders that the flathead needs love and care.
April 14, 1954 Issue of Kaiser Willys New on eBay
This is priced at a ridiculous $275, so all I have are the pics from ebay.
View all the information on eBay
“RARE FIND, an original Kaiser-Willys News……Vol. 1, No. 3, published by the Kaiser-Willys Sales Division, Toledo, OH. Dated April 15, 1954 and featuring Kaiser-Willys automobiles of the era including Kaiser Darrin Sports Car, Kaiser Manhattan, Willys Aero, etc.”
A Video of Nate’s Tracked CJ-5
Nate shared a CJ-5 he put together for his tracks (he said it was a pain to remove them from his other jeep, so he has a jeep that will remain tracked. It sure looks like it works well!
Rowdy’s Tracked Flattie in the Snow
Mike shared this video show RowdyWelder’s track-equipped flat fender tackling the snow.
Gevarm Frence Jeep Model on eBay
Roger Martin shared this French jeep with a Gevarm mark on its underside. I haven’t seen another one of these. Given the box shows the jeep 1) in olive drab, 2) with a trailer, and 3) with armaments, I am wondering if this jeep should have those extras and be painted olive drab?
View all the information on eBay
“A STUNNING FJ FRANCE JOUETS MADE IN FRANCE DIECAST METAL WILLYS JEEP IN FIRE DEPT. LIVERY – “POMPIERS”.
VERY RARE IN MINT CONDITION IN GOOD ORIGINAL BOX – JUST BEAUTIFUL –
FROM THE 1960’S – EXTREMELY RARE – TRY AND FIND ANOTHER ONE IN THE WORLD LIKE THIS!”
Mail Carrier Put 138,000 Miles on Wagon
UPDATE: First posted October 15, 2017.
The February 1955 issue of Kaiser Willys News showcased a mail carrier who put 138,000 miles on a wagon in the Idaho/Yellowstone area.
Repairs To the Front Frame Rails
Roger shared this Youtube video by RowdyWelder who shares how he rebuilt the badly damaged front frames rails on this old jeep.
Willys Jeep Dealership Sign Salem, OH $5900
Tom shared this sign for sale.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1776312639422359
“49 1/2″x 13 1/2″x 8″ 1 original Willys dealership flickering flashing sign”
Merry Christmas
Mike shared this photo of a jeep turned present with Santa. It’s not one I can remember seeing. I hope you all have. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
1949 Modified CJ-3A Lincolnton, NC $9450
UPDATE II: **Status Unknown** Was priced at $9450.
“1949 Cj3a fire truck one of a kind built by factory for fire protection then used by ambulance service runs and drives some work done”
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Willys Overland Christmas Song
This Willys Overland Christmas song was performed by Ms. Ellie Stewart and sponsored by https://www.thejeepsterman.com/. According to the information, The Epic Willys Adventure folks & Jeep Hunters Productions were also involved.
Fermel Utility Jeeps from South Africa
UPDATE: Originally published February 17, 2015, it now looks like these vehicles are no longer produced. Jim notes that Fermel is no longer in business.
After publishing the post about the Union Mine Jeeps, Marc found a website that features new ones. A South African company called Fermel makes four different utility vehicles. The webpage for each jeep includes a video of each respective jeep.
1. Mini UV Emergency Vehicle: A light utility vehicle with permanent 4 wheel drive and a maximum payload capacity of 1500 kg. Built on a unique Meccano Type chassis
Features Include :
Blue Flashing Light , Siren , Roller bed & locking point for stretcher , Lockable cabinet , Overhead oxygen bottle rock , Drip hooks, Defibrilator carring points , Rubberlined rear , Fabric Lattice tailgate , Foam cushions , Flourescent lights at rear.
2. MIni UV LDV: Categorized as a light utility vehicle, the MINI UV LDV is a 2 seater, 1500 kg payload capacity underground machine. The loadbay is ideally suited for materials transportation. The vehicle features permanent 4 Wheel Drive , a unique meccano type chassis and wet multi disc brakes inboard axles. Load area for carrying general materials.
3. Mini UV LWB: A permanent 4 Wheel Drive , light utility transporter with a payload capability of 1000 kg. A seating capacity of 4-6 passengers. Built on a unique meccano type mining chassis , the MINI UV is a mining vehicle designed for use in harsh operating conditions. The vehicle is equipped with a DEUTZ 4 cylinder air-cooled motor , COMII , EPA II Emission compliance and wet-multi disc. Service and failsafe service inboard axles.
4. Mini UV SWB: A permanent 4 Wheel Drive , light utility transporter with a payload capability of 1000 kg. A seating capacity of 4-6 passengers. Built on a unique meccano type mining chassis , the MINI UV is a mining vehicle designed for use in harsh operating conditions. The vehicle is equipped with a DEUTZ 4 cylinder air-cooled motor , COMII , EPA II Emission compliance and wet-multi disc. Service and failsafe service inboard axles.
Wood Rocking Jeep Apple Valley, CA $425
This is unique.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/664625055450452
“1942-1945 military CJ-2A style rocking jeep custom made by High Desert wood workers association. One of six made. We gave one to our sponsor Lowes of Apple valley, and the rest went to call for life for kids for Christmas gifts as well as 24 doll carriages we made. We would like to sell this one asking price is 425 or a reasonable offer. It does rock and is painted with Sherwin Williams paint and all hand made by the members of our wood club. Please message us or text at [hidden information]. Would make a great collector item and or a gift. Located in Apple Valley, CA may consider trades.”
1950 & 1950 Color Selector Brochures
I ran across these rare brochure on eBay. They aren’t in the best of shape, but better than nothing!
The first one became effective April 1, 1950, for The Willys Station Wagon and The Willys Jeepster. It is a simple four-page brochure with a choice of six palettes.
The second brochure does not include the Jeepster.This 1951 brochure gives a branding name to each color choice: Jamaica, Grand Canyon, and Caribbean. Note that this four-page brochure includes the Willys Makes Sense slogan from the Willys Makes Sense campaign the company implemented across it’s adverting in 1951:
CJ-2A Al-Toy Elletsville, IN $85
UPDATE: Price has dropped to $85.
Thanks to Tom for spotting this. Asking price is $150, but it lacks a steering wheel and is a little rough. This is the tow-seat version. It has a casting number of 8.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1314095036020439
“Very rare antique 1946 metal toy Willys CJ 2A Jeep. All wheels move freely when rolled and have no cracks, color is light tan, hood opens, windshield folds down, IS missing the steering wheel. Have found the exact same one on a antique toy website for $275 (pics 7-10). My asking price is very fair, so please no lowball offers. Reasonable offers considered.”