This thread of a 1956 truck rebuild was shared by Bill. It looks like this has become a non-stock rebuild.
Features Research Archives
Willys-Overland Universal Jeep 1945 Videos
UPDATE: This was first published October 14, 2019. The videos were dated as 1948, but Bill noted that the actual date of release was 1945.
Brendan, who used to run This-old-jeep, posted this 3-part video back in 2010. The video was produced by Willys-Overland to help sell the new CJ-2A. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them.
Part I:
Part II:
Part III:
Jeepster Pen Stand on eBay
I can’t tell if this was a limited production item or a one-off creation. Anyone seen others like this? Currently priced at $199.99 or Make Offer.
View all the information on eBay
“Here is a rare vintage, Willys Overland Jeep Jeepster pen and pen stand. The pen and pen stand are in very good condition. The pen does not write. It stands about 10 3/4 inches tall. The base measures about 3 7/16 inches wide, 2 inches deep, and about 2 1/16 inches tall. I am not sure what the base is made of, it is fairly heavy.
FC Tour Jeep Update – Driver’s Seat
It continues to be a busy month. Yesterday felt like a 2-step-forward, 1-step-back kind of day. The new raised garden is about done, as seen below. Still some details to complete, such as adding some plastic sheets at each corner of the raised beds, because, as it turns out, the corrugated sides create gaps at the corners, which allows dirt to fall onto the ground. So, we will need to dig up each corner and add some plastic sheets to stop that. Once we get all the plants in and gravel laid, I’ll take some final pics.
Yesterday morning I spent some time working on the FC. My goal had been to create the cover plate for the mini-gauges and power switch that will sit on the angled area of the dog house.
I cut a raw piece of 14 gauge steel, rounded the edges (not shown), then, to test the size and look, placed the plate on the dog house. That’s when I noticed the plate didn’t lay flat. After testing some flat edges, I eventually concluded that there’s a slight twist in the dog house at the very spot I want to put the gauges. It’s not undoable, but I’d rather the plate sat flat (passenger side is flat).
This pic shows the angle. You can see the slope increase as the angled portion moves to the front.
That problem led to me removing the driver’s seat (for the first time) so I could better evaluate my options.
I eventually concluded that it will take some clamps and braces to straighten it (if even possible). Since i didn’t feel like tackling that project right now, I turned to the driver’s seat.
First, I installed an original driver’s seat just to see how it fits vis-a-vis the steering wheel, which proved to be a comfortable angle (whew).
I removed the seat, then pondered the areas where the seat originally mounted. It was immediately clear that the original driver’s side seat mount areas had been patched and welded. My guess is that the area had been fatigued over the years. In addition, a portion of one seat mount bolt remained in it’s original hole, while the other mount area holes had been filled entirely. Continue reading
Jeepney Strike in Philippines
Bill shared an updated article on the Jeepney situation in the Philippines. The push to eliminate Jeepney’s isn’t popular, which isn’t surprising given the cultural significance of them.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/29/jeepney-strike-philippines
CJ-3B-like Jeep Kart Talent, OR $1000
Here’s an oddball item.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1402417757064972
“just dont have the time to finish. has nice honda pacific coast 800 twin. also ford fiesta 5 speed. new tires and wheels. needs someone with some fab tools and time.”
21 Willys-Overland Sales Receipts from 1950-51 on eBay
The price is $99 or Best Offer. Given these include serial numbers, maybe one or more of these vehicles is still around?
View all the information on eBay
“Original 1950 & 1951 Jeep Willys Sales Orders Reciepts Lot Of 21 w/ VIN NUMBERS.”
This first receipt is for a 1951 CJ-3A #GB1-13591, motor #3J-63567.
This next one is for a 1950 Willys Station Wagon 4-73 #473SW-16751 with motor #P19118. Looking at the VIN records for 1950, it appears this would have been a sedan delivery model. Note that payment included the trade-in of a 1947 station wagon.
This receipt is for a 1950 station wagon #673SW-12848 and motor #1S-14109. The receipt includes the trade-in of a 1940 Chevy station wagon.
This receipt is for a 1951 CJ-3A #GB1-11975 and motor #3J-62439. The deal included the trade-in of a 1947 CJ-2A.
4 DJ-3A Gala Photos from Las Brisas on eBay
The seller wants $59 for this, which seems a bit crazy, but the reason these photos caught my eye is that they show DJ-3A Galas crossing entering (crossing?) the water. Unclear whether this was for fun, for experience or a purpose. It may be some kind of beach-based road that floods at high tide? No description provided.
1955 Ad from Buffalo Auto Show Program on eBay
This unusual ad appeared in a Buffalo Auto Show program in 1955. The CJ-3B was only two years old at this point, yet doesn’t make the cut for the ad. Clearly the emphasis was on the CJ-5.
View all the information on eBay
“Buffalo Auto Show Program 1955. Original magazine ad / page, source issue & date stated when known. Two-page ads noted. 8 1/2 x 11″ +/-. Dimensions given, if any, are approximate. Scans large to show any defects. Unseen defects described. VG or better condition. Item complete as issued unless otherwise stated.”
1961 FC-150 Sold on BaT
This FC-150 just sold for $25,000 at a Bring A Trailer auction. Lots of good interior photos.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-willys-fc-150/
“This 1961 Willys Jeep FC-150 has been refinished in green and yellow and features a front winch, dual side mirrors, and a drop-down tailgate. The truck is powered by a 134ci Hurricane inline-four linked to a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Further details include a side-mounted spare tire, a cab heater, locking front hubs, and vinyl seating surfaces that match the exterior color scheme. It was acquired by the seller in 2018, and subsequent work included performing fluid services and replacing ignition components. This FC-150 is now offered with a bed cover and transferrable New York registration in the seller’s name.”
FC Tour Jeep Transfer Case Shifter Update
Now that I have the longer, six foot cable, I had a chance to continue with the transfer case shifter. The bracket that was provided by JB Customs, caused the shifter cable to run into the engine, which didn’t seem like a valid strategy, so I roughly calculated the angle, then made two cuts into the aluminum bracket. This allowed me to re-mount the bracket and then bend the bracket into the right position, but maintain the correct bracket-end distance.
Here are two pics of the original bracket:
This pic shows one of the two cuts plus the new angle. Even with that small bit of metal holding up the bracket, the shifter could easily shift through the gears. So, next I’ll repair that gap.
Here you can see how the cable angles upward, the veers toward the driver’s side. I haven’t determined where I’ll be securing the cable.
The shift boot needs to be reattached under the bezel. The bezel is the original bezel with the colorful surface sanded, which turned out to be exactly what I wanted. I’ve painted it red since this pic was taken.
Here’s the shifter all the way forward. It’s surprisingly (to me anyway) easy to shift.
Next up I was going to build the final parts for the transmission oil cooler and fan bracket, but I have misplaced a couple pieces that I created and now can’t find them. So, I’ll work on the 1.5″ gauges next. Then, the gas pedal.
Authenticast Willys Wagon Model
This rare model of an early 1960s Willys Wagon by Authenticast just sold on eBay for $184.45.
More pics of the blue one in a moment. In 2022 there was a red version for sale with an asking price of $425. I don’t know what became of that one. You can see pics at the bottom of this post.
Now, back to the blue one.
Nine Years Ago Traveling in Texas
Nine years ago, April 24th, 2015, we began our weeks-long exploration of Texas following an unexpected illness that sidelined me for a week in New Mexico. If you haven’t taken the time to circumvent Texas, we highly recommend you do!
http://www.ewillys.com/2015/04/11/messin-w-texas-in-april-may-2015-summary/
Visit at the Border Patrol Museum:
Meeting Lee and Sam in Texas’ Hill Country:
Exploring the The USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier was fun:
After departing Texas, I was surprised when I happened upon Sagauche, Colorado:
Vintage Jeep Posters Middletown, CT $20-$800
UPDATE: Still Available.
(05/05/2023) Bill shared this link to the seller of a variety of posters. I’ve bought some of his rare items off of eBay. I’d spring for the 5 Great Willys Values poster if it wasn’t ripped. I’ve only run across one other.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/atq/d/middletown-vintage-original-ww2-and/7724796927.html
“WORLD WAR 2 ORIGINAL POSTERS, AND MANY WILLYS JEEP RELATED POSTERS.
PRICES VARIED ACCORDING TO AGE, SIZE, AND CONTENT.
ALL POSTERS AND RELATED JEEP ITEMS ARE ORIGINALS AND IN GOOD SHAPE.
SOME ARE FRAMED AND SOME ARE NOT.
SOME OF THE SIZES OF THE ITEMS ARE LISTING IN THE PHOTOS ON A PIECE OF PAPER ON THE ITEM.
PRICES RANGE FROM $800.00 TO $20.00
WHEN RESPONDING PLEASE INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER TO DISCUSS POSTERS OR RESPONSE WILL BE DELETED.”
16 Minute 1943 MB Rebuild Video
Blaine shared this MB rebuild video by Al’s Garage. There are a few deviations from stock, but still it’s clear a lot of time was put into saving this old MB. Kudos for documenting this as getting the light and other details correct while focusing on rebuilding is a tedious task!
To view the video, you’ll need to go to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5XbCjy4nW4
1944 Chocolate Soldier From the USA Music eBay
Youtube has a video of the music sung by Valerie Hines and set to a montage of African American WWII service photos:
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Here’s a fascinating bit of sheet music from 1944 by Elton Box, Sonny Cox, and Lewis Ilda called “Chocolate Soldier from the USA”. It’s priced at $30. (It’s also available through abebooks for $12.74 plus shipping)
View all the information on eBay
“THIS AUCTION IS FOR A COMPLETE, RARE, ORIGINAL , USED, PIECE OF SHEET MUSIC CALLED “CHOCOLATE SOLDIER FROM THE USA”
BY ELTON BOX, SONNY COX, AND LEWIS ILDA
1944 VINTAGE
PUBLISHED BY THE IRWIN DASH MUSIC CO. LTD.
17 BERNERS ST. LONDON WI.
THE SHEET MUSIC IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH CLEAN, CLEAR, AND LEGIBLE PAGES. VERY SLIGHT WEAR AND STAINS FROM AGE, STORAGE, AND USE.
A RARE AND ORIGINAL PIECE OF WILLYS JEEP RELATED LITERATURE”
Tonka Gladiator Dump Truck and Auburn FC-150
Thanks to Joe-in-Mesa for finding these two toys and scoring them for only $20 (for both). Neither are pristine, but they will work in my collection.
1959? Maverick Special Station Wagon Postcard
This is a hard to find postcard I just picked up on eBay. There is another one still available on eBay.
1970s Warn Overdrive Brochure on eBay
Here’s an AMC themed Warn overdrive brochure that I hadn’t seen.
View all the information on eBay
“GLOSSY CATALOG INSERT 8.5 x 11
FRONT and BACK
1 PAGE INSERT
Items are described as accurately as I can, with emphasis on the flaws to avoid disappointment
~ Shelve wear from age and use is Visible
~ Scuff marks
~ Creasing VISIBLE
~ Wear/Tear on Edges/Corners
please refer to photos. Additional photos can be provided”
1970’s Warn Hubs Brochure on eBay
This is an AMC themed Warn hubs brochure. Again, not one I’ve seen.
View all the information on eBay
“GLOSSY CATALOG INSERT 8.5 x 11
FRONT and BACK
1 PAGE INSERT
Items are described as accurately as I can, with emphasis on the flaws to avoid disappointment
~ Shelve wear from age and use is Visible
~ Scuff marks
~ Creasing VISIBLE
~ Wear/Tear on Edges/Corners
please refer to photos. Additional photos can be provided”
1959? Jeep Parts 5×8 Postcard on eBay
There are two of these Jeep Parts’ postcards available on eBay. Given the FC-170 and the split window trucks and wagons, I’d say this is a 1958 or 1959 postcard.
View all the information on eBay
“Vintage Jeep Parts Advertising Brochure Big Postcard 5” x 8” in Excellent Condition see pictures. Richie Motors Cumberland Wisconsin.”
1948? Willys Sales and Service Postcards on eBay
UPDATE: These are still available. Price is $100.
(12/06/2022) This may represent all the postcards in this series from what I believe is either 1948 or 1949.
View all the information on eBay
“THIS AUCTION IS FOR 10 VERY RARE,ORIGINAL EARLY WILLYS JEEP SALES & SERVICE DEALER POSTCARDS, & AN ORIGINAL WILLYS OVERLAND LUBRICATION AGREEMENT BOOKLET FOR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT
ORIGINAL – NOT A REPRODUCTION.
40’S VINTAGE
10 DEALER SALES AND SERVICE PAPER POSTCARDS.
ALL THE BACK SIDES ARE THE SAME AS PHOTO SHOWS.
THE PHOTO’S SHOW THE 10 DIFFERENT FRONT SIDES WITH THE COLORED GRAPHICS AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION.
AS AN EXTRA ON THIS AUCTION LISTING IS AN ORIGINAL, UNUSED, WILLYS OVERLAND LUBRICATION AGREEMENT
BOOKLET FOR THE VEHICLE GLOVE BOX.”
1943 Music The Rythum of the Jeep on eBay
This sheet music doesn’t show a jeep, but describes the experience of riding in one. The buy-it-now price is $25.
View all the information on eBay
“THIS AUCTION IS FOR A COMPLETE, RARE, ORIGINAL , USED, PIECE OF SHEET MUSIC CALLED “THE RHYTHM OF THE JEEP”
WORDS BY VERA BROWN AND MUSIC BY FRANK BARON
1943 VINTAGE
PRINTED IN ENGLAND BY KEITH PROWSE AND CO. LTD. LONDON-WI. 1943
THE SHEET MUSIC IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH CLEAN, CLEAR, AND LEGIBLE PAGES. VERY SLIGHT WEAR FROM AGE, STORAGE, AND USE.
A RARE AND ORIGINAL PIECE OF WILLYS JEEP RELATED LITERATURE”
According to this thread, the words to the song are as follows:
Jeep Jeep thats’s what they call it, Just needs a G.I. to hold it,
Bounc-ing o-ver road and lane, driv-ing this tune round my brain.
Have you ev-er tried THE RHYTHM OF THE JEEP its a gal-lop and a wriggle not a creep,
You must find a lease.and-len-der, who is just a sol – id send-er but be carefull you don’t end up in a heap
When you hear a rat-tle and a little hoot Then its time for you to shake a dainty boot—-
All the book-ies will be leap-ing and the Ser-geant Ma-jor weep-ing
When they get THE RHYTHM OF THE JEEP
You bend your knees– and then you boog-ie to your partner with a Beep – Beep – Beep – Beep, You cud-dle up,
but you had bet-ter watch your drivin cause your’e tak-ing a ride in a Jeep.
Jack and Jill no long-er ling-er on a hill
Now-a -days they’re Su-sy -que-ing with a will
At the Palais you will find them with the gang all there behind them Jiv-ing to THE RHYTHM OF THE JEEP——
Just a Few Updates
Just a few updates today. I should have the irrigation done by tomorrow. Calves got moved today, so hope to move our steers in the next day or two. We have family stuff this weekend, so my hope is to have more regular updates next week.
Late 1940s Uses for Jeeps
UPDATE: This was last published Jan 08, 2018.
This was published in a late 1940s sales book. One guy claims he hooked up his windshield wiper vacuum hose to his milking machine to streamlined the milking.