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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 .
Bill, did my meager decorating of Biscuit inspire you? I think the gold trim works better on your DJ.
UPDATE: Was $3100. **SOLD**
(11/10/2012) Ron forwarded this ad. It looks to be a good price.
“58 Willys CJ, clean title in hand. with a newly not even broken in built hot 79 camaro 350ci engine, Comp cam thumpr cam, edelbrock single plenum, edelbrock. 650cfm, headers, gear drive timing, 12 volt converted, roll caged and rhino lined this jeep is scary fast.”
I had some time this morning to do a few updates, but I have having a horrible time getting Craiglist ads to open. It seems Craigslist is having some DNS issues. Hopefully, this will be resolved later.
– Dave
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $600
I thought this trailer might interest someone.
“I bought this trailer several months ago with the intent of doing a factory restoration. But its cutout tailgate was perfect for hauling dirt, gravel and those occasional Saturday trips to the dumps. So that’s what I used it for, but now I no longer have any use for it.
Email me your phone number and we’ll talk. Otherwise, don’t bother. I’m not being an ass, just simply trying to avoid scammers and tire kickers.
– Current Registration to my name
– Stored indoors for 50 years based on info from the previous owner
– Tows great
– Solid body, no rusts or holes
– Solid frame
– Modern hitch welded to the frame, but can be cleanly removed
– Tail gate cut, but original panel was used
– Solid Military-style Kelsey Hayes rims
– Frame and underside of body have untouched and unpainted original OD paint
– Exterior body has been primered, but a quick pressure wash revealed the original OD and what looks like a surplus number painted in yellow
– Attempted to reveal the USA number, but stopped. I’ll let the new owner bask in that glory.”
John spotted this ammo box speaker for the jeeper who doesn’t want to put a speakers in their dash. Just hook your iPod right to it.
http://www.thodio.nl/english/products/abox
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $60.
Walter spotted this Jim Beam Decanter.
“Collectible WWII Army Jeep Decanter. $60 or best offer.”
UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was listed at $1100.
(12/04/2012) This looks like a fair price. It runs.
“I am selling my CJ 1949/50 because I have no time for the project too many irons in the fire this’ll make someone a nice jeep is very solid
Needs a resto but is 90 percent here motor does run and has a new fuel pump an a rebuilt carb”
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3451852568.html
A quick update; It was a good month:
1. Total page views topped 11,200,000 as of the end of November since eWillys began. Almost half of those have been in the past twelve months.
2. In October and November total page views per month topped 500,000.
3. The total number of posts on eWillys passed the 20,000 post mark.
4. This was the best advertising month ever, which helps keep the lights burning and my fingers typing. Because of that, I’ve been able to purchase a few brochures and other useful content items which I will share over time.
Just a few updates this morning and tomorrow so I can focus on writing.
UPDATE: Was $3000. **Sold**
Walter spotted this truck. It needs the engine reinstalled, but looks like it’s a good truck.
“1953 Willys Truck 95% restored: Tan interior, wooden bed, new paint. I have the motor and right fender, but I am currently involved in to many projects to finish at this time.”
Glenn would like to learn more about this jeep. If anyone knows more about it or knows whose it is, can you let me know.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000
“1951 Willys Overland Station Wagon, two wheel dr. with overdrive One owner, very good condition.
All original including new paint color. Completely reconditioned inside including header seats, new paint.
Ready to drive. Probably one of a few originals left in the country.”
UPDATE: Sadly, Todd Hansen’s body was located. You can read more here.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/hansen-378206-county-body.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay
(09/27/2012) This has a column shift and some square washers, but it missing other VEC elements.
“I have a 1945 CJ-2A for sale with a clear Ohio title# The vehicle is located in NE Ohio 44691# It has been redone# This vehicle is #373 of 1824 made in the closing days of WW2 for civilian use# It shares many parts/traits with the military jeeps of the era# It is a very rare vehicle# All numbers match on the frame horn, dash plate and under hood# I believe the tailgate ACM is #376# The date stamps on the axles, etc#indicate the jeep was probably made on or just prior to the day we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima# The L134 engine has been rebuilt #red# and is not original to the vehicle# It carries at least 40 lbs# of oil pressure at idle and 60 lbs# when driving# There are no issues with the engine# I recently replaced the fuel pump#The jeep tracks straight down the road with no wobble# It is a 3 speed on the column as it should be# It will sometimes jump out of second gear only on deceleration# I have not found it a problem to warrant a rebuild# Low/high 4wd work as they should# It is a 6 volt system# All wiring has been replaced, all gauges, etc# work with the exception of the horn #the relay works so it is in the horn proper## There is a rear seat which has been redone as have the others# There is no rust and it leaks very little oil# The gas tank, fuel lines are new as is the radiator and hoses# There are many new parts and a receipt book comes with the vehicle# All window glass has been replaced as have the seals# The brakes are exceptional# There are no tool indents, that panel was replaced as were several other body panels when it was redone however the floor, tailgate, windshield, fenders, hood, grille and dash are origional# Standard rear hitch seems quite heavy duty#”
Hard to tell much from the pics.
“Needs Repair. As is. Came with my 1954 CJ3B.”
http://houston.craigslist.org/pts/3406784266.html
I ran across this article yesterday. Some college students at the Ontario, Canada, college of Notre Dame plan to restore a 1943 Willys. The picture comes from the Welland Tribune’s online article.
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2012/11/08/revved-up-about-the-past
UPDATE: Kudos to Greg Zyla for updating his column with the history corrections I suggested. You can read about it here: http://www.hamburgreporter.com/article/20121105/NEWS/121109944/-1/sports
(Published 10/30/2012)
I ran across this article about Jeep History: http://www.enterprisenews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x255960865/Greg-Zyla-Jeep-American-Bantam-and-Willys-Overland
If you read the article, you will see there are a few of the usual historical errors. I wrote a letter to the author with some thoughts on corrections. I’ve included them below to help those that aren’t as familiar with jeep history. I’ve also included them just in case I got something wrong.
1. The first jeep sold by Willys-Overland in 1945 to the public was the Willys CJ-2A. Very Early CJ-2A production units used some left over parts from the military versions, making VEC CJ-2As highly collectible among civilian jeep collectors.
2. The Willys Quad was the first prototype Willys-Overland developed in 1940 (the second Prototype was the Willys MA).
3. The Willys Quad wasn’t exactly a ‘copy’ of the Bantam BRC, although there were similarities, partly because Willys got to look at the Bantam plans before shipping the Quad.
4. Ford’s first Prototype was the Ford Pygmy. A second prototype was the Ford Budd (http://www.ewillys.com/2009/03/12/the-1940-buddy-a-ford-pygmybudd-prototype/ ). Their third prototype was the Ford GP (which doesn’t stand for General Purpose, but for G=Goverment and P=80″ Wheelbase). The WWII production jeep was the Ford GPW (the W standing for Willys Design).
5. Willys and Ford battled over the name Jeep. Willys didn’t win the right to use the name Jeep until the 1950s, which is the reason the hood and windshields of the CJ-2As and the CJ-3As were stamped Willys. There are a few rare CJ-2s that are stamped “JEEP” ( http://www.willys-overland.com/index.htm ).
6. While the original Bantam BRC is considered the first jeep, the jeep in the photo accompanying the article is a Bantam BRC-40 which was the third Prototype. (see the three different bantams here http://www.ewillys.com/2011/08/14/the-three-bantams-brc-brc-60-and-brc-40/ )
7. I am not aware that Bantam imported parts from England. I will have have to ask some friends about that.
8. Despite having arguably the worst of the three designs, Ford initially won the Army Quartermaster contract. However, there was enough push-back that the contract was transferred to Willys-Overland and Ford assigned as a second-source status.
NOTE: After reading this again, I probably should change the term prototype type to pilot for everything but the BRC, as the BRC was the real prototype/proof of concept, but that’s a little nit-picky for our purposes.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $800.
Walter spotted this CJ-2A. How about that unique rack on the front? Given that bumper, this was some kind of purpose-modified jeep. The body doesn’t appear too bad either. Maybe that rack was on a car truck?
“This is a 48′ Jeep Willys. This is a project that I wanted to restore myself but I just dont have enough time. It needs a full body restoration but it has its original drive traine. I do have have the title. Please no txts or emails.”
I’m taking the night off. More tomorrow.
Ann and I arrived safely in Pasco after a sunny/rainy/snowy/windy day driving through the panhandle of Idaho, then west to Pasco. We spotted and photographed a couple jeeps, ate some good food and visited with family; so it was a complete day!
More tomorrow on this possible CJ-2L Bruce spotted. Note rare Desert Dog PCV tires (not that they are in good shape). They have a tighter tread than the standard Desert Dog tires.
Yeah, I didn’t quite get to them last night.
Ann and I spent all of yesterday photographing a wedding, so I never got a chance to do updates. I’ll throw some up in a little while and regular updates will commence tomorrow.
– Dave
I got busy on other projects last night, so just a few posts today.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500.
This GPW will need some work. More pics on the ad.
“First registered in 1948 when auctioned by the D.O.D.and according to the VIN number, this Light Utility Vehicle is believed to be a 1942 WWII production Ford GPW “Jeep”.;Visit this web site for more information on the Ford GPW Jeep…http://www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_mb_history_specs. As can be seen in the pictures, this was a project started many years ago before the value as an historic vehicle was given consideration. The body has some Bondo here and there, but you’ll be hard pressed to find any rust or any damage to the body or frame. Unlike alot of other WWII Vehicles out there, with a moderate amount of effort, this particular WWII vehicle can be restored fairly easy. The engine and drive train are original to this chassis and have been reconditioned/rebuild and the only modifications are the Alternator, Air Cleaner and Oil Filter (All 3 original units come as spares). The only other mods are the front seats with the originals in the back, the gas tank, which is not connected, the front brakes are now disc type, the currently mounted steering wheel is a CalCustom unit, but the original steering wheel is also included. NEW Side Curtains and Top with bBows included and comes with a later 1963 Utility Trailer. Clean un-dated and signed title to both vehicles. The owner has passed away and I’m advertising the Jeep for the family located in Walnut, California who has Power of Attorney for any other legal docs you may desire. It is strongly believed the vehicle is drivable but you will have to bring tools, battery and gas to make sure, otherwise SOLD AS IS. Buyer must also arrange pick-up in Walnut, California. The family would also like the prospective buyers to understand that it is a hassle to accept a deposit, cancel this ad and then not have the sale go through, so please understand that the two vehicles are subject to 1st come, 1st served. That said, and after all is said and done, I can add that hopefully a little dickering between parties will make this a pleasant transaction; Feel free to contact me with questions.”
3Taps has pulled off the gloves. The company that produced one of the best national search mechanisms based on Craigslist data has filed a counter suit against Craigslist claiming the company’s behavior is anticompetitive. I can’t help but think that 3Taps has been angling for a fight with Craigslist since its inception. It have to know Craigslist would go after them, as it has been sending Cease and Desist letters to other sites for years. This results of this suit could resonate throughout secondary marketplace communities. For example, there were websites that combine eBay listings with other auction listings, providing a one stop auction site. eBay used Craiglist’s tactic of C/D letters to shut them down. So, the decision may define the meaning of ‘public information’ and may also decide if/when/where classified ads/auction ads constitute copyrightable material.
The CEO of 3Taps Greg Kidd says,
While we respect what craigslist has accomplished in the past in attaining dominance over online classified advertising, we object to them using that market power illegally to stifle innovation and hurt consumers. As craigslist spends heavily to bully and intimidate companies that challenge them, consumers are deprived of better ways to find and execute real-time exchange transactions.
UPDATE: Here’s an updated picture of the final deck in case anyone was interested. You can view more about the project here: http://www.deilers.com/deck/
However, I do have a couple quick updates on what we’ve been doing. Much of our time has been consumed by a deck rebuild for my parents (it turns out Ann is great with power tools!). Below are a couple shots. The first photo shows how bad it looked after we pulled up the decking. The second shows the deck partially done. There was quite a bit of rot in those joists.
