I’ve spent most of the weekend coding and reorganizing content so that readers can use the menus to navigate ewillys differently.  I’ll be launching this updated system sometime next weekend.  One small is example of today’s efforts is that you’ll now find Trucks and Wagons have their own categories and areas.

Two new areas will include (1) a how-to area, which will integrate readers submissions and web content, to help builders/problem solvers  with their vehicles and (2) an “identify” area which I’ll be building out to help people identify their jeeps (by grille type, body type, data plates, serial number, engine type, and more).

I’ll be back to regular updates tomorrow.

I have some t-shirt ideas and thought I’d see what you all thought about them.  I’m trying to create a different kind of willys t-shirt.    The “Africa” shirt would be one of a series of “WWII” vehicles.

No pics and no description.  However, it sounds like there’s some cool stuff for sale.

“Saturday 9-3, 105 Fremont Ave (hwy 12,121 between sonoma and napa close to 116 arnold drive) Tons of Equipment.  Electrical panels, milling machines, old willys jeep, lube truck, mechanics service truck with crane and air compressor, pro-tech and Merrit cab protectors, bar stools, metal studs and misc. metals, office furniture, picture frame moulding framing equipment and tons more”

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/gms/1920365088.html

Hemmings.com reported yesterday that Tucker #1045, estimated by RMAuctions to go for $550,000 – $750,000 was auctioned on Friday, August 13th, for $1,127,500 — the most ever for a Tucker.  Now that’s some price appreciation!

Kaiser Willys has generously offered to provide eWillys readers with a one time discount of 10% off parts purchased from the company (the offer excludes Body Tubs and Body Tub Kits).  You’ll note their ad in the sidebar to the right.  So, thanks to Kaiser Willys and thanks to Greg, a reader who took it upon himself to contact the company and launch this relationship. So, take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts!

I’m also hoping to publish a post in the future that describes how this family business started so we call all learn more about the company.

From the website: “Kaiser Willys Auto Supply, a family owned business for over 10 years, is dedicated to providing quality and reasonably priced vintage Willys parts and Willys Jeep parts and accessories for all 1941 to 1971 Willys and Jeep vehicles. In 2002 we built a 6,000 square foot warehouse to house more than 7,000 parts and to better serve our customers. We guarantee full customer satisfaction – our goal is to make every first-time customer a lifetime customer!”

UPDATE:  According to the PNW4WDA website, there are still some spots open.  I would have liked to have gone, but I’m getting my kids this weekend for the month.

The 21st annual PNW4WDA Trail Jamboree takes place this weekend.  “In its 21st year, the Trail Jamboree is a primary fundraiser for the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW4WDA). The Jamboree is based out of Jim Sprick Park in the community of Nile, located between mile markers 103 & 104 on Hwy 410 in eastern Washington. It is surrounded by the beautiful Cascade Mountains and the Naches River.”

No pics and no description.

“I am liquidating everything. I have 2 1994 Jeep Cherokee’s, a 1999 new beetle, a jeep willy, a toyota 4runner, a car hauler/trailer, and more best offer on all call Jessica 623-889-1689”

http://stgeorge.craigslist.org/cto/1828842652.html

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!  No updates tonight …

A reader named Steve had some questions about which I didn’t have answers:

He asked me to post two questions for two different projects:
1) What would be the easiest/best/smartest engine swap for an F134 in a 1947 W-O Truck?
2) What chassis swaps are recommended to modernize a 1952 W-O Station Wagon?

Thanks!

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $700.

I can agree with the seller on at least one point:  this jeep is probably not restorable to show quality.  However, this looks more like a post WWII CJ rather than a WWII jeep.

“This is a 1942 willys jeep. It was a military service jeep during WWII. It probably is beyond restoring to show quality, but it could be fixed up to run again pretty easily. Very simple machines, but very tough 4×4’s, these things will go. I got this as boot in a trade as is so Im selling it as is. I do know that it doesnt have the original engine, but that it has a later model willys engine in it. They cut a hole in the hood to allow clearance for the new engines carb. IT DOES NOT RUN, BUT I WAS TOLD IT WAS RUNNING WHEN PARKED. I think it needs a starter. I just dragged it up on a trailer and brought it home and trying to sell it. Would be a great parts jeep. Will consider any reasonable offer or trade.”

Yes, it’s back up!  While I had planned to continue work on my rear spring pads tonight (I’m completely redoing the angles on my spring pads — but I’ll save that update for the future), the site had to take priority.

THE PROBLEM:

It turns out that when a website uses more than its alotted CPU % (which differs from bandwidth and server space), my webhost (anhosting) will simply take down everything related to the offending URL (in my case, anything with ewillys.com attached to it).  Super Freaking Inconvenient!!!!

I believe the offending issues included 1) a highly problematic spammer out of China 2) a problem with the translation plugin, which was causing all kinds of slow downs and 3) possibly issues with talk backs, which are almost entirely used by spammers.  So, I have dealt with each of these issues.  I also optimized and reduced the size of the database.  I believe I am noticing  noticeably faster downloads based on my experience tonight.

ALSO:

I’ve upgraded the wordpress software to 3.0 and completely rebuilt the menus within the new auto-menu schematic (which you probably won’t notice, but it makes it easier for me to rearrange the main menu and add other menus anywhere in the site).

I haven’t yet got the mapping working yet, so I still need to do that (not sure what’s going on there).  So, on Tuesday the site might be down for a little while as I update stuff a little more.

If you use a rss reader, I might have taken that down temporarily.

No pics provided.  It sounds like lots of stuff.

“Jeep Part Collectors Estate Sale June 25 and 26th. Sale will be held at 1650 Foreman Rd Lowell MI 49331

In addition to the parts there is a large collection of tools ( such as saws, hammers craftman tools, chains, car hauling equipment, Stihl chain saw, carts, garage equipment, oil, filters, welder, jacks, stands, wood, steel, comercial lawn mower, residential lawn mower w/ rototiller and deck attachments, Antique furnature, Wood Burner, 50+ glass blocks and much more to come
.
CJ, XJ, YJ, DJ, Cherokee, Comanchee, FSJ, TJ, YJ and Willys parts.
To many parts to list. Collection has been gathered over the last 30 years.
DJ and CJ:
Rear swinging DJ doors, Dash assemblys, steering boxes, Pedal assemblys, Steering colums, Heater assemblys, Wiring, filters, Transmissions, AMC V8’s, Transfer cases, Drive shafts, Axles, Alternators, Tires, Wheels, Tailgates, Glass components, Roll bars, Lenses, Headlights and buckets, starters and much more.
FSJ:
Gladiator Axles, Radiators, steering box’s, filters, Every piece of glass you can imagine, Steering Colums, Wiring, Trasmissions, Fenders, Heater assmeblys, Starters, Alternators, Drive shafts and much more.
XJ and Comanchee:
Grilles, Tires, Wheels,Fog lights, Comanchee tailgate (almost rust free, only surface rust in one spot) and more
TJ:
Tires, Wheels, Tranny pan, 2004 Jeep Wrangler Right hand steer postal Jeep and more
Willys:
Many Misc interior components, Wiring, rear lift gate for wagon, Trim pieces, OE pieces still in box’s and more.

Still sorting through it all. No Pre sales. Cash only. More info to follow. Times to follow however I believe it will start in the morning each day around 9 or 10. Hope to see you then.”

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/gms/1785974079.html

I’ve been in the garage all evening swapping leaves on my rear springs to get the rear end to sit at the right height.  After several swaps I finally got the body to a level spot.  Whew.

UPDATE:  I deleted the 2nd truck I had listed, as Bill correctly pointed out that it wasn’t a WC51 at all.

I’m helping someone value this WC52 WWII Dodge Truck.  I’m pretty sure the WC52 runs (only just over 10,000 were made).

Here is a pic.  If anyone can provide some feedback to me, just email me privately (d@ewillys.com).

WC-52:

There weren’t a lot of updates on Craigslists this evening.  I have several reports for tomorrow: 1) I readjusted my carb after having more problems; 2) I went jeeping today for about 4 hours and the carb worked great, though I ran into a problem with a geyser; and 3) I’ll be going out again tomorrow to see if I fixed today’s geyser issue.

Enjoy Memorial Day!

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000

There is something odd installed on the front of this.

“1952 Willys Jeep in great condition 4 cyl. flat head don’t leak or smoke runs and drives like it should has been reg. and inspected in the past lights work no rust may trade for nice truck can add cash if need be”