Unusual Research Archives

To Top

Nicely Shaped Aluminum Body for Willys Sedan

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This has nothing to do with jeeps, but Steve forwarded it thinking I might like it.  I did.  I figured some of you would too.

According to the attached text of the email, “Check this out… a hand-formed all-aluminum Willys Coupe! It’s amazing what some people can do with an English rolling wheel, sheet metal brake and a lot of skill and knowledge. No, he is not going to paint it.  I love the polished flames!  It’s got the right stuff under the hood, too! The hood scoop has yet to be installed in the photo below (Look closely). This is Walt Austin’s aluminum Willys coupe at Jim Hume’s shop, south of Bellingham , Washington.”

 
To Top

Custom 6-wheeled Jeep in India

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, International, Mahindra, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks like a well done rig.  The Mahindra MM540 was phased out in 2000.  You can read about Julian and his jeep in the Hindu Times.

 

 
To Top

1960 DJ-3A Butler, PA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: DJ-3A, Unusual • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,000.

This was for sale in Oregon for a while.  Much more info here.

“1960 DJ3A Chevy V6 Automatic. Showcar condition.”

 
To Top

1956 Buggy Sacramento, Ca $3000

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Between the ARB, the overdrive, and everything else, there might be a pretty good 4×4 here.

“56 jeep willys with a custum cab.
Buick v6
aftermarket headers to cherry bomb mufflers
elecctric fan
electric fuel pump with regulator
new starter
new water pump
new power steering pump
400 tranny with hurst shifter
warn transfercase with over drive
power brakes
disc brakes front, drum rear
ARB front diff
Detroit rear dana 44
rear locking hubs for and drop hitch in front for towing no trailer needed
air compressor which also supplies ARB

no windshield
no brake lights
current registration for street use but needs lights and windshield to be street legal ( I have a windshield for it, just never installed it.)

$3000 obo, trade , or cash and trade

(916) 8704113”

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2976959023.html

 
To Top

1958 CJ-3B? Gig Harbor, Wa $4000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, Unusual, Willys Trucks This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is an odd combo — CJ front and Truck rear?

“1958 Willys Jeep. 3 Speed, 302 V8, Dana 44 rear end, Model 30 front end. Cash only. No payments, no trades.”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2966303770.html

 
To Top

1948 Truck Princeton, IL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, Willys Trucks This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $800

This runs.  I love the shifting pattern drawn on the ‘dash’.

“Hi – what I have is a CONTRAPTION that used to be a 48 Willys Pickup – it is not roadable – however it is a good PLOW/UTILITY vehicle for personal or neighborhood use …

I removed the cab from the pickup – and made a roof – it still has the original jeep front end , fenders and hood … It has a make-shift flatbed … a roll bar , etc …

The truck has a usable frame/chassis – it would be a cool project frame to put under an El Camino 4X4 project , etc … currently it has a good running (original) 4 cylinder engine … 3 speed manual trans … 4X4 in good shape – old tires have plenty of tread – never got it stuck , but they are severally dry rotted … has a good radiator …. – converted to GM 12V system …

Has a hydraulic pump operated plow … that works good – fixed position – just up or down …

Havent started it for awhile – battery probably shot …. points may need to be cleaned …. but when these things are attended to , starts and runs very good …

I want to sell the whole thing as is … but I will remove the plow if you just want the truck – the truck will be 600.00 and I’ll charge the same for the plow if I have to seperate … better deal if you just but the whole contraption as is … I did have to gusset the frame where it was rusty on one side , but did a good job …”

 
To Top

Lucy’s Strange CJ-5

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bob forwarded a picture from the IMCDB.org of what appears to be a CJ-5 on an episode of The Lucy Show.  Both he and I tried to find additional photos, without luck.  Note both the odd headlights and the use of alternative fenders.

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_467022-Jeep-CJ-5.html

 
To Top

1947 CJ-2A Belen, NM **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $5500.

(02/07/2011) Looks nice.

“Hello I have a 1947 jeep Willys for sale its a complete rebuild it has the original motor and transmission in it its a cool turquoise color and new seats with new fabric… you wont find a Willys this clean and original in new Mexico! !!”

 
To Top

1953 Funky Vehicle Anaconda, MT **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $500

It ran when parked.  What a great, funky vehicle.  Maybe was a CJ-3B?

“The Jeep ran fine when I parked it. I also have an extra transmission/transfer case for it.”

 
To Top

Posters of CJ-2A with Wooden Top on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Each of these posters is purchased separately from three separate eBay ads.  This unique top is not something I remember seeing.  Anyone know anything about it?

Poster 1 Side view ebay link

Poster 2 Front view ebay link

Poster 3 Rear view ebay link

 
To Top

Custom Willys Truck Kelso, Wa $2450

• CATEGORIES: Jeep Rods, Unusual, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks like a nice customization.

“I have a 1950’s Willys pickup, that is on a 1978 4×4 Chevy luv.. Cool project truck. Runs and drives .Could use a new clutch. has CD player, cruise control, very fun to drive. Just lost interest in the project. No more points, switched to a electronic distributor. 4 speed manual. Please call or text (360)560-4028…. $2450 OBO cash or $2800 valued trade.. Have more pictures i can send via phone”

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/2952588249.html

 
To Top

World’s Largest Jeep

• CATEGORIES: Features, International, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Mark pointed out that Jalopnik has updated the pictures shown below with background information about how why the “Chuck Norris of the Middle East” built the world’s biggest jeep.  

Here is the newest link with the full story: http://jalopnik.com/5509865/middle+eastern-chuck-norris-builds-worlds-largest-jeep

(Originally Published 04/10/2010) Thanks to Rich for finding this information on JalopnikWe saw an early pic regarding this jeep, but here’s the final product.  Note the other large 4x4s as well. Ahhhh, the life of a sheik .. so much money, so little time!

 
To Top

A US Postal Willys Wagon image from the Smithsonian

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Unusual, Willys Wagons This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

FEATURED SEPTEMBER 2010

I didn’t know they made Willys postal right hand drive wagons!  The Smithsonian’s Postal Museum Exhibit has some great images of early original vehicles used to deliver mail.

From the website, “In August 1953, the first postal jeeps rolled off the Willys Motors assembly line. The model, the first U.S. car in three decades to have right-hand drive, was soon being tested on postal routes around the country.

Carriers used these right-hand drive vehicles to save delivery time on their routes. They were able to more easily reach the mailbox without having to park and go around their cars, or reach over the passenger’s seat to deliver the mail.”

 
To Top

Around the World in a SEEP called Half Safe

• CATEGORIES: Books, Builds, Features, GPA (SEEP), Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

half_safe_9FEATURED IN MAY 2009

The next time you are in Perth, Australia, make sure you stop by and see Ben Carlin’s SEEP named Half Safe.  Ben Carlin and his wife navigated their SEEP around the world back in the 1950s.  I found two website’s that chronicle the adventure:  David Brooks shows pictures along with the story and Leisure Wheels has a large article with a single pic.  Below is the beginning of the story and below that are a few pictures.  Ben Carlin also wrote two books about his adventure “Half Safe” and later ““The Other Half of Half-Safe”.

half_safe_8FROM DAVID BROOKS WEBSITE:  “Ben Carlin (1912 – 1981) was born and attended school in Western Australia. While awaiting demobilisation after service in India in World War II, Ben noticed a US amphibious jeep among other war debris, and remarked “You know, Mac, with a bit of titivation you could go around the world in one of these things”. For some never-explained reason, Ben was not certified insane on the spot, and eventually fulfilled his dream ….”

>>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF THE STORY<<

Half Safe Pages

SEEP Pages:

 
To Top

Aerial Jeep from Life Magazine

• CATEGORIES: Features, Magazine, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

FEATURED IN MAY 2009

UPDATE:  I found a long discussion, details and the pic below at this website:

From this website, vectorsite.net, I’ll put some of the content just to make sure it isn’t lost.

flying_jeep

“The AirGeep was first flown on 12 October 1958. Apparently it proved grossly underpowered, barely able to fly over a fence, and it was sent back to the shop, where the piston engines were replaced by a single 317 kW (425 HP) Turbomeca Artouste IIB turbine engine. The upgraded AirGeep flew in late June 1959. It weighed 1.1 tonnes (2,500 pounds) and could carry a payload of 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds), including the pilot.

The AirGeep was put through trials for both the Army and the Navy over the next few years. The engine was upgraded again to a Garrett / Airesearch 331-6 engine, which had a higher power-to-weight ratio. For Navy trials, which began in June 1961, the rotorcraft was fitted with floats, and redesignated the “PA-59 SeaGeep”.

* Piasecki wanted to build a bigger and better AirGeep, and the Army Transportation Research Command obliged them by issuing a contract for what Piasecki called the “Model 59K” and what the Army called the “VZ-8P(B) AirGeep II”, which made its first flight in the summer of 1962.

The AirGeep II was similar to the AirGeep, except that the aircraft was “bent” in the middle so that the rotors were tilted fore and aft, it seems to improve forward flight characteristics. The AirGeep II used twin 298 kW (400 SHP) Turbomeca Artouste IIC turboshaft engines, once again linked so that if one failed the other would drive both rotors. One engine could also be coupled to the landing wheels to drive the machine on the ground. The increased power allowed a maximum take-off weight of 2.2 tonnes (4,800 pounds). The pilot and observer had “zero-zero” ejection seats, allowing safe escape if the machine was on the ground and standing still, and there were apparently seats for additional passengers.

As we learned, the rotabuggy was a bit of a failure. However that didn’t stop the military from investigating some type of ‘flying jeep’.  Now, I don’t know if the military really called it the Aerial Jeep or whether it was Life Magazine’s attempt to sell magazines, but the result is a pretty unusual flying machine:

life_magazine_aerialjeep

 
To Top

Creation of a Nuffield Gutty Airborne Jeep in Australia

• CATEGORIES: Airborne Lightweight Jeeps, Features, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I ran across a story on G503 about the creation of a Nuffield Airborne Jeep in Australia.  The details of the build are great!

Link to g503 story: http://www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=188540

You can view another Nuffield Gutty on my post about lightweight jeeps.

 
To Top

1946 CJ-2A Zenda, Ks $1200

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Someone had some left over cans of paint from Fourth of July?  Joking aside, there might just be some value here.  I suspect the sides have been filled or bondoed as the drain holes appear missing on the driver’s side.

“1946 Willies Jeep this jeep does not run $1200 firm 620-243-3961 also have many extra parts.”

 
To Top

Anyone Recognize This Vehicle?

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I found this picture of Henry J Kaiser sitting in this jeep, but I can’t tell what kind of jeep it is.  It looks like a cross between a flatfender (front) and M151 (rear).  I am wondering if it was a prototype of some sort.  Anyone recognize it? Note the four bolt rims.

 
To Top

Mahindra MM 550 XD Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India $3.5 Lakhs

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I am not familiar with the Mahindra 550 XD, but Mark has this listed at jeeptruck.com.

“Mahindra MM 550 XD is a defense vehicle operating on a 4 cylindered in-line diesel XD3 P engine with a capacity of 2498cc and a compression ratio of 23 : 1. The vehicle has a thermostat controlled cooling system and a synchromesh gearbox with four forward and one reverse gear.

Mahindra MM 550 XD has a recirculating ball type steering with a turning circle radius of 6.34 m. The vehicle has a disc brake at front and a drum brake at the rear. The brakes are hydraulic with tandem master cylinder with vacuum assisted servo. This model has a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters.

Featured Components:
Speedometer (kms/hr)
Temperature and fuel gauges
Vol meter and oil pressure gauge
Light indicators for battery charging
High beam
Parking brake and turn signal light
Hazard warning switch

Price: 3.5 lakhs

Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – India

If interested, contact Mr. Malik at:

Phone: +91-9391084499

or email: mad_mak2003@yahoo.com”

http://www.sellajeep.com/sale/salebd/adsb132/adsb132.html

 
To Top

1948? CJ-3B? Kidron, OH **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000

There are some UNUSUAL Mods on this jeep.  Is that a battery box lid on the driver’s side?

“Asking for 4,000 or best offer.

Body is in excellent condition with no rust.
Willys engine which isn’t the original and it needs some work.
Has slow oil leak.
Hard top comes with it.
Been stored inside for as long as I know.
Last driven 4 years ago and hasn’t been driven since”

 
To Top

1950 Odd Truck Jacksonville, Tx **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $3100. **SOLD**

This is an odd truck

“Was last regestered in 2001 as a 1950. It’s got a super hurracane 6 cylinder in it that runs good. hi and low range trans. 4-wheel drive works. great for farm, ranch, deer lease

 
To Top

1943? CJ-2A? Truck? Hyannis, Ma $1000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, MB, Unusual, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Bob notes that this beauty is still available.

(01/27/2012) How about this crazy concoction.

“This is great for someone who needs parts for their project Jeep.
Call Timmy at (774) 836-6497”

 http://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/2818899268.html

 
To Top

Custom VW with MB/GPW Body White Mountain Lake, Az

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This doesn’t appear to be a VEEP, but a custom VW project.

“yes a VW Veep it is a Volkswagen front end, bus transaxle, with a 1776 engine on a factory built custom tube frame. it has a 1943 Willys / jeep body.

it has a bikini top. it runs great chrome rims w/ new tires ready to drive. could use some new paint, but not for having fun, its ready for that Call Barry then drive it home. @ 928 242 9837”

http://showlow.craigslist.org/cto/2902008998.html

 
To Top

1953 Stretched Wagon Belton, Mo **Not for Sale**

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, Willys Wagons • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  This wagon was listed for auction on ebay in 2011, but didn’t sell.  The other day Buz spotted the forum where the builder documented how he constructed it.  It’s worth a look.   The wagon isn’t currently for sale.  The forum starts at page 7 of 7 then goes to page 1 and then forward (some system glitch at car domain).

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3852892/1953-willys-wagon/page-7

It looks like there’s been some very good work done on this.

“Beautiful, 1 of a kind, Custom Built, 1953 Willys Stretched Wagon.  You’ll never see another like it! We started our project in January 2009 and finished in the summer of 2010.  We stretched a 2 door 1953 Willys Wagon into this 4 door Stretched Wagon, only one known to exist!.

Our Wagon features:

– Cummins 4BTAA Turbo Diesel Engine.  Engine direct from Cummins Central Power, Kansaa City (with warranty).  Making 22-24 mpg!! (US gallons).

– 5-speed manual transmission (NV4500), with dual range upgear.  4 wheel drive system.  Custom drive shaft, front & rear.  “PosiLock” on front diff.

– Custom Radiator.  “Spal” Electric fan.

– 4″ Aluminized Custom Exhaust.

– Custom Aluminum Fuel Tank, approx. 33 US gallons.

– Factory Dodge 3/4 ton brake set up.  Front discs, Rear drum.

– Custom body – (stretched 40″),

– 1997 Dodge 3/4 ton 4×4 HD chassis.

– Custom bumpers.  Custom side step running boards, with “Armor Liner”.

– Custom fenders.  Widened front fenders 4 1/2″.

– Custom hitch and 7 wire plug-in with electric brake controller, to tow your toys!

– Custom interior, front bucket seats, rear 60/40 folds down, seat material super suede (used in aircraft).  Oak floor slots with all stainless bolts.  Currently seats 5 with 6+ ft behind back seat with plenty of room for luggage or more seats.  3 lights in the headliner (front, mid, rear).

– “Ididit” brand tilt steering column and banjo “Grant” steering wheel.

– New antique style “Autometer” gauges.

– Custom sun visor, “Fulton” from the late 40’s early 50’s.

– Chrome mirrors.

– Tinted windows.

– Jerry gas can.

– Painted exterior eggshell Merlot, Interior Merlot (dash is gloss).

There is just too much to list, this is 1 of a kind!

This vehicle is 18 1/2 ft from front bumper to back of tow hitch, and it stands 6’11” tall.

We’ve been to numerous car shows and have won several trophies and plaques.  The Wagon has also been featured in a Cummins Newsletter.  No matter where you go in this, it draws looks and a crowd!

For pictures of our build, see our build page on www.cardomain.com  & search Willys Wagon and you’ll see our 1953 Willys Stretched Wagon.

Buyer is responsible for vehilce pickup &/or shipping.

It saddens me to part with this, but due to health, must sell.

For serious inquiries only, Call:  (816) 215-3105 (NO TEXTING)”

View all the info on eBay

 
To Top

1965 Army Mule Ft. Myers, Fl $6500

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This appears in good shape.  I could have used one of these at the swap meet today.

“4 Wheel drive 4 wheel steer 4cyl willys air cooled opposed cyl. Electric start. 2 seats 2 foot baskets.  $6500.00 Firm.  Call (239) 980-7273”

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/for/2897004849.html