Unusual Research Archives

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1949 Jeepster Columbia, Ca eBay

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

This is a beautiful restoration / customization.

“In addition to all of that, this JEEPSTER runs like a champ.  The seats are very comfortable.  The Dodge Dakota V6 engine runs smoothly, burns no oil, and is free of undercarriage drips.  Power steering and cruise control add to the enjoyment of driving.  It is more than capable of highway speeds and climbs the Nevada mountain ranges with ease.  All of the chrome trim is without blemish.  There is no underside rust.  There are no dents, dings, or gouges.  The top and side curtains are in good condition.  The tires are nearly new.

However, there are two things that need to be done if the buyer wants to put it into show condition.  While the paint photographs well, it is not flawless.  Close inspection reveals cracks in the finish.  The Spoke wheels need to be re-chromed.

I can no longer afford to keep my Jeepster and an airplane at the same time.  I love driving the Jeepster, but I put in hundreds of hours building the airplane, and it is the one I have decided to keep.”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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Willys Trucks and Wagons over at Jalopy Journal

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

Jalopy Journal has a short thread with a variety of pics.  The wagon that caught my eye is shown below, a creatively constructed ‘party wagon’.  I love it!  There’s a few more pics of this at the website.

 
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1937 Ford House Car — an early motorhome

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

Dave forwarded me some information about this unique Ford House Car.  A quick search revealed this website with a full collection of images by the previous owner of the vehicle (he sold it in 2001 according to the site).  I’ve included a pic below and some info below.  Thanks for sharing Dave, it’s cool!

“One of only six said to have been made per year in the mid-’30s at the Ford Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to an article on this car in a 1993 “Old Cars” magazine article (see link below). Very few others–perhaps none–remain on the road, and certainly not in such amazing original condition. (The only other known example that I heard of was supposedly housed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. But that turned out to be an early 1920s Model T conversion, the curator told me. He said he’d never seen anything like this ’37!).”

http://www.gtamarketing.com/1937FordHousecar.html

 
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Man Made rebuilds an offroad car (well, technically it’s a car/boat)

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

Simon forwarded me a link to a show called Man Made. I haven’t seen an episode yet, but the video introduction below looks intriguing.

Simon reports, “I’ve only seen two episodes but its about a guy who locates barn finds and restores them for selling at auction. So far its covered an amphicar and Camero (no jeeps!) but its a great program to watch and see how a professional goes about restoring classic cars. He’s not been so successful on the profit front mind you – the amphicar didn’t sell and he lost money on the Camero”

 
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1959 Wagon Jeep Rod Elgin, TX **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.

Here’s the foundation for an interesting project.

“1959 willys jeep chop top, needs tlc 1.000 or best offer . no engine . 4 speed trans 4 wheel drive ..duel wheels .. very solid jeep and head turner”

 
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Tall Flattie Project Palmdale, Ca **SOLD**

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

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $1500

You might have to purchase a ladder for this flattie.

“Willy jeep on 44 inch Super Swamper tires. Runs and drives, but radiator has not been moved to the rear. There’s no rooom in the front for the radiator. This is a project that needs work and is certainly not ready to be driven on road anytime soon. The Willys sits on a early 80’s Bronco frame that has been shortened. Lift is from a IFS ford. Runs good and no backyard custom suspension, this is basicly a bronco with an expensive aftermarket lift, so it will drive good too.  Swampers are in great shape with more than 3/4 tread.  I have a tilt column from a late model caprice, ready to install. I am willing to part out this thing if i get some serious offers. Or if someone wants to trade the swampers for some HUGE military tires i’d probably finish this project. Or a set of Rockwell axles ? Chevy Dana 60 ? I’d trade the whole truck for some Super Swamper Irok tires and wheels size 39.5 or 40 for a 20 inch rim, either chrome or polished, forged wheels.”

 
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1966 Rat Rod VW Chandler, AZ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000

I know it’s not a 4wd vehicle, but it sure is one of the odder VWs I’ve ever seen.

“1966 volkswagen ratrod for sale OR trade.  $2000 cash obo OR Looking to trade for : pre 1966 – f100, comet, ranchero, falcon, scout, commando, jeepster, willys, spitfire, bugeye sprite, Motorcycles — ruckus, tw200, rd350/400, radian, bmw, honda cb, cl, sl, xl, vmax…..
basically, if it’s cool , let me know what you’ve got! MUST have clean/clear az title, and if it’s a bike, MUST run.”

 
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1954? M-38 Kanosh, Ut $3500

• CATEGORIES: M-38, M-38A1, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to a reader named Brett for pointing out this jeep.  The front part of the jeep appears to be a M-38, though the year is off.  On the other hand, the rear body on this jeep looks suspiciously CJ-5ish.  I’d like to see some close up pics to see how the front and rear of the body has been merged.  Perhaps it is a M-38 and 1954 M-38A1?

“1954 Jeep Military. !2 volt alt, 4 cyl flat head engine, front and rear seats,body in good condition. Brake wheel cylinders have been replaced. Body is in good condition with little or no rust. Selling Jeep and buying 4 wheeler. Come and see it at 210 North Main Street, Kanosh, Utah 84637.”

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=2052611

 
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The Three Wheeled CJ-3A APU

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

UPDATE 2:  Learn More here

UPDATE:  As noted in the article below, these were developed by O. E. Szekely & Associates, who also created the modified CJ-3A for the Navy.  The APU pictured in color below is from the Miramar Marine Corps Air Museum in San Diego.

I keep thinking that I’ve seen all the different jeeps that were ever built.  But nope, here’s another one I’ve not seen before,  discussed on this Argentinian website. Both the pics below and the video are from that website.  It’s really cool!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp4AmbYTnRQ

 
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What is it? Langton, Norfolk, Canada **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was Make Offer

As usual, the folks at the Israeli Bureau of eWillys have spotted another unusual vehicle.  I *think* this is a combination of a CJ-3A body, willys truck/wagon fenders/windshield, a cj-3a hood and grille, and some creativity.  But I could be wrong….

“Selling Willys jeep. Doesn’t run. Has a straight flat six cylinder motor. Comes with 4×4 rear PTO wench and welder generator. Frame is in good condition.”


 
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1954 Truck San Jose, Ca $600

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

UPDATE:  The price dropped to $600

(10/12/09) I think I saw this in the Road Warrior Movie, lol.  And yeah, it has no brakes, but, seriously, would you really be worried about hitting a tree in this?

“1954 JEEP WILLY’S, RUNS NICE, 4X4, M/T, NO BRAKES!!! HAS RUST AND A BUNCH OF HOME MADE WELDS ALL OVER BODY NEED ALOT OF WORK MAKE OFFER!!!”

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1543607693.html

1954_truck_sanjose

 
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1950 CJ-3A Woodland, Wa $6200

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

1950_cj3a_woodlandUPDATE:  Price dropped to $6200

(09/29/09) This looks well put together.  It could probably use an OD if it doesn’t have one.

“I have a 1950 Willys CJ3a. It has a ford 289 V-8, 538 running gears, with a 4 speed top loader tranny, new rebuild, new high performance camshaft, and new heavy duty clutch, new paint, and brand new tiger top. This is a great little jeep, lots of power, lots of fun for the summer. $6200.00 Call steve @ 360-600-4223”

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/1544017184.html

 
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Need a more powerful Snow Blower?

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

Dave forwarded me this Tim-the-tool-man-Taylor version of a Snow Blower.  I’d ask why, but I already know the answer:  because he could.  Below is an excerpt of the article.  You can read it in its entirety and see more pics here.

“December 1, 2005 If you’re tired of anemic, one-lung snowblowers with their slipping drive belts, you might consider Kai Grundt’s V8 snow blower which raises the bar on the traditional snow blower in every respect. With electric start, electric block heater, antifreeze heater and eight cylinders, it has no drive belts to freeze up and you’ll never get bored with the job as the 454 cubic inch big block Chevrolet V8 produces 412 horsepower, 430 foot pounds of torque and can throw snow 50 feet at just 3500 rpm. Nor will you get cold as the machine has been ingeniously designed to route the engine coolant through the handle bars, with the rear mounted, enclosed radiator keeping the operator nice and cozy.

The first point to make is that this is not a V8 grafted on a traditional snow blower carriage but a purpose-built unit crafted around a motor of this magnitude. It functions very much like a traditional blower by way of operator input and feedback and offers effortless safe operation.

Maneuvering the massive beastie (it has a total wet weight of 912lbs) is a snack thanks to the hydraulic-drive 4WD skid steer on independent walking beams which offers a zero turning radius. It’s also as fast as you like, with an infinitely adjustable speed range on the drive wheels via dash mounted flow control. At the opposite end of the scale, it has more than enough torque to pull your car out of the ditch before the hydraulic motors stall! ….”

V8SnowBlower1

 
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Here’s an unusual tractor

• CATEGORIES: Machinery, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
Dave forwarded this to me, who found it here. It’s pretty cool. He’d like to replace the tractor with a CJ-3B.
(Fordson snow-motor)

<a href=”http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&token=568_1233111054″ mce_href=”http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&amp;token=568_1233111054″ target=”_blank”>http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&token=568_1233111054</a>

 
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The Tucker ‘Tiger’ Combat Car

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

Ever since I saw the movie about Preston Tucker I always wanted to check out one of his cars in person (which I talk about here). Despite the fact I found one near my Sister’s house in Roy, Wa, I still haven’t gotten there yet! Btw, here’s the official Tucker Car Club Site.

Prior to building the Tucker cars, he lead the development of a Combat Car.  To my surprise, today I found a video of the Tucker Combat Car.  Designed for World War II, but never purchased by the Military (to the best of my knowledge), the film mentions and shows the car; strangely, I never really thought this was real until I saw it in this video.

Here is an original video press release (parts 1 & 2) that explains Tucker and his new car.

And, a video promo of the movie Tucker- The Man and His Dream

 
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Swamp 4×4 Lutz, Fl $12,500

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

It used to be a CJ-5.  Apparently, these aren’t recent pics.

“this was a 1967 jeep willy i took every thing off of it but the frame at first but when i drove it it had so much more potential so i made a frame for it and lifted it it about 14 inches it has 37 inch tall tires and there 7.50 wide custom fit with 20 inch wheels. has a 3 speed high and low tranny with a p.t.o. winch which is the sickest part about it. it has diamond plate hood/floor boards,and dash.15 gallon fuel cell and a sweet exhuast system and snorkle.everything works a larger radiator and a 15” electric fan runs at about 160 to 180 degrees.it has a flat 4 cylinder engine that has a redictulous amout of bottom end.call or text joseph.813 476 4088 12,500 obo these are not recent pics i will text some recent ones if wanted”

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/1536789905.html

swamp_buggy_lutz

 
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1955 Fire Truck Vidalia, La **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was listed at $2100

I’d like a closer look at the bed to see what makes this a fire truck.

“1955 Willys / Jeep FIRE TRUCK, Kaiser Supersonic 6 cylinder, 4X4 works, runs well, Needs brakes bled and new home.”

1955_truck_vidalia

 
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Bantam BRC-40 Columbus, Oh eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Jim sending the link on this.  Obviously, this is a rare event.

“1941 Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC-40).  Restored – starts, run, drives great.  The vehicle was originally purchased  and restored by a pretty well known figure in the Bantam Auto Club circle sometime in the late 80’s/early 90’s.  I have a one page letter from this person detailing his efforts to obtain and restore the vehicle (which I will give to the buyer).   It passed through a few owners until my purchase in 2001.  Over the years I have upgraded/corrected various pieces and parts.  It comes with a few spare parts, manuals, and a top.

The vehicle is 99%+ complete and accurate.  The body tub is original – ie. not a reproduction like many others out there.  The items that I believe are incorrect (or missing) are:

The choke and throttle knobs are the not the early “bulls-eye” type – although I have what I believe to be one correct replacement.

The oil pan does not have a skid plate – although I have a correct, original oil pan with skid plate that needs to be cleaned up and attached.

The rear tool box lid locks are incorrect.

The reflectors are of the King-Bee type (as used on the FORD GP) and I believe should in fact be Triflex SR-71s.

When I purchased the vehicle, it had a reproduction windshield frame.  It was a pretty accurate copy, but a reproduction nonetheless.  I sold it to another BRC-40 owner and acquired an original frame a few years back.  It needs some work (arms straightened, etc and needs the latches to the cowl when in its upright position), but it’s in pretty nice condition.  In fact, it has most of its original paint.

The front bumper is an OK reproduction, but I acquired a much better replacement from Ken Hake which has the correct rivets and hand crank guide.

Lastly, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am not sure the front leaf springs are correct/original.  They may be correct, but again, I am not 100% sure. Lastly she needs a good bath – she has sat in my barn with my other vehicles for the past nine years and has collected a coating of dust and dirt.  It was near freezing when I took the photos – I put a new battery in her and she started right up.  Lastly, after sitting for nearly nine years, the brakes are a bit mushy.  I’ll see if I can rectify this prior to sale (no promises).”

View some of the pics on eBay or many pics here.

bantam_brc40_34

bantam_brc40_35

bantam_brc40_38

bantam_brc40_25

bantam_brc40_36

 
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One more Double Ender

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

Here’s a VW Bus DoubleEnder posted at Flickr.

double_ender_vw

Here’s an earlier post about double enders.

 
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The Ensign 100

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

Here’s an interesting, rare offroad vehicle built specifically for Mining.  I first discovered it at Hemmings and then ran across a detailed story about it at OEMOffHighway.com.  I couldn’t find any more pics or information about them.

From OEMOffHighway.com, “The Ensign 100 was rated at 1.5 tons and was built around a frame made from 2x4x0.25 in. steel tubing, on to which a body fabricated from 1/4, 3/16 and 1/8 in. plate steel was welded. The standard power plant was Ford’s 52 hp, four-cylinder 192D diesel industrial engine, although Deutz or Perkins could also be ordered.”

From AVRider

DSC01687

From Hemmings:

ensign_100_1

ensign_100_3

ensign_100_2

ensign_100_4

From the OEMOffHighway.com:

ensign_brochure

 
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Yamaha Rhino GI Kit **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: The website for Tippman is down. I can only assume that these kits did not sell well enough and the company went out of business.

I know what you are thinking … how can I turn my boring Yamaha Rhino into a flat fender looking offroad vehicle?  I’m sure this has kept you up at nights?  Well, you need not lose any more sleep, as Tippman Design has developed exactly the package you need.  It’s like a VEEP for the ATV crowd.

According to the Tippman design website, “the first of our products [is] the GI Kit for the Yamaha Rhino 660 and 450 with the ability to be installed on all Rhinos built prior to 2009. We are working on the fitting of the new 2009 Rhino design. The club car GI Kit is on the drawing board as well, production date to be announced.”

The base price for the package is $2200 plus shipping.

Here’s a standard Yamaha Rhino (Ok, I think this is standard; I don’t really know)

yamaha_rhino

And here’s a Rhino with the Tippman GI Kit installed.

yamaha_rhino_kit

yamaha_rhino_kit3

yamaha_rhino_kit2

yamaha_rhino_kit4

 
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Gold Chain Jeep Monessen, PA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $150.

You got to appreciate the seller who apologized on Craigslist for putting a jewelry ad in the parts section (as if violating the orderly sanctity of Craigslist was a mortal sin), but I appreciate his sensitivity and his logic is sound.  Not the greatest pics.

“sorry posting in parts but dont think to many of jeep guys are looking in jewlery. nice and unique, call mark”

 

jeep_flattie_necklace_chain

 
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Builds: Chad’s Ford Model A Roadster PU Willys

• CATEGORIES: Builds, CJ-2A, CJ-3A, Features, Unusual, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a wonderful build, an experiment by a reader named Chad.  He wanted to know what a Ford Model A Roadster would look like if Willys built it. So, naturally, he built one himself!

He writes, “Did all of it myself except the upholstery, in my home garage. It’s got a flathead V8 for power and took between 6 and 8 years start to finish. The dDrivetrain is flathead V8 adapted to a C-4 automatic adapted to Dana 18. Front axle is Dana 27 w/Corvette discs….rear is Dana 44 with one piece axles and Lock-rite geared 4.27.  I thought maybe it would be a four year job, but stuff happens  and there was a whole lot of headscratching to make things look ‘somewhat factory’. I used as many factory parts as I could but not necessarily the way they were used ‘by the factory’…..(those are Jeepster tailights, but they aren’t mounted that way on a Jeepster, just as an example).”

Great work and thanks for sharing!

frankie

frankierear

interior

engine

 
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Hadley Engineering — The Veep

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

UPDATE: Additional links — The Hadley Engineering Brochure and VEEPS vs. SCAMPS and other model.

Based on a reader’s inquiry, I decided to do some research regarding the Veep.  I’ve seen a few of these for sale over the past couple of years, but it doesn’t happen often and I really knew nothing about them. So, here’s the little bit I learned.

According to the Dune Buggy Archives, the Veep was sold as both a completed jeep and as a kit by Hadley Engineering, which was based at 1778 Monrovia, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (maybe they are still there).  The company claimed that any Beetle or Karman Ghia could be used to build a Veep in about 40 hours.

I’ve only seen two engine sizes so far, a 1600 cc or a 1800 cc VW motor.  The suspension, frame, and running gear is all VW.  Most of the veeps appear to use a replacement M-38 body, though one ad below claims a ’42 body (mb or gpw) was used.   The gas tank is mounted in the front, which simply looks odd when you open the hood.  Below is a couple brochures and some misc Veeps.  In the posts below are some additional Veeps.

I’m still hardly an expert on these, so if you have additional information, I’d love to learn more.

brochure_veep

veep_kit

blue_veep_bob_garrard

gray_veep

race_veep

veep_brown

 
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Builds: Gary and his Friend Lawrence

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

Gary has become a regular reader.  His green CJ-5 is undergoing a makeover, with a body purchased off craigslist coupled with a rebuilt motor (134 F is in the machine shop), including a new engine kit and re-ground crank.  You can see his starting jeep in the pic below. Gary is also working on a spare tire carrier for the back of his CJ-5 which he plans to share when it is finished.  Thank for sharing!

Gary also provided pics of his friend Lawrence’s jeeps.

gary_peacock_1961_cj5

The first of Lawrence’s jeeps is a CJ-2A which he cut and converted to a two wheel drive truck. Lawrence is pictured here.

cj2a_truck_lawrence

The next is a cj3B with a 2.8 chevrolet engine and a T14 transmission. (He calls it a John Deere Jeep).

john_deere_cj2a

Last is a M38 A1, with a few upgrades.

m38a1_lawrence