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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 .
Maybe someone can save this?
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/pts/d/glendale-willys-cj3b-tub/7447628500.html
“I have a Willys Jeep CJ3B tub. It is a little rough but usable. Has some rust and a few dents. No title or vin. Comes as you see it in the pictures.”
UPDATE: Several instances of newspapers carrying the ad have been found across the US. They include, Page 5 of the Atlanta Constitution’s American Weekly Magazine Page 3 (thanks John), The San francisco Examiner Sun’s American Weekly Magazine Page 3, and The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph’s American Weekly Magazine Page 3. So, it was the American Weekly Magazine that printed the ad. Thanks for everyone’s help!
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Barry is investigating how a Farm Aide Lift (or what appears to be one) ended up on page 3 in an April 6, 1947, Willys-Overland ad for the Universal Jeep. The biggest question is [ed note: now answered], in what magazine did the ad appear? My guess was that it is some kind of newspaper-related Sunday periodical (such as Parade or The Week). It might have even been a western-US only periodical or ad.
Well, I was right about the Sunday periodical, it was the American Weekly Magazine Page 3, but I was wrong about the regional aspect; it’s clear it was nationwide.
You can Barry’s full post about the topic here: https://www.farmjeep.com/2022/02/16/april-1947-mystery-ad-is-that-a-non-jeep-approved-lift/
Here is a closeup of part of the ad (compare it with the Farm Aide Lift).
Photo Credit: Farm Jeep and the Mysteries 1947 ad post
This whole ad appeared in the Atlanta Consititution:
Here is the cover of the magazine:
Bill shared this Autorevolution article. I’ve included the video of the rebuild as well.
PART I:
PART II:
Seller wants to sell these as a package.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/348573583804662/
“I have two M38 Military M38 that are 1950-1952, theres no way to tell a specific year that I’ve been able to figure out. Neither of them run, the green one is together but has a hole in the oil pan. Its a very solid vehicle. The other has been torn down and all the parts I’ve got are sitting on a pallet. Since these were never intended to be registered for road use they were not given a vin number when new. Most people used the engine number as a serial/vin but neither of these have been previously registered.
The green one has recently been issued a vin number by the CHP and I have the paperwork needed to register. The year on the paperwork is not correct, I believe they marked it down as a 1946. I really want these to go to someone that will fully restore one or both. Located here in Chico, I accept cash ONLY. I am able to deliver these if needed but we will need to discuss the details of that in person. BOTH GO TOGETHER AS A PAIR, NO PARTS WILL BE SOLD OFF OF THEM.”
Seller has this listed as a 1955 CJ-3A, but it looks more like an M-38 that may have been titled in 1955.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/672743147229462
“55 jeep CJ3A strong running 289 motor POWER Steering DUAL EXHAUST (WARN WENCH) like new tires aftermarket wheels new Ignition switch nice seats NEW MIRRORS NEW FUEL TANK NEW LED LIGHTS ON REAR New windshield wiper Motors Also have hard top possible trade?? (New classic plates )(clear title)YAKIMA AREA Trade for yj jeep”
Listed as a CJ-5, it seems more like an M-38A1.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/375956620567144
“1959 Willys CJ5. 4×4 350 Chevrolet small block. Automatic. Runs, drives, tagged. Has some extras. Actual mileage unknown. Trade for a sport side by side. Must have title. $5000 obo. Low ballers get blocked. If it’s still listed I still have it. I do not reply to auto messages. ”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $8000.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/893245331342666
“A 1948 cj2a Jeep with a 283 out of a corvette engine”
This has a variety of updates.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/497436771735518
“The term barn find gets used a lot but this is actually a barn find. I pulled it out of a barn in Wilton. It’s been sitting in there since 1985 when the guy that built it died of a heart attack. He built it in the early 80s to be the fastest jeep at Pismo. I bought it from his widow. It has a Corvette 327 and Muncie four-speed out of a 67 Corvette that his buddy wrecked. Dana 18 transfer case and warn overdrive. I believe the axles are original. The Vin verification has been done and I have a new non opped pink slip in hand. The body is mostly straight with a few small dents and dings. No Bondo that I’m aware of and no rust holes. It does not run but the motor will turn over. It has been sitting for 35+ years so everything will need to be gone through before it can be driven. I love this thing and I don’t really want to sell it but I have too many projects that need my attention”
Looks like a fair price.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/524182618948377
“1952 cj3a willys jeep. No title, parts jeep No motor”
This may have a CJ-3B f-head.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1109832729854718
“I’ve got a 1947 willys cj2 with a cj3 motor runs great its a project but definitely has good bones has a little bit of rust but nothing major has a pto winch”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(12/10/2022) This flattie has a variety of updates, including a replacement tub.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/144598181176248
“1952 Willys CJ3A Jeep 78 Iron Duke 4 cylinder 2.5 liter (90 HP, versus 60 HP from stock L-head; used in 80-84 CJs from factory) T14 3 speed, D18 2 handle transfer case, Warn overdrive (gear splitter) Dana 25/44 538 ratio.
Will do/maintain 60, but not really a freeway vehicle (ideal speed range 35 to 55-loves long rural roads). In the 9 years I’ve had this, only used 4×4 for snow. no off roading/mudding. 11 inch drum brakes. Saginaw manual steering. 31×10.5×15 tires (80% tread) Hood, grill, fenders & tailgate are original.
This has an M-38 body, but I’m less sure about the chassis.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/324857886254015/
“As is parts or restore , no paperwork. Message me. Serious buyers only…. You haul – bring trailer or tow away.”
This may have some Watson hubs.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/346341867400923
“Comes with 2 working engines: Straight 6 cylinder 5 speed V6 chevy engine”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(12/08/2021) Not sure how much value is here. Seller thinks this might be a 1953.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3189704194633536
“No Title! I believe it’s a 53 cj3b high hood no paperwork. New tires and powder coated original rims and seats are redone. No motor and a bunch of random original parts to go with it. 2k obo”
UPDATE: Still Available.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/176733491227149
“Crawler, 4wheel drive, 4 speed transmission, big tires, full roll cage, small block Chevy engine with a modified cam bored and stroked, runs great. Has a tow bar but it is licensed for the road. It’s a Willy’s jeep with a CJ3A windshield”
Sorry for the lack of updates this week. Ann’s still recovering from gallbladder surgery, but she’s been well enough to keep an eye on the dogs during the day. So, I’ve been busy this week rebuilding the small shop (in back of the big shop … roughly 25′ x 20′). It was a dark, dingy room with one fluorescent light that didn’t work.
Since we have plans to redo this area of the shop (a year or two away), I didn’t want to invest too much into the room. So,after pulling down all the old shelving, I washed the walls, rather than paint them. Then, I replaced the dying fluorescent light with a series of LED shop lights. It’s not all that elegant, but it’s nice and bright in there. I also bought some hangers so I can put my extra wood onto the wall. Finally, I built a long, narrow, sturdy shop bench out of recycled wood and screws, where I can store more wood pieces and other materials. I still need to add a pegboard and build a vacuum setup for the wood dust.
Here’s a brief look at the small shop. My one before-photo isn’t all that good, but, as you can see, the room was dark (and that was with the light on)!.
There are the after pics, though there is more work, cleaning, and organizing to do still.
Bill spotted an article at Hemmings about coach-built jeeps. Some of the Duriez ads were posted on eWillys back in 2014.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/02/14/jeep-coachbuilding-french-leftover-world-war-ii
PHOTO CREDIT: Hemmings.com
Mark posted this at sellajeep.com. Its has a variety of updates. If I understand correctly, the windshield has been rebuilt (which looks well done).
http://www.sellajeep.com/mjs/sale22/ad026/ad026.html
“I have owned this Jeep for forty years. I restored and rebuilt it to its present condition in 2017. It is original except for the 4-cylinder Chevy engine from 1977. It is in excellent condition running and otherwise. I rebuilt the transmission, transfer case, clutch, release bearing, pressure plate, steering system, etc. All four brake cylinders are new as well as the master brake cylinder. All of the brake lines are new, both metal and rubber. The restored body is original. I repaired the floor boards and replaced the bed. All of the support channels under the floor are new. The storage compartment under the passenger seat has a new steel floor. I fabricated a new windshield from 4130 steel aircraft tubing. The windshield frame is aluminum with new glass. It has a clean title. I drive it frequently on the highway. It could use a new radiator. The original one in the Jeep has a small leak near the top. It does not cause a problem even here in Florida except for the puddle it leaves on the garage floor. This a Willys that you can use daily on modern roads and run hard off road and it will still be good in another 75 years. It is original from the flywheel back having a jeep clutch plate and pressure plate so if someone wants to go back to the original type engine it is a simple bolt in place swap.”
I put this series of tailgate photos together for Don, but perhaps others can use these measurements? If I had more time, I put together a drawing with them, but, for now, this is the best I have:
UPDATE: Price dropped to $3500.
Marty’s selling this Converto Trailer that includes the original combat rims. Call or text Marty Tilford 360 600 5300.
“1944 US Army Airborne Converto 1/2 ton dump trailer. 31 x 10.50 r15 BFG mud terrain tires on 10 wide wheels. Also comes with the original reinforced combat wheels with tires. All new tail lights and wiring. The original lunette eye mount is all complete and not modified. I made a new slug of solid 2 inch round bar to fit in the factory spot with a 2 inch ball coupler. It can be easily removed and put an original one back on it. The floor is solid with very little surface rust. The only original part it is missing besides the lunette eye is the handle for the rear gate dogs. I just made one out of some steel i had around. This trailer would not take much to have it fully restored. Im asking $4,000.00 obo”
UPDATE: Here is a third one that was documented on Worthpoint and a forth one, also documented on Worthpoint. Both are slightly different from the two below and each other. My guess now is that these originated from this Australian company named Boyle. Though it no longer has jeeps listed, the site does include other vehicles with a similar vintage feel.
I bought this wagon off of eBay last week. At the time, I couldn’t find a comparable one. Though the eBayer listed this as a 1947 wagon (which technically it emulates), the stamp on the bottom clearly indicates it was made in 2005. My guess was that it was a newer model rather than an older one. Still, it was a good price (especially given it was coming from Canada) and a nice large piece in great shape. So, I bought it.
There is a similar one on eBay right now (NOW SOLD) (see pics at the bottom of the post), but there are numerous detail differences between them.
Here are pics of the one currently on eBay:
There are a variety of minor differences between these two models. For example, this one has not stamp or date on the bottom. The windshields edges and wipers are different. The grille on this one has more slots than mine. This was has the 4-wheel-drive detail on the hood (mine doesn’t). This was has different hubcaps than mine. Mine has more “lines” on the bottom edge of the sides than this one. The steering wheel on this is brown and sits higher than mine.
UPDATE: Price dropped to $16,000.
(01/03/2022) Looks like an interesting build.
http://www.sellajeep.com/mjs/sale22/ad037/ad037.html
“1954 Kaiser-willys CJ3B 400 c,l Small Block t-350 trans dana 30open front-disc brakes dana 44 flanged axel rear dana 18 transfer case tilt column and power steering new 20 gal. gas tank new radiator an Elec fans dual trans cooler and Elec fans warren locking hubs high back seats street legal-everything works no rust anywhere $18,000 OBO”
I thought I had created a post about the various oil filter brackets years ago, but if I did, I can’t find it. So, here are the three type of brackets on l-heads from 1942-1965. (If anyone knows of others, let me know via the comments)
Triangle: The first type is the “triangle-style”. It’s a familiar one on WWII and CJ-2A engines.
OVAL: This second type, the “oval-style”, was likely on l-heads sometime and somewhere between 1950 and 1952 (as best as I can tell). These are pretty rare and the pic below is the best example I currently have.
Round: The third type, “the “round-style”, appeared on late 1952 l-heads and later on DJ-3As:
I snagged this rare postal jeep FJ-3 brochure off of ebay; It is rare enough that I didn’t know these existed! One thing that caught my eye was the Civil Defense sticker. I off handedly mentioned it to Ann and she quickly found the reason for the sticker. From this page at the USPS website:
Each year from 1954 to 1961, civil defense authorities coordinated a drill called Operation Alert.6 Cities across the country conducted civil defense exercises on the same day. Postal participation in Operation Alert 1956 was described in a West Virginia newspaper:
A civil defense drill was held Tuesday afternoon in the Beckley Post Office. This drill was one of a series of simultaneous drills held in 38 key postal installations of the Washington Region….
These training drills are required by the government since keeping the mails moving plays an important part in the communications system that must be maintained during national emergencies. Four feder- al trucks operated by the Beckley Post Office have been designated Civil Defense units, and bear that insignia.
Including the four vehicles at the Beckley Post Office, 25,000 postal trucks were designated as emergency civil defense vehicles and fitted with Civil Defense de- cals in 1956. It was believed that “postal trucks would be valuable as emergency ambulances, rescue vehicles, and for local emergency transportation in the event of an enemy attack.”
Starting in 1956, many postal vehicles bore decals indicating their potential use as ambulances, rescue vehicles, and for other transportation during emergencies.
In December 1964, the Civil Defense Program was expanded to include even the smallest postal-owned motor vehicles, the three-wheeled Mailsters. Vehicle maintenance facilities provided Civil Defense decals so that each of these smaller deliver could be identified. Civil Defense decals were required on postal-owned vehicles until March 1971.
Now for the brochure:
The latest issue of the Dispatcher Magazine arrived in my mail box. The Bantam BRC-40 shown on the front is the focus of a fascinating story on it’s use as a truck at the America Bantam Factory. It is likely the first jeep with a tailgate!
