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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 .
UPDATE: Stick Available
(10/1/09) I’m not sure if this runs or not.
“1942 flat fender Ford Jeep Willys, F Head, T 90, model 44 rear end, 25 in front, 33’s”
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/1426440865.html
UPDATE: Was on eBay. **SOLD**
“It’s time sell this beauty and pass it on to the next owner. I’ve had this for three years and need to part with it. Getting married and need some cash for the honeymoon. (Yeah – roll your eyes, it’s OK) This jeep turn heads and receives compliments all the time. I’ve had a lot of work done to it over the years. New tires with 300 miles on them. New starter, alternator, carburator, radiator (aluminum), stainless steel firewall (Very nice) and tons of little extras to make it sharp. Engine: 65-67 Buick Special V6 225. Common after market jeep engine. (So I’m told) Rebuilt in December 2008 with 145 miles on the rebuild. (It’s hard to drive a jeep in the rain in Oregon) The company that rebuilt the engine went out of business in January 2009 (Auto Link – Gresham, OR). It has two areas where it drips oil. One – Head gasket needs to be replaced. Two – plug behind engine….”
I spent much of the day doing the initial bending of my cage. I managed to complete the front loop and back loop. I was very pleased with the results and the bender. Thanks to Mitch for the front and back loop measurements. Those proved invaluable!
I will delay a discussion of my tube choice (size and type). I spent A LOT of time researching various forums on the pros and cons of various sizes. Then, there’s the whole DOM vs. HREW vs. CREW vs. Sched 40 vs. Chromoly … and more. I’ve also been filing away various roll cage designs so that readers and builders can see all the different ideas. In the end, my cage reflects the need to tie into my frame due to the fiberglass body, I also wanted it to look like my previous cage in my first jeep, and it includes a workaround for the mid loop attachment as I put the mid loop attachment closer to the seat then I wanted (oops). I also need to talk a little about the bender I built and the plans I used, but will save that for later too.
The first thing I needed to do was calculate exactly how the bend of the tube changed the measurements and determine the inner and outer radius measurements so I could measure the loops correctly. I started by marking off a tube in 1 inch increments up to about 15″. Then I put the tube in the bender and bent the tube. I learned that my 2″ die created an outer radius of 7.5″ and the length of a 90 degree bend from start to finish was 10″. You can see the inch markers and the tube cutter I was using in the pic to the right.
Another thing I learned was that I had to bend the tube about 3 degrees past the amount I wanted, as it would spring back 3 degrees when released from the bender (you can see it bent past 90 in the pic below).
Knowing that information, I measured and bent the front loop. The first two bends of 90 degrees went smoothly. Then, I cut down the bottom pieces so that, after I added the windshield contours, the front loop would measure 45″ from the loop to the floor boards. Next, I bent the loop with the windshield angle. My windshield sits at an angle of 15 degrees and the bend needed to start 20″ from the floor board. These also bent perfectly.
So far so good.
Next was the back loop. Based on Mitch’s measurements and the look I was after, I decided that 43″ from the loop to the back floor would be a perfect distance. I made the width the exact distance between the body sides, which is slightly narrow than a standard jeep due to the wider lip on the fiberglass body. Again, the 90 degree bends went perfectly. Then, I had to do 45 degree bends back towards the body. Unfortunately, after testing the loop on the jeep, 45 degrees wasn’t the angle I actually needed, so I had to bend both sides twice in order to increase the angles to the point where it would work correctly.
Here’s a poor quality shot from my camera phone of both loops in their respective places.
With the two toughest parts of the cage out of the way, the sun set and I moved inside. I also was getting a little tired, because when I attempted to bend the back supports, I managed to bend BOTH wrong — one was bent the wrong angle and one was bent in the wrong location. Fortunately, I can salvage the tube and use them in other places. At that point, I thought it best to head inside and cook dinner.
More pics tomorrow night.
It might or might not start. It’s got a PTO.
“
have a 1947 Willys CJ-2A Jeep for sale. The body is in good shape needs some work. The motor ran last time I tried starting it. I also have many extra parts for a willys jeep. Frames, springs, carberator, transmission, ect…. Will sell stuff seperatly if your interested. If you would like to see more pictures i can email them. Would be a great restoration project. I dont have the time or the money to fix it up so i just want to sell it to someone who does.”
http://grandisland.craigslist.org/cto/1425373009.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500
This doesn’t have a motor. It has a Muller Top.
“
antique yes custom yes running not yt but ready for a 350 chevy to drop in.”
No engine. At best it is a parts jeep.
“Asking 750.00. Great project. I bought it to fix-up. Too many projects. My loss your gain. Call to see! No motor, clean title. ”
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1425587438.html
This is a non runner. The engine is stuck.
“Nice cj2a with 49000 miles on odometer, Body good, with normal rust underneath, Frame good. mechanically good engine stuck but rebuildable Rare full aluminum top in excellent condition! will need brake work. Ph Rich 712 657 2042 See Pics”
http://omaha.en.craigslist.org/cto/1425347900.html
This might make a good project. The body sure looks good from the front.
“Classic restored, non running; no title can get 1; complete. just blows blew smoke; stored covered 4 8 years; Let me amke you a deal. 801 689 6547”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1175.
No motor with this VW Jeep. I doubt this is a ’42, but rather probably several decades later.
“this 42 willys has vw runnig gear spun bearing in motor dont have motor. is fun to drive yes i have a title u just need to find a motor i just dont have time thanks open to trades or cash”
NOTE: I suspect I will revisit and update this post as I learn more from both readers and the internet.
I’ve been meaning to get to a post about retreaded offroad tires for a while, but really wanted to do more research on it, such as obtaining actual prices, shipping estimates, etc.
But, then Jim emailed me excited that he found retreaded tires that could be delivered to his door step at a total cost less than $400. He said I needed to share this with readers and he is right.
I told him I already knew about the tires and was aware of sources; however, that thing called ‘time’ kept getting in the way of me posting information about it. Also, I was about ready to purchase some retreads about which I’d planned to share with readers as a part of the post, but then Mitch made me an offer on some tires that I simply HAD to explore, so a purchase of retreads got put aside.
But, Jim’s comment made me realize it would be better to talk about what I’ve learned so far and let readers add to the discussion rather than try to figure it all out myself. So, here it goes …..
SUMMARY
First, let me say that I have never used retreads, so I have no personal experience with them. My summary is based on research and some feedback from readers.
OFFROAD RETREAD OPTIONS
Stone Tire (Here’s a link to a post about them)
Import Export Tire from La Trobe Pa (You can see the V-Grips on Gerald’s CJ-3B).
Treadwright: https://www.treadwright.com/
Others:
SOS Tire in Martin’s Ferry, Oh, sells the V-Grip (possibly by another name). I have no link for the website, but a reader named Travis has purchased the tires for two of his vehicles and says they have worked great.
Check retread.org for more possible locations
RETREAD TIRES
The Tire Retread and Information Buruea at retread.org is a non-profit, member supported, industry association dedicated to the recycling of tires through tire retreading and tire repairing. Additionally, according to the website, this association is not engaged in legislative or technical matters, which I interpret to mean they are not a lobbying body, but purely an informational resource.
According to the website, retreaded tires can “be driven at the same speeds, including highway and Interstate speeds, as new tires, with no loss in safety or comfort. Virtually all of the world’s airlines use retreads. Retreaded tires are used on school buses, racing cars, taxis, trucks, and Federal and U.S. military vehicles. These users all know that retreaded tires can be depended upon for safe and dependable performance.”
EXPERIENCES
LINKS
Jeepandmedic.com is a great little website that features a French (?) family that is busy collecting jeeps (GPA, GP, Hotchkiss …) and more. It appears to be a total family affair. Their collection of jeep pedal vehicles is particularly interesting. The collection of book titles is worth reviewing as well.
Below are a few of the pedal jeeps. Note the last pic where they are hanging in a garage above what appears to be the Seep covered in canvas.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $7995.
“134c.i. 1BBL 4cyl, 3 Speed Manual Transmission, Dana 30 Rear w/ 5.38 Gear Ratio, Red Lights, Wipers, Heater, Seat Belts, 4 Wheel Drive, Working Siren, Removable Soft Top, Removable Side Doors w/ Zipper Windows, Side Mount Spare Tire, Factory Steel Wheels w/ Military Tread Tires, Side Mount Fuel Can, Owners Manual, Service Manual, Runs & Drives Great! U.S. Air Force Air Police Classic Jeep!!”
It looks good, but the image compression makes the body look rough.
“1951 Willys M38 World War II Army Jeep. Parade quality. 30 cal. resin machine gun for looks. Drives and runs good. Call for more information or to see (608) 362-3267.”
http://janesville.craigslist.org/cto/1424880569.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700
It’s rough, but runs.
“
make a great hunting vehicle. runs and drives 4 wheel drive works. gunna go fast”
UPDATE: These were for sale back in July. Chris sent these updated pics (which are close to what Simon sent) and writes that the seller is not interested in parting them out.
“I have around 10 to 15 original WWII Willy Jeeps for sale. The have original engines and are fixer uppers. If you are interested email me for pictures and more info.”
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1258850495.html
It’s a beauty. I was a little surprised to see the engine area isn’t as polished as the rest of the jeep.
“YOU ARE VIEWING A 1948 WILLYS JEEPSTER CONVERTIBLE THAT RUNS AND DRIVES FLAWLESS. THE INTERIOR HAS BEEN RE-UPHOLSTERED ABOUT 50 MILES AGO, ALONG WITH THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. IT IS A REAL 1960’S HOT ROD. THE ORIGINAL MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A STUDEBAKER V-8 WHICH RUNS FLAWLESSY. IT IS STICK WITH ORIGINAL JEEPSTER TRANS AND REAR AND FRONT END. JEEP IS FROM TENNESSEE IT NEVER HAS HAD ANY ROT OR RUST, SUPER CLEAN BODY. ALL ORIGINAL LAQUER PAINT JOB- CLEANS UP WELL, BUT COULD USE A REPAINT TO MAKE IT MINT. IT HAS A 3 SPEED WITH OVERDRIVE AND HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO 12 VOLTS. EVERYTHING WORKS THIS IS JUST A BEAUTIFUL FUN LITTLE HOT ROD …”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.
“Fresh tune up, Runs good, 4WD does not work, but parts are available to fix it.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000.
“I have a 1947 Willys Jeep. Needs some work. Asking $2000 or trade for a Polaris Sportsman 4 wheeler.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This has a few unusual features. (1) Note the location of the 2nd battery, (2) note the “Power Train” hubs [I don’t recognize this brand] and (3) the interesting location/position of the heater.
“Up for auction is ‘Ol Fred, my very rare 1948 Willy’s Overland CJ2A. Purchased two years ago, and has been stored indoors ever since. A restoration was done by previous owner.. not so much as to “show” the vehicle, but to use it. Drives like a new Jeep. This vehicle is extremely tight. The Original Go-Devil L-Head 60bhp engine runs perfectly, as does the Original 3-speed transmission. Shifts like new. Complete Drivetrain was overhauled. The Transfer Case is equipped with drive pulleys for running external implements such as water pumps, generators, etc. New Brakes. Still runs original 6 volt system with additional 6 volt battery…..”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $6000
This is one of the better hard top restorations that I’ve seen. Most people dump them.
“Have a 1948 Willys CJ 2-A in absolutely perfect condition Frame off restoration with a 198 Buick V-6 with warn overdrive that runs perfectly. All 12 volt with all new gauges that all work. All hat channels perfect as the rest of the tub. Really nice Sears aluminum top, insulated on the inside. Goes down the road like a dream and I drive it daily. Top speed 60 MPH with the overdrive. Absolutely no rust anywhere, frame perfect, and all wiring, lights are perfect. Have Pa title in my name Serious buyers only for more pics One NICE Willys 2-A Please call 814-590-7732”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $700.
This might be worth some closer pics, though the steering looks a little crazy. Is that a steering housing sitting on top of the front of the driver frame rail?
“1953 Willys Jeep flat fender, V6 motor from a 60s model Jeep this jeep originally came with a 4 cly motor, Jeep needs the wiring ,exhaust and brakes redone to get it going good . Motor starts up and runs . Would make a good beach or hunting Jeep .
Possible trades for early bronco project or maybe 65-66 mustang project . Like I said it is a PROJECT but it is a cool collectors Jeep. Thanks Robert, Cedar Park Tx 512-925-2597. Asking $ 700.00 OBO”
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1423505715.html
Tellico4x4.com has a 3 day sale with up to 70% on clearance item and 10% off all purchases (don’t forget to use the Promo Code TW-10P-9 when making purchases). Sale valid Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2009.
I have no idea if this is of any use to anyone, but I thought it was interesting. Here’s a the link to download a 200+ government document that lists THE STANDARD NOMENCLATURE LIST of Spare Parts and Equipment as of January 1944 for GPW & MBs. Sections of the document include: Maintenance Parts Procurement List (Section 2); Vehicular Spare Parts and Equipment List (Section 3); Organizational Spare Parts and Equipment List (Section 4); Ordnance Maintenance Unit Stockage List (Section 5); Depot Stockage List (Section 6); Geographical or Seasonal Maintenance Parts List (Section 7); and Indexes (Seciion 8).
Another document highlights the OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF GPWS & MBs from 1944.
I found this and some other documents related to GPWs, MBs, M-38s and M-38A1s at Archive.org, a website that stores all kinds of information as a digital library and public resource (the site has movies, images, books, and more). To find this information, do a search on Willys (or just click this link)
Here’s a couple images from the NOMENCLATURE LIST:
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $600.
It runs and drives.
“This is a custom built 1/4 scale Willys Jeep with a wood and metal body using an electric motor from a walk along golf cart. It has a single disk brake and chain drive. The wheels are from a wheelbarrow. A real craftsman made this and he had lots of time on his hands!”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1100.
It runs. It is only $1100. What more do you need to know?
“’53 M38A1 military Willys. Runs, rough body, definately a project/hunting rig. Engine converted to 12volt, lights are still 24 volt. Also included is a ’52 frame and body. not street legal at this time…bill of sale only. Limited access to email”