JR spotted this photo in an Air Force Commemorative Facebook Group.lt looks to me like the ship is shown near San Francisco.
July 1944 Water Color
Scott shared this link to a Watercolor painting by C. Baij. It shows American Soldier Uncle John 507 PIR; 82 ABN in France. He spotted it online at the Las Laguna Art Gallery.
Knox Trailers
UPDATE IV: Here’s another Knox, this time owned by Clint. It appears to have a few mods:
UPDATE III: While searching for any info on Knox trailers, Brandon ran across this post. So, he sent in some pics of his Knox trailer. He recently sold it.
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UPDATE II (From July 13, 2021) : Here’s another example of a Knox trailer that Jared recently purchased:
Sears Aluminum Hardtop Tyngsboro, MA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $300
Glenn spotted this top for sale, most likely sold by Sears and made by Meyers. Hopefully, someone can use it.
“Nice aluminum top with doors, door mounting pieces and windshield header. It’s in nice shape, not beat up. This will fit a Willys CJ2A, CJ3A, WWII Willys MB or Ford GPW. Hard to find in this shape. Looks to be a Sears tops based on photos I could find.”
1950 Wagon Endurance Photo **SOLD**
UPDATE II: I got curious about the origin of this photo. I wondered if the story behind this marathon could be found. After examining the wagon closely, I noticed just to the right of the fellow with the hat that Hill Motor Company was in ——S, GA. After some searches, I discovered that a Kirven’s store was located in Columbus, Ohio. Unfortunately, I could find no article associate with the photo on the internet or within newspapers.com.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
I wish I knew more about the story behind this photo.
The Free-Lock Corporation and Their Hubs
UPDATE VII: A set of NOS Free-Lock hubs included documentation stating that by December of 1973 Free-Lock had become a “Quality Division” of Dualmatic Products Company. So, I believe this suggests that Free-Lock was acquired by Dualmatic, so now the questions are 1) when did this happen and 2) why didn’t Dualmatic use the branding sooner than circa 1970 (there was a gap between the end of Free-Lock in 1959 and the re-emergence of the brand circa late 1960s or early 1970s).
UPDATE VI: I located a set of Free-Lock hub instructions that are a pre-view for a later set of near identical Dualmatic instructions. This is clear documentary evidence that Dualmatic was linked to Free-Lock.
UPDATE V: I recently packed many of my father’s tools to bring them back to Prosser. I was a regular user of them when working on my bicycles, then my jeeps. So, I thought I knew them pretty well. That is why I was so surprised and did a double take when I removed this tool from a drawer and read the name stamped on it: FREE-LOCK WRENCH …
What??? Where’d that come from? I once asked Dad about Free-Lock hubs, but he didn’t know anything about them. So, I don’t know how he obtained it.
Anyway, given the primitive nature of it, I’d have to guess it was a first generation version of the wrench. As seen below, a second, more elegant curved-design with a better branding stamp was likely introduced after this version.
Here’s a reminder of the other version of the Free Lock Wrench:
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UPDATE IV (From February 12, 2017): This page contains two later model Free-Lock hubs that resemble Selectro hubs. My theory is that Free-Lock might have evolved into the Selectro Company: http://www.ewillys.com/2019/07/08/selectro-husky-dualmatic-overview/
UPDATE III: Thanks to Steve, we’ve discovered an additional version. It is now number 5, which seems to be an evolutionary step between 4 & 6.
UPDATE II: Thanks to Frank Day and his grandfather Merton, who saved this rare piece, here is a scan of an eight page brochure related to the Free-Lock corporation.
Thor Products & White Automotive (Whitco)
UPDATE II: Dinesh obtained these Thor-Automatic looking hubs, but on the cover they read Allstate Power Matic rather than Thor. I suspect they are Thor hubs rebranded for Allstate. Here are some pics:
Here is a the interior portion of a set of Thor hubs:
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UPDATE (May 24, 2021): The October 1963 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine include this Thor-designed product to make shifting the transfercase more convenient. It moves the shifter from the passenger-side of the transmission to the driver’s side. I imagine there are few, if any, of these shifters out there.
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Originally published April 9, 2017:

More information on some of these companies can be found here: http://www.ewillys.com/2019/07/08/selectro-husky-dualmatic-overview/
White Manufacturing Co. (also known as White Automotive and Whitco over time) was started in the late 1950s by Richard T, Bingman and partners. The company progressed at a modest level making, among other things, aluminum floral display stands. Eventually, White allied with Kaiser and began making tops. White filed for incorporation in 1959. One of the company’s earliest products was a white soft top for jeeps.
The next year, in 1960, Richard T. Bingham filed a patent for a pair of locking hubs. One set would automatically shift into gear when it sensed the axles were being powered (i.e., when the transfercase was shifted into four wheel drive). The second set of hubs added a dash-mounted button to allow for control of the hubs from the driver’s seat (assuming I have interpreted the patent correctly!).
The interesting thing is that Bingham never assigned the patents to the White Automotive Company. Instead, the patents and hubs ended up being used by Thor Products, which also operated out of Colorado Springs (though sometimes the address is Manitou Springs, a small town just west of Colorado Springs).
This suggests that Bingham had some time of relationship with Thor, but his exact connection to Thor isn’t known at this time (my guess is that it was a subsidiary or sister company of White).
1. The Thor auto-matic hub patent vs. the finished device:
Continue reading
1942 Jeep Comic Book
This 1942 souvenir Comic Book titled JEEP was spotted by Micah on eBay. It sold for $22.50 (not to me). It also included the mailing envelope, which I’m amazed still existed. Here are some pics:
From the eBay Ad:
1942 Jeep Willys MB cartoon comic Book US Army WW2 Rare Vtg Ex++ Truck Croft 40s.
Front cover has one small blemish on Bottom edge, otherwise the pagers are mint, no creasing or foxing or any signs of use, very crisp and edges nice, spine tight.
Has been sitting in a drawer for 75 years.
Comes in the original paper sleeve.
Sleeve shoes wear and splitting but still displays nicely.
Revolution in Pleasantville Video
UPDATE: Barry worked with Periscope Films to get a higher quality version of the film and preservation of the original film. Read more here: https://www.farmjeep.com/revolution-in-farming/
2021 Northern Ohio Flatfender Willys Gathering, Sept. 12th
UPDATE: This event is this weekend.
Bob Christy’s 2021 Northern Ohio Flatfender Willys Gathering takes place September 12, 2021. It should be another great event!
2021 FC Jamboree September 10-11
UPDATE: Dan’s event is this weekend!
Dan’s FC Jamboree is still happening in Lake Mills, Iowa, September 10-11.
1955 Wagon Columbia, MO **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500.
Don’s got this wagon for sale. He plans to attend the Willys Reunion Fulton, Missouri, this weekend, so you can see it in person there.
“Very solid 1955 Willys Station Wagon from the dry western slope of Colorado. Powered by a 289 Ford V-8. The conversion looks to have been done in the 1970s. Perhaps the same same the 8-track player was added and the seats were covered with shag material. Original front and rear seats are all complete. The headliner and door panels appear original. The rest of the drivetrain in original with a T-90 manual 3 speed and a Dana 18 transfer case. It comes with an overdrive (not installed) that installs in the PTO window of the transfercase. It runs, drive, and stops. It was bought a while back from the widow of the guy who owned it in Colorado. Not much is known about how much it has been driven recently. The body is very solid. It wil need a patch on the flat part of the driver floorboard. All the rockers and fender wells are in very good condition for tis age.”
1955 Article About Traveling in a Jeep
James B Barber had this article published in the August 14, 1955, issue of the Carlsbad Current-Argus. He’d had his time in jeeps and was preferred a smooth running car.
2 CJ-2As Lancaster, WI **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,500/each.
One is a 1946 and the other a 1948.
“1946 Willys cj2a with 134 ci flathead 4 cylinder.
Great condition, runs great. Has a lot of new parts and some rebuilt.
Also 1948 Willys cj2a with 134 ci 4 cylinder engine. No rust on either
Asking $12,500 ea.”
1959 FC-170 Williamstown, NJ **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4300.
Unclear if it runs or not.
“1959 Jeep Willys Cab Over
Nice Project, It has rust but its all there
They were built from 1959 till 1965
Plowed snow every winter till owner passed away 2 years ago
I have not had time to get it started
Flat Head 6 Cylinder
Do Not Know Miles
Manual Transmission
4 Wheel Drive
Has Snow Plow”
1954 CJ-3B Loudon, NH $11,500
Here’s. 3B with a replacement tub.
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/loudon-jeep-willys-cj3b-1954/7368513738.html
“1954 Willy’s Jeep CJ3B
4 wheel drive, 3 speed, was restored in 2006 by Pioneer Jeep, Peabody,MA. Was recently gone thru – original radiator has been re- cored w/ new coil. New carburetor, fuel pump, distributor ,sparkplugs and battery. Comes with 6 ft snow plow and bench seat for back , also original mechanical manual, Chilton repair book and replacement parts catalog. **** Serious inquires only**** , PLEASE no trades or low ball offers.”
Year? CJ-5 Back Hoe Akron, Oh $3700
This has an unusual half cab and body design. Though listed as a 1965, it’s got a post 1972 body and front clip.
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/hvo/d/akron-backhoe-jeep/7373926326.html
“1964 Gofore Digger Backhoe for sale $3700.00
4 cyl. 134 jeep engine F head runs wells no smoke.
Has been changed over from (6v gen) to 12volts alternator
Electric fuel pump 12v.
All Hydraulic rams are in very good shape not pitted.
Machine was used weekly until covid…….Retired now
Also Have $1500.00 of new spare parts complete rebuilt motor and transmission”
1950 Jeepster Clinton, NJ $8000
This could be worth a look.
https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/d/annandale-1950-willys-jeepster/7370407417.html
“1950 Willys Jeepster in great condition.
Body very good….engine perfect…..all functioning mechanicals
Everything up to date
Have owned for 20 years & retained all repair records.
Convertible with top & amp
Side panels
Windows GOOD
4 cylinder, 3 on the tree, very simple and easy to run”
1953 CJ-3B Fire/Crash Jeep Chester, MA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4500.
It’s rough, but it’s unique. Will need work. Has a Navy data tag. Learn more about ANSUL equipped jeeps here: https://cj3b.info/Fire/AnsulCJ3B.html
“I’m looking to sell my 1953 CJ3b fire/crash truck. I do not have a title for it but have an old registration. No data plate either. Started off life as a civilian CJ3b but was turned into a military M-606 for the US Navy. The motor turns by hand, but needs a starter. I have a new Landcruiser starter in a box that will fit it. Sheet metal is real solid minus rear floor. Hat channels are good exterior metal is nice, mostly rear floor from the dry chemical powder being on it.
Continue reading
1947 CJ-2A Minneapolis, MN $11,500
Has an f-head.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/cto/d/delano-willys-jeep-cj2a-1947-truck/7361548486.html
“Bought at factory in Ohio new by a returning GI and driven to Minnesota and used on the family farm. When he retired it was stored for many years. I bought it in 2017 and got the first license for it as well as a bonded title.
Did a frame off repair replacing some body frame members sandblasting painting and undercoated the body. Truck bed liner material on the floor inside. Painted the frame black and body navy blue.
Rebuilt the transmission and transfer case. Replaced the clutch and ring gear. Replaced the fuel tank, sending unit and fuel line. Replaced brake lines with steel lines and master cylinder. All new tie rods and ball joints and kingpins. Drained and replaced all fluids and wheel gaskets and bearing seals. Continue reading
Dana 20 PTO Faribault, MN $225
These connected under the Dana 20 transferase.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/pts/d/faribault-willys-cj-pto/7367013740.html
“Ramsey PTO for a Willys CJ. Has forward and aft outputs. Think it fits early CJ 5 but research displayed model number to determine your application ”
1957 FC-150 Cannon Falls, MN **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.
This narrow track FC needs work.
“1957 fc150, Jeep Is complete motor cranks over but won’t start. 6500.00 obo”
1946 CJ-2A Greensburg, PA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.
This has a fiberglass body.
“Jeep runs, drives and stops as it should! Jeep has been in the family for a long time and has been used almost daily for the last few years. Good tires, brakes, new fuel pump, fiberglass body tub and Best Top. It does need a windshield glass.
I do have original steel body tub and fenders, but these are not included in the listed price.”
1947 CJ-2A Lexington, KY **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $13,000.
The jeep hasn’t. been started in two years.
“This is a fully restored 1947 Jeep Willy’s the previous owner inherited it from his father, and let the vehicle sit for 6 years. He traded it in at our dealership but did not have the key. A locksmith is making a new key for the ignition now. He had the Jeep started last 2 years ago. Have not had a mechanic go through the Jeep yet but intend to do very minor restorations to the Jeep to get it back to excellent condition. However am willing to sell AS-IS at this moment but once restorations are complete I will be asking for more on the Jeep. Very clean Jeep no rust and well restored just needs minor touch ups to make show ready. Has won car shows in the past before sitting for the past 6 years. Please call or stop by for any questions.”
Year? CJ-2A Hudson Valley, NY $3000
This has a Porter & Reed hardtop.
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/for/d/milton-1940s-willys-jeep/7343635073.html
“1940’s Willy’s Jeep – It hasn’t run in years, but it did run. Comes with plow. $3,000 obo”