This rare manual was up for sale on eBay last week. It sold for $82.25!
Dan Details the Thor “Lectro-Matic” Hub
UPDATE: I posted this Thor post over a decade ago (how times flies). Below is a look at the switch used to engage the Thor “Lectro-Matic” Hub, which came from this post. Since the below post was first published, there’s also been some history about Thor Products on a shared on another post.
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Originally posted January 2010:
Dan dropped this into my inbox this evening. It’s a detailed look at the Thor “Lectro-Matic” Hub (or lectromatic hub). Dan completed this 18 page document, with disassembling the hubs and discussing each step. You can download the PDF here. Great work Dan!
Dan writes, The Thor “Lectro-Matic” hubs off of my 1955 CJ-5 were a bit of a mystery. These must have been some of the first “push button” 4WD systems to come out. There was little to no information on them so I decided to take them apart and see just how they work. Here is what I have learned.
When my Dad said that they were electric, I assumed that they had a little motor that would “spin” them in or out of engagement. What I realized was that they were more like a solenoid or electromagnet.
There is a coil of wire on the wheel side of the hub. When power is applied to the coil it becomes a magnet and draws itself to the axle side of the hub. There are little “teeth” machined into the facing sides of the hub. These teeth engage and the axle side of the hub turns the wheel or magnet side of the hub. A wire is ran through the back of the backing plate through a hole and provides the electricity to the magnetic coil. A contact mounted on a spring transmits this electric power through a slip ring inside the brake drum to the hub.
I imagine that the hubs could be engaged while the vehicle is moving, but I think this would cause the teeth to slip for a moment and lead to premature wear of the teeth. A toggle switch or a maintained push button could be used to turn the hubs on and off. One could even use a limit switch on the 4WD lever of the transfer case to automatically turn them on when the vehicle was shifted into 4WD. The hubs would only remain engaged as long as power is applied to the magnetic coil. If you left the switch on and had run power directly off of the battery to the switch, it would eventually drain your battery after the engine is shut off. If you ran power from the ignition switch to the on/off switch, your hubs would automatically disengage as soon as you shut off your engine.
If for some reason they didn’t want to work, there was a little screw on the outside face of the hub that you could turn to manually engage or disengage the hubs (as you can see below).
On the top of the hub you can see the wire that passes through the brake drum to power the magnetic coil.
CJ-5 Cuff Links and Tie Clip
These sold on eBay a few days ago for $16. It’s the second set that has sold on eBay in as many weeks.
“Offered is a Vintage Willys Overland Jeep 3 Pc Cufflink & Tie Clip Set … This set is NOS and was part of a lifelong Willys Overland Jeep executive’s estate. It is marked/made by Mercury Industries on the back of the tie clip. Crisp and clean! Sorry, no box”
1962 CJ-5 Orange County, CA $15,500
This includes a working set of Thor Electronic Hubs (and the first pic I’ve seen of the switch to engage the hubs). These are the “Lectro-Matic” version of the hubs (there was also an automatic version). Dan documented a set of the “Lectro-Matric” hubs here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/513933489290838/
“Anyone looking for the coolest 62 Jeep CJ5 on the planet. I got this handsome little guy up for sale. It’s beyond amazing! Everything works, every light, all gauges, the chrome winch ect…oh and there’s chrome all over the place. Original paint, Original interior.. both are in incredible condition. It’s a very unique Jeep and it’s running a Corvette engine that was installed by the original owner in the mid sixties.He was a aircraft mechanic so everything is perfect .It also has very rare Thor electronic locking front hub set . No rust anywhere and super straight. I have the those crazy off road wide white wall tires in the pics and the hubcaps. I just threw on a new set of Power King black walls to drive it around. The Jeep runs amazing! It’s got really good power and not geared that low. I have not taken it on the freeway but got it up to 60mph with no issues. This is a very special Jeep with history. Ca title & current registration in my name”
1943 MB? Simi Valley, CA **Status Unknown**
UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $14,500.
(03/15/2020) Nice jeep. Has a replacement body.
“1943 Will’s Jeep Chevy 350 4 bolt main, LT connector rods, hypereutectic pistons, 64cc chambers, 11.5 to 1 compression, competition cams 286H cam, hardened pushrods, Ford late 60’s 4 speed, Hurst linkage. Dani 19 rear, dana 25 front Late model jeep disc brakes front, M38 tub, griffin radiator, alarm, 5100 bilstein shocks. Really one of a kind. Note it’s registered as a 1943 Willy’s, it is most likely a early 50’s. $14,500.00 or best offer.”
1945 MB Paulden, AZ $7500
UPDATE: Still Available.
(03/15/2020) Appears worth a look.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2747262338688872/
“1945 willys mb. Runs and drives. Needs some tlc but in great condition for the year. New tires. Title in hand. 7,500 obo”
1953 CJ-3B Orem, UT **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9500.
(02/16/2020) Has some updates. Looks solid.
“Cj3-B with original drivetrain. Has about 7500 miles on rebuilt motor and trans. Has stereo and a heater as well. Full soft top with doors and best top front and rear seats. Super bright LED headlights. Has a warn 8000 lb winch. I believe it’s a 2 1/2 inch lift, has 31” tires now could easily fit 33’s. Homemade spare tire carrier with hi lift jack and place for two Jerry cans(someone stole mine) has power steering from a Cherokee. The only bad, the power steering reservoir leaks.”
Year? Cj-2A Bakersfield, CA $6800
UPDATE: Still Available.
(02/09/2020) Listed as a 1942, I don’t see any WWII stuff, other than the full floating rear hubs, which could be an aftermarket addition as well.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1041484652884145/
“1942 Jeep Willys. A great jeep for a purest looking for a piece of history. Manufacturer is actually Ford because of the year it was made. Starts and runs without issues. Original engine. Electrical was upgraded to a 12 volt system. Lived in Kern County last several decades. Vehicle is currently registered as Non-Op. Currently stored indoors and away from the elements”
Ames Single Bottom Plow Plymouth, MA **SOLD**
UPDATE: Price dropped to $400.
(10/28/2019) John shared this ad. The plow was used behind a CJ-2A.
“Ames Plow Company 45 antique single bottom plow. It was used on the rear of a Jeep CJ2A back in the mid 40s. Its been stored indoors for 70+ years.
Good condition $650”
1947 CJ-2A Bakersfield, CA $12,500
UPDATE: Still Available.
(01/26/2020) I am puzzled by the image choices. This might have a DJ-3A convertible body or a fiberglass body.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3055608854517396/
“Completely Restored. V8 350 Small Block. New 3 Speed Transmission and Transfer Case. 4WD. Low and High. New Seats. New Flooring. Stereo System. Interior LED Lighting. New Wiring for All Lights.”
1957 CJ-3B & ‘1947’ DJ-3A Charlotte, MI
Seller has two jeeps for sale, but not pics of the “1947” DJ-3A (probably a DJ-3A body on a CJ-2A chassis). Seller also has a CJ-3B project for $4000 as shown below.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/191686408802732/
“Titled 1957 Jeep Willys CJ3B PROJECT, Frame is immaculate..Dauntless v6 engine, all fresh T350 automatic transmission and torque converter, with Novak adapter to twin stick Dana 18 transfer case, updated cj5 axles with disc brakes and s.s. braided brake lines, Brand new in the box B&M shifter that needs to be installed.. headman headers with dual side exit muffler, 3.5in suspension lift, (5) 32×10.50×15 bfg all terrians mchrome CJ7 Laredo wheels with matching center caps, custom spare tire carrier, roll cage, cd player, newer soft top and soft doors.havent gotten this one fired up yet its close.. moving.. no time to finish.. 4000.00 cash.
Several other Jeeps / Rollers / parts available..!! 1946 thru 2006”
1951 CJ-3A Las Vegas, NV **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5800.
(03/23/2020) Lots of mods.
“1951 Willy’s Jeep,
Clean Nevada title, off road ready and street legal. Lots of new parts including;
305 Chevy
Clutch
Battery
Carpet kit
Gauges
Radio
All electrical wiring.
It has lockers in the front and rear axles. Newer 36” super swampers. 4 speed manual transmission with 2 speed transfer case. Priced to sell quick, $5800. Not interested in trades or low ball offers. Thanks for looking.”
1948 CJ-2A Bakersfield, CA $4000
UPDATE: Still Available.
(03/04/2020) It ‘turns on’.
Tagging A Jeep
Chattanooga Times reporter Marion Coleman wrote a piece on jeep tagging in July of 1943, which was then syndicated to at least one newspaper, appearing in the Key West Citizen on July 20, 1943, under the title “Tagging a Jeep”. The problem is that the scan is horrible. Moreover, I can’t find any other copy of the article nor are the Chattanooga News-Free Press archives online, which is where I suspect it was also published.
The reason I found the article interesting is that she underscores the primary purpose of naming (or tagging) a jeep wasn’t for sentimental/inspirational reasons. Instead, it was so drivers could identify their individual jeeps. Given drivers were responsible for their jeeps, creatively marking their jeeps was one way of safe-guarding them. Of course, snagging the distributor when parked was another way to help keep it from being stolen.
I suspect the only way to get a good copy of the article is to visit the local library in either state, which likely won’t be happening anytime soon!
1949 Meyer Snow Plow Brochure
This early Meyer snow plow brochure sold on eBay. I was busy buying a few other things yesterday, so decided to let this one go. If someone out there purchased it, feel free to send me some lo res scans (d @ dealers.com) that I can share with folks.
Tux Park III Parts List
This was also on eBay. I assume one of the Tux Park guys hopped on this unique resource. Unfortunately, only a couple photos were provided on eBay.
1947 CJ-2A Rancho Mirage, CA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500.
Looks in good shape.
“Super clean all original, original owners manual. 5500 or best offer moving and must go.”
1950 CJ-3A Lanesborough, MA $4500
It appears to have a 2A frame. It Includes a parts jeep.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/201971727897199/
“1950 CJ-3a fiberglass tub, steel grill and hood, decent frame, period correct hard top and doors come with it. 12 volt converted, starts, drives, got it running good today. Brakes work but will need hardware/drums cleaned up or replaced to be road worthy. Have 2 previous R.I. Registrations. Asking $4,500 OBO no trades. Complete parts jeep in last pics can go with it FOR MY FULL ASKING PRICE, it has a good frame, and complete drivetrain and engine that ran”
1946 CJ-2A Oak View, CA $8500
Appears solid.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/255526998811720/
“1946 CJ-2A JEEP FOR SALE! Smog exempt Clean title/ personalized CA plates Go-Devil L4-134 head engine (professionally-rebuilt in 2018) 12-volt conversion completed professionally in 2018 T-90 3 speed transmission Dana 18 transfer case Dana / Spicer Model 41 rear axle 5.38 gears Dana / Spicer Model 25 front axle 5.38 gears Brake system professionally overhauled in 2018 New driver and passenger seats in 2018 Hercules HDT mud terrain tires Tow bar Jerry can including mount All gauges and lights work including blinkers New fuel gauge Vehicle starts, drives and stops with no issues This thing generates lots of smiles and waves!”
1962 FC-170 San Marcos, CA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,900.
(02/12/2020) Has a dump bed.
“Cool and rare 1962 Jeep FC 170 4×4. Very original and complete. Flathead 6 cyl., 3 speed. Has working dump bed.Lots of new parts. Runs and drives but needs a few things to be really road worthy. On non op license now. Cab corners and floors very nice. Some rust in doors. Have the only one on the road or at the show. $11,500 possible trade”
1946 CJ-2A Hurricane, UT **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.
Runs and drives.
“I have a 1946 cj-2a runs and drives pretty good it has been converted to 12 volt has a new carburetor and fuel tank. I do have the original Carter wo the only reason I’m selling is to fund a new motor in my 72 Chevy I would also be open to trades for a cj3a located in hurricane”
CJ-2A & Other Parts Stillwater, PA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.
There’s a variety of parts here.
“Probably different years or models as well, sometimes people just threw in other parts when I was buying something else. I will sell off parts, just threw that $3000 on there to put something there.
Won’t ship right now, don’t want to go to a post office.
Lots of Jeep parts, almost enough to build 2.
3 motors – old don’t know how or if they run Wheels
2 tubs, one fiber glass, one metal coated with fiberglass (used as blank)
Windshields that need glass
Buckets of random parts electrical, bell housings, turn signal controls, brakes, tailgates, heater boxes, fenders, lights Lots and lots of stuff. I will take the loss on the price to make room in the barn for my new project”
Continue reading
1948 CJ-2A “Lefty” Body Cromwell, CT **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $400.
Needs work.
“Heres a project body from an original “lefty” 48 2a. Bow pockets are on the passenger side and spare tire is on the drivers side. The rear bow pocket is missing but the front is there. Its rough and needs work but its a good start if your looking for an original lefty body. Pick up in CT. Asking $400 obo. I would also trade for an early (VEC) cj2a windshield”
Koenig Hardtop Mansfield Center, CT $80
It’s a project. Seller is willing to trade for parts.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2518152955072191/
“CJ2A hardtop full length, needs some work no doors but is a great start for someone, $100 or trade for other parts. Looking for an engine and front seats”
1951 CJ-3A Crawler Lakeview, OR $14,000
Lots of custom work.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/166226991327045/
“What I have for sale is my 1951 Willys Crawler. Here’s the build list… Titled 1951 Jeep CJ3A 3RZ engine, AW4 tranny, NWF Eco Box, Dana 300 with a 4-1 kit Triple Stick shifter. Front axle is a Dana 60 35 spline inner and outers with Yukon slugs 5.38s and a Detroit locker. Rear is a 14 Bolt with Rear Disks 5.38s and a spool Fox Coil overs on all 4 corners Air bumps on the Front with a 3 link. Rear is 4 linked with Trailing arm suspension. Steering is fully Hydraulic using Trail Gear and Eaton parts. Tires are some pretty crappy 38×13.00-16 swampers on stock style wheels (really the only bad thing on it…
No winch will be on it. Nor will the Pitbulls/Iroks that are also pictured. Basically, if I didn’t mention it and you see it in a picture, please ask about it.”