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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: **SOLD** Was “Make Offer”
Bill spotted this one. Looks definitely some value here.
“!950’s Jeep trencher. Ran when parked. Make offer. Ask for Jim”
Parts jeep or project.
“1948 willys jeep trench-o-jeep do not have the trencher has rear pto with all drive shafts has another pto for the trencher with drive shafts has all engagement levers and hardware for drive has coil over helper springs for the weight jeep has transmission but no engine and no title jeep tub in good shape rust holes in floors”
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d/1948-willys-trench-jeep/6281344592.html
Glenn spotted this Auburn trencher on the back of a tractor.
“International 2400 gas tractor with Auburn mounted trencher and Auburn mounted dozer blade. This is a one of a kind machine. Google it, Auburn made trenchers for tractors and Willys Jeeps from the 40s through the 80s. Parts are still available from a dealer in Virginia. I got this given to me by the original owner. I brought it home, and got it running. It has been sitting for about 4 years. Last time it ran, when the engine got warmed up, it died. Let it cool, it would run again. Easy electrical fix, I just have no need for the tractor. It is a cool piece to look at! Auburn split the tractor and mated the gear transmission with a hydraulic one. It still runs ans drives like a tractor, but when you engage the Auburn transmission and pto for trencher, it takes over. 98 ACTUAL HOURS. I know the complete history on the machine. It has a 5″ trencher on it. Blade works all the way. It really is handy, I just have no need for it. Feel free to call with any questions. Good for collecting or for use!!! I am asking $6000 obo. Make me an offer, I need the barn space! I can load it on your trailer.”
https://louisville.craigslist.org/grd/6171095497.html
UPDATE: **Status Unknown** was $1495.
Chris had this Auburn Trencher for sale. His email is hngc2013@gmail.com
“Selling this Jeep-A-Trench from the Auburn Machine Works company. It’s a late 50’s model that has been stored inside since the 70’s. The auger teeth and arm were never used. Looking to sell as a complete unit for $1495”
This jeep no longer has it’s trencher, but it still has lots of parts.
“1948 willys jeep trench-o-jeep do not have the trencher has rear pto with all drive shafts has another pto for the trencher with drive shafts has all engagement levers and hardware for drive has coil over helper springs for the weight jeep has transmission but no engine and no title jeep tub in good shape rust holes in floors”
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/6175884724.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2600.
Pete’s got this 3A trencher for sale.
“1950 willys jeep cj3a. With. A jeep a trench trencher on the back jeep runs well moves drives. Will need typiCal brakes redone. Needs all tires Has good matching title. Will need a new rear pto belt drive gear box I hAve the old one. But the cast is cracked and apart. For many years I think if b you knew a good welder that weld cast iron. And a machinest that can make a new gear or a set of Small gears you may be able to rebuild the gear box you c a new find used one I have guy th at will be getting one. In the next few weeks the body is not rusted out no floor patchs at all had its dents etc. Will post pics hopefully Sunday 1 29. Don’t wait may put on ebay soon. Loc near Scottsbluff Nebraska.calls only”
Looks like a good price. Seller has other parts for older jeeps, too.
“This trencher was removed from a 1950 Jeep CJ3A. When purchased was told it was in working condition. I have never done anything with it, but I applied a penetrating oil every 3-6 months on the chains, and apparatus. The link belt freely rotates. I have extra chain pieces, and the under Jeep components. Please call Denny for more information. I have collected Jeeps, and at my age I do not foresee doing anything more with them. I have other Jeep parts for older Jeeps. Asking $600 OBO.”
http://toledo.craigslist.org/tls/5865395773.html
An August 20, 1954, article in the Toledo Bade discussed Kaiser-Willys upcoming demonstrations at 23 major fairs in 15 states. The article included a photo of a Jeep-a-Trench Trencher.
UPDATE: Price dropped to $7500 on eBay
“1957 Willys Jeep A Trench. I am the owner and have the title. This is one of the rarest things I have ever seen. It has an Auburn trencher attachment which later became Ditch Witch. This Jeep has been sitting in a pole barn for at least 10 years! I pulled and flushed the gas tank , blew out the fuel lines and cleaned the carb. It fires up and runs good! It will need some brake work! It was originally a baby blue color. It was repainted nearly 15 years ago. There was some patching done on the floor boards at that time. I’m sure they also patched it elsewhere. The paint job is fair for its age. It has some paint bubbles on the right rear quarter The interior is pretty nice and it shows 7770 original miles. Tires have excellent tread but are weather cracked. If you have an interest I urge you to come and look at it !! I have a lot of pictures. More than I can show here. I will gladly send you more. What a unique piece of equipment to own.. It is a 1957 and is not perfect. But would make a awesome restoration project. Sold as is needing TLC! Engine runs great!”
I hasn’t been run in a couple years, but it is supposedly capable of running and driving. Looks like the trencher is a Jeep-A-Trench.
“Old Jeep Trencher maybe 1940’s or 1950’s
Will dig up to 7 feet
Last time ran 2 years ago
Run and drives
rare front weight
4×4”
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/5649645980.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was sold at auction.
Chris found this one for auction in Holland, Ohio, June 4th. Looks in good shape.
“1957 Willys Jeep with Auburn 8ft trencher & snow plow, 2-seat w/cab 7,700 miles on odometer;”
Glenn spotted this one.
“I have a very RARE 1971 CJ5 Jeep backhoe with a go for digger backhoe factory conversion. Ran two years ago, it have a few hydraulic hoses that need to be replaced. NO TRADES. Call or text with any questions. Emails will be deleted. I have the front dozer blade, just not shown in pictures.”
http://centralmich.craigslist.org/cto/5314306510.html
This article from the December 1955 Jeep News shares the growth of Bosemer Plumbing and its use of two different Jeep-A-Trenches. Note the serial number of the very early trencher: 11C-915. I never would have guess that was one of the first ones ever built!
Cool postcard. Nice shot of the Auburn Machine Works in the background.
“VINTAGE POSTCARD ADVERTISING JEEP-A-TRENCH TRUCK/CAR AUBURN NEBRASKA NICE!!!”
View all the information on eBay
Isn’t this a trencher setup?
“Selling as a whole but possibly will separate
Transmission, transfer case, PTO setup, and trans cross member from a 53 cj3b. Will fit many years and models of the older jeeps
Make me a reasonable offer. I know what these parts are worth”
http://buffalo.craigslist.org/pts/5347914931.html
Is this complete? Isn’t it missing the big spoked wheel?
“We are offering a civilian jeep complete auburn Jeep-A-Trench. This very rare, The part number is JEEP-A-TRENCH.”
View all the information on eBay
No good overview pics.
“This is a 1956 Willys Jeep-A-Trench. Comes complete with the original engine, transmission and all Jeep-A-Trench components. Also comes with the rare original engine governor. I have the original pink slip title with the matching black California license plates. I also purchased another Jeep-A-Trench Willys jeep for parts. So you also get an extra engine, transmission, and complete Jeep-A-Trench setup (there is one just like it currently advertised on eBay for $5,500). I have two digging chains; one with cups for soft soil and one with spikes for hard soil. I paid $600 for all new bearings for the digger chain wheels. I have all four auger screws. Lot’s of good and rare documents included. Extra “Electrolift” for the front blade included as well. This jeep is complete with the original front blade and counterweight too. I have many body and many misc parts that go with this jeep; extra steering column and box, extra drive shafts, excellent gas tank, etc.”
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5114902717.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.
Pics were dark. Missing parts. MIght still have value.
“elling my 1947 CJ2A Willys. Came out with trencher on back, most of it is there, along with extra parts. Its been sitting at my place too long, so its time to sell. No title, I bought it from original owner, who said he never had a title. It was considered off road/farm equipment so he never had it titled. Has serial number, and have looked into getting title, won’t take much to get one for it. Asking $1000 for it. Wanna sell whole, and not sell parts. Lots of usable parts for another project or to fix up and drive as a jeep. Rims on jeep in pics are not rims going with jeep, those are off my other one. I have different rims and tires to put on jeep that sell with it.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000
“Here is what i know about the digger i believe it 1968 model year. the dozer blade works up and down down pressure will lift front end off ground..all the pto hook ups appear intact and everything looks original. we picked up the jeep a few years ago, the front drive shaft broke loading on trailer and will need to be repaired or replaced..will still drive and ran and drove fine when parked. it was stored indoors when we bought it and has been stored inside building since we got it. hopefully the pictures will answer most question as i am not familiar with these old jeeps”
UPDATE: Jeep and trencher sold. Well pulling equipment still available.
“1948 Willys CJ2A Jeep with working Jeep-a-Trench option and well pulling option. Can trench about 6 feet down.
— Jeep runs well but engine does smoke… a lot out the exhaust.
— Jeep drives and shifts through the gears fine.
— No brakes
— No glass in windshield
— Fuel pump doesn’t work so currently running off a gravity feed bottle.
— Not much rust on body
— battery tray is rusted out. battery must have leaked at one point.
— Has a clean title
— Asking $4000 Joe”
UPDATE: Eric shared some additional photos. They are located at the end of the post.
Eric Jarvis is learning that it is difficult to own just one jeep! He started with a 1964 CJ-5 like his grandfather used to own. Eric spent many years working on the red jeep until he got it just the way he wanted it. You can see the dedication on the glove box to his grandfather, Harlan.
The green next to it is a 1967 CJ-5 with a Buick V-6 Eric uses around the shop. It sports a Koenig PTO winch on the front. He also just picked up a Monroe 3 Point Hitch from Ted Jordan he will install in the rear.
The 1943 GPW shown below was a jeep Eric purchased from Don Prine three years ago. He even got a chance to fly to the northwest and see Don’s jeep collection, a memory I’m sure he’ll cherish.
Finally, Eric recently purchased this CJ-5 with a trencher. It’s a retirement project that I suspect will keep him busy for a few years.
Additional Photos:
Here’s one of Eric and Don Prine
Below are additional photos of the CJ-5’s engine:
This is a close up of the Cutlas Hub:
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2750.
Jeep runs. Trencher works. Great price!
“Willy’s jeep with mounted trencher. Trencher was manufactured in Auborn Nebraska. Jeep is around a 1960 model with a 4 cylinder gas engine. Both jeep and trencher are in working order.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,500
(11/01/2014) Needs some work.
“THIS IS COOL HOW MANY 1965 CJ FIVES CAN THERE BE WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES? THIS ONE IN A EQUIPMENT SHED, RUNS GOOD , NO BRAKES YET, THIS FOR THE COLLECTOR OR MUSEUM THAT WANTS AN ORIGINAL WILLY’S CJ-5 WITH FACTORY JEEP-A-TRENCH ATTACHMENT, PURCHASED FROM THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER, NO RUST ON THIS JEEP FACTORY TOP SINCE NEW,”
Bill’s still got these parts for sale.
“Hello-
I have a Jeep CJ-5 DRW “Go-For-Digger” Trencher that I am parting out. The Jeep was built in 1970, the trencher parts are similar from years 1960-ish thru 1971….
Remaining parts available include:
Trencher transmission (comes up thru the bed off of PTO…turns smooth and quiet)
Original Motorola hour meter
Complete drivetrain F-134 / T-90 / Dana 18 Motor has hole in #3 cyl.. needs sleeved.
Novi Governor $750
Governor handle/control that mounts to LR corner of body (trencher specific)
Governor handle (normal dash style)
Send me your offers on parts you need!
I have an entire vehicle being parted out. Above are GFD-specific parts, if you need something else, please ask!
Bill
I also have a set of axles from a 1965 CJ-5 that are rebuilt, 5.38 gears, no brakes. $200/set”
UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $1800.
This does not include the jeep. Just the Trencher.
“Early Trencher. Trencher only, no jeep. Complete back end unit, springs and mounts, Dana 18 T case and T-90 with the pto and Brake drum gear setup. Take off condition Rusty Greasy. I have pictures of it running and on the jeep. Jeep and frame are gone.”
