UPDATE: Zac shared a Parmley that he inherited along with a document that shows some pricing and states it was designed for the 81″ chassis.
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Originally posted in 2013, with some pic updates over the years:
As many of you know, I am very curious about the fiberglass aftermarket bodies made for the jeep. While I’ve seen most models for sale over the years, I have yet to run across Parmley Engineering’s fiberglass body, one of the more unique ones ever created.
After wrecking his CJ-5 in the early 1970s, Californian Tom Parmley, a machinist by trade, decided to build himself a better body for his still-good chassis. He wanted the body to legally accommodate wider tires, a dash box with more room, a hood that was lower, and other features. So, he built and tested his dream body with great success. Along the way, he received so much positive feedback that he created a kit so others could easily install a Parmley body on their CJ-5 Chassis.
So far, I have only located two resources that document this body. One is the February 1974 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine, which featured a multi-page article about the new body. Additionally, at least two issues of Four Wheeler Magazine also have ads for the Parmley body kit. The other resource is a June 1975 Popular Mechanics article. The Pop-Mech article also shows off the fiberglass top he invented (at least I assume it is fiberglass).
Here are a couple publicity photos taken by Tom Parley and published in the Feb 1974 issue of Four Wheeler:
This image shows the Parmley with a top and is from Popular Mechanics. Note the top example sports Desert Dogs …
Here is a Parmley-bodied jeep on the cover of a the May 1978 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine.
This Parmley Engineering ad appeared on the back of January 1974 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine:
Bob Christy wasn’t sure what this vehicle was when he photographed it in 2008, but now we know.
This Parmely sold in 2015 and included a rare top:
This one sold in 2022:
Beyond cool!
looks a lot like Kaisers XJ- 001 concept car from 1969
Was that the Biolade or something like that?
I have met the man himself (Tom Parmley) and seen his personal Parmley bodied jeep. Unfortunately he passed four years ago.
Mike,
I would be very interested to learn more about Tom and the Parmley. Any idea how many bodies were sold? What happened to his personal Parmley?
You can email at d@ewillys.com
Thanks!
Dave
Have original Parmley body for sale if anyone is intrested.
You can look up his oldest daughter in Fort Worth Texas. I am his nephew.
I have an untouched original Parmley body, had plans to buy a cj 5 but medical issues got in the way. Interested in all offers, remember, UNTOUCHED never assembled
Jack 619-454-4220
I remember Tom very well. He was my best friend from 6th grade to graduation from Dominguez high school in 1965. When his father Bill pasted away of a heart attack Tom took over the machine shop. Tom converted it to making the Parmley. He tried to market it with little success. Tom later died of a bad heart like his father. I have always missed him. He was a good person. Thanks, Les Hart
Thanks for the heart-felt memories Les. The Parmley is one of those little know stories, so it can be hard to dig up details on it.
– Dave
I knew Tom’s daughter in high school. She drove one. Man that thing was fast and fun to ride in. I think she still has it.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the comment. I made contact with his daughter years ago. We tried to set up a meeting while we were in Texas circa 2016, but couldn’t quite get a date to work.
I’m still hoping to see on in person some day.
– Dave
I have a 1970 Parmley I picked up last year. all there. One owner before me. should be a fun rig. I have the top, but it’s coming off, never ti be put back on. Top is ugly!