UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4500.
Mike shared this column-shift truck with a hefty tow package. Maybe a modified Canfield tow package?
“1947 Willys Jeep Truck 4WD. First year for the Willys Pickup. This is a former service station truck outfitted with a weld built wrecker. Its got a 4 cylinder F134 engine and a 3 speed column shift transmission. This is a four wheel drive model. It runs, drives and stops. It is still 6 volt but starts up without hesitation. Motor runs smoothly and has little use on it since it was rebuilt. New exhaust system was just installed. The wrecker unit was custom made for the truck and is all hand operated. Boom extends out an extra 5ft. Everything works smoothly and is very overbuilt. Airbags in the rear were added to assist with heavy loads. The truck also comes with a snow plow. Overall the rust isn’t bad except for the rockers/steps on the sides of the cab, they have seen better days. Frame is solid. It will need some work before it is ready to go back on the road but it shouldn’t take much. Sold with with a bill of sale only. No title. Asking $4500.”
This is really old school, so many gas stations in NJ had these Jeep pickups with the tow package. Van Dine Jeep Junk yard in Paramus had an old hand crank Willys flatbed truck with a Weaver crane. One day in 1970 had lots of fun using it to pull an 226 flathead out of a Willys wagon. Still remember the hand lettering on the doors, “Bob’s Gulf Service”.
“Weld Built” is a wrecker manufacturer that has been in business for over 65 years and is located in Wyandanch/Deer Park (Long Island) NY.
I found an old image taken in what I believe to be in their yard that has a Willys FC-170 in the background with a wrecker on it.
They have built — and are still building — some towing monsters!
Thanks for posting Dave! I’ve had this up for sale for a month or so now I am very surprised it hasn’t sold yet. Like Mike said this is a very old school truck stuck in time! I picked this one up from an old timer who used it at his service station back in the 60s and 70s. He kept it after he sold the station and used it around his personal property since then. It mostly sat in his barn. But he would go out to his barn every single month (for the last 30 years) to start it up and let it run just to keep it going. I applaud his efforts! That just may be the trick to keeping these rigs going. It runs like a top. If I had more room and less projects I would keep it but unfortunately it needs to find another home. If anyone is interested you can reach me at eight 6 zero 3 zero four 3 six three 9. I can provide more pictures and information. -Matt