Tender Research Archives

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Israel-Kaiser Compact Tender Literature

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: I found what I believe is another Israel Kaiser brochure which highlights the Compact Tender design. This truck looks more like a modified wagon than a truck. The bed does not appear independent of the cab.

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Original Published Dec 05, 2010: Congrats to Or who spotted some information from a “Kaizer-Ilin Industrys Ltd” marketing document at the Israel Cars forum.   He and I have both searched for any official piece of evidence that the vehicles we were seeing were really produced and this represents the first step in that process.  We still don’t know how many were produced, nor how many years they were produced, nor in how many countries they were produced (though they have appeared in both Israel and the US).

The document below is from 1963.  Or translates it the following way:

1. Tender Willys
2. “Station Car”
3. Compact Tender
4. c’hamp 1963

Moreover, Or spoke with some of the folks at the Israel Cars forum and discovered that the Compact Tender is built on the Panel/Wagon frame (104.5″ wheelbase) rather than the long pickup frame (118″ wheelbase).

Thanks to the guys at the Israel Cars forum for posting this Ad:

 
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Year? Wagon Winchester, NH $2000

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This appears to be a wagon with the back chopped and a canopy added to it. Thanks to John for spotting this oddity. Listed as a ’46, given the grill and speedometer, I’d guess this is a late ’56.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1995197534192727

“1946 Willys jeep wagon/truck Super hurricane 6cyl 3 speed trans 2 shifter transfer case Needs tow”

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1950? Wagon Tender Fountain Hills, AZ $1000

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Not sure how much value is here, but this has been chopped like a “Tender”.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/312587041492604/

“RAT ROD or YARD ART, WAS A WAGON, NOW SHORTENED** HAS FRT FENDERS, HOOD & GRILLE****BE DIFFERENT. DONT COPY CAT*** SHEET METAL ONLY, NO TITLE *** BILL OF SALE”

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Modified Truck on FB

• CATEGORIES: Features, Jeep Rods, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Dwayne posted some more pics of his truck on Facebook. You can see them below:

This image was posted a few days ago by Dwayne Brown. I am guessing the the back bed is a modified wagon back? It reminds me a little of the “Tender” wagons. Looks like a great rig!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2382510764/permalink/10159262655025765

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1959 Truck JeepRod Tender-build Phoenix, AZ $2500

• CATEGORIES: Jeep Rods, Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This could make a neat looking build. It has a “Tender” look about it. But, rather than cutting down just a wagon, this one combines a truck with a wagon rear.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/pts/d/phoenix-1959-willys-jeep-rat-rod-project/7529807116.html

“1959 Willys, Jeep, 2WD, custom made fleet side bed,
No front fenders, No seat, Custom bumpers, Center line wheels, new tires but older.
V8 318, AT, motor and trans are good but not running now.
Good start on Rat Rod project, Hot Rod, pickup, truck.”

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Year? Wagon/Tender Peekskill, NY Parting Out

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Andy shared this cut down wagon that looks like a “Tender” wagon. It’s listed as a 1949, but actually looks to be 1960 or later.

“parting out a 1949 willies jeepster. frame is actually solid believe it or not. motor has oil, transmission seems to be shift through gears. cab is shot but doors are solid! email zip code for shipping quotes. nightcrawlertow.com

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1956 Truck San Diego, CA $35,100

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price dropped to $35,100.

(12/28/2020) Lots of modifications to this tender-looking truck/wagon.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/197562262040611

“1956 Jeep Willy’s LS1 with nitrous Aluminum radiator and trans cooler Power steering 4×4 King coil overs KC Hilite running lights and rock lights Led whip/mount near tailgte Stereo with Bluetooth All gauges work perfectly Driven right around 600 miles since built completed Custom interior Full paint exterior and interior with fully painted finished bed 17” Black Rhino wheels 37” tires Licensed with tags up to date, and clean title This truck is well built and well thought out, not a backyard build. Paint is in great condition and it turns heads everywhere.”

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1953 Wagon “Tender” Redmond, OR **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $2400.

(09/13/2019) Has lots of mods.

“No title, project that I must sell for taxes. No negotiation, no trades. 1972 350 v8 2 bolt main to rebuild, 1978 turbo 350 tranny, np205 transfer-case. Motor has a grand in parts but needs a crank and one piston. Transmission and transfercase worked great when pulled but have set for two years. Not one single item will get sold separately. It’s all or none..”

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1956 Custom Wagon Priest River, ID **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features, Sedan-jeep, Unusual, Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4800.

Ken shared this cool custom utility wagon.

“Custom Willies with manually operated snow plow, dump bed, hydraulic boom lift. Chevy 283 V8 engine. Ready to plow. Cash.”

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Year? Custom Wagon McCall, ID $9750

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mike spotted this Tender-like custom wagon for sale. I don’t have any contact info for it, but there is a reversed phone number on the For Sale sign in pic #3.

https://www.facebook.com/304123822973935/posts/2472492406137055

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1950 Wagon/Tender Grand Rapids, MI **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $25,900.

(03/12/2017) Cool build. It’s by far the nicest “Tender” build I’ve seen.

 

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For most of us the classic car world is about standing out with some attitude, and it doesn’t get more custom or unique than this. After all a 1950 Willys Jeep Pickup is already going to draw a crowd, but when it has been fully custom built with a new V8, overdrive transmission, upgraded suspension, custom interior, A/C, and much more, then you will always be the coolest custom everywhere you go.

The handsome, upright body says Jeep as loudly as any CJ, and it’s a familiar face the world over. But this icon is also instantly recognizable as a fully built classic. After all, a rare unibody pickup with an extended cab is a cool sight. Plus, it’s the purple and beige gives this nearly 70-year-old steel a healthy dose of modern luster and shine. The gloss does a great job of highlighting all the ribbed details that came in the panel stamping (they were originally for strength, but now just increase the cool factor.) The old and new world styles blend on the brightwork where the grille, trim, and bumpers combine nicely with the 15-inch Boyds alloy wheels and bright exhaust tips. Plus, the rear bed has both form and function with the color-matched tonneau, marine-grade carpet underneath, and bright LED taillights. In total, you can tell someone spent extra time and effort creating this cool Willys.

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1955 “Tender” Scottsdale Auction Mid-January

• CATEGORIES: Features, Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Turns out we discussed this back in early 2016. http://www.ewillys.com/2016/03/13/1954-wagon-tender-garner-nc-ebay/

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Very cool, but not an original 1954 truck (it is listed at Barrett Jackson as a 1954, though the text suggests it was a 1955 model).

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Scott Gilbert alerted me to this upcoming truck to be auctioned at Barrett Jackson.

Over the years, following a discussion with an Israeli jeep fan named Or, I’ve applied the designation of “Tender” to this style of truck. At the time, he’d sent me a copy of brochure and translated the model as a “Tender”.

Since then, I’ve been searching for an original US version of the Tender, but have not found one. So, while not beyond the realm of possibility, I highly doubt this is an original 1954 Tender for the following reasons.

1954-tender-truck-jackson-barrett-auction7The seller of this truck is describing it as a 1954 Truck and the serial number is claimed to be 55168 10001. However, as of 1954, the serial number system used was the 654 XX2 prefix system (the “X”s standing for various letters) to describe 4WD Willys trucks. It wasn’t until 1955 that Willys Motors adopted the 55168 system, but that year that prefix started with 55168 5001. At some point, there was a 55168 10001 produced, but that would have been late into the1955 year.

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Consistent with a 1955 build, the 1955 55168 trucks model was defined as a cab only version of the Willys truck accompanied by the Super Hurricane engine, same as the truck herein. The “bed” of the truck could have been built from a wagon, so that might be consistent, too.

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However, the speedo shown wasn’t produced until late 1956ish. The Willys emblem used on the hood and on the glove box looks more like an Aero emblem than a jeep emblem. The hockey-stick styling of the external chrome didn’t appear until 1960(?). Meanwhile, the two piece windshield was discontinued in 1960. So, there are major inconsistencies.

I’m sure there are other issues that folks can add to this list.

Here’s the listing: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1954-JEEP-WILLYS-4X4-PICKUP-225070

Here’s the Tender’s description:

“This 1954 Willys was built as a 1955 model and is Serial #0001. A piece of Willys Jeep history, this example has 2,122 original miles and is equipped with 4-wheel drive. It’s powered by a Super Hurricane 226ci 6-cylinder engine backed by a T90 3-speed manual transmission and Dana 18 transfer case. The exterior was repainted in its correct shade of tan.”

 
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1951 Wagon “Tender-Like” Riverside, CA $1000

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’m sure I posted this one, but not sure what happened to it. Thanks to Dan for pointing it out.

“This has been in the family since mid 1960s. Yes, it is in pathetic shape. It underwent a hack job to make into a pickup. Still has some decent body panels. Last ran ~2006 after getting new (non-stock) wiring, rebuilt knuckles/wipers, a Chevy 305 V8, and a bell housing adapter. Still has original 3 speed with lever overdrive. A new gas tank was installed at some point. Not sure if this is a parts car or if someone wants to bring it back to something functional.
Body style is 4×473 SW.
Serial No. is 12123.”

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/6427213543.html

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Year? Tender-like Wagon Chasset, CA $200

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bill spotted this tender-like wagon. Not much left, but still interesting to document.

“2wd willys. Station wagon made into a pick up. V6 engine (Ford I think) with automatic. Front end wrecked. Have replacement body parts and radiator.
$200/offer. Not tilte – bill of sale only”

http://chico.craigslist.org/cto/5669098395.html

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1957 Wagon/Tender Fredericktown, MO $2500

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s another modified wagon in the ‘tender” style.

“1957 has been converted to a truck. No 4×4 hooked up right now. Has a Chevy 350 and a Chevy 4 speed transmission. Runs and drives needs some work to drive regularly.”

http://semo.craigslist.org/cto/5517532347.html

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1954 Wagon “Tender” Garner, NC **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000.

A great example of how a “Tender” might have looked had Willys Motors built one, though the bumpers would have been chrome. As we’ve learned, these appear to have been modified wagons. The best way to tell would be to remove the material under the top and look for a welded seam.

“1954 Willys Jeep four wheel drive Super Hurricane straight 6 cylinder motor pick up .Very rare uniside bed sides probably one of very few left in existence. I was told this could be one of very first 1954 willys off assembly line due to 0001 vin number

Frame off restoration including all mechanics and body restored done about 15 years ago but still looks and drives great, some pitting on chrome and a few scratches and chips on paint not perfect but real nice.

At time of restoration 15 years ago
rebuilt motor
rebuilt trans
frame off restored
new paint
new interior
This truck is center of attention wherever it goes , most people have never seen another one”

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1948 Wagon Athens, AL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Jeep Rods, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500.

(10/07/2015) Looks similar to one of the “Tenders”. Looks good for the price. Might need a little work?

“This thing was built by a dear friend and co-worker at Gilbert’s Jeeps. He passed away this past April. He worked on Rat Willie for a couple of years. Being fair, I would say it is not exactly finished, but then that would be up to the buyer. Lots of differing ideas about such things.
The Willys body, which is a chopped down panel wagon, sits on a Chevy S10 Blazer frame. It has a 350 Chevy V8 with a Turbo 400 Auto transmission.”

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Closeup Photos of a Tender

• CATEGORIES: Features, Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

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On Sunday Ann and I went to visit Rich and the “Tender” jeep wagon/truck he has for sale. The truck is in pretty rough shape, but the shell of it could be re used. However, there are lots of bees. The bees limited my ability to take pics, especially of the inside.  Yet, it was the inside of the truck that demonstrated the vehicle was definitely not a factory jeep.

My theory is that someone saw one of these Tenders in Israel. Inspired, when they returned to the states they built a few of these, hence the reason several look the same. They must have had some skills, because the top looks great on the top. It’s only on the underside of the ceiling that you can see the seam near the back. Moreover, it looks like a flat fender hood channel is used along the underside of the ceiling to provide support.

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On the outside of the back of the top, there’s a crack in what appears to be some bondo. The quality of the work is again good and matches the other side.

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It looks like the top of the sides of the former wagon has been capped. There appears to be cracks forming along the metal (see pic above … note crack about an inch below the top of the rear of the bed).

Other pics and notes:

The tailgate was not finished. The lip on the top of the tailgate was left as it was. The area underneath the tailgate window at the back of the cab looks like it might have been blocked with wood. I did not look too closely. This “Tender” was modified with a spring over axle, but the original spring perches were left.

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Year? Truck Tender? Adams, OR Make Offer

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This appears to be another Tender Truck. This is one I need to go see and document.

“Willys pickup and wagon for parts. No title for either one. Make offer.”

http://eastoregon.craigslist.org/pts/5142065927.html

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1955 Wagon & 1947 Truck (Tender?) DeSoto, MO **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

I find the black truck interesting. It reminds me of a few other ‘Tender’ trucks I’ve seen around. I have one brochure from Israel that identifies them as a model type at some point.

“$3500. for both, They both run. I have 1 title and 1 number plate. “55” Wagon is original. “47” Truck has a 5.0 out of “91” Lincoln, Frame is “91” Ford F-150.”

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Year? Wagon? Richmond, Ky $750

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Price dropped to $750. 

(01/27/2012) This has been altered in the back, so it might be worth a look.

“Sell or trade.
This will make a cool old ratrod
You dont see these old trucks anymore
It is pretty much all original except where the top has been shortened
Flat head 6 cylinder with a 4 speed
This is a 4 wheel drive
Does not run
Does have rust in the floors, they will need to be replaced
Would be real cool when done
No title
No texting
Calls only 859-582-3710”

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/3045215798.html

 
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1957 Pickup (Tender?) & 1958 Wagon Buhl, Id Make Offer

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The seller refers to the wagon as a ‘panel’, so this is either not a panel wagon or it might be a Parkway Conversion Panel.  Can anyone clarify that?  Frank pointed out the truck might be a Tender.

“I have 2 Willy’s Jeeps for sale 1 is a 57 pick-up and the other is a 58 Panel, Both run but each has it’s own issue’s…They both have the flat head 6, the panel motor purrs like a kitten…The panel body is in excellent shape the floor is in great condition and it has the PTO ..The pick-up runs and is driveable ..But I was goin to use it for parts for the panel I can explain the reason’s for this ..I am selling them as a pair … will not split them up …I don’t have a shop to work on them and Would like to get them to somebody that has the means to do with what is needed ..for additional information give me a call 208-410-7676…Scott”

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/cto/2901735528.html

 
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1951 Tender? Mounds View, Mn eBay

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s the Tender that started it all.

It was this Tender that came on the market by the previous owner that got me asking the question, what is this thing?  So, it is with some irony that Bob forwarded this Ad to me and asked whether this isn’t a modified wagon rather than an actual Tender.  The thing is, there is one other just like this that was for sale.  You can view it here. So, I’m not as sure that it was a custom job.

“1951 Willys overland panel wagon that has been chopped into a pick up. Runs and drives, needs master cylinder, and front fenders bolted back on, needs new tires or tubes, 26,000 original miles, 4 wheel drive all fully functional and tight. Has currant registration and title in hand.”

View all the information here

 
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A Brief Glimpse of the Kaizer-Ilin Factory in Israel

• CATEGORIES: videos, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Or, a reader from Israel, has been trying to locate more information (especially the model number) about the Compact Willys Truck I have temporarily labeled a Tender.  While doing that research, he spotted a brief clip of some Willys Wagons, Trucks and the Kaizer-Ilin plant in Israel (but no Compact Willys Trucks visible).

Look at minute mark 4.22 through 4.43.

Or also spotted another example of the Compact Truck in Israel:

 
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1952 Truck “Tender” Waseca, Mn

• CATEGORIES: Willys Trucks • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The price has dropped $50 and the seller added pics.  It is a rare “Tender” (“Tenders” have an unusual truck bed).  One again I’ll ask, does anyone know anything about these trucks?