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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 .
Chuck wrote me yesterday to share his good looking 1951 CJ-3A. He bought it last summer off of eWillys, choosing a 1951 jeep because that was the year he was born. The body, home built by the previous owner, is made from 3/16th steel. Chuck is currently rebuilding a Koenig hard top for it.
Chuck, thanks for sharing the pics. I look forward to seeing the top when you finish it!
Roberto forwarded this link that appears to show the rebuilding of a wrecked M-151A2. My vietnamese is pretty weak (ok, non existent), so I have no idea what the thread’s text says.
Before the rebuild:
Rebuild completed:
Brian wrote me tonight to share this story about himself and Ron the Jeep Man. In a follow up email he included a picture of his CJ-5 called the “Mudd shark” (shown below: Brian is in the driver’s seat). It included a couch in back that was popular with the college ladies, popular at least until it started smelling a bit too much from being outside.
I understand that not everything is for sale, including the FCs, but there is plenty there that is.
Dear Dave,
After reading you site for the better part of two years, I thought I’d send this along for you to post and to give you a bit of a break . My little ‘thank you’ for all your hard work. [editor’s note: the break is appreciated!]
About a year and a half ago I purchased a 1960 CJ5 out of Champaign, IL. It was an eBay drop-out that no one bid on and I made a private offer that was accepted. I had a buddy at the University of Illinois take a look at it for me and give me a good report back. My CJ had led a pretty charmed life as a farm Jeep that had been well maintained and stored in the barn. A Koenig top and 33,000 miles, it was in very good condition but got parked some time ago when the throw-out bearing froze and started to burn the fingers off the pressure plate. I had, had a 1956 CJ5 all through college 33 years ago and I always thought it would be fun to have another one but not try to kill myself in this one.
Similar to your book, my father and I worked an entire summer to get my first CJ on the road and it was only fitting that he, at age 89 rode shotgun with me from mid-Michigan to Champaign to tow the second one home. I cherish all the time I have spent working with my Dad over the years on various projects, the first CJ being one of the best.
Like many of your readers, I own several other vehicles and have a good group of car buddies who travel from garage to garage in search of free beer and on occasion actually lend not just their mouth but a hand with a project. When I got the CJ home, one of them gave me a piece of paper with a phone number on in and said, ‘If you need anything, this guy’s got it, Ron-The-Jeep-Man 989-654-2922.
I put the piece of paper in my wallet and called him a few months later when I had my list of things I was looking for, the main item being a 15 inch stock steel wheel so I’d have a spare. Ron said he had lots of wheels and that I should come on up and see him. Sterling, Michigan is about 110 miles north of my home and I thought, one of these days I need to run up there and see what this guy has.
Well, today was that day. I had the day off, Momma had gone to visit her mother and Dad and I needed a ride. We were not disappointed.
Ron said he had 60 jeeps on the property, by my count he had more. Missing was anything MB, the only thing close was a tired and rusted out Bantam trailer. What he doesn’t also have is internet. He even asked if I’d spread the word that he was looking to scale back. We’re talking a 40 year collection.
We’ve all met the guy with either sky high prices or the guy that had everything but nothing was for sale or where met on the porch with a 12 gauge. Ron is none of these. He (by my best guess) has come to the recent decision that he will never get to everything and he needs to start selling and use the funds to finish a couple of projects and actually drive one of them. From what I could see, nothing had been seriously touched in about 8 years based on the dirt and dust and abandoned projects here and there.
Organization and cleanliness are not his strong suit. Most of the time we had to climb over stuff in the buildings and walk sideways to get between vehicles but he was happy to show and share everything he had and he talked my ear off. I don’t think he gets many visitors where he is out in the sticks.
His main focus seems to be on 1940/50/60’s wagons, panels and pick-ups. By my guess, 40 total, most complete, about 3 or 4 running, mostly 4×4 wagons. At this point I kicked myself for not bringing a camera. Heck I was there for a wheel.
His next niche is the Tornado engine. Ron had at least 20, many of the above vehicles were so equipped. It became evident he really had a soft spot for that engine and knew all the fixes to correct the oil leak and oil consumption problems that plagued this engine when introduced.
Several CJ2As in pretty good shape. One an early job with column shift.
A CJ3B with a plow. This appears to be only one of a couple vehicles that actually gets out and gets used. Think he needs to keep this one to keep his long drive cleared.
A couple of CJ5s in rough shape.
Two fire trucks. One, a pick-up that looked like a Howe unit but was made by Valley Fire Truck of Bay City, Michigan. I found a picture of it on line if you search for a 1959 Valley Fire Jeep. The second, an FC dually with and aerial extension ladder used by the City of New York to get down narrow alleys. This was the only FC.
A 1950 Trench-a-Jeep. Missing the trencher but otherwise complete including the agri-weight on the front bumper and all the hard to find controls and PTO stuff.
1960’s Power Wagons. The styled modern square ones, not the WWII style. One with a factory special ordered 440 big block.
Wheels. By my guess, 100+. 15 and 16 inch. Most with petrified tires still on them. Didn’t see any MB take-aparts. My nice wheel ran me $20.
Parts. Piles of front and rear axles and related chassis parts that he had parted out years ago. I saw every brand of locking hubs including some of the rare early ones you don’t see.
A mine field of brake drums strewn across a wooded lot.
Snow plow hardware.
Stuff. Piles of it. Crammed in many of the vehicles. He knew what he had and where it all was. 40 years worth.
As I mentioned, Ron does not have internet but he does answer his phone. Tell him Brian sent you (I know he has a nice set of hubcaps for my CJ somewhere with my name on them!). Bring cash, tools and wear your hunting boots. I did, and when you find a brake drum with your toe under six inches of leaves you’ll be glad you did. Someone with a good digital camera needs to get there.
– Brian
Here is Ron’s contact information: Ron Hattner 175 Bishop Rd, Sterling, Michigan 989-654-2922
Joseph might look pretty young to own his first vehicle, but after a trip to Moab with his dad Pete, who runs the OWF, to attend the 2012 Willys Overland Rally Joseph caught a bad case of the Willys sickness. As his father knows to well, there is no cure for this dreaded disease. With Joseph’s fate sealed, he decided to buy a wagon with his own money that he could rebuild himself (with some help from dad).
The wagon needs plenty of work, so they located a good donor frame that’s already been modified and strengthened, saving them lots of time and work. They have collected some ’76 Wagoneer axles, XJ rear and YJ front springs to fit the already modified frame. They also have located a variety of additional parts to help round out Joseph’s project.
You can follow Joseph’s build here: http://oldwillysforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3549
Good luck Joseph! I’m sure you’ll learn a lot 🙂
UPDATE: Jesse asked me to post a few more pics that show additional progress . . .
These four pics show the body on the wider, heavy duty chassis.
Here are images of the body being removed from the narrower chassis. You can see past images here: http://www.ewillys.com/tag/Package-Van/
Matt, the owner of Edmund Angelus, forwarded me a couple sets of pictures this weekend. You might remember the builds he shared with us a few years ago. Since then Matt moved his automotive company to Roanoke, VA. He not only knows his way around jeeps, but he also does complete collision repair on cars as well, along with fiberglass & gelcoat repairs to boats & personal water craft.
His new address is 3239 orange Ave, Roanoke, Virginia.
His phone number is 540-354-4321.
One of his recent projects was a former Fire Jeep with the data plate BJ-102, indicating at one point it was a Boyer Fire Jeep. Unfortunately, the fire equipment was long gone. Matt writes, “The jeep was purchased by a friend of mine from a car dealer in West Virginia. Commissioned to an individual for a off frame restoration, the Jeep was dismantled way beyond what was really needed. Motor, transmission transfer case were in pieces. Every piece of sheet metal was soda blasted to bare metal. When I came a crossed it the rebuild was going nowhere and the body tub was on a trailer, outside with water standing in it. I contacted the owner and negotiated to take on the restoration. The rest is history as they say. Another proud customer.”
On Saturday Matt (from the above post) took out a couple jeeps and aired them out at the veterans parade in down town Roanoke, Virginia. He says if anyone is looking for a couple jeeps for movie props, just let him know.
UPDATE: I had the wrong link to Goose’s original build (thanks Dave).
Goose forwarded some images showing the addition of a half cab to his CJ-3B. Goose spotted this half cab on eWillys this summer. He worked out a deal with the seller, then set about making a few customizations so that it would fit. It sure turned out nicely! If you don’t remember Goose’s Project CJ-3B, you can see his original four-month build here.
Zack has been a regular reader of eWillys for a while now. Though he comments occasionally, I never got around to asking what kind of jeep he has. So, I asked. Turns out he has two: One a DJ-5 that he uses as a daily driver and the other a nice looking GPW that he hopes to restore to military spec. Here are some photos he sent for us. All in all, it is a good looking DJ-5 that is a very practical vehicle, inexpensive to maintain, cheap on gas, and posi in the rear for bad weather. Thanks for sharing Zack!
Paul wrote to share his experience unwrapping some old parts as he continues his M-38 rebuild.
Paul wrote, “One of the first jobs on my Willys rebuild list from many years ago was to overhaul the axles. Naturally all bearings and races were replaced with new, new ring and pinion gears with 4.27 ratios were installed along with a complete set of 11 inch backing plates and brake drums. Well, sometime during the past 25 or so years the new steering knuckle seals failed due to old age. Geeze, I haven’t even driven this thing yet and now I’m having to replace the replacement parts which are still new but old.
Oh well, it was time to go shopping once again. I was able to purchase a set of heavy duty steering knuckle seals from the local parts store (that can even be rebuilt when necessary) in addition to an extra set of replacement rubber seals for future use. Today I installed one seal kit on the left front knuckle with no problems, everything fit like factory, nothing was missing and the quality was perfect but that’s just what I’d expected. You should understand that these steering knuckle seal kits were packed by Willys Overland Motors for military use in May of 1952. The package had never been opened and all the parts were still coated with a preservative grease like coating, which required lots of paper towels to remove.
I can’t imagine whoever packed these parts so long ago had any idea that 60 years into the future some guy in Alaska would need these parts for his M-38 but I’m sure pleased the packer did such a good job protecting these seal kits. I took pictures of each step as I opened the package and the final photo shows the clean, new parts visible for the first time in over 60 years.”
Paul’s been eagerly awaiting the completion of his frame’s powder coating. I told him that it was too pretty to put under the jeep. Instead, he ought to hand it in the house. No response to that idea so far . . .
Paul writes, “Early this morning (to retired folks it seemed real early) I traded a fist full of cash to a local businessman and in return I received a beautiful black powdercoated Willys frame fresh from the curing oven complete with that new frame smell. Quickly hauling it home I positioned the frame inside the connex slightly ahead of the body while leaving enough room to safely install the springs and axles. I needed to somehow support the frame high enough to allow the axles to fit underneath while not damaging the new coating and still allow the frame to be easily raised and lowered. Did I mention this proposed support structure had to be cheap?
While the connex is incredibly strong the metal roof is way weaker than the weight of the snow we receive during a normal winter so years ago (to prevent the roof from collapsing) I reinforced the roof structure with full length headers bolted to the connex sides and 2X4 doublers positioned right below the original roof bows. With all this structure just waiting for me to use I attached the ends of four ratchet straps to the headers and hooked the opposite ends to the Willys frame. By adjusting the tension of the straps I was able to position the frame level and at the height necessary for clearance of the wheel and axle combination. I normally carry four ratchet straps in the truck (you never know when you’ll run across something that’s just too good to pass up so I’m ready to load it up, cinch it down and head for home at a high rate of speed before anyone changes their mind) they were quickly removed and became the Poor Folk Deluxe Adjustable Lift. This worked GREAT! Total cost…nothing!”
UPDATE: I’m reposting this February 2010 post in honor of the SEEP that appears in my next book. Ann and I spent Wednesday on a journey to review some of the places I will mention in the book. I’ll report on our research tomorrow.
Apparently, Paul cornered Ralphie in his garage today and refused to leave until he got some pics for us. Ralphie’s GPA is well on its way to being a great looking rebuild. Thanks to Paul and Ralphie!
Paul writes, “Crazy Ralphie’s garage suffers from the usual garage problems, no matter how big your garage is it still isn’t big enough to hold all the tools and projects you want to stuff inside so the work area becomes a bit cramped. I’ll be able to get better pictures this summer when things can be moved outside but for now these pictures will have to due. The poor little GPA is sandwiched next to the chassis of a 1934 Ford four door sedan which is tight against a 1956 Caddy convertible undergoing restoration and every flat surface becomes a parts storage shelf until the pile becomes a pyramid towering towards the ceiling.
Crazy Ralphie is in the background of a couple of photos working on the body of the 34 Ford but he’s locating missing parts and doing some work on the GPA in the meantime.
The UPS guy just delivered my new Buick 225 V 6 radiator and I didn’t anticipate it’s arrival until the end of the month so it looks like I’ll have something to work on tomorrow what with building a mount and fabricating brace rod/hood prop combinations. I got my taxes done and Uncle owes me money, it just doesn’t seem right to put that money into a savings account when I could buy Jeep parts instead so I was on the phone ordering and the tax return has been killed.”
Bruce wanted to share some before and after pictures of a trailer he saved. As you can see, the before picture shows a pretty tired trailer. However, after six weeks of work by Bruce, the trailer looks like a great match for his flattie. Thanks for sharing Bruce.
Bruce wrote, “I purchased this trailer locally (7/2/12) for $600, more than i wanted to spend. however, it was simple to transport so i bought it anyway. they are hard to find.
Every nut, bolt and screw was removed, and all 20 leaves from the springs. All of the u-bolts and one shackle were replaced. All rust was removed. The floor had a few rust holes on the side that i duct taped over and then rhino guarded (black spray) the interior. I picked up a 3×6 rubber floor mat from u-line that fits nicely inside.
The trailer had home made fenders that were welded on. Once i removed them, gaping holes were left. I found new fenders at ‘tractor supply’.
Before:
After:
I ran across this unusually modified FC named Work’N Woody. According to this website, it’s a modified FC that has been a fixture at race tracks since 1978. It even has its own website. You can see a gallery of pictures here. Pretty cool! It must be a great place to watch a race.
Here are a couple pictures from the website:
Buz spotted this nice DJ-3A used by the Look Park Police in Florence, MA, from 1957 to 1986.
You can see more images of it here: http://policecarwebsite.net/yet/rwcar4s/lookpark.html
This DJ-3A was also mentioned in a cj2apage forum as well.
This picture was taken early this year by CTROADDOG and posted to FLICKR.
After searching around the NY area, Wayne finally spotted a wagon he wanted. Here’s a pic of it.
Wayne writes, “I am spreading the Willys disease; here is my 16 year old son and his friend after a canoe trip. The jeep gets used as a backdrop for quite a few pics around here.”
Bought new by his grandfather, Rich’s CJ-2A is still serves the family.
Rich writes, “The 48 CJ2A was bought new by grandfather. My dad got it in 1956 and I got it in 73. Someday my son will be the owner. Here are a few old pic’s from back in the 50’s . Me and my sister are in a few shots.”
Thanks for sharing Rich!
And the Jeep today:
Paul wrote to say that a friend of his brought this GPW by for a look.
Paul writes, “My friend Lynn stopped by a few days ago to show me his most recently purchased Jeep. It’s a 1943 Ford, in pretty solid shape considering the fact it’s been parked outside under a spruce tree for many years. Lots of spruce needles covering the inside of the tub, the usual rust in the floors along with dents and dings but a pretty darn complete 69 year old Jeep. Also included with this Jeep (but stored in the tow vehicle for the trip home) were both front seats and the folding rear seat. Numerous parts are stamped with the letter F and all three data plates are still attached to the glove box door. Not only did the neighbors come over to eyeball the Jeep when it was parked in front of the house but Lynn mentioned on the way home while stopped in traffic and while in a parking lot folks were wanting to look the Jeep over and some even tried to buy it. Anyway, this old Ford arrived safely at it’s new home where a pressure wash will remove the grime and plant residue and allow a more in depth inspection of this steel soldier.”
Matt spotted this gem. Not satisfied with the toy-sized, remote control version of the Tamiya Wild Willys Jeep, the people over at The Bug Box, a German company, decided to build a life size version. They documented the process. Very cool.
See all the images here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307694835915312.80520.187259324625531&type=3
Here are a few selected pics:
William, the President of the Tennessee Flat Fender Club, recently contacted me with some kind notes about my book. I told him I had been planning to do a post about the club, so he provided me some information.
Well, we all eventually arrive at one of these places where the unexpected happens, inevitably followed by the ‘what do I do now’ question. That’s where James is at and he needs a few suggestions. You might remember James from when I visited his father and him in Denver back in October.
“I was replacing the old inlet oil line into the engine (below the fuel pump). I was loosening the oil line that went into the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket (Walck4wd part number 384569) and accidently torqued the bracket. The fuel line came off, but the thread from the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket broke off inside the engine in the oil inlet. Great.. So, I bought an extractor from Sears and have been trying to extract the remaining thread left inside the oil inlet (below the fuel pump) with no luck. There is hardly any room to hammer the extractor into the block. So now here I am, stuck. Any idea how to remove the remaining thread? Thanks, James DeBartolomeis”
Here’s a pic:
Paul sent this to my inbox today. A couple days ago he removed his stainless steel body from his frame so he can complete the work on his frame. It’s a good thing he listened to his intuition!
“I spent a few hours yesterday in the connex cleaning up my mess and double checking the security of the Willys body resting on the 2X4 support framework. For the most part I felt the body was safely held three feet above the floor but my mind kept coming back to the thought “Would it stay in position during an earthquake?” Since it’s much faster and easier to add additional support structure than it is to repair damaged stainless body panels I fitted eight more bracing legs to the existing body holder. I really didn’t think any additional strength was necessary but I’d sleep easier with this bit of overkill engineering and the cost in time and money was negligible.
While taking a shower this morning I was surprised when the house started rocking back and forth as several sharp jolts announced the arrival of an earthquake. The quake was a small one, only about 4.6 but it was close to Anchorage (about ten miles away) and it was over quickly. After getting dressed I hurried to the connex, opened the door and viewed a beautiful sight. The Willys body was safely resting on the framework undamaged and perfectly aligned on the supports.
I realize rebuilding Jeeps can be an experience in frustration when money and time conflict with dreams but I really could do without adding earthquakes into the mix. I’m slow enough as it is, I don’t need Mother Nature increasing my heart rate with exciting special effects. On the other hand I’m happy the Willys is safe, the body support held and I don’t have to repair any damaged body panels. Now all I have to do is to hurry to get the frame work accomplished and reattach the body to the chassis before anymore earthquakes visit my workspace.”
Don forwarded us some pictures of his M-38 and M-35. It took him one year to build the M-38 from parts. I think it looks terrific!
He joked that he built it to match his M-35 and says he has to keep busy doing something, noting he doesn’t want to become a couch potato. Thanks for sharing Don!
Two and a half years ago Kevin purchased a solid fixer-upper wagon out of Conifer, Co, that he saw on eWillys and had it shipped to Georgia. Despite battling a few health issues, Kevin managed to complete his wagon build. Even better, in one week he expects to embark on a trip to a place he’d never heard of prior to launching his build; he’s headed to Moab, Ut, for the 3rd Annual Willys Overland Rally.
Not only does he have a chance to share this adventure with his children, but he also plans to adapt his wagon so that his daughter, who uses a wheelchair, can “get some gravel in her travel”.
I hope you have a grand adventure Kevin! Congrats on your wagon!
John from R&P 4WD forwarded pics of his customer’s nice flattie build. It has YJ SOA, R&P High Pinion Dana 44’s front and rear, Buick V6, GM SM 420, Dana Model 20, crusing around on 35″ rubber..
