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No Racing This Weekend

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

My son is up visiting for a few days. On Wednesday we got out the Race Jeep so we could loosen the steering a little (there was a slight bind that we corrected). The hope was that the starts would finally align and Ann and I could hit the Moonshiner’s race this weekend in Randall.

However, while driving the race jeep out on Wed I noticed some smoking from the engine (hood was off). We discovered some some oil (a few Tablespoons maybe) had splashed from the front passenger side lower engine corner area (still not sure where), that hit the radiator hose and front pumpkin as we were driving. I cleaned up the oil, but rain and a dead battery (another puzzle, as I have a battery disconnect) forced us to give up the search for the leak.

Later that evening, I looked for leaking oil under the racer, but saw none. So, I will need to do some more testing. Strange.

Meanwhile, the company making my new glass lens are still a few days away from shipping them, in part because, due to the prescription, they aren’t sure if they will fit my frames or not .. ugh.  So, even without the oil issue, I wouldn’t be able to see the track well enough to race.

So, it all sucks, but such is life.

As for the FC, more progress was made. I cleaned up the gas pedal linkage and tried to take better pics. I also installed the gauges onto the bottom of the dash. I think the smaller size helps make them look less overwhelming vis-a-vis the dash. On the left side of the dash you might see an aluminum strip, which is a mockup for an angled bracket that will support the fuse box, which will rotate up when not being view (or so that’s the theory).

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Auto Parts Sign with Bantam BRC-40 Image $800

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Located in San Francisco, this sign supposed hung at Sherpa’s Auto Parts. Pretty cool sign. 8′ x 4′

https://www.facebook.com/groups/227689400988963/posts/1857446118013275

sherbas-auto-parts-sign-bantam-brc40

“This sign is an awesome addition for any man cave. This sign hung in the Scherba’s Auto Parts Store on 32nd and Taraval Streets in San Francisco’s Sunset District for years before the store closed (currently the store is an O’Reilly’s). The sign is made from wood and is roughly 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.
This features a WWII era Jeep and the words “Military Jeep 1944” below the graphic. The price above is my “I don’t want to sell it” price so low ball offers will just be ignored.
I’m also open to trades of 50’s & 60’s porcelain automotive signs, Jeep grills, or street legal dirt bikes.”

 
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1959? Jeep Family Brochure from Canada

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

I won this rare brochure off of eBay last week. I’ve never seen another one. Wagons, DJ-3As and FCs dominate the photos.

This is the front page. It is 8.75″ wide by 6.5″ tall:

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The back page is blank:

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It opens vertically to this size: 1959-canada-jeep-family-brochure4

Then opens horizontally to this:

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And this view is fully opened at 17.5″ wide by 23.5″ tall:

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This is the back fully opened:

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FC Tour Jeep Updates

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

In between various chores, I’ve completed the gas pedal linkage. It is most definitely a stronger setup and, to be honest, a bit of overkill, but it should hold up well. I will get some better pics when I tear it apart for some final clean up and paint.

2024-05-19-gas-pedal-linkage5

2024-05-19-gas-pedal-linkage1Underneath, there is a bracket that secures the cable in place and provides a place to secure the spring. Forward of that is the cam. When the pedal is depressed, the cam arm is pushed down, which rotates the assembly counter clockwise, pulling the accelerator cable forward. 
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You can also see in the pics the new cover plate where originally the transmission shifter would come through the wheel well and, in the case of this FC, a spot that was updated to accommodate the Wilwood proportioner. The proportioner has been turned sideways and now must be access via the engine compartment, which was done to stop curious hands from playing with it.

Continue reading

 
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Tapped 419’s DJ-5 Draught Jeep

• CATEGORIES: DJ-5 & DJ-6, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Jerry Huber shared this unusually modified DJ-5. It’s now a draught jeep, modified by and for Tapped 419, which provides draft beer (or root beer) for parties via a Fire Truck and now a DJ-5.

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Yellow-Background Approved Willys Service Signs

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Barney Goodwin from Barney’s Jeep Parts just purchased this yellow Approved Willys Service sign, which is similar in colors, content and styling to a sign posted on eWillys back in 2020 (see bottom of post). Does anyone have any history behind these unusual service signs. Barney noted that on the back of his it references Chicago if that’s any help.

Barney added, “This sign is made of heavy gauge steel . It is not flimsy like an import. The edges are rolled and there is a weathered support plank on the back as shown. The rolled edge is painted black. There is stenciling on the back with perhaps a product number For Willys Overland by a Chicago contractor.”

5 18 24 A 5 18 24 D 5 18 24 E 5 18 24 F

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UPDATE **SOLD** Was originally posted August 26, 2020.

Roger Martin spotted this unusual Willys Service Sign at a Portland, Indiana, Tractor show today. If you are interested in the sign, we can get you the seller’s p#.

eds-approved-willys-sign

 
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Bravo Zulu House Looking for WW2 Jeep For Wall Art

• CATEGORIES: Features, wanted This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Tim is still looking for a WW2 body.

The Executive Director of the soon-to-open Bravo Zulu House & Trinity Sober Homes in Minnesota hopes to mount half a WW2 jeep on a wall as an art-piece. If you have a junk jeep you think might interest them, contact Tim Murray and 507 400 1973 or 612 251 6150 or
Tim @ bravozuluhouse.org (remove spaces from around the @).

“We are building an all-military sober in Minnesota that will be 1st in the country to help Veterans suffering from PTSD and substance abuse. See www.bravozuluhouse.org …. Looking to mount on the wall of great room a “cut down the middle” side view of a ww2 jeep (no engine, axels and gas tank removed, etc.) to lighten the “art”. I have volunteers to help with cutting and then painting the vehicle. We have a trucking company that will take care shipping. So basically looking for a WW2 Willys that nobody else (maybe?) would want (junk, no engine, etc.)”

Bravo+zulu+green+w+star

 
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Six Years ago @ the Willys Reunion

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Let’s hope yesterday’s rain at the 2024 Willys Reunion gives way to some sun! There was at least a little sun in the evening, as shown by the Jeepster Man’s photo posted to Facebook.

jeepster-man-2024-05-17

Meanwhile, wow, time flies! It’s hard to believe that it’s been six years since we attended the Willys Reunion, which is happening this weekend. Pictured below is part of our Alaska Or Rust Crew from 2017, who reunited at the 2018 Reunion.

You can read more about the 2018 Willys Reunion specifically and our 2018 East Coast trip in general here: http://www.ewillys.com/2018/05/20/day-21-saturday-may-19th-mr-infamous/

2018-05-19-aurora-reunion-alaska-or-rust-crew2

 
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Hurst CJ-5 Fiberglass Front End Traverse City, MI $3000

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

Here’s an interesting piece of history. According to the story, it is a promotion build Hurst Customs did for jeep. It’s unclear to me how many of these were made.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WillysSwapMeet/posts/3712949665644952

“A freaky Front Clip for sale – who is interested in a bit of Jeep mystery and history?
This front clip is from a promotional build Hurst Customs did for Jeep ..this was the time they partnered on the rare Hurst Jeepsters. I bought what came to be nicknamed the “Green Weenie” in early 1972 as the first retail owner from a Detroit dealer who got it from AMC — who had no interest in using it for promotions as intended….as they were scrambling to redesign the CJ5 anyway.
I would love to have someone use this fiberglass custom frontend to recreate either the bright green Hurst Jeep as pictured or use it for your custom build! It bolts onto a 71 or earlier CJ5 and I bet Jeepsters….i still have the Jeep but removed the front clip and stored over 30 years ago as I set up the Jeep to run the Rubicon.
Asking $3,000 front clip and side pipes. In Michigan but can be shipped pretty easily.

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Jeep Cavalcade to the San Juan Rockies Flag on eBay

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

The price is $60 or obo. Some folks flew these flags on their jeeps during the Jeep Cavalcades in Colorado.

View all the information on eBay

“This vintage Jeep Cavalcade car flag is a must-have for any collector of automobilia. The flag features a colorful design with the words “To The San Juan Rockies” prominently displayed. It was manufactured in the United States and is a rare find for those who appreciate the history and design of vintage car memorabilia.”

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Double Cola Win Jeep Cherokee Contest Can on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s an odd one. Double Cola, a brand I’ve never seen, in 1994 sponsored a contest that included a Jeep Cherokee. This must have been a very special can to keep it around for 30 years!

View all the information on eBay

“Super rare Double Cola can, which was made with a plastic wrapped exterior. Win a Jeep Cherokee promotion. Empty 12 oz. can.  Canned under authority of the Double Cola Company,  Chattanooga, TN.”

1944-double-colar-jeep-cherokee-can6 1944-double-colar-jeep-cherokee-can7 1944-double-colar-jeep-cherokee-can8

 
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31st Annual 2024 Willys Reunion this Weekend

• CATEGORIES: Event, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Accidentally had this year as the 30th year!

This year marks the 31st time the Spring Willys Reunion has been held. My hope is that next year I or we can figure out a way to attend with the tour jeep in tow.

WillysReunionLogo_Header

 
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Mobile Drilling, Inc, Booklet

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

I won a HiBid online auction yesterday that included this Mobile Drilling Inc., operation and parts booklet. I am hoping this proves an interesting document!

mobile-drilling-inc-document2

This was included in an odd assortment of jeep and non-jeep docs.

mobile-drilling-inc-document1

 
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Al-Toy Modified Body

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Geoffrey won this Al-Toy body auction on eBay and then got the lights working. He’s wondering if anyone has a parts to help make it into more of a complete model?? It appears he needs wheels and a windshield at the very least.

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Previous pics from ebay:

Continue reading

 
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The DJ-226 Truck Brochure From Canada

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

This truck brochure from Canada caught my eye on eBay, because it labeled the truck as a 2WD DJ-226. I suspect the brochure is from about 1960.

1960-ish-dj-pickup-brochure1 1960-ish-dj-pickup-brochure2 1960-ish-dj-pickup-brochure3

 
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Japanese Formula Desert Dog Brochure

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

UPDATE: This post now contains better photos of the brochure.

I purchased this Japanese Formula Desert Dog brochure. I thought it was interesting that both solid and outlined version of the tires were offered simultaneously. I’ll update the pics when I receive the brochure.

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japanese-formula-desert-dog-brochure2 japanese-formula-desert-dog-brochure3

 

 
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Night Skies

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

We stayed up extra late Friday night and were rewarded with clear, active skies! I took these photos with my iPhone (no filters, no adjustments later). However, the phone made these look much more colorful than they were to my eyes. Once I realized how cool the skies looked while using my phone, I walked around the property taking photos. We have a bunch of solar, motion detector lights, so they just added background light also.

But, before the night pics, I have one from Saturday. I was in the garden and looked over to see what I thought might be a dead cat … but, no, it was just sleeping.

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Other notes … more progress was accomplished on the FC. The oil cooler fan bracket is all done, the cooler and fan attached, and the wiring ready for install. The gas pedal is nearly done, though I want to lighten the pivot portion of it.

One additional note. It seems the eye surgery I had last August has accelerated the cataract in that eye, which has resulted in some loss of vision. I’ve got new glasses arriving this coming week, so I hope that allows me to see good enough to race. Otherwise, I will have to get and recover from cataract surgery before racing … if not one thing, it’s another!

Okay, now the sky photos:

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Continue reading

 
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Willys Custom Tracked Jeep

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

Bill shared this video of what I think is a customized tracked vehicle with a vintage jeep body and an inline six possibly from a jeep. I don’t know enough about these to comment on it.

 
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2024 Southwest Ohio FC Gathering July 26-28

• CATEGORIES: Event, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Less than two months away from Roger’s event.

The 10th Annual Southwest Ohio Jeep FC Gathering & Swap Meet will be held July 26-28.

If you are interested in attending, contact Roger or Sharon for more info:
Roger and Sharon Martin’s Place
1905 Roxanna New Burlington Road Waynesville, OH 45068
937-477-5270 rogerjm55 @gmail.com2022-southwest-ohio-fc-event94

 
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Raise Garden #2 Completed

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The big spring project, operation Raised Garden #2, has finally concluded. The auto irrigation system is ready to go. Now, Ann just needs to finish planting and I need to put away the tools leaning against the shop (and paint the fencing around the propane tank).

Since first buying the place we’ve struggled with what to do with this dead zone between the shop and the guest house. Ann’s idea for 2nd garden area there looks like it will be a good idea. Here’s a before and after photo:

2021-2024-shop-to-little-house-area-comparison

On Sunday, I returned to working on the FC. I finished a cover plate for the Wilwood hole (formerly the original shifter hole), and I built a bracket for the oil-cooler/electric fan setup (no pics just yet). Though I need to catch up on other projects waylaid as a result of the garden, I should have more time to work on the FC again.

 
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Article on MD Juan

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

Bill shared this article on MD Juan and some of the recent updates to their product line, along with some infrastructure updates. I know folks mock MD Juan at times, but their ability to manufacture inexpensive bodies means the company can’t invest heavily in additional equipment (chicken and egg situation). Nice to see the company continuing to support the vintage jeep community.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/inside-the-jeep-factory-that-is-trapped-in-time-workers-still-build-cars-by-hand-233079.html

 
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Three Ecuadorian Jeep Mailers on eBay

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

Here are three Willys Overland Export Corporation mailers in Spanish distributed in Ecuador. The look to be printed around 1960 given the blue ‘Jeep’ dot and the single-pane willys wagon. These are priced at $18.00 and are pretty rare.

  1. View all the information on eBay (8.5″x11″)
    ecuador-mailer-1
  2. View all the information on eBay (11″x8.5″):
    ecuador-mailer-2
  3. View all the information on eBay (8.5″x11″):
    ecuador-mailer-3
  4. View all the information on eBay (11″x8.5″):
    ecuador-mailer-4
 
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Four New Jeep Watches

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bill also shared this article regarding some new jeep-branded watches by Marathon. Maybe it will interest someone?

I haven’t worn a watch since about 2001 (by then I had a portable phone and computer as constant companions). I found over the years I didn’t like wearing watches, jewelry, bracelets or anything on my fingers. I don’t even wear my wedding ring often (thankfully I have a patient wife). I recently discovered my aunt has had a life-long aversion to wearing items on her fingers and wrist, so maybe a DNA thing?

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/these-four-new-watches-celebrate-jeep-s-monumental-history-233345.html

marathon-watch-jeep-branded

 
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1956 Willys Truck Rebuild Thread

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This thread of a 1956 truck rebuild was shared by Bill. It looks like this has become a non-stock rebuild.

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/1956-willys-pickup-truck-4×4-rust-style/260951/page1/

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Willys-Overland Universal Jeep 1945 Videos

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

UPDATE: This was first published October 14, 2019. The videos were dated as 1948, but Bill noted that the actual date of release was 1945.

Brendan, who used to run This-old-jeep, posted this 3-part video back in 2010. The video was produced by Willys-Overland to help sell the new CJ-2A. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them.

Part I:

Part II:

Part III: