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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 .
The Willys Rally kicked off yesterday with beautiful, but hot weather, or so I am told. Tom sent me a some pics, followed by Roger Martin, who wore out his camera taking pics, so thanks to you both! So, there’s lots to look at. One highlight captured by both kind gentleman included a four-seat empire tractor, which looks really well done.
For months we wondered if our three breeding cows were pregnant. We were sure about one, but not about the other two. Then, on Wednesday, within the span of 12 hours, all three gave birth to female calves. While we would have preferred steers (for meat), we are well set up with breeding cows for the upcoming years.
Updates delayed until Sat morning.
Andy, from Argentina, standing in his engine compartment at Washougal Classic Jeep while Richard and Jake work on his engine.
Recently, through Facebook, I was made aware of Andy, who is driving his Willys wagon from Argentina to Alaska. I lack many of the details, but I know that by early May Andy had made it all the way to Oregon when his engine finally gave out. Unable to go any farther, he and friends reached out through Facebook to find someone would could help him fix his engine (a couple posts on this FB page).
Richard Darr of Washougal Classic Jeep, near Vancouver, Washington, volunteered to help. While Andy stayed with a friend in Tigard, Oregon, Richard towed the vehicle to his place, diagnosed the problems:
“The engine has some serious issues for sure and the cracks have us spooked as well but we are going to try and breathe life back into this engine to hopefully finish the journey to Alaska. We really don’t know if the cracks happened recently or been there for quite some time. We are going to put a new timing set in and reseal the valves, clean out all the blockages in the cooling ports and new head gasket and top it off with a tune up and see what happens. Drive it around locally a bit to see how it takes. If it seems healthy enough to send Andy on his way then off he goes.. if not.. then we will have to switch gears and come up with a replacement engine or something. Jake and I are happy to do what we can to get Andy to the finish line of his more than 8 year Trek.”
After a couple weeks, Richard and Jake were able to repair the engine enough that Andy decided not to invest in another block. They test drove the wagon recently and are satisfied it is ready. Andy test drove it as well and says it is more powerful than it has been since Bolivia (I can only guess something happened to the engine there?). So, Andy is prepared to take off towards Alaska again.
Jake and Richard testing the wagon’s rebuilt engine, with Jake driving.
During the process, did require Richard to spend $400 of his own money (plus all the time). I’m going to send Richard $200 to cover half his expenses. If anyone wants to donate as well, you can send money directly to me through PayPal (Payment@ewillys.com) and I will send Richard an additional check based on any donations (he doesn’t have PayPal). If you have any questions, just email me: d@deilers.com.
Ron Fitzpatrick recently revealed two parts GPAs he apparently has acquired, which I imagine he will transform into one? Anyway, I wanted to highlight the green one, as it is one of the oddest modified GPAs I’ve ever seen. The pics are from this post: https://www.facebook.com/ron.fitzpatrick.g503/posts/pfbid0oJdt1qQ8yYYtgsJ1QkETtynEJpbEWQUJvPtd8ncrXvFeZNB3S8czBzdXie8Qqr1Gl
Bill shared this article from Silodome on the Austin Champ. It included the below video.
UPDATE: The correct name of this vehicle is Sternad not Steran, built by Anton (Andrew) Frank Sternad in 1917. As Mark notes in the comments, there is more information on it here: http://coachbuilt.com/bui/s/sternad/sternad.htm
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Originally published May 5, 2023:
Merlin mentioned this vehicle (and article), called the Sterand Loco, in a Facebook post. Various sourced indicate it was built in 1902, but he felt it looked more like a 1920s build. I agree with him, that it is a cool car, but I am not steeped enough in early car history to know for sure when it might have been built.
After some internet searches, I found the engine was consistent with 1902 (a Rutenber 4 cylinder engine). However, after Googling and checking newspaper articles prior to 1920, I could not find what I felt was a definitive source for the date of the vehicle’s creation (no info on why it is called a Sterand or any promotion surrounding it’s inception). The most I could find was a postcard (from this website) that discussed what the article stated.
Still, it’s a cool car.
I am taking the weekend off. I had hoped to take the Tour Jeep up to the Moonshiners race in Glenwood, WA, this weekend to share the FC with folks. However, I am not feeling the best, so I’ve decided to get some rest. Meanwhile, it seems one of our cows is showing signs of giving birth soon (we’d given up, thinking she wasn’t going to have a calf this year), so that’s a surprise!
Have a great weekend!
This Tacoma Webfooters jeep club shirt is a size Large. The Webfooters have been around for a long time.
View all the information on eBay
“Red Tacoma, Washington Webfooters jeep club tshirt-single stitch sleeves and bottom in excellent shape with no flaws and little wear and tear on a Hanes fifty-fifty Tag.
Condition 9/10
Size L 20w x 26H”
I had hoped to have the race jeep all done by now so I could take it to the Moonshiner’s payday in Glenwood, but not this year. The priority shifted to Ann’s garden. She’s been such a big supporter of my jeep craziness over the years, that building her this garden was the least I could do. Now that the weather has cooled back down to normal temps, I should have the trip work around the pagoda and boxes done in the next couple of days.
The other thing that has slowed things down has been some weird health glitches. Hopefully, we have those issues under control and that won’t slow me down (for a while anyway).
Yesterday I finished up the seat mounts and the seat belt mounts on the racer. Next, the overhead dashboard needs finishing, but that is nearly done. After that, the side bars need mounting and the mud flaps setup. After that, the body and hood mounts need to be added. There are a few places that need some cleaning (read grinding) on the chassis, but otherwise it should be ready to clean and paint. So, almost there …
<– Day 14 – Fri. May 17th: Day 1 of the Midwest Willys Reunion | Trip Overview | Day 16 – Sun. May 19th: On the Road to Gettysburg –>
UPDATE: This year is the 10th anniversary of our 8-week, 2013-trip around the east coast. Up to that point, I didn’t really get how the impact this simple website had made. This weekend is the 10th anniversary being given the Toledo Brick award at the Willys Reunion. Here’s a throwback to that Saturday.
Today was another gorgeous, warm, sunny day here in Hudson. The day ended with an honor that caught me by surprise.
L-to-R: Bob Chrisy, Sebastian Logo-Guerrero, and Me.
Today was another gorgeous, warm, sunny day here in Hudson. More jeeps and people rolled in to make the day even better than yesterday. The most difficult thing about today was finding the time to talk with visitors looking at jeeps in the parking lot and having the time to see the presentations on the inside of the hotel. Here are a few photos of people I met:
In the end I only had a chance to attend MD Juan’s presentation, which was very interesting. They discussed the challenges the company has faced trying to perfect vintage Willys bodies so that they properly fit the different models (MB/GPW/2A/3A etc).
CEO Rommel Juan noted that the company’s increasing use of the jeep forums combined with access to original bodies has allowed them to tune the bodies and close in on the original specs.
R to L: Bob Christy with Rommel Juan, CEO of MD Juan, and one of his officer’s whose name I don’t have at the moment.
This is an unusual jeep. It appears to be made of metal. Given the PRODUCTION ENGINEERING label across the windshield, it’s possible this was created by the Production Engineering Corp, out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which specializes in sheet metal projects and other custom works. The company was launched in 1957, so it is possible.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1288581968729325
“Probably used in a factory”
The newest issue of Dispatcher Magazine arrived in my mailbox yesterday. The central article cover the history of the Viasa-Willys. This issue is the 10th anniversary of the launch of the magazine. If you haven’t subscribed yet, I highly recommend it!
https://www.dispatchermagazine.com/
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay. Barney picked up this one.
If you love Ford GPs, you might just love this shirt.
Thanks to Tom for sharing this one. This Baier lighter appears to lack the ashtray trailer. The tires are odd as well. (See a more original setup here)
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3416927958563592
“occupied Germany right after WWII. Made from solid aluminum. Still in very good condition.”
I recently purchased a special equipment binder off ebay. Usually, there are a few interesting brochures inside. This time, it was full of these pink price sheets, like this:
However, thankfully, inside the book there was a second small booklet that did have some brochures, and a few interesting ones.
As an example, I’ve never run across this unusual 4-page McCain Hub Winch brochure.
UPDATE: Here’s a second type of Warn-A-Larm brochure. It is a single page, form #AC1166-20 (maybe 11/1966?).
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Originally published Feb 20, 2023:
This is a product I didn’t know existed at one time. According to this four-page brochure, the Warn-A-Larm is a backup alarm device to warn folks when a vehicle is backing. It appears the brochure is from June 1969.
O
I’ve seen these Tilt-o-meters in various jeeps, but I didn’t know they produced a brochure:
This is a device I’ve never seen. When a vehicle is stuck it brakes the spinning wheel, forcing the non-spinning wheel to spin (and hopefully) un-sticks the vehicle.
This year’s Willys Rally happens June 2&3, 2023 at its usual spot in Hueston Woods State Park, College Corner, Ohio. You can learn more here: http://www.mw-willysjeep.com
UPDATE: This post was originally published 12/26/2018:
This article about exploring southern Utah in a jeep was published in the October 1958 issue of Sunset Magazine. You’ll see a nod to Kent Frost’s guide company and a photo of the front of one of his CJ-5s.
UPDATE: Next Weekend is the Spring Willys Reunion.
Art let me know that the 30th annual Spring Willys Reunion will be held May 19-20. This year, it will be held at a new location: the Hilton Garden Inn, North Canton, Ohio.
http://willysreunion.com/swr23.htm
The Sierra Pack’age’ Trip Tri-Fold brochure was probably printed in the early 1960s. It’s the first time I have run across a California or Sierra Nevada brochure for guided jeep tours. The company is referenced both as “Jeeps, Inc.” and as “Sierra Tours by Jeeps, Inc.”.
This 3rd page only has print on one side. It’s a flyer that was stuck into the brochure.
Captain Scott Montefusco has put together an adventure called The Great American Road Trip. He plans to drive across America in a 1952 M-38 called Little Glory between May 23 and July 26th. His goal is to raise money for Veterans and First Responders.
For inquires to help sponsor this campaign you may contact Captain Montefusco directly at the thecaptain@gartforvets.org or LinkedIn and FaceBook messaging Capt. Scott Montefusco.
He also has a website: https://www.gartforvets.org/
You may contribute to the success of this campaign and directly support Tunnel to Towers by donating on behalf of the Great American Road Trip for Veterans here: https://dogood.t2t.org/campaign/great-american-road-trip-for-veterans/c417629
More information:
The sacrifices made by our veterans and first responders can never be fully repaid. They have put their lives on the line to protect our nation and its people, and their dedication deserves recognition and support. That’s why organizations like T2T.org and campaigns like the Great American Road Trip for Veterans exist – to help raise funds and awareness for these brave individuals and their families. Continue reading
Bill shared this link to a Roxor owner’s review after having owned and driven a Roxor for one year. He seems to be enjoying it!
I just don’t see owning Roxor over owning the Polaris Ranger we have. That rig has been great for farm work.
Here’s another unusual brochure. It’s possible I have another somewhere else and just never posted it. The brochure is from W-10021.
