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The Hudson Hornet Steering Modification

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

Just a few posts today, but some good ones!

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1951-1953 Hudson Hornet steering box installed on John’s CJ-2A.

I’ve been very interested in the Hudson Hornet Steering Modification since I heard about it a decade ago. Unfortunately, there’s scant information about implementing the modification, but reports were that it was a relatively easy one that produced fantastic results, offering a power-assist feel to the steering and reducing play (a similar, alternative steering modification is the use of a 1980s Ford Ranger box, which Lawrence Ellliot shared back in 2018).

Now, thanks to Adam, we have some new insights into the obstacles and benefits of installing a Hudson unit into a vintage jeep! Perhaps the most difficult obstacle to overcome is locating the steering box itself! Adam’s provided some great details below, but If you want to ask Adam more questions directly, he’s offered his email ahedgcock @ gmail.com (remove the spaces around the @).

Below, Adam shows some of the differences between the Hudson and Ross (Willys) units:

hudson-steering-box-willys-box-differences

Here’s Adam’s description:

  1. Find box. Perhaps the most difficult task .. 51 to 53 Hudson Hornet.
  2. Pitman Arm/Get Drag Link. Try to get the bell crank and drag link. The Hudson splined pitman shaft is quite a bit larger than the willys splined shaft so it is good to use the original. The pitman arm itself is similar in how it bends, but is 7” long ( instead of 5” on the willys)
  3. Pitman Arm Ball. The pitman arm ball end on the Hudson is larger than the willys, so I welded the Hudson drag link end onto my willys drag link.
  4. Hudson Box bolts right up, but …The Hudson box could be bolted directly to the frame rail with 3 bolts, but the steering column will be 2.5” too far on the drivers side to hit you body tub hole. Having all stock brake and clutch pedals, and not wanting to make my tub Swiss cheese, I chose to move the box 2.5” off the frame with a fabricated spacer. This would be similar to the level of fab needed to convert a Saginaw box up front.
  5. Or Shift the Hudson Bracket. The cast steel Hudson bracket could be cut and re-welded to the box 2.5” over also, with the same results.
  6. Modify the Column Tube. The steering column is similar to the willys but the Hudson column tube is larger than the Willys. I welded a larger OD sleeve at the base of an existing willys column, cut a split in it and welded on 2 ears so I could clamp it tight.
  7. Steering Shaft Differs. The steering shaft does not have the same end spline for a willys steering wheel, so you can either cut and weld a willys spline to the end, or find a Hudson steering wheel.
  8. Gear ratio. I did not take the box apart, but it is clearly a roller bearing worm shaft, and this thing came tight, even after presumably many years of use. The Hudson box is 6 turns lock to lock, and the Ross is 3 turns. It is worth noting the pitman arm is longer, 7” vs 5” on the willys, but you get a definite advantage in ratio. A bit less than half the effort to turn the wheels. I have taken it on road, and there is not the same “twitch” at speed, and off-road it does not tear your thumbs off like before. The wheel still happily spins back to center by itself nicely when you let it go, just more revolutions.
  9. Placement of box. This will be subjective, I have a Buick V6 and I found the longer pitman arm worked better because it swings below my bellhousing rather than ramming I to it with the Ross. Just like placing an engine, you would want to mock up the ideal spot, and make the bracket accordingly.
  10. Original look. This is basically a similar box, and does not effect the outward appearance at all.
  11. Finding parts…this is the fun part, I needed to talk to people, and ultimately find a person willing to go digging through an old barn. Once I found my source, I bought 2. Paid $200 each.
  12. Very fun swap, more original than the Saginaw, similar performance to a manual Saginaw provided to have a good tight bell crank and good tie rod ends.. I don’t see any need for a steering stabilizer

Hudson Horney Box casting number 34641.

hudson-steering-box-casting

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John’s Cutlas Selective Hub Rebuild

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

John recently rebuilt a set of Cutlas Selective Hubs, the type with the knob that rotates to engage and disengage the hub. There appear to be at least two styles of these hubs, one with a flat top and one with a groove, so that a tool (or improvised tool) can be used to help engage, disengage the hub.

This exploded overview from 1961 shows how the parts assemble (see the full brochure below this post):

1961-12-01-cutlas-selective-drive-model100-2-partial-lores

As you can kind of see from this diagram, there are two sections: 1) is the hub cap that holds the knob and the spring in place (from part 107-2 in the middle and everything to the right of it) and 2) the hub base (part 108-2 and everything to the left of it).

John wrote, “Overall I’d say these are my favorite hubs I’ve worked on so far. I have a pair of Warn hubs (with the tiny needle bearings) and a pair of Selectro hubs (big chrome knob type). The Warns seemed like a real pain to rebuild since the needle bearing were in rough shape. And the Selectro hubs, while very easy to operate, were probably the weakest design I’ve seen.”

Here’s a look at John’s finished product, as it’s the best example a complete hub next to a hub with the top separated from the base:

cutlas-hub-groove-rebuild-john8-lores

I went with a 2 tone paint job just for fun. If it doesn’t last for any reason I’ll end up with the whole thing gloss black and a chrome knob. The body was so badly pitted there was no saving the original finish

HUB CAP:

We’ll start with the hub’s cap first. John provided the following note: “To remove the coupling piece (part 102-2 Coupling) from the chrome cap (with the cutlas knob) you have to line it up right with the correct groove, then push down firmly against the spring inside (part 110-2 coupling spring). While pushing down spin the coupling, and then the coupling spring will pop the coupling right out and its free.”

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With the inner portion of the cap apart, you can see the coupling ring, the coupling, the coupling cam spring (part 107-2) and the coupling cam pins (parts 105-2).

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1961 Cutlas Parts & Price List Brochure

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

This December 1961 back-to-back brochure shows the parts break-downs and price lists for the early non-slot Cutlas Selective Hub model 100-2 and the Power Lock Hub. See John’s rebuild of the Cutlas Selective Hub here.

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Offroad History Museum in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

• CATEGORIES: Features, Museums This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Jeep outside the museum (photo from Trip Advisor)

Mohamed Busamnoh, eWillys’ United Arab Emirates correspondent, reported on his recent visit to the newly opened Offroad History Museum in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Thanks for sharing! (check out another museum owned by the same sheikh with a giant flat fender).

“I passed by to the newly opened Offroad History Museum in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to check it out and it’s pretty impressive. It is owned by one of they royal family members who goes by the nickname “Rainbow Sheikh”. It is divided into 3 main sections:

  1. A modified cars section where all his imagination goes and he builds the craziest cars.
  2. Second is civilian production models,
  3. And, the third is a military section.

He has more than 350 cars on display only in this museum. He also owns several museums around the world. From above, the main entrance is built as the letter H for his name, Hamad. He had what I believe is the only FC in the country besides mine or at least from what I have seen around. He also has all kinds of everything 4×4. All kinds of jeeps.

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Colombian Roller Coaster at the Parque Del Cafe

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

An article about the impact of the Coronavirus on Colombian theme parks led me to this recently opened jeep-themed roller coast at the Parque Del Cafe (which translates into the Coffee Park). It underscores how nuts Colombian’s are about jeeps!

The park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. In 2017 it attracted more than one million visitors. The name of this particular roller coast is the Yippe, likely a play off of the Yipao bean/jeep culture. It opened in late 2018 as best as I can tell.

I imagine this video was created during the testing/building phase:

Here are some pics:

 

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Electric Motor Built into a Chev V-8 Block

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

Steve shared this unusual modification. This experienced hot rodder built an electric motor into a V8 block to make it look like a traditional engine. To improve the engine’s range, he installed a V8 into the bed of the truck which will power a pair of generators.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/hot-rodders-hybrid-1936-pickup-hides-an-electric-motor-inside-a-chevy-small-block-v8/ar-BB13wvKB?ocid=spartanntp

The build:

 
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1943 Photo of Football Players Pushing Jeep on eBay

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

UPDATE: Below is a press photo of the ‘push-a-war’ photo in the original 2014 post on eBay

View all the information on eBay

“1943 Press Photo Camp Joe T. Robinson, football players push a jeep for training. This is an original press photo. A new use for the versatile jeep is shown here. The jeep is being substituted for a charging sled. Captain C.R. Goodwin, Special Projects Officer of the 66th Div. soon at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas, is getting a “ride” while directing the training of a gridiron team which is part of the camp’s athletic program. Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 11-15-1943.

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====================================

Original Post February 2014: I stumbled up a collection of photos from the Signal Corps Collection in Record Group #111, Still Picture Branch, National Archives at College Park, MD: http://www.history.army.mil/photos/WWII/Preps/WW2-Prep.htm

This photo seems to show the opposite of a tug-a-war. It’s a push-a-war!

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THE CAPTION FROM THE SITE READS: Training. Football Training in the Army. A new use for the versatile jeep, as it’s being substituted for a charging sled. Capt. C. R. Goodwin, Special Projects Officer of the 66th Division at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Ark., is getting a “ride” while directing the training of a gridiron team which is part of the camp’s athletic program. (Nov 43)

Here’s a photo  of a Jeep Assembly line in England:

signal-corp-photo-army-history

England. Jeep Assembly Line from which a completely assembled jeep can be produced every three minutes. Assembly Depot 0-640, Tidworth, Wilts, England. (8 Sep 43) Signal Corps Photo: ETO-HQ-43-6606 (Lt. Ray)

 

 
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October 1943 School at War Bulletin

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

This interesting School at War Bulletin from October of 1943 was preserved by the University of Toledo. Pages five and six of the bulletin include a story about the success of the schools-buying-jeeps program. The war department had set a goal of 10,000 jeeps for US Schools for the year 1942. Each state was given a quota, which almost every state exceeded, resulting in the ‘purchase’ of 39,535 jeeps by schools.

You’ll find posted on eWillys various newspaper articles and photos describing the visits of jeeps and military personnel to schools. What I didn’t know was that not only did the jeeps visit the schools, jeeps also were driven “up steps, down steps, into gymnasiums, onto auditorium stages, and around school corridors. Once school in St. Paul, which “bought” 48 jeeps, reports that one of the versatile cars spent a whole day driving through the halls for inspection by the various classes.” 

Here’s a break down of the jeeps purchased by schools during 1942:

1943-school-at-war-bulletin-u-of-toledo-jeep-stats

Here is the full seven page bulletin:

1943-school-at-war-bulletin-u-of-toledo-0 1943-school-at-war-bulletin-u-of-toledo-1 1943-school-at-war-bulletin-u-of-toledo-2

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The 60MPH Jeep Claim Discussed on Hemmings

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

Serval folks pointed me to a Hemmings article by Daniel Strohl that lightly addresses the early claim of a CJ-2A capable of pulling a large trailer at a speed of 60mph, specifically the trailer shown in the iconic photo seen below (a PR photo that appeared in multiple places early in Universal Jeep advertising).

Hemmings article: https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/05/01/lost-and-found-overflow-the-little-jeep-that-could

1945-07-19-cj2a-picnic-with-camper3

PHOTO CREDIT: Dal Smilie

 
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1952 Birthday Card for Ward Canaday

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

UPDATE: The cow in this illustration may represent an estate and cattle ranch Canaday owned on St. Croix, USVI.

This 1952 birthday card for Ward Canaday has been persevered at the University of Toledo. One of the signatures is from Barney Roos.

https://utdr.utoledo.edu/islandora/object/utoledo%3A3929

1952-01-01-Toledo-university-Ward-Canaday-brithday-card

 
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1953 Articles about Kaiser Buying Willys on the CJ-3B Page

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

Derek put together a great multiple-article look at the Kaiser’s purchase of the Willys assets.

https://cj3b.info/History/KaiserWillys1953.html

Below you’ll find some added some additional info and research as well.

First, my only quibble with one article is that there is the implication that Willys-Overland was humming profitably along. Despite profits, it’s my understanding that the company was dealing with some cash issues, hence why they (especially Ward Canaday) might have been interested in selling. At the time, Canaday controlled Empire Securities, the single largest shareholder in Willys-Overland. For some background on Empire Securities, read this 1946 Fortune article.

In regards to some of the issues raised in the final article of Derek’s the post, Edgar Kaiser addresses some of them in this 1955 Congressional testimony, particularly one reason the company lost money during the first two years.

Here are a few more reports from 1953, organized by the University of Toledo:

1953-willys-stockholder-articles

And more from the University of Toledo:

1953-willys-stockholder-articles2

And, here’s Leslie Gould’s take on Ward Canaday in a March 30, 1953, article:

1953-03-30-leslie-gould-ward-canaday

 

 
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Year? CJ-3A Valentine APU Central Point, OR **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, Features, Unusual • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $25,000.

I don’t see any of the APU equipment left, so while it’s a rare jeep, it’s also no longer an APU jeep. I don’t see anyone paying the asking price for it. That said, it’s got some interesting mods, including a custom lengthened rear cargo area, a custom spare tire well and holder, what appears to be the Hudson steering mod, and a custom modified top (shortened CJ-6 top perhaps). This also utilizes doors from a late model CJ-5 hardtop by Kelly. The rear portion may even be a modified Kelly CJ-6 top.

“Up for sale is a CJ3A Willys APU Jeep .
This APU Jeep was built for the military Navy and Air Force to start jets by the Valentine Welding Co. they made a total of 75, this is one of two know to still exist, and the only one with a windshield and top .
The newer F head engines were placed in and a custom hood made by the manufacturer
Asking 25k”

year-cj3a-valentine-apu-oregon02 year-cj3a-valentine-apu-oregon01

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April 1957 Issue of Willys News

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

This issue is Dealer-Contest focused and, frankly, a little uneventful.

Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos

 
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1944 Photo of Elizabeth McDougald in Jeep

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

An October 21, 1944, photo and caption of Elizabeth McDougald of New York City highlighted her appointment to “London’s first Negro-staffed club, the Duchess”. She’d been appointed direct of the Red Cross club. Some letters by Ms. McDougald to military officers related to racial issues can be found here. A great deal of detailed information about her was uncovered through an auction purchase and subsequent research by Sherry Howard.

1944-10-21-jackson-advocate-elizabeth-mcdougald-lores

 
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Trade: 1913 S76 Roaders For 2A/3A/3B maybe MB/GPW Boone, NC

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

Alan is looking to trade a 1913 S76 Roadster project for some type of Flatfender. Interested parts can contact him via email (kikistj @ charter.net … remove spaces around the @) or by phone  828 406 0638.

me car

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The history of this car is that there was only four 4 ever made. One was crashed and scrapped, one was rebuilt and now in England, and one is currently at Goodwood racing circuit, And, an  engine is in a museum in Italy. Mine is a replica.  Parts are very hard to find from 1913, with most needing to be fabricated, but it runs real good and stops good, and is drivable .

What I am looking for is a CJ-2A, CJ-3B or a rough MB modified is ok. Non running is ok, too, but it must be complete. I can get a trailer to move both items and they can be within 500 miles of Boone North Carolina, maybe a little more covering Virginia, Tennessee, south Carolina some in Georgia and of course North Carolina. I place my value about $3000, but a trade would be preferable.

It my untrained eye, it looks similar to this 1911 Fiat S76:

 
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Replacement MB Tub Sanyston, NJ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1800.

According to the text of the ad, the price was $2000, but has been dropped to $1800.

“1942-45 -Willys MB Jeep Tub J believe it’s an MD Juan body tub based on toe boards New Condition.
Two spots with very light superficial surface rust will come right off
Will also trade for MD Juan 42 script Ford GPW tub

(Now $1800.00 Firm $600.00 of Cost of a new one plus shipping to you”

replacement-tub1 replacement-tub2 replacement-tub3

 
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CJ-3B (And Other Parts) Wheatland, VA Make Offer

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

Not sure how much value is here.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pts/d/waterford-willys-jeep-and-parts/7109404649.html

“jeep and parts.
many other parts available too but only for Jeeps older than 1972
make an offer”

cj3b-other-parts-nva

 
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Hy Lo Pump Hydraulic Pump Question

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

Dan Moreton asked a question that I can’t answer. Anyone have thoughts? You can contact him directly here ttlmidcounty @ gmail.com (remove spaces around the @)

“I have a 1967 Power King Tractor that utilizes the large Square Model Jeep Hy-Lo Hydraulic pump to lift/lower the plow. It has a 1/4″ intake and output that connects to a dual action hydraulic cylinder. The unit is well suited for this operation.

I have a manual hitch and wanted to make it hydraulic. I saw a Jeep Hi-Lo self contained unit UHT 37046. When it arrived I noted it was smaller,( almost square) had almost identical hardware and fitting on top except it only has one 1/4″ street elbow.

How do I connect this unit to operate a dual action hydraulic cylinder? This tractor is my first experience with hydraulics so keep that in mind when you answer.”

 
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1951 Photo of MPs Managing Traffic on eBay

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

The windshield frame appears to have a taller tube attached. I wonder if they were setup to use a CJ top of some type?

View all the information on eBay

“1951 Press Photo American MPs & jeep somewhere in Korea. Photo measures 9 x 7 inches. Photo is dated 3-2-1951.”

1951-03-02-korea-mp-stop1

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Dealer’s Choice Maverick Contest Award(?) on eBay

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

What exactly is this item? Is it a tie clip? A money clip? It’s at least 5″ long. It was given away as part of the Maverick promotion. But, what is it? It’s priced at $26 +$8 for shipping.

View all the information on eBay

dealers-promotion-maverick

 
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Willys New Car Order Booklet on eBay

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

This is an odd thing that Willys Auto folks might find interesting. I’d think they would have had something similar for jeeps??

View all the information on eBay

“Vintage 1952 Willys New Car Orders Motors Jeep Dealer Parts List book original. Condition is Used”

willys-car-receipt-book0 willys-car-receipt-book1 willys-car-receipt-book2 willys-car-receipt-book3

 
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Kelly Manufacturing Hub Brochure

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

This 8.5″ x 11″ brochure from Kelly Manufacturing is from approximately 1960.

1960-kelly-manufacturing-hubs-brochure1-lores 1960-kelly-manufacturing-hubs-brochure2-lores

 
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1957 Shenco Full Cab Enclosure Brochure

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

UPDATE: Better quality scans have replaced the poorer images.

This rare 1-page Shenco sales brochure demonstrates that the Cab Enclosure Hardtop was available outside the military, which I hadn’t known. This does explain why we’ve seen this version of a top on some non-military vehicles.
1957-03-shenco-sales-enclosure-hardtop-brochure1-lores 1957-03-shenco-sales-enclosure-hardtop-brochure2-lores

 
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Random Jeepster Photos on eBay

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

Some random vintage photos of Jeepsters on eBay:

  1. 1950 Press Photo — 1950 OH Horse Raiser Howard Gustin n Jeepster Daughter on Palomino:
    1950-jeepster-horse-photo
  2. 1950s Photos with Jeepster:
    1950s-jeepster-photo
  3. Another photo from the same shoot as above:
    1950-jeepster-bw-photo2
  4. No date on this photo, but the photo identifies it as a 1950 Jeepster:
    1950-jeepster-bw-photo
  5. 1948 Photo that might have been taken in Michigan:
    1948-photo-jeepster
  6. This color photo is actually a calendar page 10″ x 14″:
    jeepster-calendar-print
  7. There might be some grille damage on this Jeepster:
    year-jeepster-photo
 
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1944 Photo of Duffield Intermediate School and Jeep

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

The Duffield Intermediate School was featured in this January 29, 1944, photo in the Detroit Tribune after successfully enough war bonds and stamps to buy a jeep.

1944-01-29-detroit-tribune-duffield-schoole-jeep-lores