Features Research Archives

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Javier’s Restored M-38

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

Javier rebuilt this nice looking M-38, thanks it part to finding parts through eWillys and readers comments. During the rebuild, he added a few additional safety features such as Herm’s dual reservoir setup. He notes that M-38 does have a few CJ parts on it as well. The unique frame for the winch was something he and a friend built after testing out different scenarios with cardboard. The winch cover is a nice touch, too. Thanks for sharing Javier!

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1945 Photo of 5th Division German Entry Point on ebay

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

The photo caption reads, “THANKS TO THE FIFTH DIVISION: GERMANY — In the Wake of the Fifth Division advance into Germany, a Jeep crosses a Bailey Bridge, spanning the Sure River, marked with a hand lettered sign informing all who pass that they do so through the courtesy of the Fifth Division. A military policeman stands to one side as the jeep heads for Germany. (CREDIT-WP-(ACME photo by Charles Haacker, For the war picture pool) 2-28-45.”

View all the information on eBay

“as shown … … approx 6 x 8 .. … vintage original authentic press photo ( most are Army radiotelephoto from Acme Newspictures ) … date listed is transmission date … most of these are not perfect ..some are a little blurry… some are sharp.. they may have bends and minor damage from poor storage .. please use the pictures to see the actual condition”

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Just a Handful of Updates

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

I spent yesterday been working on a series of marketing posts related to the Kaiser Willys integration in 1953 and 1954. So, just a handful of posts today.

 
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Blackstone Laboratories’ Engine Oil Testing

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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July 23, 2017, after a long day of driving, Scott had a long night of engine work.

Some of you may remember the July 2017 Alaska Or Rust adventure and the problems that Scott Gilbert’s wagon engine gave him (and Bob Christy and, part of the way, Rick Pacholski) … how has it already been 2 1/2 years?? Yikes!

After several engine rebuilds during the trip, the Scott and Bob were forced to turn back early and could not complete the trip. Eventually, Scott reinstalled a rebuilt engine and got the wagon going again. However, not surprisingly, Scott’s especially diligent these days about checking the condition of his wagon’s engine.

In an effort to monitor the engine’s condition, he wondered if there was any way to test the oil (he runs Lucas classic 10-30 oil) to be sure there wasn’t extra engine wear occurring. After checking with other folks and finding no answers, he hit the internet. Eventually, he tracked down Blackstone Laboratories. For only $25, Blackstone tested his oil and reported the results within a week.

About Scotts’ engine, the lab reported that the oil looked in good shape, which provides Scott with more reassurance that his newest rebuild will serve him well over the coming years. Still, he plans to do a few more tests occasionally, just to be sure. So, if you are concerned about your engine oil, you might check out Blackstone Laboratories.

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Canadian Made CJ-5s

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

Barney Goodwin of Barney’s Jeep Parts brought up an interesting bit of history regarding Canadian made Kaiser Jeep CJ-5s for the US (and Canadian?) market.

He wrote, “Your Canadian made Commando brochure post got me thinking. A customer of mine in my hometown of Houston has his dad’s ’69 CJ5 bought brand new at Woodie’s Jeep in Houston .

And, it was made in Canada!

Dave, the only reason I can think this happened is that Toledo had a military contract(s) they were running at the late 1960s and required the Toledo capacity. Around that same time, Kaiser Jeep had a short contract for M-151A1 MUTTs, contracts for M-274 Mules, and contracts for the Kaiser Jeep M-35 Deuces. Keep in mind it was also the first year for the Postal D100 Dispatcher DJ-5A. All of this was before AMC bought Jeep and moved government products production to Indiana as AMGeneral.

Kaiser Jeep’s solution? Shift the production of CJ-5s (and other vehicles?) to Canada.

Below is a picture of the data plate for my friend’s 1969, the one bought in Houston. Note the location of it and size. It’s right below the regular VIN plate on the firewall.

Most CJ-5s of that era had the 4 holes already punched in that location and they exist on our Toledo made 13,000 mile 1971 CJ-5. 

If anyone else has insights into this, we’d welcome them!

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Mid-1950s Willys Motors ‘Jeep’ Specialized Equipment Binder on eBay

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

Unfortunately, this got wet. Starting bid is $149.99. Or you can have two different binders for $300 off of Facebook (again, both water damaged) (Located at Front Royal, VA).

View all the information on ebay

“Jeep Specialized Vehicles & Equipment Catalog 1950s Binder Ambulance Fire Engine. Was wet at one time so most pages are wrinkled but none are stuck together. The binder is solid no mold. The white stuff is from another book that was on it when it got wet. Its completely dry and ready to be used.”

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Photo of PFC. Richard Schweers Using Field Radio on eBay

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

No date or location on this image.

View all the information on ebay

“This is an original press photo. Pfc Richard Schweers uses field radio in Army jeep. Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated –none.”

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Ted’s Newest Model Jeep

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

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A few days ago while looking at Facebook in the Massachusetts area, this model jeep caught my eye. It was just different enough to cause me to look closer at it and, at 21″ long, I could tell it was an unusually large model. Even better, it was a very reasonable price. I contacted the seller, but, unfortunately, she was unwilling to ship it (I shed lots of tears!!). Since Ted Jordan lives in the area, I contacted him, but unsurprisingly, he had already had his eye on it. His daughter finally picked it up the other day and, thanks to Ted, we have some great detail pics of it.

According to Ted, “After closer inspection this thing is a beast weighing in at 18lbs and 21″ long and 9 1/2″ tall.  Its super cool and I would have to say home made by somebody. Just doesn’t look like something you’d find at a store, very well built but also a little crude in some ways. The guy is also pretty neat; he’s molded to sit in an upright position and, although Im not sure if he was made at the time of the Jeep, he seems to fit with the size and overall look of the piece. Jeep seems to be a mix of wood and metal fenders, windshield frame, underside, and most of the small parts as well being metal.

I’ve taken the some of the pics with a few more common Jeeps (Tonka,Marx,and the small JH Millstein Glass candy container Jeep) to show the crazy size comparison. I’d love it if you could post some pics of this Jeep and see if any of the other guys have any info on this thing or anyone has ever seen one like it.”
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1953 Photo of an Early Experimental Mail Jeep

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

This photo and caption appeared in the October 1953 issue of Popular Science (page 124). There are several interesting things in this photo. First, this jeep is setup with right-hand-drive; second, the body has been cut similar to the way some of the DJ-3As would be trimmed on the sides; third, this vehicle is only two-wheel-drive. This is the earliest photo that I know showing an experimental mail jeep that, arguably, led to the DJ-3A Dispatcher/Delivery/Convertible production models. The picture, without the caption, can also be found on the CJ-3B page about mail jeeps.

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1955 Service Station “Mr. Service” Mailer

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

This was mailed to the Anderson Willys Company in Portland, Oregon, at some point. This is one of the 1955 mailing pieces as part of the Kaiser Willys advertising push. It was one of several targets mailers produced for dealers.

Service Station (Mr. Service) 1955 mailer:

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The Pee Wee Jeeplet

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

This 600lb jeep-like vehicle was built by O.L. Munding of Glendale, California. It was included in the October 1953 issue of Popular Science (page 124). On the same page, the magazine also featured a rat rod vehicle built by Munding that was powered by two air-rolled Ranger engines, war surplus items originally used to start big bomber engines.

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Cab Enclosure Hardtop Cheney, WA $400

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

Maybe someone can put this to good use.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/d/four-lakes-willys-m38-arctic-top/7049174102.html

“Aluminum arctic top for Willys M38 flat fender Jeeps. Good shape. All windows are there but cracked. Have a set of metal doors but I believe they’re for a CJ5.”

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1968 Jeep Parade (Canada) Issue No. 1

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

This Kaiser Jeep of Canada-sponsored magazine featured the Jeepster Commando, complete with a College Bowl winner of a Custom adorned Jeepster Commando. The issue also highlights the Repair Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, which dismantled jeeps quickly across Canada (200 appearances from Victoria BC to St. Johns). (Great find off of eBay!)

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1945 Photo of the ‘Luzon Express’ Jeep-Powered Train on eBay

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

Good jeep-train photo.

View all the information on ebay

“as shown … … approx 7 x 9 .. … vintage original authentic press photo ( most are Army radiotelephoto from Acme Newspictures ) … date listed is transmission date … most of these are not perfect ..some are a little blurry… some are sharp.. they may have bends and minor damage from poor storage .. please use the pictures to see the actual condition ”

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Ideal Plastic Jeep w/Box

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

This auction just expired yesterday ($24 starting bid). This is one case where the box may be better than the toy itself. I can’t imagine there are many of these boxes left.

View all the information on ebay

“DATES TO THE LATE 1940s or early 1950’s.
BEAUTIFUL RARE LITTLE 4″ TOY PLASTIC JEEP ,MOLDED IN CAMO COLORED SWIRL PLASTIC AND IN THE SUPER RARE ORIGINAL BOX WHICH SHOWS SOME WEAR AND A BIT WARPED BUT DISPLAYS WELL WITH THE TOY AND IS A VERY HARD BOX TO FIND!”

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Photo of Fisher Motors Dealership in Vermont

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

UPDATE: Chris noted that this photo is back on ebay. Cool sign!

Fisher Motors out of Brattleboro, Vermont, has an interesting sign that highlighted Willys Jeep, Sales-Service, and Cars & Trucks.

View all the information on eBay

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1943 Photo of the ‘Mechanical Jack of All Trades’

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

This photo was featured in the September 24th, 1943, issue of the Sugar House Bulletin (SLC, UT).

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1944 Opinion Piece: A Future For The Jeep?

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

Originally appearing in the Christian Science Monitor, this opinion piece was published in the Milford News, a newspaper out of Utah, on August 31, 1944. I think this piece is right on in terms of honestly evaluating consumer desires vs. the new jeep, hence part of the struggle Willys-Overland encountered at the turn of 1950.

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Jeep Patches **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

Maury spotted these three jeep-related patches on eBay. I suspect they were removed from a jacket, as they look to have been sewn onto something.

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August 1954 Ad For Jeeps as Versatile Vehicles

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

This ad was published in the August 1954 issue of Fortune Magazine. When Kaiser bought Willys, one of the early advertising decisions was to use the KW logo on various marketing documents. I suspect this was an attempt to brand across the jeep and Willys Aero lines. This strategy was dropped by 1955, followed shortly with the dropping of the Aero vehicles.

View all the information on eBay

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Happy New Year, 2020!!!

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

Happy New Year everyone!

The biggest event for me in 2019 was Dad’s passing; he had a good run. Last year at this time he was pretty sick; so, we knew what would happen, just not when. Now, this time, it’s Ann’s mother who is in that same situation. We know what’s going to happen, but not when. It’s just that time of life for us.

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Dad in the foreground, a few days before his death. Me in the background grabbing some zzz’s. Yep, I was a big help!

EWILLYS: 

I mentioned last year that eWillys, as we know it, might change in April of 2020. I have pushed that date back to January 2021. My goal with those changes is to free up more of my time for other projects. Moreover, during this last year, it feels like prices have really skyrocketed on 1940s-1960s jeeps of all types; the variety of jeeps feels like it has declined as well. Deals are less frequent, which means providing daily content has become more difficult.

On top of that, it’s getting more of a challenge to find new content for ‘feature’ posts. I’ve built a pretty substantial collection of brochures/magazines/books/misc and, from that, have been able to generate new content over the years. But, there are fewer and fewer items on eBay that I don’t already have, so locating rare items takes more time and money. For example, I know there are other mid-1950 Willys News magazines that remained undocumented and more than twelve mid-1950 Globetrotter magazines (maybe as many as twenty of them) that would be of interest to everyone. But, I’ll keep at it.

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This excerpted pic is from the July/August 1955 issue of Globe-trotter magazine.

Currently, there are 53,726 posts on eWillys. While I will add approximately another 4000 posts this year, I also plan to be cutting much of the dead weight throughout the year; these are posts that provide no useful insights, modifications, or other aspects that might be interesting to me or readers.

2019 TRAVEL:

For the first time in seven years, we didn’t take an eWillys trip that lasted longer than a month. Dad’s illness (and frequent trips to Seattle) combined with tight finances kept us around home. On the positive side, the summer in Pasco was perfect temp wise––like Goldilocks porridge, not too hot and not too cold––so I spent a good deal of time pouring through Ernie Pyle’s old columns next to our garden-pond area (Ann’s flowers and plants were beautiful this year).

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Summer 2019 Backyard courtesy of Ann (well, she selected the plants, while we dug).

I found Ernie’s account of pre-WWII America fascinating (he traveled all over the US between 1935-1941). Then, when he finally got the chance, he traveled with troops from the frontest of the front lines to the most removed troops far in the rear performing critical, but often forgotten, roles. I believe his columns provide a comprehensive, perhaps unequaled look at why the behind-the-scenes military operations are so important to fighting conflicts.

The one major two-week trip Ann and I did manage to accomplish was a fast trip to Pennsylvania and back during early July, to deliver Rusty the DJ-3A to its new owner. We were very lucky to leave after the rains finally subsided in the Midwest, but before the heat arrived on the East Coast. It was a wonderful to be on the road again, even if it only lasted two weeks.

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Rusty the DJ-3A all ready for his trip east in July of 2019.

LOST BISCUIT: As for work on Biscuit, that’s come to a halt again. Time is proving difficult to find, and will so for at least the next year. So, I plan to sell Biscuit (and all the trimmings); I just hate to see it sit there. Meanwhile, I’ll keep Patterson and fix some of his small issues. Then, in two years, I’ll have the money to buy another flattie.   Continue reading

 
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100 Year-Old WWII Vet

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

Our own Joe-in-Mesa had a chance to drive a WWII vet to his 100th birthday party. I bet he enjoyed that! Great work Joe!

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This is Why I Don’t Connect My Phone to Vehicles

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

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This year, 2020, it is estimated that 75 percent of new vehicles sold globally can be linked to the internet. I’ve discussed this issue before, but I thought this article https://www.dailywire.com/news/washington-post-hacks-into-chevy-to-show-how-much-cars-are-spying-on-owners does a good, short summation of how much data is downloaded by new vehicles when phones are connected to them (the full WP article is here).

Of course, even if you don’t pair your phone, your new vehicle still provides a variety of metrics to automakers. Why do automakers want that data? For a wide range of reasons, as this report points out: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carmakers-are-collecting-your-data-and-selling-it/ . Though automakers will shout “safety and convenience” every time when cornered on the topic, it seems much more about increasing revenue outside of vehicle sales.

Worse, some new vehicles are arriving to showrooms equipped with cameras to monitor driver behavior, such as warning drivers when they appear to be distracted or monitoring their eye-lids to detect fatigue: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/who-owns-the-data-your-car-collects/

My personal belief is that, in the end, it will become very difficult to avoid being monitored by both corporations and the government, the former possibly being even more insidious and impactful than the latter. Perhaps the best hope for anonymity is not to try to escape it, but try to make it worthless by flooding it with disinformation (for example, a disinformation app that produces false location geo tags). A simple example of this was how Miami police were falsely reporting their positions to Waze to prevent drivers from knowing their true locations.

Good luck out there in 2020!

 
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Champion Post Hole Digger from Southwest Equip. Co.

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

This 1948 brochure indicates the Champion post hole digger (aka an Earth Auger) was manufactured by the Southwest Equipment Company out of Los Angeles, California. According to a 1948 filing, the company was operated by Kenneth J. Browne.

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1947 New Truck Ad

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

This December 12, 1947, ad was published in the Sullivan Daily Times by the Citizens Garage out of Indiana.

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