Piotr Ciechomski, of Warsaw, Poland, took these WWII throwback photos. Piotr appears to specialize in automobile photography: https://www.facebook.com/CiechomskiPhotography/
Features Research Archives
Charles is Hunting for His Dad’s ’42 GPW
UPDATE: Charles mentioned the story of his father’s drive from Florida to Ohio in a post two days ago. Yesterday, he sent me a photo and article related to that adventure. I’ve typed out the article, as it is a little hard to read.
2,000 Miles And 38 Quarts of Oil Later
MARILYN CARLTON (Medina County Gazette)
December 21, 1970.
“Ohio or Bust” is what the sign on the back of the age Jeep (1942) said when two young men on leave left Jacksonville, Fla.
Airman Steve Brookover, 20, who has been in the Navy two and one-half years, and Airman Denny Kellham, 19, stationed at Cecil Field, took a lot of ribbing when they decided to come home on leave in the jeep.
Steve said “The guys started betting right away that we would never make it.”
“They called it ‘Kell-Brook Folly'” he added.
The four cylinder jeep has no heater, only half a canvas top and no back at all. It took 38 quarts of oil to make the trip and averaged only 35 miles per hour.
It was 57 hours after they left Jacksonville before they arrived at Hinckley, where Brookover’s parents live. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roland Joy.
The airman spent 42 hours of the 51 driving, 15 hours in a steady rain. “I think it must ahve been the Monsoon season in Georgia,” Brookover joked.
The men admitted to some trouble with a slipping clutch when coming over the mountains and they ran out of gas on Interstate 71 — just nine miles from the Medina exit.
Brookover said they bought the Jeep about six months ago “just to run around in.”
“They wouldn’t let us bring it on the base, so we worked on it in town on our time off. I guess they thought it might be a hazard at Cecil,” Kellham added.
Future plans of the two Navy men do not call for a trip back in the kell-Brook Folly — they plan to fly back Jan. 3. They leave Jan. 5 on a Meditarranean cruise aboard the USS Forrestal for six months. They are in Attack Squadron 81.
Airman Kellham has been in the Navy a year and a half and hails from Toledo. His mother, Mr. Evelyn Kellman presently lives in Indiana.
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Original post Aug 6, 2018 – Charles is looking for his Dad’s 1942 GPW. He writes, “My dad had a 42 gpw he bought during his time in the navy in the Vietnam years. He actually drove it from Florida to ohio during leave with my future moms cousin (also in the navy)and on that trip he met my mom for the first time. A jeep brought them together. He let it go sometime in the 70s but still always talks about it.”
He provided me with a serial number of GPW535301. That number has not been registered on the G-503 Database, but it appears higher than it should be, especially for a 1942. If anyone has any additional insights, he would welcome them. I suggested he add a post over at the G-503 site.
Homer’s CJ-3B Fire Jeep & Trailer
Alaska Paul shared this great story of how some citizens of Homer, Alaska, in the 1960s used General Mills coupons to purchase a new fire engine. As the story is being told make sure to spot the photo of the CJ-3B Fire Jeep & Trailer!
http://www.ktva.com/story/38821613/story-time-with-aunt-phil-betty-fire-truck
This is the photo (in case you don’t want to watch the story):
Free-Lock Hubs and a Tool
Two different eBay ads here, one for a set of Free-Lock hubs and another for the sale of a reproduction Free-Lock hub tool.
- Free Lock Hubs Roseville, CA $50 on eBay
“Willie’s free lock hubs one is missing internal gear one is complete both spin free”
- Free-Lock Reproduction Hub Tool $35 on eBay:
“This auction is for 1 each exact reproduction of the very rare Free Lock Wrench that came with Denver brand Free Lock locking hubs as used on various 4 wheel drive vehicles of the late 50’s and 60’s. Denver Free Lock hubs were high end locking hubs that were available as aftermarket accessories to fit many 4X4 trucks including Dodge Power Wagons. I had these wrenches cast for me many years ago using one of the only original wrenches I have ever seen as a pattern. This is an exact copy of the original cast in zinc as the original. It is approx. 7″ long and has the nubs to turn and lock or unlock the hubs. You may never see another one of these and I won’t be making a second run.”
Willys Jeep Clock Toledo, OH $200
Not sure what these are worth, but a cool piece.
https://toledo.craigslist.org/for/d/willys-jeep-clock/6650485861.html
“Vintage Willys Jeep Clock.
Works great.
$200
Maumee Pick up.”
Chocolate CJ-5
My son spotted the Chocolate jeep shown below at Enstrom Candies in Grand Junction, Colorado. If it is cool enough on his return trip, he’ll bring it home, then ship it to me.
Here’s a similar (or the same one) at Uncle Sam’s Chocolates.
Epic Willys Adventure
The Epic Willys Adventure is underway. It seems they’ve reached Green River, Wyoming. A couple folks have asked if I’ve been following it, but I haven’t been (I’ve mostly been resting this summer).
The adventure bills itself as having no GPS or cell phones, but the downside of that is that it is hard to report on the daily adventures (whether via FB, Instagram, or the web), so that can make it difficult for readers to follow.
You can visit the website here: https://www.epicwillysadventure.com …. and here is a realtime GPS map. The Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/epicwillysadventure
Below is a rough map outlining their drive. The route looks to be a pretty one, something Ann and I might consider driving next year on our return from the FC Roundup.
If I were to do a return trip to Washington along this route, it might be something like this. However, I’m not sure if it would be late enough in the year to complete the northern section. I’d have to do more research.
Newgren Hi-Speed Weeder
Roberto’s Newest T-shirts
Roberto Flores has some new G503 related t-shirts for sale. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXL. Price: 13 €uros, shipping costs to Europe 10.15 euros, USA 13.75 euros. Payment can be made through bank account or Pay Pal to robflores@robertoflores.com. Contact Roberto at robflores@robertoflores.com for more info.
Photos From the 2018 FC Gathering in Ohio
Roger Martin shared pics from his FC event last weekend. it sounds like everyone had a good time.
Willys Wagon in a Steak n Shake photo
Brandon spotted a Willys Wagon in a photo hanging on the wall of a Bowling Green, Kentucky, Steak N’ Shake.
1953 Wagon 8×8 Kingman, Az
UPDATE: John spotted this video. This 8×8 was last listed on eBay and sold for $11,100. It was relisted in 2014, at which time the video below was posted. I believe this sold, as it is no longer listed on the seller’s website.
(08/11/2012) “Built by legendary fabricator Dick Cook out of California be sure this rig was was put together the correct way! Known for his collaboration on the mechanical side of cars built with legendary 70’s car builder “Big Daddy Ross” his name is synonymous with multi-axle vehicles. This build includes the following:
-2 Overland wagons and 1 Jeep used to build this amazing Overland Custom
-Rebuilt 327 Corvette engine powers ALL 8 Wheels!
-Fuel Cell inside
-2 Leather Bucket Seats
-White face gusges
-Working emaergency sirens and lights
In full disclosure, the items that are not 100% show quality as follows:
-There is a bit of overspray on the drivers side
-The interior could use some TLC to get to show quality
This Willys will literally go anywhere, and it has. Dick Cook personally drove this rig with his daughter from Crested Butte Colorado all the way over the pass to Aspen only a few years ago for a road trip. With the option of locking out the rear 4 wheels this rig will motor down the highway at 65 mph. Also has one of the best turning capabilities of any auto out there. It will “crab” down the road in a parade or 8 wheel steer itself out of any trail corner. Bid now and be the owner of this one of a kind WIllys 8X8 Overland before it makes its way to Barrett Jackson Las Vegas and goes for who know how much!”
Willys Wagon at an Early In & Out Burger
Packrat shared this neat photo of a wagon at an In & Out Burger. I didn’t know In & Out featured Kentucky Fried Chicken (maybe for a short time .. I can’t find any history about that).
August 1945 Photo of First(?) CJ-2A on eBay
UPDATE III: Another version of this press photo is on eBay.
View all the information on eBay
“1945 Press Photo First Civilian Jeep Tourer Sarah Elizabeth Rodger, New York
This is an original press photo. Sarah Elizabeth Rodger makes local history as she starts tour of the city in first civilian jeep on the streets of New York. A writer, who in private life is the wife of Dr. L. Patrick Moore, has always wanted “to do a new thing first” and, this she did, by jeepers! Photo measures 9 x 7 inches. Photo is dated 09-03-1945.”
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(05/20/2016) UPDATE II: Another version of this press photo is available on eBay.
“1945 Press Photo New York Sara Roger drives civilian jeep NYC -”
The Story of Walt’s CJ-2A
Mark at Sellajeep published this neat video.
Guy Seal’s Himself in Kaiser DeLuxe to Drive 50 States
Scott shared a link to this crazy story on Jalopnik about Don Haynes and his attempt to drive to all 50 states while sealed in a Kaiser DeLuxe.
https://jalopnik.com/a-guy-once-sealed-himself-in-a-kaiser-and-tried-to-driv-1827846802
1950s Photo From Norwich, NY
Joe saw yesterday’s photo from Seattle, which made him think of a similar period photograph. It hangs on the wall inside the offices at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York, showing a portion of Broad Street in Norwich. (Broad Street is the main street).
Cool Photo From Hemmings
Ted spotted this story. Daniel Strohl at Hemmings shared this vintage 1950s photo that features a wagon, among many other vehicles. My two Seattle experts (my aunt and her boyfriend who have 150 years of combined Seattle living experience) think it is either University Village or Holman Road Center. My aunt also informed me that she and I are related to “Ray”, the man who started Ray’s Thriftway, a grocery chain in the Northwest (grandma’s aunt’s sisters’ mother … or something like that). I wonder if I can get a family discount?
SW Ohio Jeep FC Gathering & Swap Meet in Waynesville
This weekend is Roger’s FC Gathering In Waynesville, Ohio.
Call him anytime at 937-477-5270 or email: rogerjm55@gmail.com
His address is: Roger Martin
1905 Roxanna New Burlington Road
Waynesville, Oh 4506
There is plenty of room for trucks, trailers, and RV’s (no RV hook-ups). There is an RV Campground and one-room cabins about a mile away.
These are the nearest places to stay:
-Frontier Campground. Waynesville, OH 45068 937-488-1127
-Creekwood Motel of Waynesville 513-897-1000
-Ramada Inn Xenia 937-372-9921
Bring your FC’s and FJ Step Vans, whether they’re cleaned or still have on their “work clothes” right out of the field. Let’s see what you have…running or not. Bring your extra parts for sale or trade. It would be nice to see photos of your project, in progress or completed.
Merrimack Valley Military Vehicle Collector Rally This Weekend
Tim wanted us to know that the Merrimack Valley Military Vehicle Collector Rally is happening this weekend in Weare, NH. The show features vendors with jeep parts and military surplus, etc. along with a wide variety of very interesting military vehicles both old and new, including a number of beautiful jeeps, WWII-Vietnam. The show is open to the public Friday and Saturday, 7/27 & 7/28.
Learn more here: http://mvmvc.org/weare-rally/
Dan’s Trip to Packwood and Mud Lake
Dan, his boys, and a friend drove from Auburn to Packwood, Washington, in Dan’s CJ-2A and GPW the other day. The weather was perfect for their trip (It has been beautiful here all week). As you can see, they had a great time!
Willys Motors Bulletin About Illuminating Jeep Signs
An anonymous reader we shall call “Mr. Packrat” has offered to share from time to time a collection of documents he’s gathered. So, many thanks to him for his ‘donation’ to our collective educational efforts!
This is the first item, an interesting look at the selling of signs to dealers by Willys Motors.
1943 Photo of Jeep in Glider **SOLD**
UPDATE: This is really interesting. Here’s a photo op from the same day, but from slightly different angles. I’m wondering if it is the work of two separate photographers.
Note that I darkened the caption page, as it was hard to read in its existing lighter format.
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eBay pics from 2014.
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From 2013 on eBay … the caption looks suspiciously identical to the top image’s caption, but perhaps photoshopped a little?
“1943- Loaded with six soldiers, jeep sits inside CG-4 glider during training at the Victorville Army Flying School in California.”
Pics from the Pennsylvania All Breeds Jeep Show
Don shared these pics from this weekend’s all breeds jeep show in York, Pennsylvania. Apparently, it poured on Saturday; Sunday, when these pics were taken, was much nicer.
23rd Fall Willys Reunion Sept 7&8 in Fulton, MO
Art shared this announcement regarding this year’s Fall Willys reunion in Fulton, Missouri, at the Auto World Museum.
“This is our 23rd year of the Reunion, and it is open to the public, and all makes, models, and years of Jeep are welcome. If you register for the Reunion, entrance to the Auto World Museum is free. We hold a wonderful banquet on Saturday evening with door and raffle prizes. There are also vendors attending to sell new and used Jeep parts. There is also the Off-road trail rides.”