Just a couple posts for today … I spent yesterday morning working on my parents’ mower (an annual event). There was cursing and cussing (don’t know that there is a difference, but i uttered enough to fill both categories). After fixing a highly corroded wire and testing other parts, I finally concluded the solenoid needed replacing. I’ll be picking that up today.

I left that project for a trip to Edgewood, Washington, where I met Ron, a man selling his father-in-law’s 1991 Jeep Wrangler. Why was I looking a Wrangler? I’m helping the Vidal’s locate a newer jeep for their trip to Alaska. The price on this one was pretty good and the pictures showed well, such as this example photo:

But, in person, there were dings, scratches, and plenty of imperfections. The man I met claimed the jeep was well-cared for, yet the shift boot was sticky all over with something, the floor was very black, as if it had just been painted (and their was overspray onto the roll bar), and the battery tie down was hanging from some wires across the engine compartment from where the battery was located. Something didn’t sit well with me about the deal (the seller was even ready to drop the price, despite all the calls he said he had on it), so I passed.

From there, I dropped by Rob and Diana Stafford’s place, where I looked through some of the giveaway items that the PNW4WDA, which will become an official sponsor, donated to the Alaska Or Rust venture. There were all kinds of t-shits, sweatshirts, hoodies, drink containers, and more.

Then Diana showed me Rob’s progress on his flat fender rebuild. He was just going to do a few things to the flattie for the Alaska trip, but when he looked under the body, he realized his trail jeep needed a new one. I took a closeup look at the body’s old floor and I have to say that it was worse than Rusty’s floor! But now, with that new body, he’s definitely ahead of me!

Steve spotted this interesting photo with multiple Willys Slat Grille MBs.

“1942 PRESS PHOTO Army Armored Scout Car White Motor Co Cleveland Jeeps 4507 Measures 7 X 9 inches”

View all the information on eBay

Paul Ferrari is the new head of the East Coast Willys Association. He wanted to give an updated on the organization:

What is the  ECWA? It’s been, and we hope to keep it up as a group of people with a passion for the Willys Jeep. An unofficial club, with a forum and Facebook presence,  where people can share Willys and Jeep info, stories and projects etc. The only rules are to have fun with your Jeep, help each other out, and treat each other with respect. We are hoping members will generate events like Jeep runs,  tech days etc.

You can find the ECWA on the web http://eastcoastwillys.proboards.com/forum & on Facebook

Thanks go to Deborah for letting me know that April 4th is officially Jeep 4×4 Day (in the US).

According to http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/jeep-4×4-day-april-4/: “JEEP 4X4 DAY On 4/4, Jeep 4×4 Day launches us into adventure! Fresh air and warmer temperatures lure us outdoors, and what better way to experience the thrill of an excursion than in a Jeep 4×4.”

As wonderful as this sounds, Jeep shares this “special” day of April 4th with several other honorees, because April 4th is also:

1. National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day
2. National Hug a Newsperson Day
3. National School Librarian Day
4. National Walk Around Things Day
5. SAAM Day of Action – First Tuesday in April
6. National Equal Pay Day – A Tuesday in April – Changes Annually