Features Research Archives

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Hay, Time for a Workout

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Tom Cruze helping with the hay

It’s been a busy week this week (and just another example of why jeep work has been delayed). With temps hovering in the 20’s and cold fog making it even colder, on Tuesday morning we had an opportunity to improve our garage gym by buying two Precor Cardio items–a strider and a treadmill– from a local Gold’s Gym for $500 a piece. At 400-500lbs per unit, most folks likely can’t move them nor have the room for them. So, we feel like we scored price-wise.

Now, you might think with all those strong folks inside the gym that we could get some help moving the items, but no. So, two female employees and I moved the equipment out to the truck, then I winched them up the trailer (thank goodness we bought a tilt trailer!).

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Precor AMT 885 Strider with a P80 display on the left and a Precor Treadmill 885 w/ 4hp motor (though I discovered it needs a dedicated 20amp circuit, which we happened to have in the garage).

We’ve also added a functional trainer, which I used to use all the time when I had a gym membership. Unlike the rest of our equipment, we bought that new as a Christmas present for us both. Ann simply doesn’t have the hand strength to manage the free weights.

Here are the pics of our new setup. We are going to get some flat mirrors to place next to the posters  along the wall and add some more barn mats under the rack in the back, but this setup will really help keep us in functional shape. All the weights, the bars and some other items were mostly from Dad, as he lifted weights for almost 40 years.

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After sliding the machines off the trailer on Tuesday, we then drove an hour west of us to pick up 4500lbs of hay (Alfalfa and some Timothy). We got back late, so, I waited until Wed morning to unload the hay, but, of course, it started snowing. So, as the snow fell, I unloaded as quickly as I could, because I had to make another run to get another 4500lbs of bales that afternoon.

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It was snowing and slick as I unloaded the truck and trailer.

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Our life here would be impossible without a tractor. Those tractor forks are invaluable!

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I can stack seven ables on the front forks and add one to the lift in the back, for a total of eight, which I then moved to our “barn”, which is really just a series of lean-tos.

Having returned on Wednesday with the second load, and having learned my lesson early in the morning, I decided that since it wasn’t snowing, I ought to unload the hay that night. So, working into the dark, I eventually got the trailer unloaded and the remaining hay cleaned up.

The 140 bails ought to help us make it through the winter, especially as the warming temps next week will melt the snow, which will allow the cows to once again grave the neighbors pasture.

Turning to jeeps, I’ve been planning out my roll cage for the racer over the past few days. The cage’s major requirements include: 1) protect the driver and passenger, 2) support the seats, 3) provide the upper shock mounts, 5) support the flimsy fiberglass body 6) support the steering column and brake/clutch system, 7) the rear gas tank, and 8) some electronics.  I hope to reposition the racing chassis in the shop this coming week so I can more easily work on it.

 
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Kubota Swapped Willys Video Update

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

Bill shared this update for a satisfied Kubota engine owner.

 
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1950-51 Master Parts Book Rhode Island $75

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

Steve spotted this one. Maybe someone can use it?

https://providence.craigslist.org/pts/7568515230.html

“WILLYS 1950-1951 JEEP MASTER PARTS LIST 4-73 SW, 6-73 SW, 4-73 VJ, 6-73 VJ”1950-parts-book-ri7 1950-parts-book-ri8 1950-parts-book-ri9

 
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Field Modified Airborne Jeep

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

Mario shared this photo on Facebook of a 17ty Airborne Division jeep circa 1944.

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Jeep Grille Key Holder $20

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

Roger Martin spotted this key holder that might interest folks.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5691580917598070/

“Jeep Grille Key Holder 8”x 4 1/2””

jeep-grille-key-chain

 
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Police Department Testimonials from Toledo & NY

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Documents, Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: It’s been almost nine years since I posted a series of Testimonials to the early jeeps that were part of a very rare early sales book. Most, but not all, included images. A friend of mine shared them with me. You can see them all here: http://www.ewillys.com/tag/1946-testimonials/

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Originally Posted September 16, 2013: 

Here are several examples from Police Departments from the sales book:
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  1. Scan10030-toledo-police-lores

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And from New York City:

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1957 Blitz Buggy Truck Oneonta, NY $14,500

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Willys Trucks This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Andy for sharing this rare rig. I believe less than 40 of these were produced. Learn more at the CJ-3B Page: https://cj3b.info/Fire/BlitzBuggy.html

“1957 Willy’s Blitz Buggy. 200 mile on complete engine overhaul. Never any rust. Way cool.”

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/1957-jeep-willy’s-blitz-buggy-·-none/8408658782539619

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Continue reading

 
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Marx Jeep Mooresville, NC $25

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

This imperfect Marx toy seems a good price. Thanks to Tom for sharing. I haven’t seen a steering “box” on a Marx; I suspect it has been added.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/724259005700592

“Antique Willy’s Jeep toy from 1940-1950. Front hood opens and windshield lowers. Listed below market value. Very well loved toy looking for new owner.”

marx-toy-mooresville-nc97 marx-toy-mooresville-nc98 marx-toy-mooresville-nc9

 
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The Military Jeep Willys Model CJ-V35/U

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

I hadn’t heard that Bob had a new book out about the CJ-V35U, but discovered the book while looking for something else. So, I bought a copy. It’s 80 pages are devoted to this rare jeep. You can pick up a copy through Walck4x4.

https://walcks4wd.com/The-Military-Jeep-Willys-Model-CJ-V35U-By-Bob-Westerman_p_2775.html

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1944 Willys MB Stolen near Ohio

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

The Ohio Motorpool Facebook page announced a stolen MB: https://www.facebook.com/1991omp/posts/pfbid0EGLdZ7kv24opuPLXQTaG18kvk8FEMNqrzJjhrsDw6R4va5FyD2V1omHcupmx2Ur6l

“JEEP STOLEN – We received word that 1944 MB (Willys), VIN Number W6745035 was stolen from a shop on the east side of Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday evening. If you come across this HMV, please call your local authorities and report it as a stolen vehicle. Attached are photos of the vehicle.”

1944-mb-stolen-in ohio1 1944-mb-stolen-in ohio2 1944-mb-stolen-in ohio3

 
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Pulaski Motors Jeep Dealer Plate Topper and Docs on eBay

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

Cool bit of info, but the price is steep! I especially like the flier.

View all the information on eBay

“For sale is a vintage Pulaski Highway Motors, Willy’s Jeep Dealer, license plate topper, sales brochures and sales invoices. The topper has great color and graphics. The topper is 9 1/2″ x 3″. The papers are a nice piece of history.”

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Winter and Christmas Time Here

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

We (as in Ann and her son) managed to get lights up in time to beat the snowstorm which came through a few days ago. She’s done a great job! Tom Cruz approves!

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Outside is frightful!

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1950? Sedan Delivery Postcard on eBay

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

The starting price on this rare oversized (11″x8.5″) postcard from about 1950 is $30.

View all the information on eBay

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“THIS AUCTION IS FOR AN ORIGINAL 11X81/2 INCH WILLYS JEEP SEDAN DELIVERY WAGON DEALER SALES POSTCARD
ORIGINAL – NOT A REPRODUCTION.
40’S VINTAGE
FEATURES THE NEW WILLYS JEEP MODEL SEDAN DELIVERY WAGON
GOOD COLOR AND GRAPHICS. HEAVY PAPER STOCK MATERIAL. VERY GOOD CONDITION
A RARE AND ORIGINAL PIECE OF WILLYS JEEP SALES LITERATURE”

 
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Nice CJ-2A (or CJGA) Story From the Pocahontas Times (WV)

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

I found this nice story on Facebook about a CJ-2A, but I no longer have the link to the post. The article writer, Suzanne Stewart, has accidentally invented a new model of jeep, the C2GA.

https://pocahontastimes.com/old-jeep-holds-many-memories/

cj2a-story

PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Hevener, via the Pocahontas Times.

 
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2023 Open House Near 2023 MPVA Convention in Iowa

• CATEGORIES: Event, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
t15-weasel

One of T15 Weasels and Liberty Auto Restoration. I don’t know if it will be for sale or not. There are other pics and a vid of it being run on Facebook.

Joe in Mesa shared this announcement from Michael Howard about an open house at Liberty Auto Restoration in Elkhart, Iowa,  this coming June. It will be about an hour and a half away from the 2023 MPVA Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. It will be open before and after the convention. Here’s a map showing both the open house location and the MPVA Convention location:

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Map showing the Liberty Auto open house and its distance to the MVPA convention in Des Moines.

Background Information: Liberty Auto Restoration is 88 miles (1hr 21 min drive West) from the Iowa State Fair Grounds where the 2023 MVPA convention will be held. We will be hosting an open house for anyone prior to and/or after the MVPA convention to come to our open house.

Open House Dates: Monday June 12th to Wednesday June 14th and from Sunday June 18th to Monday June 19th from 9:00 AM to 4PM. We will be closed during the MVPA convention from June 15th to June 17th.

Location: Liberty Auto Restoration is located at 2008 High St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
We will have free hamburgers/hot dogs around noon of each day of our open house.

Parts for sale: We will be selling off a large portion of our inventory which includes
-WWII/Korean Era Jeep parts
-WWII Weasel parts
-WWII T15 and M7 parts
– Misc Military Parts from WWII to Vietnam era.

Vehicles for sale: We are also selling several of our vehicles which include but not limited to:
M38A1 jeeps
M43 Ambulance
M29 Weasels with LAR tracks
T15 Weasels
M7 snow tractors with sleds
Hagglund BV206

Large inventory of WWII radios, antennas and parts
Please contact me directly if you have any questions. Best to call me on my cell during the day from 9am to 4pm CST.

Thank-you
Michael W. Howard, Pres, Liberty Auto Restoration, LLC
Cell: 712 249 0839 or mhowardems @ gmail.com (remove spaces from around the @)

 
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas …

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

Glenn shared this photo of a 2nd gen Jeepster Commando being decorated:

JEEP LAWN ORNAMENT1

JEEP LAWN ORNAMENT2

 
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1956 Magazine Ad on eBay

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

I don’t think I’ve posted this ad. The hard topped DJ-3A didn’t appear all that often in ads.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1746088179111817

“This is an original ad measuring approx 8″ x 11″ and is in excellent condition.”

1956-ad-worlds-most-useful-vehicles-magazin

 
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1971 Rural Wagon from Brazil Hampden, MA $19,000

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

This rare Ford-made Rural Wagon from Brazil was shared by Glenn.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/804163030921684

“Runs amazing one of a kind here in America made in Brazil Ford Rural ”

1971-rural-wagon-ford-hampden-ma6 1971-rural-wagon-ford-hampden-ma7 1971-rural-wagon-ford-hampden-ma8 1971-rural-wagon-ford-hampden-ma9

 
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1954 Kaiser Willys Sales Promoter Bulletins on eBay

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

This is the first I’ve seen of these Kaiser Willys Sales Promotor bulletins, though it is unclear how many bulletins are provided. The ebay ad includes pics of the cover, a foreword, and issues number 1 and number 3. I’ve added additional ones found on the web at the bottom. I don’t think there is a whole lot of jeep info (seems more car oriented), but still interesting.

Apparently, these KW Sales promoters is a carry over from Kaiser Frazier, which also had a similar program. A CD of the KF promoters can be found here: http://circlekf.com/KFNut/forsale/sp.html

View all the information on eBay

“Kaiser Willys Sales Promoter Bulletins. From a closed down dealer, here is a book of sales bulletins for Willys and Kaiser Sales people.”

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Other Sales promoters (examples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8) found on the web here: https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/brochures_1954_kaiser

Continue reading

 
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Brook Stevens’ Command Cars

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

UPDATE: Here’s an additional photo. It was posted to the Toledo Region History and Memorabilia Facebook Page by Nelson Shaffer, who found the photo at the UAW Local 12 Office in Toledo.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1026729948030025/

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Originally posted April 10, 2019: During WWII Brook Stevens developed a couple different Command Car concepts. All the pics of these can be seen at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s site.

1. The first one is a 6×6 vehicle. It was made into an actual vehicle. I don’t know what happened to it. I’m pretty sure I have a press photo fo this vehicle somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it. This very well could be on the same platform as other 6x6s of the era.

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Continue reading

 
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M-274 Mule Model @ UAW Local 12 Office

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

These two photos of the M-274 Mule were posted to the Toledo Region History and Memorabilia Facebook Page by Nelson Shaffer, who found the photo at the UAW Local 12 Office in Toledo. I’m not sure why this has a placard for the 1/4 and 1 ton trailers on it?

mule-m274-model1 mule-m274-model2

 
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Al-Toy Collection Articles

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

These two Toledo Blade articles, one from 1991 and the other from an unknown time, discuss Al-toys and their upcoming sales. If anyone has a truck, wagon, Jeepster, or fire jeep Al-Toy they are considering selling, let me know!

This article shows Jim Cook’s collection, which includes two different fire engine Al-Toys.
al-toy-article1

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Video of 1942 SAS Airfield Raid

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

Mike shared this video from Mark Felton about the SAS.

 
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3-Lever (OD + TC Levers) Transfercase setup

• CATEGORIES: Features, OD Saturn/Warn, Transfer Cases This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mike shared a photo of this shifter combo on Facebook he bought the other day. It’s a neatly done customization of the transfercase levers combined with an overdrive lever.

transfercase-3-levers-setup-fb

 
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Transportation Parts Co. “Seal Test” Hubs

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

UPDATE: More on Transportation Parts Company thanks to Barney Goodwin of Barney’s Jeep Parts.

Barney wrote, “I hope this helps for your question on Transportation Parts Co.  I put together a little display. Those of us in business who have older inventories have Transportation boxes peeking out at us on the shelves. Shown below are several vintage items from our inventory including a whole tray of gauges.

IMG_4561

The name SEAL TEST® is owned today by someone in Europe who produces quality parts supplying to dealers. An example is the shiny box to the right behind the tray.

In our library we have several of their catalogues and can be valuable quick references which are very accurate compared to some today. Inside the catalogue shown in the back of the display and which I’ve put in a ring binder for frequent use, I have copied the introduction which gives a good, brief history of the company in their own words.

IMG_4564 The vintage belt buckle is a promo from Transportation.

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Original Post November 27, 2022: This photo was posted to Facebook by Quinton. These private-labeled “Seal Test” Dualmatic lever-style hubs were sold out of the Transportation Parts Co, a jeep parts reseller out of Huntington, New York.

I’m sure someone knows more about Transportation Parts (or even dealt with them in the past).

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