This keepsake brochure lacks any date, but I presume to be the second tour of jeeps around part of the country, probably in 1948. The brochure cover page shows a Mahl Loader attached to one jeep and a Blue Star hardtop on another jeep. I wonder if a similar brochure was made for the first Cavalcade.
Features Research Archives
Bendix Willys Radio Service Manuals on eBay
I ran across one of these manuals, then a search led to other years of this brochure. Below is information from eBay on the 1961, 1963, 1965 and 1966 manuals:
1) 1961 This is a COPY of the Bendix Radio Service Manual for Willys Motors (but at least it shows the pages) (or there is this original version for much more):
Jeep-Herders: The Movie
UPDATE IV: I won this original Jeep Herders Movie Poster on eBay the other day. It’s a 40″x27″ lobby poster. It came with a lobby card with a still shot from the movie. I plan to make a scan of it so I can get a digital copy printed for display:
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UPDATE III: Brian left this comment: “Thanks to the work of Eric Steadman at the Serial Squadron, Planet Picture’s “Jeep-Herders” (1946) has been restored and can now be seen in its entirety for free on youtube. See link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owUmWZIHJRU
You can also help support the preservation of serials by purchasing a DVD copy of the restored Jeep-Herders at the Serial Squadron website: http://www.serialsquadron.com“
A quick look through the movie on youtube and one of the jeeps looks to be a Ford GP MT Tug (6×6). There’s also a Ford GP and what looks to be (based on the sides) the original Ford Pygmy.
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Last update April 12, 2018 — UPDATE II: See some still shots from the filming that show a couple Ford GPs.
UPDATE: This post once contained information on the El Dorado Jeepherders jeep club and their association with the placer miner and his pan ornament. I have moved the that information to this link.
JEEP-HERDERS MOVIE:
In 1945, Planet Pictures, a new venture founded by two stuntmen, produced it’s first movie: Jeep-Herders, a full-length movie shot in color on 16mm film. Planet PIctures’ goal was to produce movies that could bypass theaters for play in schools and churches, as 16mm projectors were very common at the time and much cheaper than the 35mm projectors. In addition, there was growing interest in 16mm for large audiences, as an industrial film on 16mm was shown to a crowd of 6000 in 1945. (click on this link and scroll down a page).
The plot of the movie was pretty pedestrian, “A wildcat oil outfit is seeking to take over the ranch belonging to Pop Martin and his son Bob and daughter Helen. Bob sends his ex-army pals a “stay-way” message, which brings them on the double. The WW II vets use their jeeps, first for a cattle roundup, and then to round up the gang of crooks, including the crooked family-lawyer Thatcher, brains of the gang.”
Various Updates
As usual, it’s been a busy few weeks around here. By late October, the awesome warm fall weather began giving way to colder than normal temps, so we became incentivized to finish outdoor stuff up before the really cold weather hit.
I added landscaping rock around the bunkhouse, the north side of the shop, and around the newly moved propane tank (still need to add the fence boards around the tank). The best part of this landscaping rock is that it was free, as our neighbor had a bunch of left over rock he wasn’t going to use. That saved us about $1000.
The dirt areas on either side of the walkway will become grass, but we ran out of time to complete the prep on that (may have to wait until Spring).
All the water systems have been blown and heaters installed in a couple areas related to the water systems. We didn’t quite get to burying the pipes underground for the cow’s water trough, so I buried a hose, which should work for the winter. (we did get the booster water pump fixed; didn’t cost much, so that was good)
To save on some feed costs, we lined up some of our panels so the cows can access the entrance for the neighbor’s property to eat down his pasture grass. This also saves me from having to drop hay during this cold snap.
Now, suddenly we are about a week away from Thanksgiving. Time sure does fly!
As a reminder, this is how things looked before the walkways and landscaping:
Here are some current pictures:
Wood Jeep and Trailer
Andy shared this wood jeep and trailer he spotted on eBay. I liked the folk-art aspect and the size of it, so bought it. I’m sure it is a one-off creation of someones. Unfortunately, there are no markings.
Fall 2022 Dispatcher Magazine is Here
The newest edition of the Dispatcher Magazine arrived in my mailbox yesterday. One article in particular caught my eye: Dan’s gauge restoration. I could have used this a few years ago! Thanks for that writeup Dan!
Also, note the classified ad at the end of the magazine: the San Juan Scenic Jeep Tour business is for sale (and has been for at least a little while).
Barney’s New Willys Jeep Sign
Barney Goodwin shared the exciting news that his parts business acquired an early neon Willys Jeep sign to hang in his Waverly, Ohio, store. It is 80″ long and 30″ tall.
Barney is hoping to learn more about this sign’s place in Willys-Overland history. I shared with him my thoughts on it, but he is hoping to find documentable evidence about the sign. So, he figured he would reach out here.
In my opinion, he has two challenges. One, finding evidence for a date of manufacture would help place the sign in context (though there is plenty of physical circumstantial evidence in my opinion) and, two, finding documentation that indicates this was an OFFICIAL design offered and promoted by Willys-Overland (and not some dealer-created custom item).
I will update this post with the thoughts I shared with Barney at a later point, but I hoped to get some input from others before then.
Barney wrote, “I had wanted to announce this last summer but life got in the way. Last Spring we purchased this 1946 Willys Jeep neon sign to display inside our business.
We found it at the nation’s largest indoor antique mall in Springfield Ohio, and after 6 months was able to negotiate a price.
After we do more research, we hope to have an article in the Dispatcher Magazine about it.
In the meantime, we wanted to share it with the forum and invite comments about it, perhaps helping our research.
We believe, and have been told by the sign collecting world. That his is Willy’s first dealership marque sign from 1946. Notice that it does not have “CARS” or “TRUCKS” on it like the later ones did.
One sign collector said it was the only one of 2 known to still exist and the only one operational.
It is a 2-sided, bull-nosed, neon sign. It’s about 80” long and over 30” high.
The can is original paint – much more valuable than repainting it. The neon has been completely restored by a neon professional here in Ohio.
For our research, we are especially looking for comments with verifiable details.
With over 50 personal years involved with Jeep since high school, the appreciation of owning this cannot be overstated.”
Barney,
Barney’s Jeep Parts LLC
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To the best of the my knowledge, the only other sign like this that I’ve documented on eWillys is this one: http://www.ewillys.com/2015/10/29/rare-jeep-sign-bloomington-in-4500/
1946 Press Release Packet for the ‘Jeep’ Station Wagon
I thought I would score this incredibly rare July 24, 1946, Willys-Overland Press Release packet for the ‘Jeep” Station Wagon so I could share its contents with everyone, but $302 wasn’t high enough (it sold for $308). So, congrats to the winner. I did win a few other cool items though.
It’s construction and elements is similar to the previous year’s CJ-2A Press Release packet, documented here: http://www.ewillys.com/tag/1945-07-21-press-release-kit/?orderby=date&order=ASC&more=1
Photo of M-151 With Odd Wheels on eBay
The price ($99) is steep, but the photo is interesting. Anyone recognize those odd wheels?
View all the information on eBay
“Vintage Army Jeep Photograph Weird Prototype Tires
8 1/2 x 11″
I can not find another image like this anywhere/please advise
Rare
There is a reflection from my lights on the photograph”
Year? CJ-5 Nevada City, CA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4500.
Bill spotted this rare CJ-5/Camper for sell. It’s listed as a 1966, but that seems to be an error given the large grille lights, which made their appearance in 1969, as did the camper.
“Super rare jeep camper, original, needs engine and restoration, great project for someone who wants to rebuild and maybe make a tiny home that disconnects from the jeep”
1975 San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours Brochure & Post Card
This 1975 tri-fold brochure from San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours out of Ouray, Colorado, doesn’t show and FC Tour Jeeps, but it does have a wide photo that includes a Wagon Tour Jeep. Below the brochure is the front and back of a Scenic Jeep Tour postcard that features a wagon.
Here is the postcard I mentioned:
Roy Evans Jeep Sign in Bartow, Georgia
A few different people shared this jeep sign highlighting Roy Evan’s connection with the town of Bartow, Georgia. I didn’t know about the sign when we were in Georgia in 2018. We weren’t too far from it on our trip.
Cutlas Bulldog(?) Hubs Wickenburg, AZ $125
UPDATE: Still Available.
(10/02/022) These hubs look similar to Cutlas Bulldog hubs, but the design of the mid-section sides just below the “knob” is shaped slightly different (larger side scallops) than the image on the Bulldog brochure. Given the two section design, I will guess that these were a transition hub from the Cutlas Model 100-2 conical design to the later Bulldog hub design? Anyone have insights on these? I don’t have a brochure for these.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/pts/7555714076.html
“Cutlas lock hubs, 10 spline for old jeeps and scouts. May trade for ammunition or towards firearms. No reloads!”
Bulldog example:
Here is another example in my archives. I also labeled these, perhaps incorrectly, “Bulldog” hubs:
I just discovered this set of Cutlas hubs for Chevys on eBay. They look like Bulldog hubs, but have no scallops at all along the mid section’s side:
Marx Steel Pressed Toy Jeep St. Louis, MO $50
G. Binks shared this toy jeep that badly needs a restoration.
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/tag/d/saint-louis-vintage-1950s-marx-pressed/7552990677.html
“Vintage 1950s Marx Pressed Steel Willys Jeep 11″ L.”
Anyone Know Who Made the Corn Picker for W-O?
UPDATE: Any experts out there familiar with 1950s corn pickers? Barry Thomas from Farmjeep.com asked me to ask you all if anyone knows who built the Corn Picker branded by Willys-Overland (see brochure below). He thinks it was CO-OP, but doesn’t know for sure. You can view his whole corn-picking post here: https://www.farmjeep.com/farm-jeeps-at-corn-harvest-time/
In the meantime, enjoy this video of a CJ-5 pulling a corn picker:
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Originally Posted May 15, 2020:
This ‘Jeep’ Corn Picker brochure is form FS-514014. Any of these pickers survive?
The Moby Dick Rally Cherokee Story
Bill shared this story from DirtFish the introduction of a Jeep Cherokee to the Rally circuit in Michigan, and the subsequent banning of 4WD from the Rally circuit.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/how-a-jeep-led-to-fias-infamous-4wd-ban/
Storming Friday Night
UPDATE: Updates should start appearing shortly today (Monday).
A wind storm blew through Friday night, knocking out power and dropping branches from numerous trees. We spent yesterday cleaning up, with more to do today. So, next updates will be Monday.
Unknown Green Hardtop
UPDATE: I learned this top was manufactured by a metal worker who manufactured tops for custom tractor trailer companies. He couldn’t find the top he wanted, to he made this one.
I was asked to look at a top located in Oklahoma last night on a Facebook group. It turned out to be one I’d never seen. Anyone ever seen one like this?
This first photo shows multiple unusual accents. First, the rear roof lines are unlike any other top I’ve seen. The rear of the roof looks to be a 90 degree angle, but at the sides, there is a slope that moves towards the front to hug the rounded edges. The roof’s edges look to be sectioned as goes over the edge, rather than round. The hinge-type is different. The existence of a wiper suggests it may have been constructed later than most vintage tops (or added onto the top at a later date). The windows appear appear standard sized, as if reused from a Kelly, Koenig, or Meyer hardtop. The front of the top edges inward towards the front, suggestion it was made for a flat fender.
These doors have been indented in a way that allows for a flat piece of glass or plastic. They also look to be suicide doors, with the handle at the front and hinges in back.
The windshield might be the most unusual aspect. Given its short heigh, I think it might be for a CJ-3B.
Green Plastic CJ-2A Jeep Toy
UPDATE: Thanks to readers for the additional info. The tires are original and it is a Marx Fix-All, a jeep that included the tools shown.
I won this green CJ-2A toy jeep on eBay a couple weeks ago. Other than the tires, which are marked “Marx”, there is no identifying brand. However, it isn’t clear to me that the tires are original (especially given that a couple different nuts hold the tires to the jeep).
The jeep has lots of details. On the underside, there are body mounts, a PTO, a crossmember, a transfercase brake and other identifiable objects. The engine seems about the right size. The windshield looks CJ-2Aish. It’s got a relatively accurate grille and front weight. The spare tire location is fairly accurate.
Curiously, the dash has a glove box and there are six spark plug wires on the otherwise L-head-looking engine. The fact that the toy is “stamped” JEEP in ways that remind me of a CJ-2 is also puzzling.
The plastic quality isn’t the best, which means it does have some broken parts. In addition, the soft top is missing it’s roof. So, not a perfect specimen. Can anyone identify this toy’s manufacturer?
Electric Jeep Concept Vehicle
For this year’s SEMA show, Jeep created the CJ “Surge”, an electric prototype with a few nods to the past, include the look of a CJ-6. Thanks to Barry for sharing the video.
1952 Fire Truck “Blitz Buggy” Canfield, OH Make Offer
This is a later model version of the Blitz Buggy, identified by the sloping body in the rear. Learn more about Blitz Buggy Fire Truck Jeeps here: https://cj3b.info/Fire/BlitzBuggy.html
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/427688366138753
“52 Willy’s fire department truck… it’s called a “blitz buggy “…it was the first year they made these….has a 6 cylinder “super hurricane”motor that runs great (no smoke) the previous owner said mileage is original (13,000) on odometer..cab needs all the normal repairs of a truck this old… good frame, only one spot could use attention… nice bench seat no rips…trans and transfer case shift… didn’t get to drive it down the road… don’t ask if it’s available…..if it’s listed it is…. make me a reasonable offer.”
Jeep Duriez Ads
UPDATE: The latest issue of the Europe-based 4X4 Story Magazine has images of a rare surviving Duriez jeep (see ads for the various Duriez models here).
https://www.4x4story.fr/index.php/2022/10/20/jeep-willys-de-1944-carrosserie-duriez/
There is also a video of the jeep here (in French): https://www.facebook.com/jeepvillage/videos/1170152156865967
Here are some additional pics:
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Originally posted Dec 14, 2014: Marc found these vintage Duriez Ads from France. Duriez used the jeep platform (and other vehicles) to create more transportation options.
1966 Empi-like Stallion Winlock, WA Hemmings Auction
Bill forwarded this 1-of-about-10-produced Stallions that is currently up for auction on Hemmings. Learn more about these here: https://www.hemmings.com/stories/preserved-1966-stallion-dune-buggy/
Auction here: https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1966-other-other-265395#&gid=1&pid=1
Pine Ridge Bison Farm Videos
You might remember that last May Ann and I had a chance to visit with Dan and April and their kids at their Eastern Montana Bison Ranch. At the beginning of October, they began creating videos of their ranch experience. They have currently produced four videos with plans for more. Though jeeps make a small, short appearance, mostly it is about learning how their lives have changed as they learn to do without the things most of us take for granted, including utility-backed running water and electricity. So, check them out!
Here is their Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsidyGphAz3QzDx1qanIJbQ
Here is their first video:
If you want a good look at their bison, this video of theirs show them wrangling bison with a Jeep Cherokee:
Daytona Beach Trains & Jeeps
UPDATE: Here’s an additional Daytona Beach photo sent by Chris of a CJ-5 advertising Dog Racing on Daytona Beach. (note photo #3 below is a 3B also advertising Dog Racing)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/140426483169388/?multi_permalinks=1258870947991597&ref=share
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Originally Posted Feb 22, 2019: Thanks to Roger Martin for pointing out these series of jeep pics from 1950s Daytona Beach. These were all posted to the Greetings from Daytona Beach Facebook page.
- These 1959 photos show Charlie Fogg’s Beach train, which ran a four mile round trip pulling one or more trams. You can see it’s a jeep under that train facade. That might even be a CJ-3B.
- This one looks to be a second version of Mr. Fogg’s beach train:
- CJ-3B sporting a dog racing sign:
- This ice cream vendor might be a CJ-3A:
- Mr. Jules “Ted” Tieder, the Ice Cream Man, at Daytona Beach with his CJ-5:
- Two 1946 photos of an early jeep (MB/GPW) tram at Daytona Beach: