Nice that the soldiers in the photos are named, but they left out the girl’s name.
Features Research Archives
Our ‘Commercial’ Debut
Being the local celebs that we are (yeah, right), we dropped by a local wine bar (Gordons) where the owners are going to let me talk about and sell my books. While there, they were shooting a commercial. I guess they were desperate for ‘talent’ because we appear at the end of their commercial. I like to think we scored the anchor spot!
The only online place we’ve found the commercial online was on Facebook. Below is a snapshot from when it played on TV.
Ford GP Model on eBay
The cover of this box shows a Ford GP, so it might be a Ford GP model.
“Mego model kit, builds wooden US Army Jeep M-10, 1944, box is 8-1/2 in. x 6-1/8 in.”
The Jeep and How it Grew Article on eBay
The January 1953 issue of “Modern Man” magazine featured a story about the jeep’s history. However, given the M-38A1 prominently displayed at the top of the page, I can’t help but wonder if this was part public relations and part history piece.
View all the information on eBay
GPA Pulling a Slat Grille & More
Marc pointed out an article in the 1944 issue of Popular Mechanics. I didn’t realized it, but this issue has a bunch of jeep-related articles. Some of these you’ve probably seen.
The largest illustration shows a Ford GPA SEEP pulling a MB Slat Grille (pages 84 and 85). For some reason, the wheels were removed (photographically speaking) from the GPA.
Page 87 shows of a half-sized jeep that utilizes an icebox motor for power. I featured this picture back in April.
Page 71 shares the “Follow Me” paint markings with the world.
Page 6 Describes how jeeps can be used to pull refueling tanks or ambulance cars in a train.
Page 80 shows off the limitless capabilities of the jeep by picturing a soldier cutting wood from a jeep powered buzz saw in Italy.
Page 86 discusses the finer points of dropping a jeep over a cliff, including the installation of a can over the driver’s mirror to prevent flashing.
Finally, on page 63 we learn about a “Finishing School for Killers” where soldiers learn how to jump from a jeep while it is traveling at 40mph.
Let the Fun Begin
I’ve spent the last couple days moving and reorganizing parts and things so I could make enough room to start disassembly (see pic below). Today I finally got to begin the breakdown process.
One of my strategies during assembly was to make the body as easy to remove as possible. So, for example, nothing is wired or attached to the fenders. In addition, the wiring along the underside only attaches to the frame in one spot (a ground). It all worked well . . . great when a plan works!
I also removed the seats. Posts welded to the frame stick up through the body (holding the body in position). Seat plates are screwed onto the body. The seats are bolted to the plates. Here the passenger seat plate has been removed and is sitting next to the post.
Willys By Shawn Ruland
Mark posted this over at sellajeep.com. The illustration was done by Shawn Ruland, an artist that does some work for SellAJeep.
CJ-6 Snowcat by Sno-Ball
Paul found this special government-ordered CJ-6 with a little extra traction.
According to the website usual locomotion, “Sno-Ball Jeep CJ6 Snowcat, 1956. Contract between Jeep and Sno Ball Corp. created this vehicle to transport crews over deep snow. They were provided to the US Forest Service and the FAA. 20 were built in 1956 and only one is remaining. Tracks are rubber belted and the grousers are in steel. This Sno-Ball Jeep stayed in Colorado and was sold in 2004. The Snowcat used a Jeep engine, transmission and cab in 1956. Original wheels and axles could be mounted back but there was an extra frame lift.”
You can see all kinds of photos of an original Snowcat that appeared on eBay in 2004:
http://boyink.com/cj6/sno-ball-jeep-cj6-snowcat/
1946 VEC CJ-2A vs. John Deere Gator
Leo found this video that compares a jeep to a Gator.
Wedding Chariot Army Style
Here’s a 1942 Photo of a Captain’s Wedding: A Bride & Groom hitch a ride behind a jeep.
1950s Negative of Girls in Pedal Jeeps
UPDATE: This photo was on eBay.
Here’s an interesting photo. Must have been a pedal jeep race of some type.
“vintage NEGATIVE photo BEACH GIRLS IN PEDAL CARS JEEP CAR 1950s
Condition: VERY GOOD (Please Note: condition is as shown above.)
Size: approx. 2½ x 2½ inch (35mm)(1 inch = 2.54 cm)
100% original | no copie or Reproduction!”
Photo of Ford GP & Mickey Rooney on a Bike on eBay
Kiss a Veteran Day
It’s our annual ‘Kiss a Veteran Day’ here at eWillys. Normally, I kiss my veteran at least once a day (and twice on Sundays), but there is no kissing today as we are apart for a few days while I begin work on Biscuit here in Seattle. So, in honor of my veteran, here’s a kiss we shared in Times Square back in 2011. Not bad for a self portrait!
Happy 80th Birthday Dad!
For those of you who’ve read my book “Finding Virginia” you know that we weren’t sure a couple years ago whether dad would make it to his 80th birthday or not. Well, I’m happy to report that last night he officially turned 80. We celebrated with family and some thai food. He says his next goal is to reach the age of 90. Knowing him, he just might make it.
Chinese Soldiers Assembling Jeep Photo on eBay
1961 Photo of Flattie under a Hyster Straddle Truck on eBay
Moab Willys Rally 2013 Video
Pete from the Old Willys Forum forwarded these two videos he’s just posted from last summer’s 2013 Moab Willys Rally. The first video shows what it looks like when driving through Arches National Park. The second has some jeeping footage.
FC-170 spotted in Ossipee, NH
Here’s a good looking FC-170 Glenn found.
Glenn writes, “Was out roaming in NH yesterday looking at a DJ3A. Happened by Ryan’s Garage in Center Ossipee, NH and spotted this freshly done FC170, a real sharp job. Around the parking lot was several other Willys pickups along with another FC donor. Sorry I didn’t get a front shot, but what you don’t see just to the left of the pix is a vey large, loud, chained dog. Nobody came out to tell us differently, so we stayed right in the car. Maybe some of the locals can tell us more. This is SNOW country and these FC models didn’t last long up here.”
Willys Interlagos Berlinetta
Buz forwarded this article from “Just a Car Guy” about this rare Willys interlagos Berlinetta. I have to say I’m diggin’ this car.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/11/07/cars-of-futures-past-willys-mb/?refer=news
Hemmings Feature Story on the MB
A couple folks forwarded this article from Hemmings about the Willys MB that was published a couple days ago.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/11/07/cars-of-futures-past-willys-mb/?refer=news
Transporting Jeeps via Plane
The August 03, 1942, issue of Life Magazine has an article about Transport Planes. The article includes photos of some GPWs. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to be wedged in there next to the jeep during a bumpy flight!
You can see the entire article at Google Books
Jeep Puzzle Key Chain on eBay
I’ve never seen a puzzle key chain like this in the form of a jeep.
1943 Reg Manning ‘Flying Jeep’ Postcard on eBay
Here’s a neat postcard of a flying army jeep by illustrator Reg Manning from 1943.
“This listing is for a vintage humorous military post card, by artist Reg Manning, Travelcard No. 27 . The card is unused, a linen card stating it is a genuine Curteich-Chicago Postcard, distributed by Lollessard Specialty Co. of Tuczon Arizona.”
1964 Kristi Snow Cat Model KT-4G
Paul found this unique snow cat made from Kaiser parts. It appears to me to be a CJ-5 body with hardtop combined with a custom FC-looking cowl (with some buck teeth as a grille). There were only two KT-4G models made.
According to the Kristi Snowcat website, “This new vehicle, named the KT-4G, was designed with the aim to reduce costs by maximizing use of standard automotive parts. Kaiser Jeep supplied the CJ-series universal frame and body, while power was delivered by a Chevrolet 6-cylinder engine mated to a Clark four-speed transmission and steering differential. The new Chevrolet engine was water-cooled, allowing for a car-like heating system.”
Willys MB y Ninos 220 Euros
UPDATE: Roberto notes that this painting is for sale: 220 Euros. Email him
at robflores@robertoflores.com for more info.
Roberto Flores posted his lasted MB illustration to Facebook. Kids and jeep seem a natural combination.