Features Research Archives

To Top

The Package Delivery Van Starts its Journey

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

You might remember that we spotted this rare 1948 Willys Overland Package Delivery van a while back.  The buyer decided he had to let it go, so Jesse volunteered to take on the project of restoring it.   To get to Phoenix, the van has made its first stop in Missouri at Craig’s place.

Craig writes, “The 1948 Willys Overland Urban Package Delivery is 430 miles closer to it’s new home in Phoenix, Arizona.  It’s resting at my place in Defiance, Missouri right now before I make the pilgrimage out there to Phoenix and back in a few weeks.  Since the ’48 got its start on eWillys I thought it could use an update there as well.  The pictures were taken just a stones throw south of Roxanna, Ohio where Roger Martin (pictured with me) brought it from its home in Lake Geneva, Ohio.  It looks a little better with some rubber on the wheels! Craig @ thefcconnection

 
To Top

The Story of the Jeepy Pedal Car

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

Even contacted me from Norway with a nice bit of history about the Jeepy Pedal Car.  Thanks Even!

He writes, “As world war 2 came to a close a Norwegian engineer name Sigurd W. Ødegaard was looking for products he could produce in his mecanical workshop.  One day during the summer of 1945 he was watching a military parade with a lot of jeeps when he got the idea to produce a small version of a jeep as a pedal car. A year later he produced his first pedal car, manufacturing them from 1946 until 1952.  During this time his company made about 3000 units of this popular car .  I was told they cost almost 100$ back then.

These small Jeeps are popular among collectors here in Norway and since Sigurd made them very solid there are still some around.  The car is 1/3 scale from the GPW and  are all steel with air filled wheels.

I have also heard that Sigurd W. Ødegaard was educated in the US  and worked for Mack International Motor Company. At some point he travelled to the US to start production of this pedalcar over there, but returned to Norway after failing to get production going because the Korean War made it complicated to get enough steel for the pedal cars.”

Continue reading

 
To Top

Old Photos from the High Desert

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

Here are a couple of old photos listed on eBay from a trip into the high desert in a CJ-2A.

 
To Top

Conner Supermarket Willys Wagon

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

UPDATE:  Buz shot this picture while visiting Ocracoke Island in South Carolina last year.  This year he discovered the history behind the wagon.  Thanks Buz!  I like the way you vacation 🙂

Read about the station wagon,, John Conner, Sr., and the history of the super market here:

http://www.connerssupermarket.com/index_files/Page426.htm

 
To Top

2012 Great Willys Picnic in Kempton, Pa June 10th

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

The Great Willys Picnic Show and Swap Meet:  learn more here http://www.cj3a.info/picnic/

June 10, 2012 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad, located in Kempton, Pennsylvania

It’s time to plan for the 13th annual Great Willys Picnic, Car Show and Swap Meet. All vehicles are welcome: stock, modified, projects, CJs, Wagons, Trucks, Jeepsters, Military, Cars and even GPWs! Every pre-1970 Willys vehicle is eligible to win door prizes. This show has grown into the largest Northeast Willys event. Over 45 vehicles and hundreds of enthusiasts were present at last year’s picnic. There is plenty of space for selling your spare parts in the swap meet area. Bring your Willys memorabilia and interesting parts for show and tell. Be sure to arrive early because at 3:00 PM the door prize winners are announced and awarded. Bring your own picnic lunch or purchase food at the refreshment stand.

The Picnic will be held on the grounds of the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad located in the scenic village of Kempton, Pennsylvania. This is a great setting to display our classic Willys vehicles, as well as entertainment for the entire family. Also on-site is the Schuykill & Lehigh Model Railroad Club’s HO model train display.

As always the Willys Picnic, Show and Swap is free. Plan to take the optional train ride for a very reasonable fee.

 
To Top

More Food at this Year’s Bantam Festival

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

One of the updates in the May newsletter from the Bantam Festival folks is that there will be more food.  Since I like food, I have to say I’m all in favor of that!

You can read more on the latest at the Bantam Jeep Festival Site

 
To Top

June 16th Estate Auction in Arlington, Oh … CJ-2As & CJ-3As and More

• CATEGORIES: Auctions, CJ-2A, CJ-3A, Features, Unusual, Willys Wagons This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Rob forwarded me the jeep below.  It’s an odd melding of a CJ-2A and a Wagon.  I’d love to get a closer look to see how various problems were solved.

This jeep is one of several jeeps in different conditions being auctioned, though nothing is in amazing condition.  Tools and other vehicles will also be auctioned, including a deuce and a half that looks to me (not being an expert) in very good condition.

The auction takes place on June 16th, 2012, at a place tbd.  You can learn more about the auction by Fenbert Auction Services and see the other vehicles at here.

Here’s the oddball CJ-2A/Panel Wagon hybrid:

A few other jeeps at the auction.  A couple CJ-2As:

A couple CJ-3As:

Other Stuff:

 

 
To Top

Tennessee Flat Fender Club

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features, Women & Jeeps This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

William, the President of the Tennessee Flat Fender Club, recently contacted me with some kind notes about my book.  I told him I had been planning to do a post about the club, so he provided me some information.

The Tennessee Flat Fender Club is an unofficial association with no dues, no rules, no mandatory meetings or rites of passage. You don’t even need to own a flat fender ‘jeep’ to call yourself a member. Only need to have an interest in these classic vehicles.
The Club is an affiliate of the International Flat Fender Club.  There is a club for most states and the ones where there isn’t a club they are looking for people to lead one.
You can learn more about the club at these websites:
If you are curious about William’s build, you can read all about it at the CJ-2A page.  The very first picture is an image of the engine sitting in the house next to an open tool box.  This picture underscores the support of Wiliam’s family; so, it only seems natural that his mother, wife, and grandmother should have their pictures taken in front of it (shown below).
 
To Top

Pima Air and Space Museum MBs in Tucson, Az

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

Jim forwarded me the following images he took of the MBs at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Az.

Jim writes, “The 390th Bomb Group Museum has a B-17 flying fortress on display, a long with a MB that has been restored and donated to the museum. It needs a fuel tank flush, new radiator hoses, and I bet a carb rebuild. I hope to assist them on this the next time I make it home. There is also a MB on display in another hanger that is part of a display dedicated to the Red Tails fighter group. I am sending a few pics of them. They have one of the largest aircraft display’s around!”

Here’s the 390th Bomb Group MB:

And this is the Red Tails fighter group MB:

 
To Top

James Breaks the Oil Line Fitting — Could use some suggestions . . .

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

Well, we all eventually arrive at one of these places where the unexpected happens, inevitably followed by the ‘what do I do now’ question.  That’s where James is at and he needs a few suggestions.  You might remember James from when I visited his father and him in Denver back in October.

“I was replacing the old inlet oil line into the engine (below the fuel pump). I was loosening the oil line that went into the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket (Walck4wd part number 384569) and accidently torqued the bracket. The fuel line came off, but the thread from the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket broke off inside the engine in the oil inlet. Great.. So, I bought an extractor from Sears and have been trying to extract the remaining thread left inside the oil inlet (below the fuel pump) with no luck. There is hardly any room to hammer the extractor into the block. So now here I am, stuck. Any idea how to remove the remaining thread? Thanks, James DeBartolomeis”

Here’s a pic:

 
To Top

“JEEP” means WILLYS Ads

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

Paul forwarded this.  I have a variety of brochures & Ads, but not this one.  The slogan “JEEP” means WILLYS is an interesting intellectual property strategy.  Just another way to intertwine the two meanings.

 
To Top

Year? Mitsubishi Annapolis, MD **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Features, Other 4x4s • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $5700.

“I purchased this jeep 5 years ago in Washington State where I restored it and used it on mountain trails, hunting/fishing while based at Fairchild AFB near Spokane. After being transferred to Andrews AFB it’s spent most of its time in my garage, other than trips into town, etc. It has a very efficient low mileage (under 45,000 miles) 4DR6 2.7L diesel engine mated to an iron 4speed manual transmission and transfer case. The steering is right hand drive as is typical for these late model willy’s from Japan. It’s been well maintained but shows some wear for its age such as repairs in the soft top, worn seats, etc. I also have the driver, passenger, and rear doors that are included in the sale. About 3 years ago the windshield wiper motor stopped working, so I’ve relied on the back up manual wiper in its place. I don’t have the time to research a new wiper motor or have it rebuilt, which is why I’m letting my jeep go at such a low price… While doing some research on this vehicle I discovered through discussion boards that individuals are paying up to $14K for these jeeps by the time the import cost, taxes, and all other expenses are calculated. It’s never been driven in the rain/snow here in Maryland due to rust concerns. This jeep has proven extremely reliable to me and capable of anything I’ve put in its path, you won’t be dissapointed.

Since I’ve owned it I’ve addressed the following:

-New windshield
-5 new 8 ply tubeless tires
-resealed the front and rear axles
-replaced all of the brakes (11″ drum brakes)
-installed new rear driveshaft
-replaced driveline parking brake
-eliminated rust from rear fenders by removing old sheet metal and welding in new
-Water pump was rebuilt 1 month ago
-New fan/alternator belt last month
-replaced thermostat & hoses
-installed inline coolant block heater
-M38 speedometer (replaced old unit that was in kilometers per hr)
***note*** speedometer works great but odometer recently stopped working
-installed turn signal control (unit was missing when it arrived from Japan)
-new pintle hitch with 2″ ball
-new shovel, axe, & jerry can
-installed farm jack on front bumper
-new M38 mirrors
-installed passenger seat from a CJ-5 (seat was missing when it arrived from Japan)
-installed Warn Locking hubs for the Dana 30 front axle
-engine oil & filter have been changed every 3,000 miles or 6 months (which ever comes first)

****the engine is barely broke in at 45-50K miles, burns no oil, and there are absolutely no leaks from the engine or drivetrain components.Yea”

 
To Top

2012 Memorial Day Parade in Yakima, Wa …. Happy Memorial Day

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

I hope everyone is enjoying Memorial Day Parade.  A big thanks to all the veterans out there and the ones that have passed.  I shall make sure to give my vet an extra kiss tomorrow, after all, sacrifices must be made 🙂 !

Thanks to Tony for forwarding these pictures of the Memorial Day Parade in Yakima, Wa.  Tony writes, ” The first M38 belongs to Randy Adams. The next 3 are mine and the M38 A1 aim driving.  I am taking it to Dawson Creek and will be doing the Trail of 42 w/converto trailer.”

 
To Top

1962 FC-140 (?) Livermore, Ca eBay

• CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Features, Jeep Rods, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Vince spotted this one.  I’m not sure why this is called a FC-140, but it sure has seen some mods!

“1962 Jeep FC 140  351 Ford Cleveland engine, Automatic trans, Independent rear suspension with disc brakes. New Holley carb. HEI ignition. Front air bags, rear coil overs. Fuel cell, Hydraulic bed and touno cover. Unbelievable amount of power. This cars draws alot of attention. Alarm system. digital gauges, tach. Very rare Jeep. Electic Sun Roof. Power windows. any questions please call Perry at 925-455-6666 must sell while i still have a drivers license. Milage is unknown. I reserve the right to pull car out of auction at any time because car is advertised locally.”

View all the pics and info on eBay

Continue reading

 
To Top

Marx Surrey Jeep Langhorne, PA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $376

Steve spotted this one.

“For sale is a Louis Marx&co. Surrey Jeep battery operated with remote control. In great condition with original box(a bit beat up).”

 
To Top

Mark Smith’s Jeep Museum in Georgetown, Ca

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

I learned today that Mark Smith opened a museum a couple months back in Georgetown, Ca, at what I believe is the Jeep Jamboree Headquarters.  At this point, it isn’t so much a museum as a collection of some rare jeeps, but they are nice looking jeeps.  According to the Jamboree website, Mark organized the first Jeep Jamporee in 1954, traveling across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the Rubicon Trail.  It sounds like he is still going strong!

You can view all of them here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150857454023765.513239.143647533764&type=3

 
To Top

Play Jeep at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois

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

If you visit the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, Illinois, and have kids, make sure to stop by the Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum in the basement of the building.  Here’s a pic of it form the State Journal-Register and a story, too.

 
To Top

Hesse Hornet Info Wanted

• CATEGORIES: Features, Industrial-Welder-Generator, wanted This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The Hesse Hornet was an air compressor manufactured by the Hess Manufacturing Company in the late 1940s(?).  The compressor used a CJ-2A engine to run, but only pistons 1 & 4.  The middle two pistons were used to compress air.  Keith recently bought one of these and was going to part it out, but changed his mind and now wants to restore it.  However, there isn’t much online about it.  Below are the links we know about it so far.  If you know of any additional info, please add it to the comments.

http://www.cj-3a.com/hesse_hornet_air_compressor.htm
http://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/never-know-what-you-may-find_topic21663.html
http://www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=129&t=181482

Here is a link to Keith’s pics:

https://picasaweb.google.com/114870501449086698887/WillysAirCompressor?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOeF34mX0L_1oAE&feat=directlink

 
To Top

A Wagon in Times Square, Manhattan, NY

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

One update tonight.  Here is a picture forwarded by a friend of Jon’s.  Cool pic!  Times Square certainly has changed over the decades.

 
To Top

The Teapot Service Station is Gone??

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

Last week on our way to my parents, Ann told me she wanted to stop at the Teapot Gas Station (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teapot_Dome_Service_Station), not to be confused with the Teapot Dome Scandal.  The Teapot Dome Service Station is one of those odd side-of-the-highway tourist stops along Interstate 82 in Zillah, Washington.

When you are bulleting past at 70 mph, it is one of those places where it is easy to say “we’ll stop next time”.  Well, I’ve been saying that for more than six years.  Ann has been saying it longer.  So, when she says “it’s time to stop”, I took her request seriously.   Well, almost seriously.  I did give her one of those looks of, “do you really mean it or are you joking”.  She returned the look of, “I am not joking”.  It turns out she really meant it.  I really didn’t mind as it was a beautiful day and we were in no particular hurry.

We pulled off the freeway, crossed the freeway over a bridge, and pulled up to the place where the teapot stop was supposed to be.  Only, it was missing.  Everything was there — pumps (can’t see them in the pic), a sign, a foundation — except for the teapot itself.

Confused, we both immediately reached for our phones and revved up our Googlers.  Truth was, we were also racing to see who could learn the fate of the teapot first.  We do that a lot.  We are both competitive.  In fact, it pains me to say it, but, yes, she won.  The Android beat the iPhone.  Maybe it was operator error?

Humbled by my defeat, we focused on the fate of the teapot building.  We learned that just over a month ago, in March of 2012, the Teapot was moved to a new location closer to downtown Zillah, a town not much bigger than the teapot itself.  Somehow, it had been hit by a car.  We both suspect that probably alcohol had been involved . . . or just plain stupidity.

After taking shots of the non-existant teapot, we raced into town to get pictures of us and this unusual landmark.

It just goes to show that sometimes stopping ‘next time’ will be too late.  Carpe Diem when you have the chance.

 
To Top

Willys Overland Rally, Moab 2012

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

Pete from the Old Willys Forum wanted to share these pics and videos from this year’s Willys Overland Rally, Moab 2012.  In case you missed them, Kevin also share some pics and his experience.

Here’s a link to all the pictures and videos:  http://oldwillysforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=27208#p27208 

Here are a few . . .

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDa6pjSIgr4

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX85uUvpcjo

 

 
To Top

Newest GPW Scam — “Totally Rebuilt” 1942 GPW at $5999

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

Here’s the text of this newest Scam:

“URGENT SALE – IMMINENTLY! 1942 GPW Ford Willys Military Jeep 4×4 Vintage – For Sale By Owner
Totally Rebuilt – New gas tank, Hydraulic Wilwood Clutch, 44 rear axle,
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me. tks”

Here are two pictures from the scam. There’s another one of GPW in a garage, too.

 
To Top

CJ Dealer Promotion Ashtray Bangkok, Thailand eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, CJ5, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a CJ Dealer Promotion ashtray that Craig pointed out to me.  However, it’s is located in Thailand.

“You are looking at a authentic old vintage used ashtray & jeep.    6 inch wide by 2 inch high for tray.    Jeep itself is 2 1/2 inch long.    Made of chromed metal.     Extensive oxidation to chrome.    Looks like it may not polish out.    No tobbaco smell.”

View all the pics and info on eBay

 
To Top

FC-170 Dealer Promotion on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, FC150-FC170-M677, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Glenn forwarded this to me, as he’d only seen a couple of these.

“good used shape — rare — all metal — base is 6 1/4″ across — please look at the pictures — please ask questions before bidding — Thank You”

View all the pics and info on eBay

 
To Top

His Bucket List Checked, Kevin Heads Back to Georgia

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

Kevin filed this report  from Moab at the end of the Willys Overland Rally, Moab 2012.  Thanks Kevin!  Don’t forget to visit the oldwillysforum.com to prepare for next year’s rally.

Kevin writes, “We made it to Moab from Georgia, what an experience! I traveled 1,750 miles @ 25 cents per mile.

I had my share of adventure — Tranny coolant line breaks, gas gauge peg’s at fuel, lost a gas cap and bought a non-vent cap, which caused every hose connected to the tank leak like the Titanic of gas, loose distributor, two plug wires not doing their job, busted motor mouint, spring perches broke (spot welded).   All the particapants made it up the Pucker Hill, but me … oh what fun it is  to get stuck and broke down. Despite all of this, I had a Great Time!!!  These people know how to party and have an honest good time!

All too quickly MOAB 3 – 2012 has come to an end.  So, I’m on my way back to Georgia, carrying plenty of red sand for the ride home.

One more item off the Bucket List.”

These first two pictures are of Kevin’s wagon: