Features Research Archives

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Polly, a 1952 CJ-3A Sculpture

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

This unique sculpture created by Richard White is available for sale.  Go to his website to see more pictures.

http://www.DrawToLive.com/3D_Sculpture_Pages/1952_Willys_CJ2A_Jeep_Polly.htm

 
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Bill’s updated Jeepster

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

Originally a Shriner’s Jeep, Bill decided since it was already had some drivetrain mods that he would take it further.

He writes, “It now sits on a altered Cherokee chassis with Dana 44 frt and rear with a 4″ lift. It is powered by a  Turbo 400 and a 304 AMC. I’ve kept it original looking with a Jeep wheel and the track width is right on. This is one Jeep missed out on produceing. Drove it all last summer and just love it.”

Before changes:

After changes:

 
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French Fire Service Engine & Water Truck Netherlands eBay

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

Glenn spotted this fun toy.

“Here we offer you a wonderful and hard to find, vintage `late `70ties up to the early `80ties produced, French Tin Plated Jeep Model with Trailer. This set was produced by Joyax in France. Its a genuine model and NO replica. This is one of the last Tin Plated models which was produced. Today these models are difficult to find in such wonderful and crisp condition as the one we offer you here. The model is unused!. The Jeep is a Wind-Up model and comes with the key. The box is like new too. This set depicts a USA Fire Service Car with Trailer. An awesome asset within any Jeep collection or Fire Engine collection. Be keen on this beauty. The scale is about 1:28 Fully made of tin plated and bright lithographed material. A Very RARE find these days. Be keen on this less seen treasure.”

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Joyax-France-WILLYS-JEEP-Fire-Service-Engine-WATER-TRAILER-Tin-Wind-Up-MIB-78-/200658502353?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb82dc2d1

 
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Willys on a Stick on Route 231

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

Bob reports he spotted this last week while driving in the Florida panhandle. This was right along the Alabama-Floridastate line on route 231 north of Marianna.

 
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Merry Christmas

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

Bill forwarded this great picture of his wagon in front of someone’s light show (his possibly?).  Thanks Bill.

I hope every enjoys their Christmas and has a Happy New Year!

 
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James’ Holiday Surprise from Walcks4wd

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

James wrote me this evening about a wonderful surprise from Walcks4wd.  Congrats James!

“Merry Christmas Dave! Hope you and your family are having a good Christmas this year! I woke up this morning and Santa was very good to me. I opened presents from Mom and Dad and later was sitting in our living room listening to some Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra Holiday music.

I opened up my email and Santa had left another present for me. I won the 2011 Walcks4wd Wishlist! They made my Christmas wishes come true! I want to thank Carl Walck and his family and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I also want to thank you Dave. Through your website, I found Walcks4wd. They have the most authentic and highest quality parts around. I would recommend them to anyone restoring or fixing up a jeep. They are truly good people. Thanks again and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! James.”

 
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Modern Mechanix Article on Rocket Brakes & a Jeep

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

UPDATE: Originally published 12/15/2011

Nothing about this idea sounds good.  Mechanix discusses the attempts to use rockets for braking in their June 1946 edition of the magazine.  One of the vehicles tested was a military jeep, with a special pyramid behind the driver to protect in case of a roll.  It almost looks like the driver has a seat belt.

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/11/14/rocket-brakes-for-emergency-stops

 
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Kids and Biscuit

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

UPDATES:  Next updates will be on Sunday 11/25/2011.

Though chilly, the weather was sunny yesterday, allowing for some fun in Biscuit.  Karson (17) and Kasia (15) took turns driving while Colter (13) decided he was fine with riding in the back.  I supervised and drove, while Ann photographed.

The day’s highlight was when I ran out of gas.  In my defense, I knew the tank was low and didn’t want to use up our time running to the gas station and back, so I hoped to let the kids play AND save a few drops for the drive back to the side of the garage . . .

We almost made it.

The kids thought this was hilarious, noting that not only did I run out of gas, but I also got stuck in the ditch.  Ann countered that I only got stuck in the ditch because I ran out of gas.  However, the kids saw it as an ‘and’ situation.  So, I’m sure I will never hear the end about the time I both ran out of gas AND got stuck in a ditch with Biscuit.

Fun times 🙂

 
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All Breeds Show from Pennsylvania

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

Mark from Sell-A-Jeep has posted sixteen pages of pictures from the All Breeds show hosted by the PA Jeeps Club.  You can check out all the information here.

Here are a couple pictures of the older breeds:

 
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The Book Arrived!

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

After waiting all day for it, the book finally arrived at 4:45pm.  A knock at the door was quickly followed by my parents’ dog Jill barking at whomever was on the other side of the door.  We quickly ran to the door.  I snatched up the book while Ann raced for her camera.  Mom was excited, the kids were excited, Ann was excited, and I was excited too.  I think Dad was even excited, though if pressed I’m not sure he would admit it.  Pictures ensued, followed by a gift of a pen by Ann especially for signatures (and it’s a great pen, too!).

The only issue I have found with the printing (which is good) is that the Title doesn’t stand out enough, so I will be making a change to that.  Otherwise, it looks ready to go.  Here are some pics from this special day.


 
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More Holiday Cheer

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

Holidays and Jeeps … does it get better?  More from Roberto.

 
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Father of the M-678

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

Craig has a special picture this week at the FCConnection.  Check out the whole photo here.

 
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Merry Christmas CJ-2A

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

Ted has his CJ-2A dressed up for Christmas.  You can see more pics of Ted’s CJ-2A here.

Hmm … I guess I should dress up Biscuit.  If the rain abates, I will get him out and do something holidayish.

 
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Another Christmas Illustration From Roberto

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

Here is another Christmas Illustration courtesy of Roberto Flores.

 
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The Jolly & Renault: Competitors to the DJ-3A Surrey

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

UPDATE:  Glenn spotted this unusual competitor to the DJ-3A Surrey.  The seller calls it a Jolly, though the magazine picture below suggests it is actually the Renault (thanks DC).  The one shown below has been in the Newport Beach area for years and was once owned by the founder of Armor All. It is up for auction on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180772628708

Included in the Auction is a picture of a Mechanix article that discusses the DJ-3A Surrey, the Jolly and a Renault Beach Wagon.  I tried to find the original article, but couldn’t.  However, I did the other Modern Mechanix articles about jeeps listed in the posts below this one.  Great stuff!


 
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Modern Mechanix Magazine Article about Kids and a Jeep

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

This article ran in the September 1949 issue of Mechanix.  This might just qualify as the first Hi Hood!

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/04/03/midget-jeep/

 
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Modern Mechanix Magazine Article on Jeeps

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

Mechanix ran this article and picture on the future of the jeep in December of 1944.  I think I might have this picture somewhere else, but never new its origin.

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2009/02/01/jeepers/

 
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So You Want to Build a Car in Your Basement?

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

Here is how this guy built a car . . . Note:  I searched, but could find nothing to suggest this isn’t a true story.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1m7KsW/www.themysteryworld.com/2011/09/guy-built-lamborghini-in-his-basement.html

 
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The Story of Little Willy

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

While doing some searches, I ran across this picture, perfect for the season.  Along with this picture is a the Story of Little Willy.  You can read about it here.  (Not all of the site works)

 
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CJ-3B Stainless Body Kits Myrtle Creek, OR

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Body Parts, CJ-3B, Features, stainless/jewels This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Back in May of 2011 Mike forwarded me the below ad.  This morning Craig pointed out that Dan over at Hemmings did a nice article about the stainless bodies along with the seller of these kits.

The buyer apparently bought out a stainless supplier in the Philippines. Call the seller for more info.

 
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Utility Truck Specs Post

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

Glen pointed me to an intersting post at the OldWillysForum.  The post is a link to a list of detailed specs for a 1957 Willys Utility Truck that John found on eBay.  It’s pretty cool.  Here is an example of one spec:

View the OldWillysForum post here:

View the survey spec here:

 
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Wooden Jeep on display in France

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

Alex forwarded this amazing wooden jeep replica from France.

 

 

 
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Norman Saunders Art Work $22,000

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

Alex forwarded this to me.  What you see below is the artwork Norman Saunders completed for use on the cover of the 1969 edition of Man’s Conquest.

 
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For the Lover of Jeeps and Golfing Costa Mesa, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6495.

For $6,495 I could buy a very nice real jeep, though I’d get in trouble for driving it on a golf course.

“LSV Carts has hundreds of Custom Golf Carts in stock please check out our other listings. If you don’t see what you’re looking for please email us at electriccartwarehouse@yahoo.com or Call (714) 595-9662 and we will gladly list it on eBay for you. fast 23mph 2009 4 PASSENGER 48V ELECTRIC GOLF CART 48V w/ LIGHTS WILLYS ARMY JEEP BODY STYLE.”

 

 
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Balsawood Jeep Kit from MODEL CRAFT

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

This is a picture of a boxed balsawood jeep kit held by the Australian War Memorial.  The information below comes from the website.

Description: Boxed balsawood kit of a Jeep. Box obverse is illustrated in two colours with a PT boat and a jeep with the legend ‘MODEL CRAFT’. The sides are illustrated with patrol craft and trucks, accompanied by the legend ‘Manufactured by Model Aircrafts 1 Bond St Sydney’. Reverse is printed in red and blue with a listing of the other model kits available. Contents consist of a thin printed balsa sheet and smaller plain sheet and six long stringers, all wrapped in the plans for the kit. The instructions are damaged.

Summary: Little is known of Model Aircrafts Ltd. A Sydney-based company established in 1928 and operating from premises at 1 Bond St, Sydney, they manufactured a series of boxed balsawood aircraft, truck and ship kits. The evidence of their production is based on their wartime output, which is imaginative and extensive – and includes contemporary subjects such as the Mitsubishi Zero and the Hawker Hurricane – but extremely basic and evidently restricted by Australia’s wartime austerity drive and materials rationing. Thus, wartime contents for aircraft frequently provide merely a simple block of balsa and a 2.5 cm square of sandpaper with instructions to ‘shape fuselage according to the illustration’. Wartime plans are often signed ‘J Mercer’.