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About eWillys
Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
After a few dud issues, this one has a few interesting items. Page two devotes almost half a page to Vacuum Power Brake Kits, like the kind that was installed on the DJ-3A when we bought it. This article shows that their installation was more common than I suspected.
On page four, there’s an article about the new “Fresh-Air” heater and cab ventilator and some of its advantages, along with a kit number. Also on page four, there’s an interesting article about the top bow rear brackets. First, their installation was cancelled in late 1955, but then Willys reversed that decision and added them again. So, there are some stock models made 1955 that didn’t have them.
Roberto Flores shared this image from another group of an older jeep pulling floats. The hardtop is unusual and was usually seen in Europe, but it’s my guess that this was taken in California somewhere. I was able to use Google search to locate the same pic on Jalopy Journal.
We’ve spent the past couple of weeks researching and viewing motorhomes (so much learned). We have decided upon one we like (powerful, 10k towing, easier to maintain, strong resell market, locally made, plentiful solar power), which I’ll unveil later this week, assuming everything goes well (we have a bit of a drive to go get it). I’ll discuss this more later.
It’s first ‘event’ will be in two weeks at the PNW4WDA summer convention. Here is a sneak peak (again, if all goes well);
All that time and research, plus more heat and Ann’s short vacation, definitely slowed progress on the FC. But, I was able to get most of the wires labeled using Ann’s label maker, though I didn’t realize until half-way through that I could create multiple lines (insert head exploding emoji here); so, for example, “Bat-to-Ign” on one line could be better labeled “Battery to Ignition” on three lines.
Once I complete that task, then I can bind the wires up more tightly and cleanly and begin testing systems. As you can kind of see below (not the best pic), the wiper knob, the light switch, the ignition switch, the dash-turn blinkers, and the speedometer are all connected using plugs. They all have labels, so identifying their corresponding plug should be easy. In addition, I tried to use different types of plugs so that plugging something incorrectly would be nearly impossible. The lighter is also easy to unplug. More difficult is the three gauges under the dash, as two of them are mechanical (I couldn’t find 1.5″ electric temp and oil gauges). So, the gauge panel has to be unbolted if the dash is completely removed.
Here, most of the wires have been labeled. I can’t wait to clean up the spaghetti!
This four-page service news has an interesting article on page two about one potential cause of driving vibration when traveling down grade. Page three includes an axle gear gauge block guide for various models. Finally, page four documents recommended service station colors, which isn’t something I’ve ever encountered.
This postcard from Wentworth motors of Alabama appears to show a CJ-5 with a PTO supporting a posthole digger. So, I *think* this is from around 1955-56, given the lack of DJs or FCs. Note the Willys Bermuda in the parking lot. This would also suggest post 1955.
UPDATE II: Here is a color version of the CJ-5 w/hardtop that appears in the brochure below. I found this on Flickr. One commenter there noted that, “Reinforced Plastics Corporation was in operation on Martha’s Vineyard from 1952 to 1959. They made these tops as well as other fiberglass items.”
UPDATE from October 26, 2017: Here’s another one of these rare brochures for sale. Thanks to Bill Norris and Derek Redmond for the extra pics. This brochure has been for sale on the same eBay pager for four years. It’s on sale at the moment.
This unusual fiberglass hardtop was created by the Reinforced Plastics Corp. I have yet to see one in the wild. Two journal articles (Chemical Week 1957, Volume 81 and National Defense Transportation Journal 1957, Volumes 13-14) both have announcements for the new top, pegging its inception around mid-1957. Unfortunately, Google will only provide snipped views of these University of Michigan scanned journals. The date of these journals suggests the lister of this brochure is probably wrong about the 1955 date for the brochure.
This February 1956 issue shows repair part kits for wheel cylinders. Unless I am confused, certainly nothing extraordinary, it seems the newsletter is suggesting that CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B, CJ-5, CJ-6 and DJ-3A all used the same Wheel Cylinder kits, but actually the DJ-3A, unfortunately, is different from all those.
Andy spotted these three Al-Toys for sale for $4000 or best offer. One pic shows two Al-Toy Fire Engine, but, according to the description, they are not included.
“This Al Toy Toy Collection features a Jeepster, Truck, and Wagon, all in excellent working order. The intricate details of each vehicle will impress any collector or enthusiast. The collection includes toys from various eras, making it a great addition to any vintage toy collection. The vehicles are ready for display or play, and are sure to bring joy to anyone who owns them.”
Andy shared this Louis Marx “Build-Up” plastic jeep kit, which looks a lot like the domestically produced Fix-All jeep. Note that the windshield on this jeep is broken (passenger arm).
“Rear wheel axle plastic support broken missing as picks show plus front windshield one end broken missing.trolley jack missing.there are 5 wheels only 4 tyres. unsure if large red disc is for this?.the bonnet is very tight only opened as far as pics show didn’t want to force as might snap one or both lugs so beware on this.the grey tin lid with number eight will not come with this as I’m pretty certain it’s not for this”
This November 1955 issue points out service bulletin 302 (have to look to see if I have that one), which introduces a new part to repair the column shift mechanism in wagons and sedan delivery vehicles.
DASH: Yesterday was the first true relief from the past few weeks of hot weather, as we only hit 90 degrees. Moreover, there are no more triple digit days currently forecast. The cool weather will make working in the shop more tolerable.
And, while I haven’t made the progress I’d hoped, progress was made. A couple of the delays were part-related, as Ron Francis ignition switch was delayed a week. I also went ahead and ordered an NOS speedometer from Barney Goodwin at Barney’s Jeep Parts, which arrived on Tuesday (thanks again Barney). It looks fantastic!
Most of the wiring is complete, but still some loose ends dangling. It feels like for the two weeks I’ve been saying, “almost there …”
Anyway, below are photos of the dash, one with the fuse box down and one with it stowed away (lower left corner of pic)
One of the dash challenges that still remains is to build that lower flashing
DRIVE: Last Friday we drove over to the west side (and 77 degree temps .. nice) to look at a motorhome. It was a 36′ 1996 Holiday Rambler diesel with a towing capacity of 15Klbs. It used to be owned by Rob Stafford, before he upgraded to a bus. We were very serious about buying it, until Ann had an asthmatic reaction to the musty interior smell. So, we felt it best to pass on the deal. (and out was a deal at $12k .. it sold within a few days). We’ve decided to increase the budget and look for something nicer.
I found a great price on an unusual model from Red Y Cut: the Sport Jeep. So, I supposed I ought to say that I “HOPE” the jeep model is still inside! My guess is that this is a late 1940s model, but I don’t have any documentation for that.
(10/19/2023) I have called the seller of this CJ-2A a friend for over a decade. His 1948 CJ-2A Lefty includes numerous extras. Also included is a unique collection of literature, some of which I’ve never seen elsewhere. The seller was instrumental in provided a great deal of unique, early civilian documents.
This collection is in Europe, so for a European collector it is likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get all this at cost far below what it would take to ship (if you could find the equipment) from the US.
If you are interested, either leave a comment at the bottom or email me at d@deilers.com.
Here is a list of items.
Willys Overland CJ2A ‘lefty’ (1948) with agricultural equipment:
• capstan winch
• ‘Koenig’ 100 winch with dual PTO shifter 48-50
• ‘Dearborn’ 19-52 rear boom pole crane
• complete rear PTO (shifter, shaft with boots, rear gearbox)
• rear PTO shield
• drum belt pulley with angle drive gearbox
• ‘Newgren’ 3 point hitch frame
• ‘Monroe’ 3 point hitch with original hydraulic pump, tank, shifter
• ‘Hy-Lo Monarch’ hydraulic pump (for use with winch or capstan)
• equipment toolbar
• ‘Monroe’ 3 point hitch brackets
• ‘Monroe’ lift arms
• ‘Novi’ governor
• ‘Monarch’ governor
• governor T handle & cable
• ‘Roper’ post hole digger
• ‘Stockland’ reversible hydro scoop
• ‘Fergusson’ dual plow
• front bumper weight
• ‘Koenig’ coil helper springs
• ‘Grade A’ rear mount mower (only survivor worldwide)
• ‘Dearborn’ buzz saw with belt
• body bed extension
• half cab canvas top with bows
• various original vintage hubs
• ‘Harrison’ cab heater
• Firestone NDT tyres 600 x 16
• side steps original diamonds
• T90A column shift gearbox
• T90A transmission cover
• jack, pump, fire extinguisher
• rear view mirror Original complete collection of literature:
• equipment book (agricultural & industrial)
• special equipment book
• mechanics manual book
• service bulletins book
• various original photos Price : USD 37,500.00 (location Europe) (no equipment or document will be sold separately)
After more than 25 years of collecting rare agricultural Jeep parts, It is time for the entire collection to find a new home.
Photo of the equipment:
Original Photos:
Just a few of the ads from his collection (hundreds of documents):
Steve shared these two videos showing swamp buggy racing from the 1950s and swamp buggy racing today. I remember seeing similar videos on the Wide World of Sports back in the late 1970s.
This first video highlights some crazy looking buggies (and no helmeted-drivers):
This video shows some vintage looking jeeps and how slow they go in the swamp (9:46 mark).
Page three of this four-page September 1955 issue includes a long article on Warn Hub servicing. Warn determined that 98% of problems folks were having with the hubs was due to users not reading the instructions properly. From our perspective, I think it shows just how new and unusual a selective hub was for consumers.
UPDATE: Next weekend is the 10th Annual Southwest Ohio Jeep FC Gathering & Swap Meet. If you aren’t attending, but want to order a T-shirt, you can use this link to do that.
If you are interested in attending, contact Roger or Sharon for more info:
Roger and Sharon Martin’s Place
1905 Roxanna New Burlington Road Waynesville, OH 45068
937-477-5270 rogerjm55 @gmail.com
“Tour de France set. Bicycle racers, Motorcycle with figurines, Jeep, camera man, driver, assistant. Racer from the time I played (1950s).. with.
Eddy Merckx, Jacque Anquetil, Federico Bahamontes and others. This set is old. From my personal collection.
One of a kind. Plastic racers and metal cars, motorcycle.”
On Tuesday’s triple-digit afternoon, Gerald and his two kids dropped by for a short visit. Gerald and his son Will, from Pennsylvania, are visiting daughter Samantha, who now lives in Washington State, for the week. They’ve been exploring some of the state and on Tuesday their travels brought them to our humble home (technically, we never really made it past the shop).
The last time I’d seen the kids was eleven years ago at the 2013 Bantam Festival, and they were pretty young, so I didn’t recognize them at all. But, Gerald still looked the same … I’m not sure he’s even aged!?! Anyway, in 2013, Gerald gave us the grand tour in his CJ-3B of the Cooper Lake campground, a place they had camped for years.
Gerald was an early reader of eWillys (circa 2009 maybe?). As he put it on Tuesday, his online world consisted of The CJ-3B page and eWillys. Outside, of that, he really didn’t want much to do with the internet. His parents were involved in a local jeep club and also raced, so Gerald and I had shared, via email, many stories of growing up in the old jeep world, desert dogs, camping, etc.
While we talked on Tuesday, Will was checking out the racer, so it wasn’t long before I was running him around the property in it. Here’s a quick clip.
Then he climbed in, all smiles, for a chance to drive it. He didn’t go all that fast, but seemed to be enjoying himself.
The visit was all too short as they needed to make their way back to the Kelso area by nightfall, so we said our goodbyes. Perhaps we’ll see them if we make our way to the Willys Reunion next year.
Many thanks to Glenn Byron for sending me a box of documents to share with everyone. Some of the docs, like the one below, are copies made for Glenn by Dave Antram. So, thanks to Dave as well. This is Volume four, Issue number 1.
Here are a few oddball wood jeeps that I thought might interest folks.
1. These two jeeps were marked down to $65 as of this writing, but that expired yesterday. I suspect if you made an offer near that amount, the seller might accept. View all the information on eBay:
