Features Research Archives

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Videos: Ridge Runners Video #1

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

The Yakima Ridge Runners Jeep Club recognizes itself as the world’s first incorporated Jeep Club, incorporating in early 1947. I have run across reports of early clubs formed in Southern California, but whether they actually incorporated or not is unknown to me. This video made by Universal International News was one of two.

 
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2008 PNW4DA Racing

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

I was searching to see if anyone posted videos from the PNW4WDA 2009 Convention, but haven’t seen any yet.  I did find this nicely organized collection of racing images from 2008 that I hadn’t seen.  So, I thought I’d share them.  Note the audio has been disabled.  I have to wonder exactly how they track down audio like that given the millions of videos uploaded vs. the relatively low number of hits on this video.

 
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Tail Light King: Willys & Jeep Section

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

I was looking for some Willys Jeep script ran across the Tail Light King Website accidently.  I don’t think I mentioned it last time, but the taillightking.com has Willys & Jeep lights as well.

tail_light_king_logo

 
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Diamond Plating Question

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

Several of our finest in Blue from Arizona read ewillys daily.  One of the readers asked about diamond plating for old flatties.  I can’t say I was much help, but maybe some of you have a suggestion?

Here is what I wrote:

It appears Warrior Products (http://www.warriorproducts.com/order.html) is the only company making them still (that I can find).  Most of the links below are the same product sold at different prices.

Here’s some options for side plates:
http://www.rjroffroad.com/warrior-sideplates-for-45-55-jeep-cj2a-cj3a-offroad-pr-17046.html
http://www.kaiserwillys.com/category/willys_warriorcornerplates
http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/alsidplatpai.html $115 (for cj3a …  cj3b not mentioned)
BEST PRICE:  http://www.central4wd.com/inventorydetail.aspx?page=id|9288;folder|5701

Here are corner options for corner plates:
http://www.central4wd.com/inventorydetail.aspx?page=id|9269;folder|5709
http://www.kaiserwillys.com/product/1830/willys_warriorcornerplates
BEST PRICE I FOUND:  http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/alcorguar.html $109.95
USED:  http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/pts/1338556016.html

Used Jeep Junkyards (maybe they have some):
http://collinsbros.stores.yahoo.net/usedjeepparts.html (Wylie, Tx)
http://www.jwjeep.com/ (Antelope, CA)
http://jeeprepublic.com/ (Englewood, CO)
http://www.ewillys.com/?p=5067 (Kingston NY)

Working with Diamond Plating:
http://www.quadratecforum.com/showthread.php?t=72275

How to Polish Aluminum Diamond Plating (Something I didn’t know)
http://www.ehow.com/how_4556441_polish-aluminum-diamond-plating-mothers.html

 
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Builds: Jim is at it again with the CJ-3A

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

UPDATE: Here’s the ebay listing.

Here’s another great, efficient makeover by Boswell International (catchy, isn’t it?).  Jim ought to have this on ebay in the next couple of days.

BEFORE:

miscstuff 003

AFTER:

MILCJ3A 006

MILCJ3A 008

MILCJ3A 016

Continue reading

 
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Builds: Dan updates us on his Grandfather’s Jeep

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

This is a continuing series on Dan’s efforts to rebuild his Grandfather’s jeep. Here’s the previous post. [Editor’s note – that looks like a steal at $100.  Running and complete!]

Dan writes, “Sometime in the 1960’s my grandfather’s friend purchased a new Jeep and immediately swapped out the little four banger for a V8. My grandfather bought the new (at the time) 134 F head from his friend and installed it in his own 1955 CJ5 replacing the tired original 134. Over the years this second engine was rebuilt three or four times.

V6-2At one point in time my grandfather had a V6 of some kind sitting in the garage that was supposed to go into the Jeep. Unfortunately when he made the move from Colorado to Washington State, the V6 was left behind.

Today I just came home with an engine for the old CJ5. It’s a Kaiser odd-fire Dauntless V6. I found it behind a barn in a Jeepster C101 sporting a Volkswagen Bug body. (It was the ugliest “Jeep” I have ever seen). But the engine was still in tact and was running when parked. I made the guy an offer for $100. He pulled the engine and had it sitting on a pallet for me the next week. I took home everything from the radiator to the bell housing. He wanted the transmission which is fine with me. Someone had painted the valve covers red but you can see the original paint underneath. There was a power steering pump scabbed on which I will remove since I have a manual Saginaw box. It will be nice to breath the life into the CJ5 that my grandfather had wanted.

V6 Valve-Cover-StampingOriginally, I had responded to a Craigslist add for a set of fenders. As it turned out I came home with a set of front fenders, a nice Koenig steel hard top model 550, and a Dauntless V6. He still has a Koenig PTO winch that I’m drooling over, but they don’t fit too well next to a Saginaw box.

I have attached a few pictures of the V6. In one of them you can catch a glimpse of the old CJ5 in the garage.

V6 Intake-Casting

V6-1

 
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Camping in Style – Super Cool Truck

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

Jim found this super cool truck.  You could probably even get some long ramps and park your jeep on top of it — if you are brave.

supercool1

supercool2

supercool6

Continue reading

 
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The White Mice

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, MB This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This excerpt is from an article title White Mice, which is about policing European highways during and after the war.  Included is a MB painted in the distinctive colors:  White vehicle with a black hood.  If you go to the website article,  you will see a variety of cars with this motif.  This would make an unusual restoration project.

The 62nd Military Police Company was created on November 30, 1943 and activated in North Africa a day later. Originally, it was a standard combat MP unit, and participated in the campaigns in France, the Rhineland and Ardennes-Alsace. Following the end of the war, the unit was reorganized twice, first as the 62nd Military Police Service Company in June 1948 and then as the 62nd Military Police Highway Patrol Company on September 20, 1951, when it was reattached to the regular Army forces occupying American Zone of Germany.

Corporal Edward Olson in a Highway Patrol Willys MB. Note the permanent roof and the large combination siren-warning light on the fender.

Unlike standard military police units, the Highway Patrol was created not only to enforce laws and regulations, but to handle other duties typically handled by civilian police agencies. These included assisting motorists and promoting traffic safety. On a given day, a trooper might work traffic, investigate a crime, or perform escort duty for a convoy. Or all three, just like his civilian counterpart.”

 
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1946 VEC CJ-2A Vista, Ca **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  This seller also restored this CJ-2A with a similar theme.

A well executed and creative build.  These are exactly the kinds of non traditional restorations I’d like to see more of that properly record the wide and varied deployment of the jeep.

The builder/seller writes, “1946 Willys V.E.C. CJ2A #14, 422 – County Sheriff  Patrol Jeep: I’m relisting this beautiful Willys with a lower reserve. However, don’t make the mistake of believing that I’m giving it away!  I just recognize that the market is soft right now.  I know what I have put into this restoration.  This is my fourth and final restoration of a 1946 Willys Civilian Jeep (CJ) 2A.

I became interested in the 1946 CJ-2A because it was the first production 4 wheel drive vehicle available to the public and is the grandfather of all modern SUVs.  This particular CJ-2A restored as a Sheriff Patrol Jeep was restored as a tribute to my own Grandfather who was a deputy sheriff in Southern California during the 1940’s and early 1950’s.  This CJ-2A is a faithful restoration of the type patrol vehicle that may have been used by the sheriff in the California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona back-country. The Federal siren and all Unity lights are period vintage police equipment.  The STOP light on the left front fender is a vintage Griffin model used by Military Police on jeeps during the Second World War.

1946_cj2a_sheriff_vista

Continue reading

 
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Broken Down Heroes

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

I discovered recently that an eWillys’ reader named Bob has created an ongoing photo essay on junked cars from America’s past called Broken Down Heroes.  For me, the black and while photos capture a sadness, a silence of vehicles trapped and forgotten as trees, bushes and grass slowly overtake and swallow them whole. Great work!  Here’s a couple photos.

 
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Builds: Chris’ Great Grandfather’s Jeep

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

Chris is a 15 year old who wrote to me last week about a wiring question.  Since then, he and I have been working through some wiring and brake drum issues.  Here’s a little bit about his jeep and some pics.

Chris writes, “It’s a 1947 cj2a mostly stock, with a few mods.  It’s got the stock engine and 6 volt wiring (I want to update it to 12 volt).  I got it last summer from my grandpa down in oregon.  He had picked it up in a field in Idaho (I think Emmet). Thats supposedly where my great grandapa had parked it after he used it on his cattle ranch since it was new. It sat there for about 20 to 25 years.  At some point somebody took all of the brake lines, the master cylinder, and the brake pedal (but my grandpa found me a new pedal).  The picture of the engine is when i dropped the transmission to put in a new cluch fork (you can see the old one on the radiator).

chris_cj2a_2

chris_cj2a_1

 
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Website: Classic Military Automotive

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

green_invasion_star_100x100Here’s a recently launched website that focuses on military vehicles called Classic Military Automotive.  The site also has a classified section.

According to the website, “Classic Military Automotive specializes in the sales, restoration and maintenance of 1941 to 1954 military jeeps and light weight trucks. We are located in the Sonoma County Wine Country of the greater San Francisco Bay Area.  Our customer base is primarily in California though we have sold vehicles to customers from all over the USA and abroad.  We are experienced in complete frame-off restoration down to minor maintenance.  If you have any questions, or other needs, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at gpajeep@yahoo.com or call Terry at (707) 542-4353.”

Visit Classic Military Automotive

 
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Very unusual Flat Fender Ottawa, Ontario, Canada **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Features, Racing, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  The status of this is unknown.

This is an extremely unusual flattie. The seller provides a great deal of info about it. It’s been featured in various magazines.

“1946 “Willys” Jeep CJ-2. The “Jeepilac” as it is known (Jeep with a Cadillac engine) was professionally built by Johnson Welding Works. They are a local shop and are very well known in the area for building high quality street rods using top quality parts with attention to detail and safety. It has 2,700 miles since the build …. ”

This vehicle was also featured in the movie “Smash Cut“.

modified_flatfender_ottawa-canada

 
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Year Specific MB & GPW Sites

• CATEGORIES: Features, GPW (Ford MB), MB, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I found a website called 1943MB.com the other day and thought that it had some useful information.  I didn’t realize it until now, but there’s a list of similar sites.  While they look similar, they appear to have at least some different information (I didn’t investigate too closely). For example, the 1941MB.com site has a link to a slat grille rebuild.

One cool feature is the Napa Online Website Link for parts.  Here’s a snapshot of it below.

napa_parts_1943MB_website

 
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Life Magazine Photo — Oops

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

“I kept telling Larry, take the stairs, take the stairs! But no, he had to show off!”

From Life Magazine

oops_steps

I just love these old pics!

 
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Life Magazine Photos — Scotch Tape

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

Ever gotten stuck? Who needs a chain when you got Scotch Tape!  There’s plenty more photos from this very obvious photo op.

scotchtape1

scotchtape2

scotchtape3

scotchtape4

scotchtape5

 
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A large number of Jeep Brochures

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

Jim sent this my direction.  Theres a number of varying Willys and Jeep brochures from early years up to today.

Some examples below

 
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A great plug for Dataplates4U.com

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

Our intrepid Afghan Bureau Chief, Buck, has safely returned from his all-expenses paid stay in Afghanistan, courtesy of the Federal Government.  He’s jumped back into his restoration project and had this positive report to file about his experience with Dataplates4U.com experience.

Buck writes, “I am nearing the end of my jeep restoration and was in need of data plates for the jeep. I had only the original patents plate left because all the others were long lost in the annals of time so replacements were required. I began the research and started talking with Robert at Dataplates4u.com (a small business in the Netherlands).  Luckily the serial number was still readable so I was able to have him stamp the appropriate information onto the plates. Everything is dead-nuts accurate down to the fasteners and the font on the stamping. Take a look, the man does outstanding work and reasonable as well…I paid $156 USD for all four plates, stamping, fasteners, and shipping from Holland. As you can tell there is no way I can be disappointed with the result.

dataplate5

dataplate1

dataplate2

dataplate3dataplate4

 
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Website: Updated CJ-2A.com

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

A Quick Clarification: This post relates to the CJ-2A.com site and not thecj2apage.com.  Both great sites.  Thanks for reminder Sean!

Sometimes I don’t get out and check out other jeeps sites often enough.  So, I was browsing a bit today and dropped by the CJ-2A.com, which now has a new format.

One of the coolest new tools is the CJ-2A parts list and manual.  The tool allows you to browse through and find lists and manual excerpts.  So, if you don’t have a manual handy, I think you’ll find this really helpful.

cj2a_page_logo

 
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Builds — More pics from Gerald

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

Here’s some more pics from Gerald.

“Here’s a picture of me with the same tires back in 83.  Taking the turn hard in our 46 2A.”

img_0003

I have several sets of wheels and tires.  Guess they are kind of like shoes. 225 75 15 mud and snow on CJ steel rims on my 3B  before green paint next to my brother’s M-38.

img_0027

Here’s the CJ-3B with 700 16 Non Directional military tread on 4.5 x 16 rims

dsc00183
LT 245 75 16 All Terrain on black spoke wheel 16 x 7, good  tires but heavy,

dsc00698

700 x 15 bias ply Good Year work horse on old split rims with tubes, great snow plow tire for chains and drag racing,

img
33 12 15 bias all terain tires on 8 1/2 x 15 steel wheels I love these rims but the tires are just too big.

mvc-001f
Finally my new set of mini terras.  I have a couple more combos I would like to try but they will have to wait.

dsc02828

 
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My Rebuild: Creating the Transmission Cover

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

Another of the projects I was putting off was the creation of a transmission cover. It’s really nice to be crossing these small projects off the project list. It’s not a thing of beauty, but it will do for now.

It turns out that the bad hood I had from one of the jeeps I purchased has been a great source of foldable, flat steel. So, I used a chunk of it to fold together a cover.

Before doing any cutting, I used some cardboard pieces to create a mockup. Here’s a look at most of the pieces in place (I actually had more, but removed them, then realized I hadn’t taken a pic, so I threw a few of them back on ..)

tranny_cover_mockup

Here’s a pic of the flat steel from the hood:

tranny_cover_beginning

Next, I drew some basic lines that I used as an outline for cutting and bending the piece. Then, I used a cutting wheel to create a rough cutout of what I wanted. Boy I wish I had had a cutting wheel for my first jeep! That little 4.5″ cutting wheel has been invaluable.

Once I did a rough cut, I made an initial bend (note the clean working space .. lol):

tranny_cover_cutting

Because of the odd and curved shapes, I cut a little, tested it, cut a little and tested it again. Once I was convinced it would work, I sanded it down and made some additional folds:

tranny_cover_bending

After testing it some more, I made the last fold and riveted it in place.

tranny_cover_almostdone

With it finished, I drilled the holes necessary to mount the rubber boot on top and to attach the cover to the body.

All that was left to do was to paint the piece with Herculiner to match the body floor. By this morning the paint was dry, so I installed the cover:

tranny_cover_final

And, from the other side:

tranny_final_cover2

Once I grab a rubber dual boot for the transfer case shifter (if any one has one of these, I’m open to a trade or cash!),  I’ll create a small piece to complete the cover.

 
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Wayback Machine: Old Jeeping Photos from late 70s

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

Here’s some great old photographs from the 1970s.  They document some of the events attended by the Good Time Four Wheelers.  The image below was from the 3rd Annual Green River Valley Jeepers in 1976.  I attended one of their playdays in 1981 (I think).  It was located between Black Diamond and Enumclaw;  I wouldn’t be surprised if the area is full of homes now.

I’m suprised that as late as ’76 they weren’t requiring cages to race.  It wouldn’t be too long before they were required.  View all the pics (lots of desert dogs) at the pnw4wda forum.

oldracing_grvjc_1976

 
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M-38 Pilot models from the CJ-3A info site

• CATEGORIES: Features, M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bob Westerman has written a detailed overview of the M-38 pilot models.

From the website, Bob writes:  “NEW: 1/1/2009 In the time since this web-page was published some new photos of the Pilot Models have surfaced. The photos reveal that the pilot models were in a constant state of change as different features were implemented and tested. The new information shows that some previous assumptions are no longer valid. See the MVPA’s magazine Army Motors #126 for the latest information.

Visit the CJ-3A.Info website to learn more about the M-38 Pilot model history.

headlight_m38_prototype

 
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Exploration Northwest and the Meeker Trail

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

UPDATE:  It turns out that Wally Klingle’s Jeep and the High Hood featured at the beginning are still around.  Wally’s 2nd cousin, who’s name I don’t know yet, commented on the video at youtube.  I’m trying to arrange a visit on my way through Yakima so I can take some pics and learn more.

In his comment on the youtube page, he wrote, “Wally Klingle, the guy they lower down that old cliff they have since shut down, is my 2nd cousin.  He started the ridge runners with a few others.  He still has that jeep.  My grandpa is in the video too and my uncle still has the high hood he was driving. He s..t when I told him about this video.”

————

Linda McCune from the Don McCune Library kindly has given me permission to provide some clips from the Jeeping1 DVD, a collection of 3 episodes of Exploration Northwest related to pacific northwest jeeping. To order this DVD, you can contact Linda McCune at 206 726-2650 and ask for the Jeeping1 DVD.  It costs $24.95.  I encourage you to purchase is as she has the video for a Jeeping2 DVD, but has not created it yet.

The first of the three 30 minute episodes on the Jeeping 1 DVD is The Meeker Trail (Naches Trail) episode (1965). The second episode covers the “Doe Run”, a women only jeeping excursion (1974).  The third episode highlights the Yakima Mud Bowl (1977).

From that 30minute Meeker Trail episode follows a dual narrative, discussing the original Meeker trail pioneers and their travails while following the ‘modern day’ jeep pioneers. I’ve agreed to publish only two clips from this episode.

In the first clip,  Don McCune introduces us to the modern day pioneers as they double check their jeeps and head towards the beginning of the trail.  Check out these jeeps from 1965, no fuss, no chrome here.

Jeepers familiar with the western side of the Naches trail will recognize the steep drop off.  It might not look that steep in the video, but it is steep.  A bypass to that hill was created so jeepers could avoid it.  I’ve hiked it; it’s slippery and steep.  Below this video is a shot approx 15 years later, with the sign seen in the video present at the left.

 
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Seat Cushion Examples

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

UPDATE:  These are no longer for sale.  I keep this post just for ideas.

jims_seats

Jim writes, “I’m tired of not having anything out there anymore for Willys. For example, the only replacement seats you can get for an early Willys are either military or black vinyl.  How boring! There are no more bikini tops of any variety – everyone pretty much runs the same boring top.  Continue reading