Bill shared this video of what I think is a customized tracked vehicle with a vintage jeep body and an inline six possibly from a jeep. I don’t know enough about these to comment on it.
Features Research Archives
Raise Garden #2 Completed
The big spring project, operation Raised Garden #2, has finally concluded. The auto irrigation system is ready to go. Now, Ann just needs to finish planting and I need to put away the tools leaning against the shop (and paint the fencing around the propane tank).
Since first buying the place we’ve struggled with what to do with this dead zone between the shop and the guest house. Ann’s idea for 2nd garden area there looks like it will be a good idea. Here’s a before and after photo:
On Sunday, I returned to working on the FC. I finished a cover plate for the Wilwood hole (formerly the original shifter hole), and I built a bracket for the oil-cooler/electric fan setup (no pics just yet). Though I need to catch up on other projects waylaid as a result of the garden, I should have more time to work on the FC again.
Article on MD Juan
Bill shared this article on MD Juan and some of the recent updates to their product line, along with some infrastructure updates. I know folks mock MD Juan at times, but their ability to manufacture inexpensive bodies means the company can’t invest heavily in additional equipment (chicken and egg situation). Nice to see the company continuing to support the vintage jeep community.
Three Ecuadorian Jeep Mailers on eBay
Here are three Willys Overland Export Corporation mailers in Spanish distributed in Ecuador. The look to be printed around 1960 given the blue ‘Jeep’ dot and the single-pane willys wagon. These are priced at $18.00 and are pretty rare.
- View all the information on eBay (8.5″x11″)
- View all the information on eBay (11″x8.5″):
- View all the information on eBay (8.5″x11″):
- View all the information on eBay (11″x8.5″):
Four New Jeep Watches
Bill also shared this article regarding some new jeep-branded watches by Marathon. Maybe it will interest someone?
I haven’t worn a watch since about 2001 (by then I had a portable phone and computer as constant companions). I found over the years I didn’t like wearing watches, jewelry, bracelets or anything on my fingers. I don’t even wear my wedding ring often (thankfully I have a patient wife). I recently discovered my aunt has had a life-long aversion to wearing items on her fingers and wrist, so maybe a DNA thing?
1956 Willys Truck Rebuild Thread
This thread of a 1956 truck rebuild was shared by Bill. It looks like this has become a non-stock rebuild.
Willys-Overland Universal Jeep 1945 Videos
UPDATE: This was first published October 14, 2019. The videos were dated as 1948, but Bill noted that the actual date of release was 1945.
Brendan, who used to run This-old-jeep, posted this 3-part video back in 2010. The video was produced by Willys-Overland to help sell the new CJ-2A. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them.
Part I:
Part II:
Part III:
Jeepster Pen Stand on eBay
I can’t tell if this was a limited production item or a one-off creation. Anyone seen others like this? Currently priced at $199.99 or Make Offer.
View all the information on eBay
“Here is a rare vintage, Willys Overland Jeep Jeepster pen and pen stand. The pen and pen stand are in very good condition. The pen does not write. It stands about 10 3/4 inches tall. The base measures about 3 7/16 inches wide, 2 inches deep, and about 2 1/16 inches tall. I am not sure what the base is made of, it is fairly heavy.
FC Tour Jeep Update – Driver’s Seat
It continues to be a busy month. Yesterday felt like a 2-step-forward, 1-step-back kind of day. The new raised garden is about done, as seen below. Still some details to complete, such as adding some plastic sheets at each corner of the raised beds, because, as it turns out, the corrugated sides create gaps at the corners, which allows dirt to fall onto the ground. So, we will need to dig up each corner and add some plastic sheets to stop that. Once we get all the plants in and gravel laid, I’ll take some final pics.
Yesterday morning I spent some time working on the FC. My goal had been to create the cover plate for the mini-gauges and power switch that will sit on the angled area of the dog house.
I cut a raw piece of 14 gauge steel, rounded the edges (not shown), then, to test the size and look, placed the plate on the dog house. That’s when I noticed the plate didn’t lay flat. After testing some flat edges, I eventually concluded that there’s a slight twist in the dog house at the very spot I want to put the gauges. It’s not undoable, but I’d rather the plate sat flat (passenger side is flat).
This pic shows the angle. You can see the slope increase as the angled portion moves to the front.
That problem led to me removing the driver’s seat (for the first time) so I could better evaluate my options.
I eventually concluded that it will take some clamps and braces to straighten it (if even possible). Since i didn’t feel like tackling that project right now, I turned to the driver’s seat.
First, I installed an original driver’s seat just to see how it fits vis-a-vis the steering wheel, which proved to be a comfortable angle (whew).
I removed the seat, then pondered the areas where the seat originally mounted. It was immediately clear that the original driver’s side seat mount areas had been patched and welded. My guess is that the area had been fatigued over the years. In addition, a portion of one seat mount bolt remained in it’s original hole, while the other mount area holes had been filled entirely. Continue reading
Jeepney Strike in Philippines
Bill shared an updated article on the Jeepney situation in the Philippines. The push to eliminate Jeepney’s isn’t popular, which isn’t surprising given the cultural significance of them.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/29/jeepney-strike-philippines
CJ-3B-like Jeep Kart Talent, OR $1000
Here’s an oddball item.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1402417757064972
“just dont have the time to finish. has nice honda pacific coast 800 twin. also ford fiesta 5 speed. new tires and wheels. needs someone with some fab tools and time.”
21 Willys-Overland Sales Receipts from 1950-51 on eBay
The price is $99 or Best Offer. Given these include serial numbers, maybe one or more of these vehicles is still around?
View all the information on eBay
“Original 1950 & 1951 Jeep Willys Sales Orders Reciepts Lot Of 21 w/ VIN NUMBERS.”
This first receipt is for a 1951 CJ-3A #GB1-13591, motor #3J-63567.
This next one is for a 1950 Willys Station Wagon 4-73 #473SW-16751 with motor #P19118. Looking at the VIN records for 1950, it appears this would have been a sedan delivery model. Note that payment included the trade-in of a 1947 station wagon.
This receipt is for a 1950 station wagon #673SW-12848 and motor #1S-14109. The receipt includes the trade-in of a 1940 Chevy station wagon.
This receipt is for a 1951 CJ-3A #GB1-11975 and motor #3J-62439. The deal included the trade-in of a 1947 CJ-2A.
4 DJ-3A Gala Photos from Las Brisas on eBay
The seller wants $59 for this, which seems a bit crazy, but the reason these photos caught my eye is that they show DJ-3A Galas crossing entering (crossing?) the water. Unclear whether this was for fun, for experience or a purpose. It may be some kind of beach-based road that floods at high tide? No description provided.
1955 Ad from Buffalo Auto Show Program on eBay
This unusual ad appeared in a Buffalo Auto Show program in 1955. The CJ-3B was only two years old at this point, yet doesn’t make the cut for the ad. Clearly the emphasis was on the CJ-5.
View all the information on eBay
“Buffalo Auto Show Program 1955. Original magazine ad / page, source issue & date stated when known. Two-page ads noted. 8 1/2 x 11″ +/-. Dimensions given, if any, are approximate. Scans large to show any defects. Unseen defects described. VG or better condition. Item complete as issued unless otherwise stated.”
1961 FC-150 Sold on BaT
This FC-150 just sold for $25,000 at a Bring A Trailer auction. Lots of good interior photos.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1961-willys-fc-150/
“This 1961 Willys Jeep FC-150 has been refinished in green and yellow and features a front winch, dual side mirrors, and a drop-down tailgate. The truck is powered by a 134ci Hurricane inline-four linked to a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Further details include a side-mounted spare tire, a cab heater, locking front hubs, and vinyl seating surfaces that match the exterior color scheme. It was acquired by the seller in 2018, and subsequent work included performing fluid services and replacing ignition components. This FC-150 is now offered with a bed cover and transferrable New York registration in the seller’s name.”
FC Tour Jeep Transfer Case Shifter Update
Now that I have the longer, six foot cable, I had a chance to continue with the transfer case shifter. The bracket that was provided by JB Customs, caused the shifter cable to run into the engine, which didn’t seem like a valid strategy, so I roughly calculated the angle, then made two cuts into the aluminum bracket. This allowed me to re-mount the bracket and then bend the bracket into the right position, but maintain the correct bracket-end distance.
Here are two pics of the original bracket:
This pic shows one of the two cuts plus the new angle. Even with that small bit of metal holding up the bracket, the shifter could easily shift through the gears. So, next I’ll repair that gap.
Here you can see how the cable angles upward, the veers toward the driver’s side. I haven’t determined where I’ll be securing the cable.
The shift boot needs to be reattached under the bezel. The bezel is the original bezel with the colorful surface sanded, which turned out to be exactly what I wanted. I’ve painted it red since this pic was taken.
Here’s the shifter all the way forward. It’s surprisingly (to me anyway) easy to shift.
Next up I was going to build the final parts for the transmission oil cooler and fan bracket, but I have misplaced a couple pieces that I created and now can’t find them. So, I’ll work on the 1.5″ gauges next. Then, the gas pedal.
Authenticast Willys Wagon Model
This rare model of an early 1960s Willys Wagon by Authenticast just sold on eBay for $184.45.
More pics of the blue one in a moment. In 2022 there was a red version for sale with an asking price of $425. I don’t know what became of that one. You can see pics at the bottom of this post.
Now, back to the blue one.
Nine Years Ago Traveling in Texas
Nine years ago, April 24th, 2015, we began our weeks-long exploration of Texas following an unexpected illness that sidelined me for a week in New Mexico. If you haven’t taken the time to circumvent Texas, we highly recommend you do!
http://www.ewillys.com/2015/04/11/messin-w-texas-in-april-may-2015-summary/
Visit at the Border Patrol Museum:
Meeting Lee and Sam in Texas’ Hill Country:
Exploring the The USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier was fun:
After departing Texas, I was surprised when I happened upon Sagauche, Colorado:
Vintage Jeep Posters Middletown, CT $20-$800
UPDATE: Still Available.
(05/05/2023) Bill shared this link to the seller of a variety of posters. I’ve bought some of his rare items off of eBay. I’d spring for the 5 Great Willys Values poster if it wasn’t ripped. I’ve only run across one other.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/atq/d/middletown-vintage-original-ww2-and/7724796927.html
“WORLD WAR 2 ORIGINAL POSTERS, AND MANY WILLYS JEEP RELATED POSTERS.
PRICES VARIED ACCORDING TO AGE, SIZE, AND CONTENT.
ALL POSTERS AND RELATED JEEP ITEMS ARE ORIGINALS AND IN GOOD SHAPE.
SOME ARE FRAMED AND SOME ARE NOT.
SOME OF THE SIZES OF THE ITEMS ARE LISTING IN THE PHOTOS ON A PIECE OF PAPER ON THE ITEM.
PRICES RANGE FROM $800.00 TO $20.00
WHEN RESPONDING PLEASE INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER TO DISCUSS POSTERS OR RESPONSE WILL BE DELETED.”
16 Minute 1943 MB Rebuild Video
Blaine shared this MB rebuild video by Al’s Garage. There are a few deviations from stock, but still it’s clear a lot of time was put into saving this old MB. Kudos for documenting this as getting the light and other details correct while focusing on rebuilding is a tedious task!
To view the video, you’ll need to go to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5XbCjy4nW4
1944 Chocolate Soldier From the USA Music eBay
Youtube has a video of the music sung by Valerie Hines and set to a montage of African American WWII service photos:
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Here’s a fascinating bit of sheet music from 1944 by Elton Box, Sonny Cox, and Lewis Ilda called “Chocolate Soldier from the USA”. It’s priced at $30. (It’s also available through abebooks for $12.74 plus shipping)
View all the information on eBay
“THIS AUCTION IS FOR A COMPLETE, RARE, ORIGINAL , USED, PIECE OF SHEET MUSIC CALLED “CHOCOLATE SOLDIER FROM THE USA”
BY ELTON BOX, SONNY COX, AND LEWIS ILDA
1944 VINTAGE
PUBLISHED BY THE IRWIN DASH MUSIC CO. LTD.
17 BERNERS ST. LONDON WI.
THE SHEET MUSIC IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH CLEAN, CLEAR, AND LEGIBLE PAGES. VERY SLIGHT WEAR AND STAINS FROM AGE, STORAGE, AND USE.
A RARE AND ORIGINAL PIECE OF WILLYS JEEP RELATED LITERATURE”
Tonka Gladiator Dump Truck and Auburn FC-150
Thanks to Joe-in-Mesa for finding these two toys and scoring them for only $20 (for both). Neither are pristine, but they will work in my collection.
1959? Maverick Special Station Wagon Postcard
This is a hard to find postcard I just picked up on eBay. There is another one still available on eBay.
1970s Warn Overdrive Brochure on eBay
Here’s an AMC themed Warn overdrive brochure that I hadn’t seen.
View all the information on eBay
“GLOSSY CATALOG INSERT 8.5 x 11
FRONT and BACK
1 PAGE INSERT
Items are described as accurately as I can, with emphasis on the flaws to avoid disappointment
~ Shelve wear from age and use is Visible
~ Scuff marks
~ Creasing VISIBLE
~ Wear/Tear on Edges/Corners
please refer to photos. Additional photos can be provided”
1970’s Warn Hubs Brochure on eBay
This is an AMC themed Warn hubs brochure. Again, not one I’ve seen.
View all the information on eBay
“GLOSSY CATALOG INSERT 8.5 x 11
FRONT and BACK
1 PAGE INSERT
Items are described as accurately as I can, with emphasis on the flaws to avoid disappointment
~ Shelve wear from age and use is Visible
~ Scuff marks
~ Creasing VISIBLE
~ Wear/Tear on Edges/Corners
please refer to photos. Additional photos can be provided”