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Happy New Year!!

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happy-new-year-2013

2012 was a great year for both me, personally, and for eWillys, too. Obviously, getting married was a pretty big deal as was finishing my book, Finding Virginia.  In addition, eWillys reached several milestones in terms of page visitation (600,000 this December and 12 million overall) and posts (now over 20,000).

For 2013, Ann and I have two trips planned, one down to Arizona for the FC Roundup in March and a second trip to the East Coast in May/June for the 2013 Midwest Willys Reunion in May (where I am scheduled to do a presentation) and The Bantam Fesitval in June.  More details to follow over the next couple months.

And, for 2014, we hope to do a trip to Europe during the summer to re-trace my grandfather’s trip through europe in 1924 (90th anniversary) and meet a variety of supporters from there who continue to visit daily and add to our knowledge base.  That will mean eWillys will need to be even more successful in 2013, which means a lot of work for me!

Happy New Year Everyone!

 
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Wiring Schematics

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I created a post with a list of wiring schematics, but it was deleted somehow. This page provides a temporarily replacement.  I’m sure I had links to where I found these, but I will have to relocate them.

CJ-2A wiring Diagram
cj2a_schematic_cj2apage

CJ-2A_Wiring

CJ-3A Wiring Diagram

cj3a_wiring_diagram

1956 CJ-3B Wiring Diagram

1956_cj3b_wiring

1965 CJ-3B Wiring Diagram

1965_cj3b_wiring

1972 CJ-5 Wiring Diagram

wiring-diagram-jeep-cj-72-73-electrical-schematic

wiring-diagram-cj-instrument-control-harness-diagram

1978 CJ-5 Wiring Diagram

wiring-diagrams-1978-cj-jeep12 wiring-diagrams-1978-cj-jeep2

 
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1949 Jeepster Elk Grove, IL **SOLD**

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

“This 1949 Willys Overland Jeepster is in excellent used condition. The car has never been comprehensively restored because it has never needed such drastic attention. The car has been re-painted at least once. Paint is in good, presentable condition. There is no indication of any prior body repair or rust repair anywhere on this vehicle. The paint finish is red with some black fades highlighting the trim. All chrome is original and is very presentable as-is. The seat upholstery is in good, presentab l eand useable condition. The carpeting is new, original-style loop carpeting in proper color for the vehicle. The recently replaced the side curtains have never seen weather. This vehicle would qualify as an AACA HPOF (Historic Preservation of Original Features) car. As a collector who values original vehicles above restored vehicles, I believe that this Jeepster shoudl be enjoyed and cared for as-is and should never receive a comprehensive restoration. That said, if someone wanted to restore and have the very best Jeepster on earth, this is the right foundation for such an endeavor.

Noteable atrributes of this vehicle include:

* Very Rare, Original hub-caps in very presentable condition
* New reproduction set of hub caps are included (to be used when concerned about originals being stolen)
* Car is equipped with factory Overdrive – fully functional
* Car starts easily and runs smoothly with good oil pressure, no smoking, or other bad habits.
* Steering and suspension are all in good condition and the car travels well at highway speeds
* Tires are in good condition
* All chrome is original and serves as a testiment to the fact that this Jeepster has been well cared for its entire life.
* I would have no hesitations about getting in this car and driving it across the country”

1949-jeepster-elkgrove-il

 
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Updates

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I managed to get some updates up late last night.  However, I’m behind on emails, a condition without a cure until the 28th when I’ll be back in Pasco. So, if you emailed me and I haven’t responded, that is why 🙂

 
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Bill’s Holiday DJ

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Bill, did my meager decorating of Biscuit inspire you?  I think the gold trim works better on your DJ.

 
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1958 CJ-5 Anchorage, AK **SOLD**

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UPDATE: Was $3100. **SOLD**

(11/10/2012) Ron forwarded this ad.  It looks to be a good price.

“58 Willys CJ, clean title in hand. with a newly not even broken in built hot 79 camaro 350ci engine, Comp cam thumpr cam, edelbrock single plenum, edelbrock. 650cfm, headers, gear drive timing, 12 volt converted, roll caged and rhino lined this jeep is scary fast.”

 
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Craigslist DNS Issues

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I had some time this morning to do a few updates, but I have having a horrible time getting Craiglist ads to open.  It seems Craigslist is having some DNS issues.  Hopefully, this will be resolved later.

– Dave

 
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Bantam Trailer Lodi, CA **SOLD**

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $600

I thought this trailer might interest someone.

“I bought this trailer several months ago with the intent of doing a factory restoration. But its cutout tailgate was perfect for hauling dirt, gravel and those occasional Saturday trips to the dumps. So that’s what I used it for, but now I no longer have any use for it.

Email me your phone number and we’ll talk. Otherwise, don’t bother. I’m not being an ass, just simply trying to avoid scammers and tire kickers.

– Current Registration to my name
– Stored indoors for 50 years based on info from the previous owner
– Tows great
– Solid body, no rusts or holes
– Solid frame
– Modern hitch welded to the frame, but can be cleanly removed
– Tail gate cut, but original panel was used
– Solid Military-style Kelsey Hayes rims
– Frame and underside of body have untouched and unpainted original OD paint
– Exterior body has been primered, but a quick pressure wash revealed the original OD and what looks like a surplus number painted in yellow
– Attempted to reveal the USA number, but stopped. I’ll let the new owner bask in that glory.”

bantam-trailer-stockton-ca

 
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Thodio A-Box Speakers

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John spotted this ammo box speaker for the jeeper who doesn’t want to put a speakers in their dash.  Just hook your iPod right to it.

http://www.thodio.nl/english/products/abox

ammo-box-speakers2 ammo-box-speakers1

 
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Beam Jeep Decanter Durham, NC **SOLD**

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $60.

Walter spotted this Jim Beam Decanter.

“Collectible WWII Army Jeep Decanter. $60 or best offer.”

beam-decanter-durham-nc

 
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1949 CJ-3A Crosby, TX **Status Unknown**

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UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was listed at $1100.

(12/04/2012) This looks like a fair price. It runs.

“I am selling my CJ 1949/50 because I have no time for the project too many irons in the fire this’ll make someone a nice jeep is very solid
Needs a resto but is 90 percent here motor does run and has a new fuel pump an a rebuilt carb”

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3451852568.html

 
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Three Milestones in November

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A quick update; It was a good month:

1. Total page views topped 11,200,000 as of the end of November since eWillys began.  Almost half of those have been in the past twelve months.

2. In October and November total page views per month topped 500,000.

3. The total number of posts on eWillys passed the 20,000 post mark.

4. This was the best advertising month ever, which helps keep the lights burning and my fingers typing.  Because of that, I’ve been able to purchase a few brochures and other useful content items which I will share over time.

Just a few updates this morning and tomorrow so I can focus on writing.

 
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1953 Truck Summerville, SC **Sold**

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UPDATE: Was $3000. **Sold**

Walter spotted this truck. It needs the engine reinstalled, but looks like it’s a good truck.

“1953 Willys Truck 95% restored: Tan interior, wooden bed, new paint. I have the motor and right fender, but I am currently involved in to many projects to finish at this time.”

 

 
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Anyone Recognize this Jeep?

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Glenn would like to learn more about this jeep. If anyone knows more about it or knows whose it is, can you let me know.

 
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1951 Wagon Boise, ID **SOLD**

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UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $15,000

“1951 Willys Overland Station Wagon, two wheel dr. with overdrive One owner, very good condition.
All original including new paint color. Completely reconditioned inside including header seats, new paint.
Ready to drive. Probably one of a few originals left in the country.”

 
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Todd Hansen’s Body Found

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UPDATE:  Sadly, Todd Hansen’s body was located. You can read more here.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/hansen-378206-county-body.html

 

 
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1945 CJ-2A Wooster, OH **SOLD**

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

(09/27/2012) This has a column shift and some square washers, but it missing other VEC elements.

“I have a 1945 CJ-2A for sale with a clear Ohio title# The vehicle is located in NE Ohio 44691# It has been redone# This vehicle is #373 of 1824 made in the closing days of WW2 for civilian use# It shares many parts/traits with the military jeeps of the era# It is a very rare vehicle# All numbers match on the frame horn, dash plate and under hood# I believe the tailgate ACM is #376# The date stamps on the axles, etc#indicate the jeep was probably made on or just prior to the day we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima# The L134 engine has been rebuilt #red# and is not original to the vehicle# It carries at least 40 lbs# of oil pressure at idle and 60 lbs# when driving# There are no issues with the engine# I recently replaced the fuel pump#The jeep tracks straight down the road with no wobble# It is a 3 speed on the column as it should be# It will sometimes jump out of second gear only on deceleration# I have not found it a problem to warrant a rebuild# Low/high 4wd work as they should# It is a 6 volt system# All wiring has been replaced, all gauges, etc# work with the exception of the horn #the relay works so it is in the horn proper## There is a rear seat which has been redone as have the others# There is no rust and it leaks very little oil# The gas tank, fuel lines are new as is the radiator and hoses# There are many new parts and a receipt book comes with the vehicle# All window glass has been replaced as have the seals# The brakes are exceptional# There are no tool indents, that panel was replaced as were several other body panels when it was redone however the floor, tailgate, windshield, fenders, hood, grille and dash are origional# Standard rear hitch seems quite heavy duty#”

 
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Arctic Top Houston, TX $200

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Hard to tell much from the pics.

“Needs Repair. As is. Came with my 1954 CJ3B.”

http://houston.craigslist.org/pts/3406784266.html

 
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College Students Restoring a 1943 Willys

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I ran across this article yesterday.  Some college students at the Ontario, Canada, college of Notre Dame plan to restore a 1943 Willys.  The picture comes from the Welland Tribune’s online article.

http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2012/11/08/revved-up-about-the-past

 
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Article on Jeep History (Update)

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UPDATE:  Kudos to Greg Zyla for updating his column with the history corrections I suggested.  You can read about it here: http://www.hamburgreporter.com/article/20121105/NEWS/121109944/-1/sports

(Published 10/30/2012)
I ran across this article about Jeep History: http://www.enterprisenews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x255960865/Greg-Zyla-Jeep-American-Bantam-and-Willys-Overland

If you read the article, you will see there are a few of the usual historical errors. I wrote a letter to the author with some thoughts on corrections. I’ve included them below to help those that aren’t as familiar with jeep history.  I’ve also included them just in case I got something wrong.

1. The first jeep sold by Willys-Overland in 1945 to the public was the Willys CJ-2A.  Very Early CJ-2A production units used some left over parts from the military versions, making VEC CJ-2As highly collectible among civilian jeep collectors.
2. The Willys Quad was the first prototype Willys-Overland developed in 1940 (the second Prototype was the Willys MA).
3. The Willys Quad wasn’t exactly a ‘copy’ of the Bantam BRC, although there were similarities, partly because Willys got to look at the Bantam plans before shipping the Quad.
4. Ford’s first Prototype was the Ford Pygmy.  A second prototype was the Ford Budd (http://www.ewillys.com/2009/03/12/the-1940-buddy-a-ford-pygmybudd-prototype/ ).  Their third prototype was the Ford GP (which doesn’t stand for General Purpose, but for G=Goverment and P=80″ Wheelbase).  The WWII production jeep was the Ford GPW (the W standing for Willys Design).
5. Willys and Ford battled over the name Jeep. Willys didn’t win the right to use the name Jeep until the 1950s, which is the reason the hood and windshields of the CJ-2As and the CJ-3As were stamped Willys.  There are a few rare CJ-2s that are stamped “JEEP” ( http://www.willys-overland.com/index.htm ).
6. While the original Bantam BRC is considered the first jeep, the jeep in the photo accompanying the article is a Bantam BRC-40 which was the third Prototype. (see the three different bantams here http://www.ewillys.com/2011/08/14/the-three-bantams-brc-brc-60-and-brc-40/ )
7. I am not aware that Bantam imported parts from England.  I will have have to ask some friends about that.
8. Despite having arguably the worst of the three designs, Ford initially won the Army Quartermaster contract.  However, there was enough push-back that the contract was transferred to Willys-Overland and Ford assigned as a second-source status.

NOTE:  After reading this again, I probably should change the term prototype type to pilot for everything but the BRC, as the BRC was the real prototype/proof of concept, but that’s a little nit-picky for our purposes.

 
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1948 CJ-2A Wake Forest, NC **SOLD**

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $800.

Walter spotted this CJ-2A.  How about that unique rack on the front?  Given that bumper, this was some kind of purpose-modified jeep.  The body doesn’t appear too bad either.  Maybe that rack was on a car truck?

“This is a 48′ Jeep Willys. This is a project that I wanted to restore myself but I just dont have enough time. It needs a full body restoration but it has its original drive traine. I do have have the title. Please no txts or emails.”

 
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No Updates Tonight

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I’m taking the night off.  More tomorrow.

 
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Next Updates Sunday Evening

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Ann and I arrived safely in Pasco after a sunny/rainy/snowy/windy day driving through the panhandle of Idaho, then west to Pasco. We spotted and photographed a couple jeeps, ate some good food and visited with family; so it was a complete day!

More tomorrow on this possible CJ-2L Bruce spotted. Note rare Desert Dog PCV tires (not that they are in good shape).  They have a tighter tread than the standard Desert Dog tires.

 
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Updates somewhere around noon Monday

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Yeah, I didn’t quite get to them last night.

 
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Sunday Posts

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Ann and I spent all of yesterday photographing a wedding, so I never got a chance to do updates.  I’ll throw some up in a little while and regular updates will commence tomorrow.

– Dave