News Research Archives

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Kim’s LRDG S.A.S. Willys

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

I’ve seen them in old pictures, but Kim is the first owner of a Long Range Desert Group S.A.S. Willys to contact me and share pics.  Of course, you can’t but help but think of the old Rat Patrol shows when you see these vehicles.  After reading through the LRDG.org website, one of the things I’ve learned is that there was plenty of thought, research and recon work that went into the supplies these jeeps and truck would need to carry with them as they sailed long, desolate seas of sand.

Kim writes, “The jeep I bought is mechanically perfect. The previous owner put all his money into the motor, brakes and trans.  The body on my jeep needs some help and eventually I will replace the rear and floor sections of the tub as there is some rust. Fortunately, It came to me painted in the proper color and had many extras including a Bagnold sun compass.

As a special addition to this jeep, I re-built a WW2 Italian de-milled M37 machine gun and converted it into a gas gun M.G. simulator. It sounds like a M.G. but no blanks are needed and it can not shoot a projectile. That is mounted on the front cowling. As I have been a machinist and tool maker for 30 years I machined a set of Twin Vickers machine guns out of aluminum for the rear mount. These are strictly dummies with no moving parts.

I did not buy this jeep to be a Trailer Queen. This is a re-enactment jeep and as far as I am concerned it looks like it just got back from Kufra Oasis and that is exactly what I want.  My ultimate dream is to have 2 WW2 jeeps. The S.A.S (which is not street legal) and an American OD jeep that is licensed and ready to drive to work.”

And a couple pics of the Twin Vickers Kim made. In this pic, some basic outlines and contours have been created in the aluminum stock.

Here you can see many more details are apparent.

 
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1953 M-38A1 Magnolia, TX **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000

This has the unusual window along with a rear PTO.  This might be an interesting find for the right military restorer.  I rarely see these windshields.

Make a great “RESTORE” project. Still have the original key. Price is firm. If interested or would like to see it,”

 
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Year? CJ-3A Ord, Ne eBay

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

This is on eBay.

“Here is a 1950ish CJ-3A Willy’s Jeep. This is a parts Jeep only. I do not have the title for it. I will write out a bill of sale for whoever buys it. What you see is what you get. It does have a good windshield, hood, grille, front fenders, seat frames, and some other small parts. The tub of the jeep is average for the jeep of this age. There is no motor, transmission, steering column. I do have a soft top for the jeep, but it looks like the jeep looks…rough. I bought the jeep like it is for a parts jeep, all it has done is sit in the shop collecting dust so its time to sell it.There are several good parts on this jeep and would make a good parts jeep for someone.”

View and the info on eBay or view it on Craigslist.

 
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No updates tonight (sunday night)

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

I’ve spent most of the weekend coding and reorganizing content so that readers can use the menus to navigate ewillys differently.  I’ll be launching this updated system sometime next weekend.  One small is example of today’s efforts is that you’ll now find Trucks and Wagons have their own categories and areas.

Two new areas will include (1) a how-to area, which will integrate readers submissions and web content, to help builders/problem solvers  with their vehicles and (2) an “identify” area which I’ll be building out to help people identify their jeeps (by grille type, body type, data plates, serial number, engine type, and more).

I’ll be back to regular updates tomorrow.

 
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JW Wreckers Jeep Salvage, Antelope, Ca

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

This Salvage location is in Antelope, California, and called J&W

J&W Garage was founded in 1945. The original owners were James Auld and “Wegge” Wigren, hence the name J&W.  James purchased Wegge’s portion of the business.  For many years the business was known as J&W for “James and Wife.”   The business was located on Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, California.

The Duncan family took possession of the business on January 16, 1981.  We formed our own corporation, CAN-GRO, INC., and purchased J&W Auto Wreckers, Inc. We are located in Northern California just outside of Sacramento. We ship parts Worldwide, but we would be more than happy to have you stop by to check us out. 8626 Antelope No Road, Antelope CA 95843; Phone: (916) 723-3950; Fax: (916) 723-3953; Toll Free: 800-924-9732.”

 
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Collins Bros Salvage Yard, Wylie, Tx

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

Collins Bros has thousands of used jeep parts at our Wylie Texas location. Call them at 1-800-699-JEEP (1-800-699-5337). They say they have everything for Jeep CJ’s 76-86 and almost everything for 87-95 YJ Wranglers.  Review the rest of their catalog for new Jeep parts.

 
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Some T-Shirt Ideas

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

I have some t-shirt ideas and thought I’d see what you all thought about them.  I’m trying to create a different kind of willys t-shirt.    The “Africa” shirt would be one of a series of “WWII” vehicles.

 
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“Old Willys Jeep” at “Everything Goes Sale” Sonoma, Ca

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

No pics and no description.  However, it sounds like there’s some cool stuff for sale.

“Saturday 9-3, 105 Fremont Ave (hwy 12,121 between sonoma and napa close to 116 arnold drive) Tons of Equipment.  Electrical panels, milling machines, old willys jeep, lube truck, mechanics service truck with crane and air compressor, pro-tech and Merrit cab protectors, bar stools, metal studs and misc. metals, office furniture, picture frame moulding framing equipment and tons more”

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/gms/1920365088.html

 
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Tucker #1045 Sells for $1,127,500

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

Hemmings.com reported yesterday that Tucker #1045, estimated by RMAuctions to go for $550,000 – $750,000 was auctioned on Friday, August 13th, for $1,127,500 — the most ever for a Tucker.  Now that’s some price appreciation!

 
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Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Aug 12-14, 2011

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

I spoke with Bob over the weekend and he mentioned stopping by 4 Wheel Drive Hardware’s 13th annual Jamboree in Ohio.  He estimated there were over 300 jeeps and plenty of things to look at and do.  Among the things he learned was that the Butler Pennsylvania Tourism office wants to produce a large Jeep Festival during Aug 12-14, 2011, where they hope to hold the largest Jeep Parade ever held (and over take Colombia’s Guiness Record).

From Butler Tourism’s website, “Bantam Jeep Year-Long 70th Birthday Celebration Kicks Off Summer 2010Jeep enthusiasts, automotive and military history buffs and thousands of visitors will make their way to Butler County to celebrate the Bantam Jeep’s 70th birthday throughout 2010 and 2011.  Butler is the birthplace of the Jeep.  The Bantam Jeep was developed and produced in 1941 by Butler’s American Bantam Car Company in response to the U.S. Army’s request for an all-purpose military vehicle.  Nearly 3,000 Jeeps were produced at Bantam’s Butler factory.

To celebrate the Jeep’s 70th birthday, a year-long celebration will begin June 2010 and culminate with the first Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival August 12-14, 2011.  The festival will feature off-roading opportunities, historical displays, a Jeep parade/cruise and other events.

I sent an email today to the office of Tourism and was surprised to see a response within a couple hours, which included an offer to keep us updated on the festival progress along with this attached pdf brochure.

 
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Kaiser Willys offers eWillys’ Readers a Special Offer

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

Kaiser Willys has generously offered to provide eWillys readers with a one time discount of 10% off parts purchased from the company (the offer excludes Body Tubs and Body Tub Kits).  You’ll note their ad in the sidebar to the right.  So, thanks to Kaiser Willys and thanks to Greg, a reader who took it upon himself to contact the company and launch this relationship. So, take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts!

I’m also hoping to publish a post in the future that describes how this family business started so we call all learn more about the company.

From the website: “Kaiser Willys Auto Supply, a family owned business for over 10 years, is dedicated to providing quality and reasonably priced vintage Willys parts and Willys Jeep parts and accessories for all 1941 to 1971 Willys and Jeep vehicles. In 2002 we built a 6,000 square foot warehouse to house more than 7,000 parts and to better serve our customers. We guarantee full customer satisfaction – our goal is to make every first-time customer a lifetime customer!”

 
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The Oscar Meyer FC?

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

The jeep platform has been used for a variety of different projects, including multiple versions of the Zamboni Ice Re-surfacer.  But, I didn’t know that in 1958 the famous Oscar Meyer vehicle was built from a 1958 FC-150.  I guess that didn’t work so well, as they didn’t do it again based on the info I’ve found.

I wish I had pics of this, but I haven’t seen any.  You can learn more about the Wiener Jeep here and at the CJ-3B Page (scroll down on the page).

 
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1948 CJ-2A Leesburg, NJ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

This looks in good shape.

“For sale is a 1948 jeep willys, jeep is currently taged and registered…truck has been converted to 12v with new battery…have all 12v lights for jeep, engine has been rebuilt runs good and sounds good, traded my bobber for this 2 weeks ago i need money my loss is ur gain”

 
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1948 Truck Winona, Mn $1500

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

This might be a good price.  It includes a rear PTO.

“1948 Willys Farm Truck with rear PTO. Runs good. Brakes fine. Used last winter to plow snow. No title. Call for more information — Pim 616-990-1843.”

http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/cto/1839132033.html

 
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Cadillac Ranch Motorsports

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

When I was a kid, jeep play/race days were held all over the Pacific Northwest.  Whether at the sand dunes, in the forest, under some powerlines, in a boggy area of Everett or at an ORV park, it seemed the places a club could sponsor a playday were unlimited. For a variety of reasons, those days have passed and options for holding 4×4 events are limited.

This is why I was surprised to see a new area that allows some PNW racing (and motorcycle, trucks and atvs as well) called Cadillac Ranch MotorSports.  From the website, “Cadillac Ranch Motorsports was started by three brothers who had some unused land that they decided to turn into a destination for excitement. Bring your ATV, motorbike, or truck to our track for a day of outdoor fun.”  Check out some sprint racing pics here and some cross country pics here.

From the pics I saw on the website, a few friends and readers have already ventured down for some their outdoor fun, though I haven’t heard any feedback thus far.  Even better, it’s only a stone’s throw from my sister’s place in McKenna, so I’ll have to swing by and check it out!

Here are some images from the Cadillac Ranch Motorsports website. This image shows the area in general, which looks great for spectating — you can see an entire run.

This is a pic from a sprint race:

And here are a couple pics from what I assume is a cross country course of some type.  In the second pic you can see there is a pretty good line of racers ready to take their turn.

 
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PNW4WDA Trail Jamboree Happens This Weekend

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

UPDATE:  According to the PNW4WDA website, there are still some spots open.  I would have liked to have gone, but I’m getting my kids this weekend for the month.

The 21st annual PNW4WDA Trail Jamboree takes place this weekend.  “In its 21st year, the Trail Jamboree is a primary fundraiser for the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW4WDA). The Jamboree is based out of Jim Sprick Park in the community of Nile, located between mile markers 103 & 104 on Hwy 410 in eastern Washington. It is surrounded by the beautiful Cascade Mountains and the Naches River.”

 
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Willys Jeep of some kind Saint George, Ut

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

No pics and no description.

“I am liquidating everything. I have 2 1994 Jeep Cherokee’s, a 1999 new beetle, a jeep willy, a toyota 4runner, a car hauler/trailer, and more best offer on all call Jessica 623-889-1689”

http://stgeorge.craigslist.org/cto/1828842652.html

 
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Happy Fourth of July

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

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!  No updates tonight …

 
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LA JEEP Book Cover

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

I can’t remember where I ran across this photo, but I found it on my desktop waiting it’s turn to be shared with readers.  I thought it was a great example of a stretched mb/gpw.  I haven’t ordered the book yet, but you can find the book at Amazon here for $34.16.

 
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A reader has two questions about a Wagon and a Truck

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

A reader named Steve had some questions about which I didn’t have answers:

He asked me to post two questions for two different projects:
1) What would be the easiest/best/smartest engine swap for an F134 in a 1947 W-O Truck?
2) What chassis swaps are recommended to modernize a 1952 W-O Station Wagon?

Thanks!

 
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Year? CJ-3A? Burnsville, MS **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $700.

I can agree with the seller on at least one point:  this jeep is probably not restorable to show quality.  However, this looks more like a post WWII CJ rather than a WWII jeep.

“This is a 1942 willys jeep. It was a military service jeep during WWII. It probably is beyond restoring to show quality, but it could be fixed up to run again pretty easily. Very simple machines, but very tough 4×4’s, these things will go. I got this as boot in a trade as is so Im selling it as is. I do know that it doesnt have the original engine, but that it has a later model willys engine in it. They cut a hole in the hood to allow clearance for the new engines carb. IT DOES NOT RUN, BUT I WAS TOLD IT WAS RUNNING WHEN PARKED. I think it needs a starter. I just dragged it up on a trailer and brought it home and trying to sell it. Would be a great parts jeep. Will consider any reasonable offer or trade.”

 
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I *think* I have the problems solved

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

Yes, it’s back up!  While I had planned to continue work on my rear spring pads tonight (I’m completely redoing the angles on my spring pads — but I’ll save that update for the future), the site had to take priority.

THE PROBLEM:

It turns out that when a website uses more than its alotted CPU % (which differs from bandwidth and server space), my webhost (anhosting) will simply take down everything related to the offending URL (in my case, anything with ewillys.com attached to it).  Super Freaking Inconvenient!!!!

I believe the offending issues included 1) a highly problematic spammer out of China 2) a problem with the translation plugin, which was causing all kinds of slow downs and 3) possibly issues with talk backs, which are almost entirely used by spammers.  So, I have dealt with each of these issues.  I also optimized and reduced the size of the database.  I believe I am noticing  noticeably faster downloads based on my experience tonight.

ALSO:

I’ve upgraded the wordpress software to 3.0 and completely rebuilt the menus within the new auto-menu schematic (which you probably won’t notice, but it makes it easier for me to rearrange the main menu and add other menus anywhere in the site).

I haven’t yet got the mapping working yet, so I still need to do that (not sure what’s going on there).  So, on Tuesday the site might be down for a little while as I update stuff a little more.

If you use a rss reader, I might have taken that down temporarily.

 
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1953 CJ-3B Coos Bay, Or eBay

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

You don’t see too many white-wall tires like those on jeeps!

“This is a road worthy ’53 Willys Jeep CJ-3B that starts with the turn of the key and runs great. Vehicle has a 289 Ford V8 (unknown mileage) coupled to the original transmission and transfer case that features an overdrive. Vehicle also has locking/unlocking hubs which makes for less wear and better fuel economy. The vehicle has the original gauges with all but the gas gauge operating. Also, the electrical system has been upgraded to a 12 volt system and incorporated 2 speed wipers and electric emergency/parking brake. The interior seats are black vinyl with no cuts, rips or tears and DOES NOT have seat belts., vehicle does however, have a roll bar. Also, she has a new canvas top with doors,new shocks,and new springs with 2 inch risers. The brakes haven’t been worked on by me as they seem to work fine. You also get 10 tires: one set of four street tires with 3 1/2 inch white walls mounted on stock rims and 6 mud & snow tires mounted on stock rims. The body is in fair shape (no wrecks to my knowledge) but has rust repair areas with new Banana Yellow paint to cover her scars. Of course I have no way of knowing how many miles are on the vehicle/engine etc. the mileage on the odometer reads 68548.  I’ll be happy to answer any questions upon request–Thanks.”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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Jeep Collector’s Estate Sale Lowell, MI June 25-26

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

No pics provided.  It sounds like lots of stuff.

“Jeep Part Collectors Estate Sale June 25 and 26th. Sale will be held at 1650 Foreman Rd Lowell MI 49331

In addition to the parts there is a large collection of tools ( such as saws, hammers craftman tools, chains, car hauling equipment, Stihl chain saw, carts, garage equipment, oil, filters, welder, jacks, stands, wood, steel, comercial lawn mower, residential lawn mower w/ rototiller and deck attachments, Antique furnature, Wood Burner, 50+ glass blocks and much more to come
.
CJ, XJ, YJ, DJ, Cherokee, Comanchee, FSJ, TJ, YJ and Willys parts.
To many parts to list. Collection has been gathered over the last 30 years.
DJ and CJ:
Rear swinging DJ doors, Dash assemblys, steering boxes, Pedal assemblys, Steering colums, Heater assemblys, Wiring, filters, Transmissions, AMC V8’s, Transfer cases, Drive shafts, Axles, Alternators, Tires, Wheels, Tailgates, Glass components, Roll bars, Lenses, Headlights and buckets, starters and much more.
FSJ:
Gladiator Axles, Radiators, steering box’s, filters, Every piece of glass you can imagine, Steering Colums, Wiring, Trasmissions, Fenders, Heater assmeblys, Starters, Alternators, Drive shafts and much more.
XJ and Comanchee:
Grilles, Tires, Wheels,Fog lights, Comanchee tailgate (almost rust free, only surface rust in one spot) and more
TJ:
Tires, Wheels, Tranny pan, 2004 Jeep Wrangler Right hand steer postal Jeep and more
Willys:
Many Misc interior components, Wiring, rear lift gate for wagon, Trim pieces, OE pieces still in box’s and more.

Still sorting through it all. No Pre sales. Cash only. More info to follow. Times to follow however I believe it will start in the morning each day around 9 or 10. Hope to see you then.”

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/gms/1785974079.html

 
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No Updates Tonight (Monday the 7th)

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

I’ve been in the garage all evening swapping leaves on my rear springs to get the rear end to sit at the right height.  After several swaps I finally got the body to a level spot.  Whew.