News Research Archives

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A WC52

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

UPDATE:  I deleted the 2nd truck I had listed, as Bill correctly pointed out that it wasn’t a WC51 at all.

I’m helping someone value this WC52 WWII Dodge Truck.  I’m pretty sure the WC52 runs (only just over 10,000 were made).

Here is a pic.  If anyone can provide some feedback to me, just email me privately (d@ewillys.com).

WC-52:


 
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Just a few updates tonight

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

There weren’t a lot of updates on Craigslists this evening.  I have several reports for tomorrow: 1) I readjusted my carb after having more problems; 2) I went jeeping today for about 4 hours and the carb worked great, though I ran into a problem with a geyser; and 3) I’ll be going out again tomorrow to see if I fixed today’s geyser issue.

Enjoy Memorial Day!

 
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1952 M-38? Dallas, TX **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000

There is something odd installed on the front of this.

“1952 Willys Jeep in great condition 4 cyl. flat head don’t leak or smoke runs and drives like it should has been reg. and inspected in the past lights work no rust may trade for nice truck can add cash if need be”

 
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Wanted: F-head/L-head crankshaft

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

In order to keep costs as low as possible, Cliff and the folks down at Mississippi State University have decided to rebuild the F-head that currently powers the M-38 FireJeep they have. One of the important items they need is a replacement F-head/L-head crankshaft.

If you have one that is in good shape that you’d like to donate to the cause, let me know.

Thanks,

– Dave

 
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Saturday at the Midwest Willys Reunion

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

While it was cold and rainy, mixed with, gulp, a little snow here in Boise, weather improved out in Ohio for the Midwest Willys Reunion.  Both Bob and Brian snapped a variety of images and gave their own perspectives

Bob writes, “Much better weather today in the mid 70s. There looked to be about 100 Jeeps of all sorts today. There were lots of Cj2as and 3as, three CJ3Bs, and lots of truck and wagons. A whole lot to look at!  The little Jeep dispatcher [the red jeep a few pics down] was very cool and sold for around $5500. Also, there were lots of parts to be had. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the high 80s.”

Hey Bob, what is sticking out of the side of the yellow flattie? Is it an air cleaner?  Is the ‘windshield’ glass or plexiglass?

What’s the color on this flattie, red or orange or a blend?  I like the color.  Nice dually, too!

This is the DJ-3A that sold.  Are these DJ-3A windshields taller than a CJ-3B windshield?  Or were they simply re-purposed for the DJ-3A?

I’m assuming that is an aftermarket bumper?  I can’t say I’ve seen one of these on any jeeps for sale that I have seen.

Brian seemed to be captivated by the trucks and wagons during this visit.  He captured some great pics of Chad’s project (Chad received the Toledo Brick award, something the Reunion staff has been doing for several years now. It’s a brick from the old Jeep plant in Toledo.) and a pic of his favorite at the show, this wagon below (click on the pic to get a much larger pic).

Here’s images of Chad’s truck:

And 2 other wagons:

 
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Friday’s Report from the Midwest Willys Reunion

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

Getting only the best of the best, the Ohio eWillys Bureau filed this report despite high winds, drenching rains, and hurricane-like end-of-the-world conditions that would prevent even the sturdiest postal delivery specialists from completing their rounds.  As I look up at the clock, I see it’s midnight at the reunion, so many kudos to Bob for his beyond-the-call-of-duty images (Bob, just make sure to keep the camera dry!). Many Thanks!

Bob writes, “we’ve had violent thunderstorms down here for the Willys Reunion and the internet was down until now [editor’s note — the internet goes down?].  Here are 4 photos from today. We got here about 2 pm after driving through rain most of the way. The rain around 5-6 pm was like a typhon.

There seems to be about 40 jeeps here now of all stripes. I’ll send more images tomorrow. The green 3b with the Eugene spare tire cover is mine.

 
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MidWest Willys Reunion & Swapmeet May 21-23 Mason, Oh

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

Don’t forget that the Midwest Willys Spring 2010 Reunion and Swapmeet will be occuring this weekend, May 21-23 in Mason, Ohio!

 
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Trade your Willys for a 1967 Porsche Wenatchee, Wa

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This could be a fun trade.

“1967 porsche 912 that i would like to trade for a jeep wrangler or willys jeep or a full-size truck 4+4 manual transmission no automatic trade or $5.000 cash”

http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/1748244285.html

 
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Autoblog.com Reviews Icon’s CJ-3B

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

I ran across this January 2010 review from Autoblog.com of the Icon CJ-3B yesterday.  The author simply gushes over this vehicle, arguing that this vehicle really is worth $50,000 more than the $21,000 wrangler.

Here are some excerpts:

At this point we normally pose a question – something like, “Is the Icon CJ3B worth $50,000 more than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?” But here’s the thing, after a few hours of exposure to the CJ3B, it’s unquestionably worth the money. That’s right, we’re just going to start the review with the conclusion, then explain exactly why this little Icon is so darn special. And believe us, the CJ3B is exceptionally special.

Take Icon’s latest model, the all new CJ3B. Based off the 1953 Willys CJ3B (Icon amazingly holds the rights to the name), [head designer] Ward explains that the design ethos of the old Willys Jeeps was longevity, simplicity and utility. Not only does Ward appreciate these qualities, but he finds them “Sorely lacking from the current automotive industry.”

The EcoTec motor emits less pollutants during a full day of driving than a 1953 Willys CJ3B does just sitting and venting gasoline fumes. As Ward explained, Icon is such a low volume producer that they’re exempt from smog laws. They just happen to run O2 sensors and catalytic converters because they want to. Ward plans to eventually offer the CJ3B in not only a diesel version, but full electric as well.

Read the entire article here


 
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A CJV-35U and a Lost Opportunity

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

Well, I completely blew it.  I’m ashamed, embarrassed.  Truly, I wasn’t thinking clearly.  Too much stuff was clogging my brain tunnels to put the pieces together.  Here’s the sad, brief tale …

Late yesterday afternoon the ‘staff’ (also known as Brett) at the Utah Bureau of eWillys spotted a great deal:  A 1948 flattie for only $1000.  It appeared almost completely stock, with no obvious rust, though there was plenty of paint oxidation.

It had unusual bezels, a CJ-3Aish windshield, a cutout for a breather on the passenger side of the hood and hooks on the front.  It was an odd combo of a M-38, a CJ-3A and titled with a year of 1948. Also, strangely, it had no willys script on the hood that I could see.

My gut said go get it.  My practical side said no, so I put it out of my head.  I should have listened to my gut, because after thinking about, I now realize it was  CJV-35U that was running, extremely stock (except for the installation of the bench seat), and in great shape.

OHHH THE PAINNN!!!!  How did I not put those clues together?  Unfortunately, only an hour or so after I made my decision not to get it, it disappeared from the KSL classified list.  So, the decision was made for me and I put it out of my mind.  It wasn’t until this morning that I realized how big my mistake had been.

Alas, this too shall pass, slowly, painfully, like a kidney stone.

Here’s a perfect example of what it looked like (I didn’t get the chance to download the pics of it).  Imagine this, unrestored, without the breathers for the intake and exhaust … and with a hardtop: http://www.cj3a.info/sibling/cjv35u/photos/p158.html (or click on the above link)

 
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1946 CJ-2A Red Lion, PA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $750.

“1946 Jeep – was used for plowing snow in the past.  All there but pretty rough.”

 
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1956 Wagon Sioux Falls, SD $19,500

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

This is a good looking restoration.

“Restored Willys Overland Wagon, four cylinder, 3 speed manual, 4wd, titled as 1956, over $30,000 in restoration. Priced at $19,500. Call or email for additional information or photos. 605-310-0869 or Robert.Mertz@brightclaim.com”

http://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/cto/1727930449.html

 
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New Windshield Modifications Section

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UPDATE:  Chris has provided some valuable insight into this mod.  He writes, “There was a retired Ford mechanic in Rancho Cordova, Ca. that was building flatfenders for a while as a hobby. Back in the early 90’s he had built closed to 40. When he picked up a willys that didn’t have a a good windshield,the large windshield is what he put on. He has since passed away.

As its basic premise, the early jeeps were promoted as a utility vehicle. As such, they were modified in ways limited only to one’s imagination. Some of these modification strategies I have seen; Others I had not seen until I launched eWillys. The modification of the windshield is one of those I hadn’t seen. It is a rare modification, but it has been done a variety of times. I can’t say whether there was an aftermarket product created or if this was simply something that a few folks tried on their own.

After finally gathering enough examples of windshield modifications, and finding the time, I have created a Windshield Modifications section.  Enjoy!

 
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The Victory Car

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As I read through the Hemmings Blog version of the Wally Cohn story (which I thought was very well done), I saw a picture that referenced a car similar to the Wally Cohn vehicle, but was created in 1942, and called the “Victory Car”, a design suggested by Brooks Stevens.  It turns out, Stevens wrote an article for Popular Mechanics in December 1942 that envisions a variety of victory models, including the Wally-looking vehicle shown in the pics to the left.  One of Brooks’ most prescient predictions was his belief that plastics would be used widely in future vehicles.

In another set of images, which is shown below and is the one highlighted by Hemmings, a Brazilian auto website appears to track the development of Aero Willys starting with the Brooks Stevens vision through both prose and images.  Unfortunately, my Portuguese isn’t best!

After some research, I came across an article from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, dated January 14, 1942 (thanks to the new(?) google news archive search) that covers a meeting which might have launched the entire “Victory Car” discussion.

Here it is in its entirety, written by W.F. Arbogast:

“WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 –AP — A civilian counterpart of the army “jeep” — with certain refinements as a concession to comfort — was suggested today by officials of the National Automobile Dealers association as a possible answer to the new car shortage.

The suggestion came from L. Clar Cargile, Texarkana, Tx., president of the association, and Aurthur Center, Springfield, Mass, it secretary, as a house committee resumed hearings on the effects of new car production curtailment on the nation’s 44,000 dealers.

The small, rough-and-ready vehicle — the answer to any college freshman’s prayer — would probably be called the “victory car” and be produced by leading automobile manufacturers under no trade name.

It would be large enough for five passengers, maybe with a little crowding, and would devoid of costly accessories, nicle or chrome trim and other gadgets adding to cost.

But if built to the specifications of its brothers, it coudl climb most any hill with a top to it, splash fearlessly through the deepest mud, and in general negotiate terrain usually shunned by everything without fur or feathers.

I would be built primarly for service, not for looks, and to meet a need for transportation when present cars wear out and comparable replacements are not available, ” said Center. ” It would be strictly an economy car, with six cylinders and low upkeep.”

Cargile said the automobile industry, despite the conversion of much of its machinery for the production of airplanes and other defense material, could make enough victory cars to meet essential needs, and still not interfere with defense requirements.”

 
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Hemmings Blog references eWillys

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

I have to say, it’s been a good, but busy couple of days.  Tuesday, I finally developed a business card design I liked and found a way to easily print some good quality versions.   Yesterday, I received an email I’ve been waiting to get for about a decade regarding some family photos that go back more than 5 generations.  Today, Hemmings thoughtfully referenced eWillys as they covered my ‘explosive expose’ on Wally Cohn, King of Jeeps.  And, tomorrow, maybe I win the lottery?

 
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Dana 20 Overdrive Solution from the earlycj5.com website

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This one falls into the “I didn’t know they made an adapter for that” department.  I was doing some research into whether there was an overdrive solution (besides the Sierra OD attempt) for the Dana 20, which I thought there wasn’t, when I came across this thread from the early CJ-5.com website.  It turns out, someone made an adapter that allowed the Dana 20 to attach to a BW overdrive, though I suspect such a combo would only work in a long wheel base vehicle (these adapters are also occasionally on ebay as well).  Here’s a pic from the thread.

Additional Threads:

1. Herm the Overdrive Guy: http://www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com/id20.htm

2. International Harvestor: http://www.justih.org/Binder-Bench/showthread.php?p=36604

3. From Jp Magazine: http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/drivetrain/154_0611_old_school/index.html

 
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Just a few updates tonight …

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

Just a few

 
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Stewart Warner Hand Crank Heater

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

Larry had a Hand Crank Heater that he inherited from his father for sale.  He wanted it to go to a good a Willys owner who will value it as much as his father did. I have no updates on this nor do I have any pics.

Larry writes, this is a “796-A hand crank heater, serial number 31.. weight 16 lbs,40,000btu at 120rpm,,manufactured by stewart warner, heater division, chicago ill. u.s.a. …… also stamped is i believe to be year of manufacture number… 472456-10-42.. it is in excellent condition with org paint and all parts org …. this heater unit has no rust or dust to it either, it was in a wooden box, along which looks like a ”service book” for a vehicle that data was keep on.”

 

 
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CraigsPro iPhone App

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

And now for something completely different…

While I don’t own an iPhone, I just came across someone who posted a craigslist Ad using a $.99 iPhone App called CraigsPro.  Here are a few of the features:

1) MULTI-CITY search
2) search results with PHOTOS and DETAILS
3) FULL-SCREEN PHOTOS in landscape mode
4) wikipedia photo of your city
5) ALL Craigslist cities, states, countries and
continents
6) POST a Craigslist ad directly from CraigsPro
7) post from MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS
8) take pictures with your CAMERA or use photos
from your PHOTO ALBUM

 
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Builds: Dan continues to make progress

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Dan shared some images updates on the progress of rebuilding his grandfather’s CJ-5.  Truly, I don’t know how he finds the time as he always seems to have nightly craigslist links to share with readers (many thanks for those!).  See some past posts about Dan’s project here.

As you can see, Dan has rebuilt the Hudson steering column, painted the front end, and readied the front end for an updated disc braking system.  NICE!  This will should look great when finished.  Thanks for sharing …

 
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A Few Images from a Modeling Contest in Spain

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, International, News This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Roberto‘s friend Javier de Luelmo took a few images of a scale modeling contest held at Torrent, Valencia, Spain (9 to 11th April 2010).  You’ll note Robert’s t-shirt design was a centerpiece!

 
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Only one update tonight, but it’s hilarious

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

Dave forwarded this to me.  I know it’s not a jeep, and I haven’t called to see if this ad is for real, but it’s so funny, I don’t care.

2002 Focus – good reliable first car – $2000 (Cape Girardeau)

“Looking for a first car for a teen? This car is absolutely brilliant. It’s got low mileage (68k), has been super reliable, and is excellent on gas. Since you’re likely paying for the gas, this will make things much cheaper on you. I average like 37MPG to a tank. And with such low mileage, it’ll work great for a long long time.

But you wanna know the best reason to buy this car for your kid?

It’s slow as shit. You don’t have to worry about speeding tickets or accidents in this baby. Your kid could have a 1 mile run and hit a brick wall not wearing a seatbelt and not be going fast enough to do shit. And there won’t be any sense in him getting some shitty ass fart can off of eBay – this car has the super slow SPI engine, no sense in trying to make it any faster. It’s a 4-door, so your kid won’t try to put gay ass Lambo doors on it. It is still possible to fit this with a body kit, but if you’d like, for an extra $200, I can stab him in the face if he does this.

It’s a 5-speed, so your kid can’t talk on his cell phone while playing Gameboy and smoking pot – he’ll have to actually pay attention. It also means you won’t have to pay for an automatic transmission when your kid beats the hell out of it. It’s got a new clutch and new tires, so you’ll know if he does burnouts. After all, I’m sure YOU’RE the one paying for tires, right? It’s got an aftermarket head unit in it, so your kid won’t fuck it up when him and his buddies try to wire in a “phat ass system”. It’s already had the speakers replaced too, so he won’t have to tear the door cards on and then look like a retard when he can’t get them back on. It’s got manual windows too, so he can’t fuck up the window motors when he rolls one of his friends heads up in it as a joke. A new battery means when he leaves his headlights on, it won’t leave you totally stranded.

But really though, one of the best parts is that, because it is a 4 door, it will be somewhat embarrassing for him to be seen in. I’m sure you get pissed at him from time to time. Hell, you’re probably mad at him for harassing you into buying him a first car. So get this one. It has no A/C, so you’ll know he’s suffering every time you get mad at him. Pretty satisfying. It’ll bring a smile to your face too, to know he’s rolling around looking like a faggot in a Ford Focus.

So buy this car for your kid. You won’t regret it ”

http://semo.craigslist.org/cto/1672654758.html

 
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1949 CJ-2A Salmon, ID **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3795.

This certainly has some unusual features.  I can’t say I’ve seen a roll bar quite like that either.  There are no comments by the seller, other than the mileage of 276 miles.

 
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I bought myself some heads — and met Greg Berheim

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

Good News!  I found myself a set of professionally rebuilt heads for a great price (thanks Greg!).  Greg Berheim dropped me a line after I posted my craigslist Ad (wanted: engine heads).  He wrote that he had acquired a set of heads as part of an engine/parts buyout and didn’t have any use for them.

So, I drove over and met with Greg.  It turns out, Greg operates the Berheim Engine Machine Shop, a local engine shop in Meridian (208-870-1464), Idaho.  This information was especially interesting to me as Bob’s Mechanical had been bought out and most of the services moved about an hour away from me.

So, after spending time with Greg and him generously providing some advice and thoughts on my engine issues, I now know who to turn to if I need any additional work done (which I really hope I don’t need soon!!).  So, if you are in the Boise area and need some engine work done, check out Greg.

Tonight, I pulled the passenger-side head and will get the covers and intake cleaned up tomorrow.  I also carefully cleaned the surface of the heads, as the block facing surfaces had some light surface residue that needed to be removed. Saturday, I’ll put everything together and see if everything works!

 
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The J-8 … I mean, seriously … the WWII J-8?

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

You are likely unfamiliar with the Willys Jeep WWII J-8.  Constructed in an underground bunker in Los Alamos by the same scientists who constructed the Atomic Bombs (they needed something to do on their days off) during WWII, this unique piece of WWII history wasn’t released until decades later by the folks at Chrysler.  (ok, so I made that last bit up — hey, it will be April Fools on Thursday — but I didn’t make up this Ad).

“Custom World War II Willy’s Jeep Army Edition J-8 Lookalike. Why shell out over $50K+ for an authentic Military J8 that you cant drive on the road when u can get this 4 door version for tens of thousands less? ….”

http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/1670239708.html