Unusual Research Archives

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Ringling Barnum Circus Uses PTO to Build Grandstands

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

I spotted this 1950 picture on the Buckles Blog, a blog that presents circus history from all over the world.  I with this picture was bigger.  According the blog post, “Here we see a Jeep with a power take-off in the process of raising the sides of each seat wagon. The outer corners were supported with long braces and then the front end of each vehicle would be lowered to form a grand stand.”

 

 
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Hurricane Sandy Takes Out a CJ-5

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

Peter forwarded this casualty of Hurricane Sandy. Ouch! It gives a new meaning to “ran when parked”

 
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Custom Flattie Honda Mower Bridgeton, NJ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

I don’t know if this seller has made others or if this is a one-off custom piece.

“Built from the ground up.  All steel components to include the drive train and axles.  Durable 3/4″ plywood body finished with automotive paint.  Honda GZ series gas engine (200cc) for great performance and efficiency.  Rechargeable AGM battery for the headlights.  Padded leather bench seat with automotive carpeting on interior surfaces and the under carriage finished with undercoating. ”

 
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Zamboni Ice Resurfacer Livermore, CA eBay

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

This Zambonia Ice Resurfacer is old enough to be built on a jeep frame.

“We have a used Zamboni that needs a new home.  In good used  condition,  4wd jeep frame with 1600 VW engine.    Located in Livermore CA….  may trade for WWII Stuff.”

View all the information on eBay

 
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Farm-Aid Implement Company from Norwalk, CA

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

UPDATE II: Clint did some research on Farm-aide and uncovered some additional information.

This is an ad for the Mellen plow that was used in conjunction with the Farm-Aid Hydraulic attacher.

If you click on this link you can see one of Farm-Aid’s patents: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/2553826.pdf
This article  indicates the Krause Manufacturing Company bought Farm-Aid in 1948: http://ifphc.org/pdf/Heritage/2000_03.pdf

UPDATE:  John found a couple pics related to Fair-Aide

========================

John from Saskatchewan, Canada, has a question about the Farm-Aid Implement Company from Norwalk, CA. John wanted to know more about the company or about the implement. I did a few searches, but all I could learn was that the company was sold in 1948 to Krause Plow.  Anyone have any additional information about this rare disc equipment?

 
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1956 Volvo TP21 Suggan Command Car **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Features, Other 4x4s, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was on eBay.

“This car is quite complete, including one of the Swedish bikes (hand operated front drum and Bendix type rear brakes with leather hand grips and leather seat) that the Swedish Army used on them.

It even has the original oil can mounted on the fire wall under the hood and the original bike tool kit contents (adjustable wrench with tire changing tool handle, skeleton handled screw driver, little pry bar wrench and what seems to be a spoke wrench along with a tire pump stamped with the three crown insignia of Sweden) in the little tool box on the back of the bike.

The bike generator and headlamp are still in working order although the tail lamp appears to need a bulb. The car also has the original, operating Swedish Army radios on the counter top table in the back seat area.

The drive train is original and quite complete, all working well. The transmission is a un-synchronized four speed. The reverse lock out lever on the shifter and both independent dash controlled differential locks all work.

The engine always starts with no trouble no matter how cold or how long it sets unused. There is a cold weather hot water starting system dependent on another similar vehicle with the same system. The engine is a Volvo flat head six-cylinder gas engine. The engine and drive train are original.

It shows 84,400 plus kilometers on the speedometer which too is in working order. Four of the five tires are nearly new with probably less than 500 miles on them.”

 
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1943 White M3A1 Scout Car Grants Pass, OR **SOLD**

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

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was on eBay.

Here’s another fun vehicle for sale.  This one is a little more pricey than the fire engine.

“1943 White M3A1 Scout Car 95% Restored. Runs great!!!!! many NOS and hard to find parts……..high bidder owns it”

 
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1956 CJ-5 Built for the Oil Fields Denton, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1250.

(09/27/2012) I kind of like this purpose built jeep.

“This is a 56 willys cj5 that was used to work on oil field pipelines. the old jeep has a heavy steel bed and a war surplus braden winch that works and is worth good money to someone restoring a military vehicle. tires are good. the engine runs perfect. i put a new master cylinder on it. i had planned to use it at the deer lease as a work rig but never got around to it. has brand new gas tank also that has not been installed. asking 1950.00 cash.”

 
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UAL Modified Flatfender Jeep

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

UPDATE: Marc spotted these pics of the same jeep on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41070995@N06/6279374446/in/photostream/

Original Post: Terry’s brother works at the United Maintenance Base for United Airlines in San Francisco.  His brother said this was a CJ-2A that still roams the airport.  Terry himself owns a former CJ-3B Belt Loader that still has the United Airlines Hobbs Meter on the Dash.

Continue reading

 
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1959 FC-170 Fremont, CA eBay

• CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This has a variety of interesting modifications.

“HERE IS A SURVIVING 1959 WILLYS JEEP FC-170 (FOWARD CONTROL) 3 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH OVERDRIVE 4X4 THE JEEP HAS A FORD 260 V.8 THIS JEEP DOES RUN AND DRIVE IT ALSO HAS A AIR COMPRESSOR THAT WORKS ENGAGES IN 4X4 HAS A CUSTOM BED AND CAMPER THIS IS A PROJECT JEEP MOSTLY COSMETIC RUNS AND DRIVES WELL IT DOES HAVE SOME RUST ISSUES AS SEEN ON PICTURES BELOW GREAT FOR DRIVING THE WAY IT IS OR RESTORING IT HAS TOW PACKAGE GREAT FOR HUNTING OR FISHING GREAT CLASSIC WILLYS DONT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE CLEAR CALIFORNIA TITLE”

View all the information on eBay

 
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Unusual Wagon – Flattie Photograph

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Unusual, Willys Wagons, Wood bodies This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was on eBay. **SOLD**

How about this unusual rig. It looks like it is part woody and part MB. There was no caption included.

 
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1947 CJ-2A Moxee, WA $2000

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

That’s an unusual top configuration.

“i have a 1947 willys jeep, with military gum dipped tires, and 1 spare. all original. 3 speed. 4 wheel drive. with 1 shifter for the front drive line and 1 for 4hi and 4lo. L 134 go devil engine. original 59879 miles.hard top included. I have alot of personal problems, which is why i am selling this cheap. yes its mine. the old title actually listed it as a 48 but the VIN i looked up said 47, took it to the dmv and they fixed it for me. priced to sell. runs, drives, stops. ready to go.

5o9 834 9277 call only(anytime) please”

http://yakima.craigslist.org/cto/3364385068.html

 
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1948 CJ-2A “Tugger” Movie Promotional Mascot Cleveland, TN **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

(08/18/2012) The movie Tugger, the Jeep 4×4 Who Wanted to Fly is based on the book by the same name.

“This is a CJ2A that was used as a Movie Promotional Mascott. The Movie “TUGGER, THE JEEP 4X4 WHO WANTED TO FLY” was released in 2005. I bought this CJ2A from the man that owned the Rights to Movie and the Promotional Items. It is titled and runs great. It has been entered in Car Shows and has won Trophies and “Best of Show”. The paint Scheme is of the Air Force Thunderbirds. It has the Insignia of the Thunderbirds and was rebuilt along with the engine by the Sponsers; The Air Force, Jeep, Shell Oil, Orlando Genesis and Arnald Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. KIDS LOVE IT! Many comments at traffic lights. Beautiful eye catcher! It can be used for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Parades and Funerals (or just plain enjoyable driving). Not many miles since rebuild according to the tires. I fly the American Flag and Air Force Flag on special occasions.”

 
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Custom Mini Jeep Bridgeport, NJ on eBay

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

I’m not sure what this is good for, but it’s a neat little mini jeep.

“Built from the ground up.  All steel components to include the drive train and axles.  Durable 3/4″ plywood body finished with automotive paint.  Honda GZ series gas engine (200cc) for great performance and efficiency.  Rechargeable AGM battery for the headlights.  Padded leather bench seat with automotive carpeting on interior surfaces and the under carriage finished with undercoating.  Cashiers check or cash.  Buyer responsible for pick up and/or shipping.”

View all the information on eBay

 
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Electric Jeep out of Colombia $3700 (Plus Shipping)

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

Sebastian forwarded this to me today.  This is great!

“While driving in Antioquia Colombia my dad found this electric Jeep. It is smaller than normal size and the owner (see picture) is asking for about $3700 US dollars. It is a pure home-made Willys. Only in Colombia!!”

 
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Mail Jeep Trailer Rochester, NY **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: Was $700. **SOLD**

“Well built Jeep cargo trailer. Haul your camping gear and/or wheeling supplies
to and on the trail! Made from an old postal Jeep body. also has storage under
the hood. Asking $700. Listing this for a buddy so please no emails”

 
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1951/1958 Wagon w/ Mercedes Engine Greenlawn, NY Status Unknown

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

You don’t see the Mercedes-engine-in-a-wagon mod too often.

“Need to make room for an arriving project. Opening bid is the reserve, so, bid to win..Prefer Cash on pick up or postal money order but paypal will do

Not included in this sale is: kermet, front hubs or rear heater… i will include an old set of warn hubs..

This is a 50 1/2 or 51 body (with mostly original paint, including the pin stripes in the raised beading under the side windows) sitting on a 58 chassis.. titled as a 58. I have both vin plates so you could probably apply for the earlier title.

Daily driver. Goes down the road very well, with no issues and is fun to drive. Been on the road for a bit over 2 years with no problems..i used it for work every day, loaded with a full compliment of carpentry tools. hour each way

Currently registered and insured.. inspection is overdue, mostly because of laziness.. Hanger bearing recently started clunking after 2 years on the road(it was used,but good when i put it in) have a new one

Motor is from an 85 300d that had 200,000 mils on it. Runs good, no smoke, good oil pressure when i put it in. I don’t have oil gauge hooked up now. I tested it with a temporary when i first started the unit.

I grafted the mercedes cross member/engine support to a set of beefed up willys motor mount perches, (which bolts to current chassis).. This way i could use the stock mercedes motor mounts and engine shocks, which were installed new at time of assembly. I also used the mercedes accelerator pedal and linkage as they are rubber mounted to keep engine vibration from the drivers foot, which it does. I had to graft in a section of the benze firewall into the willys in order to make that happen, and it works well.

ALSO NEW at time of maiden voyage(over 2 years ago): windhield glass and rubber, sliding glass rubber and tracks etc,willys repro wire harness, repro brake lights, all brake components (including lines and hoses), all belts and hoses, valve cover gasket ,rebuilt wiper motor(electric ones are for girls!),gm alternator, radiator, oil pressure line to cooler, pitman arm, tie rods, u joints, tires (on 16″ truck rims), rebuilt steering box, battery. willys america door panels and firewall insulation, heater core cleaned and tested and heater media blasted and painted correct color….etc, etc . . . Much more info on eBay”

 
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Jeep Mule Train at St. Simons Island in Georgia

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

I put this together based on some research tonight.  If anyone has corrections or additions, please let me know.

For years, though I couldn’t say how many, Marvin Long ran a Jeep Train that was also known as the Mule Train. As these photos show, he used at least two different types of jeeps to pull a series of two wheeled carts along the beaches of St. Simons, Island.  At least one source mentioned the train rides were for going out to the beach to collect shells.  Whether this was the principle reason or just one of the events is less sure.  Whatever it was they got to do, the ride was popular, as this article from the September 6, 1952, issue of Billboard Magazine described:

An early Jeep train can be seen in this photo from a book called St. Simons Island by Patricia Morris, which was also made into a post card.  It looks like there might be a jeep all the way in the reason, too.

 The use of a CJ-2A was followed up in 1955 (or later) by a CJ-5. This image can be found at this website:  http://ga67.herobo.com/island6.html

Mr. Long arrived at St. Simons in the late 1940s to take over the stables there.  He managed these for decades.  The land (all or most of it?) on which the stables were situation has been turned into  the St.Simons Land Trust.

 

 

 
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Smokey the Bear Auto Litter Bag on eBay

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

I’m not sure how to classify this this unusual item.  This bag shows appears to show Smokey driving a jeep.

“Vintage 1960’s Smokey The Bear Litter Bag. 1960’s, 9” x 12”, pictures full figure Smokey driving a Jeep, from Nevada’

View all the information on eBay

 
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1973 4 Door CJ-5 Custom Jeep Sunnyvale, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Features, Other 4x4s, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

This was made from 2 CJ-5s.  The seller provides a variety links and pictures for this neat project.

“This auction is for a custom four door CJ.  The Jeep was built using all CJ5 parts.  The front door is modeled off of a CJ7.  The rear door is modeled off of a CJ5.  The bed is extended to the length of a CJ6 or CJ8 Scrambler.  The frame is stretched 36 inches in the middle and 14 inches behind the rear axle.  The frame was boxed from the front to to the rear spring perches.  It has Dana 30 and Dana 40 axles both are open diffs.  The transfer case is a Dana 20.  The transmission is a 3 speed.  I believe it is a T150.  The engine is an AMC 360 from a 1972 Wagoneer.  It was rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago.  It was bored over.  The crank was turned.  It got all new bearings, new pistons, new valve guides, and hardened seats.  It has an RV cam, an Edelbrock SP2P low rise dual plane intake, and a Holley Street Avenger 570cfm carb.  The motor has more than enough power for a vehicle this size.  I drove it about a month on the new motor when I broke the input shaft on the old transmission.  I then put the heaviest spring in the secondaries of the carb and backed up the timing a little bit to take some of the grunt out of the motor.  The Jeep was built in 2009.  It got all new floors.  There is no rust in the body or frame.  The color is Rescue Green from a 2008-2009 Wrangler.  The seats are new from Bestop.  The seat belts were new in 2009.  It has a super thick aluminum radiator, power steering, and front disk brakes.  It has a 20 gallon gas tank from an 86 CJ7.  The tires are 33 10.50 15 BFG Mud T/A KM2.  The fronts have about 5k miles on them and the rears are new.  I have no idea how many miles are on the Jeep.  It has about 15k since built.  Almost everything was replaced at that time.  The tub and bed have bedliner throughout.  It looks funny in the pictures, because it is a little wet from washing the Jeep.  The leaf springs were upgraded to the wider springs from a 76 model CJ7.  It has front sway bar mounts on the frame, and I have a sway bar for it.  It will need new rod ends and bushings if you plan to install it.  I will also include the stock front bumper if you want it.  You can see pictures of it on the link below.

This Jeep was my daily driver for almost 3 years.  It draws a crowd everywhere you go.  You can’t buy gas or go into Home Depot without someone stopping you to talk about it.  Since it was my daily driver, it has all of the scratches and dings you would expect of a truck used for that period of time.  It runs and drives good.  The four wheel drive works fine.  Since I had to rely on this as my driver, It hasn’t been thrashed off road since built.  The four wheel drive has been used in the snow, pulling trailers out of the muddy pasture, and around the deer lease.

Negative issues:  This is no trailer queen, so it has normal dings and rock chips and scratches that you would expect from a driver.  There is one good dent in the left rear fender well.  I included a picture of it.  The speedometer doesn’t work.  The gas gauge half ass works half the time.  The gauge is new, it needs a sender.  While you are replacing the sender, you could replace the oring on it that leaks gas if you overfill it.  The oil gauge works, but is falling apart.  It needs a new horn switch.  You have to hit just the right spot to make it honk.  If you romp on it in reverse, it will pop out of gear.  Driving sensibly prevents it from happening.  The transfer case shifter needs new bushings, but it shifts fine for me, so I don’t worry about it.  It has a top and doors that need recovering.  I don’t have any pictures of it, but you can see it in the snow video below.

See it run and drive on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5oef9OP4lE

See it play in the snow in four wheel drive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-P8n3qoWf8

See some of the build pictures at http://myaffordaplane.com/jeep

 
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1966 Color Slide of DC Fire Jeep

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

Thanks to Dennis for correcting me.  Admittedly,  I hadn’t had my caffeinated tea before deciding what this was.  With that in mind, check out how this CJ-6 is setup for lighting.

“For sale is one 35mm Kodachrome color slide.
Washington, DC Fire Department Floodlight Unit.
1966 Willy’s Jeep.
Photographed by Charles Marcus on 10/7/1983.
From the collection of the late Richard M. Adelman of Memphis, Tennessee.
Shipping and handling is 75 cents in the USA.”

View all the information on eBay

 
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Rubber Stamp Inkpad with “Jeep” **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on ebay

This seems like an oddity. A rubber stamp inkpad with a Jeep logo added.  Maybe this should have a “Jeep” Stamp, too?

“Vintage Jeep Tampon Pour Timbres Caoutchouc Inkpad, With Tin
Tampon Pour Timbres Caoutchouc translates as “Buffer for rubber stamps,” pour encrer du reencrer votre tampon as “to ink your stamp of reencrer” and l’encre ideale dans le flacon parfait as “the ink bottle in the ideal perfect.”

J. Herbin was established in 1670, when Louis XIV, the Sun King, was 32 years old. M. Herbin was a sailor, and from his many journeys to India he brought back to Paris formulas for manufacturing sealing wax.

His special lacquer formula improved the quality of the seals in adhesion and neatness, helping him to become famous throughout the kingdom.

J. Herbin is also the oldest name in ink production in the world. By 1700, the company was producing “l’Encre de la Tete Noire,” followed by “Perle des Encres,” (The Jewel of Inks) and “l’Encre des Vaisseaux” (The Ink of Ships).

J. Herbin made ink for Louis XIV, and a black ink for the sole use of Victor Hugo, author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. these formulas still reside in their company headquarters in Paris.”

In good condition with some wear {tattered edges} and soiling. Measures 4 1/2 by 3 inches. Weighs 3 ozs.”

 
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Extended CJ-2A in Spain, but there is a small problem . . .

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

Roberto’s friend Mr. Paco, has run into some bureaucracy trying title his Jeep.  I will let Roberto explain the details.

Let me introduce you the Willys CJ2A jeep owns by my friend mr. Paco, who lives at Valladolid, Spain. The jeep was found years ago at a farm (barn find!!!) and have belonged to an aristocratic dame, if I´m not wrong.

As you could see in the pics, it has a very curious extended body conversion with short hard-top and that´s the reason to ask your help. We would like to know if this kind of conversion could be done at the States as an extra ordered by the customer, or the institution which imported to Spain. Paco wants to get a tittle for his jeep as an historic vehicle and it seems that here, he needs to claim that this kind conversion was made at the factory. I mean, that this characteristic is “historical”. If not, he should modify again it to be a standard CJ2A jeep…Absurd, and illogical, as the guy who has pointed him this doesn´t care about the possibility of a local conversion made at Spain…isn´t would be this “historical” too? Burocracy, absurd and illogical burocracy…

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Roberto67/Willys%20CJ2A%20jeep%20Paco/?albumview=slideshow

 

I responded to Roberto writing that while I knew a small outfit in California created CJ-2Ls by expanding the middle of some CJ-2As, I was not aware of any aftermarket group nor any Willys option to have the bodies extended in the rear (despite plenty of examples of jeeps that have been extended in the rear).  Does anyone else know anything different?

Here are some examples of jeeps extended at the back.
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/04/28/1950-cj-3a-heber-city-ut-3500/
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/04/06/1953-m-38a1-hamilton-mt-5500/
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/01/16/year-flattie-phoenix-az-3750/
http://www.ewillys.com/2012/01/05/1946-mbgpw-murphys-ca-2500/
http://www.ewillys.com/2011/10/22/1945-gpw-ceres-ca-2850/
http://www.ewillys.com/2011/04/27/1947-cj-2a-with-extended-rear-ramona-ca-ebay/
http://www.ewillys.com/2011/04/05/1946-cj-2a-phoenix-az-3150/
http://www.ewillys.com/2011/01/29/1963-dj-picture-rocks-az-2000/
http://www.ewillys.com/2010/11/26/army-depot-dj-3a-alexander-city-al-ebay/

 
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Dale Model Company WWII Recognition Model **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

This looks interesting. I have no idea what the value is.

“This is an absolute amazing find! Pot-metal coaster made by Dale Model Company; 1:25 scale. Rear spare tire has “Dale Model Co Chicago” cast into sidewall. Underneath rear has “JEEP” cast. Star on hood. Paint has chips (see pictures), but appears to be original. Wheels roll; and steering wheel turns. Measures roughly 5.25″ x2.5 and heavy – weighing roughly 14oz.

During WWII, similar models were used for training spotters. At the end of WWII, Dale purchased the molds, and converted to the toy (recognition models). These models are difficult to find, especially in this condition.”

 
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1947 CJ-2A-buggy Pikeville, KY **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1800.

Perfect for the next Road Warrior movie.

“have a 47 willys jeep runs and drives great, four wheel drive works. the body has been modified, looks more like a mud buggy. the engine, trans and running gears are all factory. everything is their as factory other than the body. interested in trading or saleing, if you have an offer throw it out there you never know. i like anything that that has a engine and wheels, any kinda parts that u may have (chevy parts mainly) has no tittle is for off road only, you can file for a savagle tittle but it is 47 jeep with the top speed of about 40 mph not really highway material.”