Unusual Research Archives

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Flat Fender Squirrel Feeder

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay. Here’s one in the wild.

You don’t see these everyday.

“Up for auction is a really cute little single-seat, cedar squirrel feeder fashioned after a 1942 Willys Jeep used during WW II.  It’s fun to watch the squirrels sit in the driver’s seat and eat.  And the best thing about this Jeep is it runs on corn cobs, so you won’t go broke at the pump!   We have the one pictured outside our window and the squirrels just love it.

The feeder is loosely fashioned after a photo of a 1942 Willys my 11-year-old son and I came across.  We thought it would be fun to turn the photo into a feeder.  So, we drew it out, cut it out, and (after a few redesigns) had us one of the more unique squirrel feeders on EBay.  These feeders have quickly become one of our biggest sellers.”

 
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1951 CJ-3A Orem, UT **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2900.

Brett and the Utah eWillys Bureau should be proud of this find.  Check out the sort-of-custom body on this jeep.  I’d like to check this out more closely to see exactly what’s left of the old body (if anything).

“1951 Willys Jeep. 283 V8 Chevy small block, 4 speed transmission with 33×12.50 tires. Custom built body, new corbeau seats with harnesses. Runs strong, new wiring, new gas tank. I never use it so it just sits in the garage. Time for it to go.”

 
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1940s & 50s Dealer Sign Phoenix, Az **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

It’s pretty cool, and no doubt rare, but not sure it’s $2500 cool?

“This was a outdoor sign used at an authorized Willys dealership in the 40’s-50’s. Original porcelain neon sign.The size is 36″x72” No transformer. Reads: Willys CARS * TRUCKS JEEPS.  it also has the sign maker: Federal Electric.

 
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Original Willys Overland Dealership Glass Lynnfield, Ma $1500

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

UPDATE:  Price dropped to $1500 (thanks Steve!)

It appears unusual.

“This is an original glass dealership window with gold leaf paint beautiful from a 1946 Jeep Overland Willys dealership awesome for your collection roughly 4ft by 4ft but for exact size I will have to measure it 2500. 781 334-3640”

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/clt/1631041997.html

 
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GTBs for sale Adams County, Wa Make Offer

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

Dan forward me this Craigslist Ad — neither of us knows anything about them.  Someone has got to be looking for these.  These look like they’d make an unusual project. (see a restored version above)

“I have 3 GTB Ford / Burm Jeeps for sale. 2 US Army cargo and 1 US Navy bomb truck. One cargo has incorect bed other has correct bed. Would like to sell as package. Email for questions.”

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1631400113.html

 
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1964 CJ-5 Dually Springfield, Il **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000.

(02/18/2010) Here is a rare dually.

“1964 Willys Cj5 jeep. good clear clean title. 4 speed. 4cyl. dually rear axle , I also have original axle.  4wd hi and low. new 5 point racing bucket seats. new paint. all lights and blinkers work. fan and heater blows hot. I have soft top and 2 sets of doors. starts up every time , runs good.  $4,000 obo. If your interested email me your name and phone number and I’ll get back with you.

 
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1951ish M-38ish Crawler Thang Sandy, Ut **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

Brett, who’s stealthily become head of the Utah’s ewillys correspondent (so stealthily, that even he doesn’t know it), found this gem … well … someone’s momma loves it.

“THIS WAS MY SONS PROJECT, WHO HAS GONE TO COLLAGE AND DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO FINISH IT. SO I AM GOING TO SELL IT. THE BEAST IS TITLED AS A 1953 JEEP SPECIAL! WE CALL IT THE BEAST YOU DECIDE! I DONT KNOW A LOT ABOUT IT BUT WHAT I DO KNOW I WILL TELL YOU. IT HAS A HOME MADE ALUMINUM BODY, ITS BIG… THE TOP OF THE HOOD IS 5′ TALL AND THE FENDERS ARE AT 51″! YES IT HAS 20’S UNDER IT, THE WHEELS ARE 9:00X20 5 LUG BY 1 1/8″ NUTS 40″ TALL AND CAN BE DUALED OUT! IT HAS SEVERAL NEW PART (FUEL PUMP, MASTER AND SLAVE CYLINDER, STARTER, LED LIGHTS, ETC)THE BEAST HAS A SMALL BLOCK CHEV IN IT THAT STARTS RIGHT UP ON WARM DAYS… STILL NEEDS A BATTERY… OVER ALL IT IS ABOUT 95% DONE AND WILL BE STREET LEGAL TOO!SOME OF THE OTHER ITMES ARE……”

 
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1943 MB Raleigh, NC **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

(11/27/09) The seller doesn ‘t mention it, but it looks like this was built on a later model frame judging by the rear suspension.  I haven’t seen many ‘woody’ mbs.

“1943 Vintage WWII Willys Overland MB Jeep 4X4 For Sale Serial Number: 213591 Mileage; 33,397 One of a kind 1943 Willis’ MILITARY JEEP MB 4×4 in great condition with custom black paint and wood grain exterior panels. This is a real head turner! The Jeep fires right up and runs great! The interior of the Jeep is just as nice as the outside with bucket seats, grey indoor/outdoor waterproof carpet, original gauges, and finished with custom wood grain, chrome accents and roll bar. The Jeep is powered by the original flathead 4 cylinder engine (gasoline), (which displaces 134.22 cubic inches (2,199 cc) with a 3.125 in (79.4 mm) bore and 4.375 in (111.1 mm) stroke. It is an L-head design, with valves parallel to the cylinders. Power output is 60 hp (46 kW) at 4000 rpm and 105 ft•lbf (142 N•m) at 2000 rpm with 6.48:1 compression.) The Jeep’s electrical system has been upgraded to a 12 volt battery. The headlights, tail lights and brake lights are in working order. The front auxiliary lighting have been installed, but not wired. The engine, transmission and transfer case have been professionally rebuilt. The Jeep’s twin-stick 4×4 and hi/lo shifters are fully functional, as are the manual locking hubs. The Jeep has documentation for it’s recently completed in-depth overhaul including: Rebuilt T84 Transmission, Rebuilt M18 Transfer Case,…”

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Swamp buggy/jeep Everglades, Fl **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Other 4x4s, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $3250. **Status Unknown**

This is built on a 1948 CJ-2A foundation.

“A spare front and spare rear axle is included! $3,250 cash only. Medical bills force the immediate sale of this beautiful buggy.”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Sterlington, La $2000

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

This needs some work, but looks pretty good.  It also looks like it has been stretched a bit in the front of the body and the front axles looks forward a bit too, suggesting this isn’t a standard frame.  Maybe it’s a truck or CJ-7 frame?

“This would be a great hunting and/or trail rig. It has a chevy 4.3 v6, power steering, duel exhaust, 31×10.50 mud tires with 95% tread, trailer hitch, 3 speed manual trans, and 2 stick transfer case. This Jeep has been put up for several years and could use some work. Here’s what I know it needs: The front diff needs new spider gears ($100.00 from 4wd.com), could use the right rear brake drum replaced, and needs a tune-up. The broken spider gears were removed and the axel was cleaned and refilled with oil, so it does drive. (318) 355-5223 if interested.

http://monroe.craigslist.org/cto/1612267992.html

 
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1978 LUAZ 967 M amphibious military vehicle, Oklahoma **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000

I can’t imagine there are too many Russian amphibious vehicles in the United States.  Apparently this is the 4wd version of the Luaz.

“Used,  made in USSR amphibious ,  lightweight , air-dropable ( with parachute of course  😉 helicopter-transportable military vehicle.Used as a light  medevac vehicle . 3 seats, or driver + 700 lbs cargo. Powered by air-cooled 1,2 liter gasoline  engine, Runs on unleaded gas with lead substitute.4×4 , manual transmission,locking differential, off-road gear. Front winch =300 lbs load. Speed on road 50 mph water – 5 mph.Can cross lakes, river with current up to 7 mph. Can swim up to 900 ft.Has 12 Volts  bilge pump on board  Has clean Oklahoma title, Drivable, but brakes need be fixed, Canvas in fair conditions need to be replaced. Some rust, vehicle was on storage for last 12 months.I hate to sell it, but wife says ,, Too many army cars here “This is  real deal Is  90% orginal just like army vehicle supposed to be, Used by former East -German NVA  parachute regiment . Has maintenance manual in German.”

 

 
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What Would You Do with Old Bumper Cars?

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

Thanks to Tommy for forwarding me this unusual story.  The story is that Californian Tom Wright had an opportunity to save these bumper cars from the Long Beach Pike Amusement Park from going to the dump. According to the coolthings.com website, “he took out the Harley motors, replaced it with 750cc Honda and Kawasaki boxes, and redesigned them to pass city driving standards.  His fleet now consists of eight crazy-looking street bumper cars (culled from different amusement parks), all licensed to give your hottest ride a run for its money.”  The rumor is that these could theoretically hit 160mph.  Personally, I will let someone else find that out!

The below image is from the coolthings.com website and the other pics are from an email circulating around the internet.

 
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Jeep Tracks Paskenta, Ca **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $400.

James found these unusual tracks last night. He gave the seller a call today, only to discover that while the Tracks were $400, the steering mechanism was going to be extra. These are about 500lbs a piece, so shipping is an unlikely option. You can learn more about these Tracks here: http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/Jeep-Wagner-Trac-Tank-Tracks.htm

 
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1957 FC-170 Custom Motor Home Idaho Falls, ID **DEAD**

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

UPDATE:  Craig reports the following: “ It died a terrible death on the side of the highway sometime back. An electrical fire totally destroyed it. I believe that it was not under its own power at the time. (Being towed or trailered).

Someone put some serious work in this. It was listed at $3500

“22 foot motorhome built on a 1957 Jeep FC-170 chassis. This it a very unique and cool rig. Has Chevy 350, 4×4, 8000lb warn winch, propane furnace, A/C, duel fuel Onan 3500 watt generator that automatically starts when battery gets low, electric leveling jacks, oven, 4 burner stove, gas/electric fridge with small freezer, water heater, and a bathroom. Can sleep six.”

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=9578301&cat=&lpid=4

 
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The Jeep CJ-4 at Hemmings

• CATEGORIES: CJ-4 CJ-4A, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

A few years ago, Hemmings ran a post about an article they produced the CJ-4.  In the article, they discuss how the X-151 became the prototype CJ-4, the only one of it’s class made.  It was later sold to an employee, who later resold it to someone who stored it in a garage for years.

You can read all about it a Hemmings blog

 
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Rare Holden-Modified Marine Ambulance

• CATEGORIES: Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, GPW (Ford MB), Unusual, videos • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is an edited version of an ad for a Holden-modified ambulance for sale in 2010 (or maybe it wasn’t a Holden?). Now it contains some information on Holden-Modified Jeeps.

  1. http://yankreenactment.nl/jeep/the-holden-jeep/history/
  2. G503 link about Holdens and another

 

This video shows a Holden at Iwo Jima:

Here are some photos of a Holden modified jeep that was for sale in 2010.

 

 
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1955 ‘willys’ buggy Meadow Lake, AK **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.

Here’s a custom rig.  Does this qualify as street legal in Alaska?

“1955 WILLYS BUGGY…33″ TIRES…10,000 LB. WINCH…TOW BAR…250 CID FORD SIX WITH FOUR SPEED, HIGH/LOW TRANFER CASE…..$3000.00 OR OFFER.”

 
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1972 Pinzgauer 710M Tucson, Az **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,500.

This is cool.  I know nothing about them. Learn more here.

“PINZGAUER 710M –  *Clear Title / Private Party Owner *Runs Fantastic *Currently registered as a collector vehicle – no emissions!. Super low insurance. *Original US Owner since import………… have owned it for 10 years now. *Very few mods, I have kept it pretty much original (added electronic ignition – I have the original cap, rotor, points and wires that I removed)….. I have performed all service and maintenance. I have all the service books………….. these are super easy to work on ………….. all parts are available with Web and all.  *These are basically the Swiss Army version of the Hummer………… this is the personnel carrier configuration with fold down bench seats in the back.  *Plenty of info and tecnical data on the Web on these ………… I will spare you the details.  *We have loved owning this truck ……… We hate to see it go. I’m selling it to reconfigure our transportation needs ……….. We I just don’t use it anymore and we hate to see it sit.”

 
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1949 CJ-3A La Center, Wa $3500

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

UPDATE:  Price dropped to $2995.  More pics.

(07/08/09) Here’s one for you Pittsburgh Steelers Fans!

“Very cool driver>>>>all original drive train and still runs like new. This is a good project or keep as is and use as a slow driver. No speed demon here as this was designed as a work horse with top speed around 50 mph. This is a good 20 footer and is a lot of fun. Take to Sand Lake and you can drive to town as this is what we used it for. Give me a call and we can make a deal as I am out of room. John @ 360 600-8213. Will deliver locally. It also comes with tow bar and you can Rat Rod it or make a cool Hot Rod too!

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/1581841498.html

 
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Truck with PTO Belt on back Pomfret, Ct **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

“Excellent Willys Jeep with Rear PTO Belt Drive thing for farm work! Just the Complete PTO setup is worth $2500 So I am tossing the rest in for free!!! As you can see it has been modified over the years. Looks like a willys truck nose, a Vauxall car cab, and a custom metal bed for cord wood. The only jeep stuff that looks original: PTO stuff, Frame, axels, engine, transmission. missing radiator.  I don’t want to part it out, that way somebody can mod their jeep with these parts and convert theirs over to a AG Jeep.  Engine looks complete with distributor, starter, and carb. I haven’t tried cleaning anything or try to turn anything over (The guy from Pawn Stars told me not to). ”

 
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1949 Jeepster Columbia, Ca eBay

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

This is a beautiful restoration / customization.

“In addition to all of that, this JEEPSTER runs like a champ.  The seats are very comfortable.  The Dodge Dakota V6 engine runs smoothly, burns no oil, and is free of undercarriage drips.  Power steering and cruise control add to the enjoyment of driving.  It is more than capable of highway speeds and climbs the Nevada mountain ranges with ease.  All of the chrome trim is without blemish.  There is no underside rust.  There are no dents, dings, or gouges.  The top and side curtains are in good condition.  The tires are nearly new.

However, there are two things that need to be done if the buyer wants to put it into show condition.  While the paint photographs well, it is not flawless.  Close inspection reveals cracks in the finish.  The Spoke wheels need to be re-chromed.

I can no longer afford to keep my Jeepster and an airplane at the same time.  I love driving the Jeepster, but I put in hundreds of hours building the airplane, and it is the one I have decided to keep.”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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Willys Trucks and Wagons over at Jalopy Journal

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

Jalopy Journal has a short thread with a variety of pics.  The wagon that caught my eye is shown below, a creatively constructed ‘party wagon’.  I love it!  There’s a few more pics of this at the website.

 
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1937 Ford House Car — an early motorhome

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

Dave forwarded me some information about this unique Ford House Car.  A quick search revealed this website with a full collection of images by the previous owner of the vehicle (he sold it in 2001 according to the site).  I’ve included a pic below and some info below.  Thanks for sharing Dave, it’s cool!

“One of only six said to have been made per year in the mid-’30s at the Ford Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to an article on this car in a 1993 “Old Cars” magazine article (see link below). Very few others–perhaps none–remain on the road, and certainly not in such amazing original condition. (The only other known example that I heard of was supposedly housed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. But that turned out to be an early 1920s Model T conversion, the curator told me. He said he’d never seen anything like this ’37!).”

http://www.gtamarketing.com/1937FordHousecar.html

 
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Man Made rebuilds an offroad car (well, technically it’s a car/boat)

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

Simon forwarded me a link to a show called Man Made. I haven’t seen an episode yet, but the video introduction below looks intriguing.

Simon reports, “I’ve only seen two episodes but its about a guy who locates barn finds and restores them for selling at auction. So far its covered an amphicar and Camero (no jeeps!) but its a great program to watch and see how a professional goes about restoring classic cars. He’s not been so successful on the profit front mind you – the amphicar didn’t sell and he lost money on the Camero”

 
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1959 Wagon Jeep Rod Elgin, TX **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.

Here’s the foundation for an interesting project.

“1959 willys jeep chop top, needs tlc 1.000 or best offer . no engine . 4 speed trans 4 wheel drive ..duel wheels .. very solid jeep and head turner”