Unusual Research Archives

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M-38A1 Wood Splitter Salem, OR $500

• CATEGORIES: Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, M-38A1, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Roger Martin spotted this unique build, an M-38A1 transformed into a wood splitter. No description provided.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1611210942413745

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CJ-5 Modified Into a Train Engine

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

Roger Martin shared this Canadian Jeep Junkee photo of a CJ-5 that (I think) has been transformed into a train engine. I tried to learn more, but had no luck. It’s unclear to me where this might be located.

jeep-train-cj5

 
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1956 Model? Salem, OR $600

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

This is an odd, apparently purpose-built(?) four-wheel-drive utility vehicle.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3844599268896416

“50s jeep running gear and a body tob straight 6”

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1953 CJ-7 Sandston, VA $16,000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, CJ-7, M-38A1, Unusual • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s an unusual build on a 1953 chassis.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2793191420952248

“1953 Willis frame w/86 cj7 glass tub and one piece glass front end. Steel doors. Chevy 350 w/ aluminum heads nice cam aluminum intake and Holley 750. Turbo 400 trans w: ultra bell housing, dana300 transfer case. Model 20 rear axel , Dana front axel. Nice interior, am/fm/cd with amp and subwoofer. 39/18.5×15 Mickey Thomson Baja’s on aluminum wheels. This is not a show truck, it is super clean and built to drive. If it is listed it is still available. Will not respond to is it available”

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The “Very Mobile” Bath and Laundry Unit

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

(Originally Posted October 21, 2010): It’s easy to forget about the logistical challenges faced by the military to cover simple needs of the military. Showering in the field is one such example. A New Zealand-focused site has a page on the history of mobile laundry and baths from 1914-1990. Canada also had similar mobile services. How frequently such services actually appeared in the field is less clear to me, especially given the lack of photos of this equipment.

Back in 2010 I came upon the model below, which appeared on a new defunct website. The site showed how the builder created the model mobile bath.

The builder, Dave, had based his model on the picture below. In his post, he notes that the Jeep “was stationed in  Germany in 1945 with the 2nd Battalion, The Kensingtons, 49th Division, Transport Centre, Iserlohn, Ruhr“.

This 1954 example out of France shows a mobile laundry unit of some type. This photo (page from book?) is for sale on eBay. The auction title is “Jeep transport laundry collective”.

1954-mobile-laundry-unit

 
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1971 DJ-5 W/ Custom Body Panorama City, CA $3999

• CATEGORIES: DJ-5 & DJ-6, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is an odd one.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/pts/d/panorama-city-1971-dj-jeep-on-x4-gm-ton/7227933049.html

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“This is a 1971 Jeep (Postal Jeep) running on top of a 1993 Suburban 4×4 Big Block drivetrain… This is an unfinished project that I’m not going to have time to finish… The mechanicals are done and it runs and drives… Strong 454ci engine with TBI fuel injection and custom stand alone computer and engine wiring… Heavy duty 4L80E Trans… Dual exhausts… Power steering… Hydroboost brake system…

The Suburban drivetrain was from the limited edition version with the 1-Ton suspension and was low mileage… The whole thing is covered in Aluminum attached with hundreds of rivets… I have full pictures of it being built including pics the the removal/installation of the Suburban and Jeep bodies… Title is clean and registered on a non-op as a 1971 Jeep (so no smog)… This thing has had lots of hand fabrication work done to it that for the price I’m asking I will never get back!… If you’re looking for a completely unique project that is cheap and had most of the hard stuff done then my loss is your gain… There is a lot more done to it than you see in the pictures! Continue reading

 
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The Mufflermobile Fredericton, NB, Canada **SOLD**

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

UPDATE II: If you thought this was the only vehicle to be built in a muffler shape, think again. One Art Car website has pics of a variety of muffler-themed vehicles:

http://artcarcentral.com/muffler-mobiles-and-the-muffler-shops-that-made-them/

That site also had an additional photo of the yellow muffler mobile built on a CJ-2A body, which had been posted to Flickr:

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Originally posted September 03, 2012:  Like the Oscar Meyer Mobile (on a FC), this is built on a jeep platform (CJ-2A). This sold on eBay in 2012.

“The Mufflermobile! What is The Mufflermobile? It’s a fully-functional four wheel drive 1948 Willys Jeep CJ2A that’s licensed for the road. The body has been replaced with a custom made wood framed, aluminum skinned replica of a muffler that’s 8 feet high and 11 feet long. This is the most unique advertising vehicle since the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!

Purchase The Mufflermobile, wrap it with your company’s advertising message, park it around town or show it off at different events, and people will come to your business just to tell you that they saw it! They’ll tell their friends about it; they’ll post pictures of it on facebook and twitter. They will promote your business for you! You can’t buy advertising like that! Oh wait, yes you can! Bid to win or Buy It Now!

The Mufflermobile is located in the Fredericton, NB area and is being sold as-is, where-is, no warranty expressed or implied. It is, after all, a 64 year old muffler.”

 
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1952? CJ-2A JeepRod Nampa, ID $2000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, CJ-3A, Jeep Rods, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Now priced at $2000 and located in Nampa.

(1030/2019) It appears to be a 2A body, give the ignition switch holes.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/814911889295291/

“4 wheel drive motor runs need fuel system flushed. Really cool project. Original motor.”

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Older text and pics: Continue reading

 
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CJ-5 Widened and Lengthened Billings, MT No Price

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/12/2020) Here’s an unusual one.

https://billings.craigslist.org/bar/d/billings-52-willys/7191971457.html

“52 willy’s small block chevy 410 gears locker stretched and widened runs great street legal lots of fun let me know what you’ve got”

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RLT Development’s Husky R.V. Jeep Kit

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, Unique Jeeps, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE III: Robert’s RLT Husky

rlt-husky-jeep1 rlt-husky-jeep2

UPDATE II:  Ray sent some pics of a Husky he built in 1992. (Also, if you are in the UK, I know of a Husky kit jeep for sale in Jersey)

Ray built this RLT Husky R.V. atop a Ford Escort MK2 chassis. It took Ray 2 years to build his rig. He combined the kit with original parts. As you can see, it is one of the more authentic looking Husky-jeeps built from the kit. Ray sold his RLT Husky in 1995.

ray-rv-kit2 ray-rv-kit1

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Originally posted August of 2013:

1991-husky-look-a-like-brochure2

Sometimes called the Husky R.V. or the R.L.T. Husky, this Jeep Kit was sold out of the UK and used atop a Ford Taurus or Ford Escort Mark IV (and other cars?). It was available for an unknown period during the 1980s and 1990s.

“R.V. – Rugged and Versatile aptly describes these tough, reliable and inexpensive all-weather vehicles. The unique exterior MDF body combines great strength with structural rigidity and will not rust, crack, craze or splinter, yet is easy to repair.

The sturdy steel chassis, with substantial (de)fenders front & rear, is built for long life, stability and to cope with rugged conditions. Seating can vary from 2 fronts with a rear load space, which can be fitted with forward, rearward or inward facing rear seats, accessed via a ‘walk-thru’ from the front can be accommodated by simple modification to the cutting and assembly process, or the rear zip up rear hood window, with or without the optional opening tailgate

Fold-flat windscreen. Ford front engine/RWD ensures safe predictable handling, amazing traction and reliable mechanics. Nimble as an Escort, the HUSKY turns tighter than a London Taxi and yet provides a comfortable ride even over rough terrain. Safety options include a hefty Roll Bar, front Nudge Bar and chassis mounted Side Impact bars/steps”

Some pictures:

1991-husky-look-a-like-brochure1

escort-mk2-husky-kit

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RLT-husky-images

IMAGE LINKS:  Use these links to see the above large res images herehere, here, and here.

http://www.locust.org.uk/about/brochures/wrv/page2.html

 
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1952 CJ-3A? Honda Grandview, TX $3500

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

Roger and Blaine both sent me this oddity. At least it has a title 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3512934198728894/

“1952 willys with honda body Needs little work to get back on road. Super cool and built right. One of a kind. Not a red kneck back yard build. Its done right Motor runs great. I have it hooked to lawn mower can until tank is cleaned. Clear title.”

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1946 CJ-2A JeepRod Newcomb, NY No Price

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(07/29/2020) This project has some unusual mods.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/640380323492773/

“I have a 1946 jeep Willy’s that I hate to sell but I don’t have a good spot for storage. I had big plans for it that I couldn’t make happen. It’s definitely something you don’t see everyday. It’s got all original Willy’s badges. I believe it’s on a s10 frame on air bags I know they do have a leak. Possible trades ( looking for 20×12 8x 6.5 wheels )or throw me an offer. I have registration and it was on the road last year. It’s going to need a good amount of work To get going 100% again. I did have the motor running last summer. Trans is slipping”

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1956? CJ-3B? Neosho, MO $2000

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

Another odd one. Any value here other than scrap?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/216897779626903/

“Custom Willys Jeep $2,000”

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Continue reading

 
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1979 CJ-5 San Antonio, TX $3500

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

I wonder what this is like to drive from the top deck?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2448104305499453

“Jeep Wrangler CJ5 double decker hunting Jeep. Top deck can be removed.”

1979-cj5-sanantonio-tx1 1979-cj5-sanantonio-tx2 1979-cj5-sanantonio-tx3 1979-cj5-sanantonio-tx4

 
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1986 Frankston, TX $26,000

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

This custom build is a little different.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/301274604531502/

“86 Stainless steel Willis jeep 9 inc Ford Rear end 4 speed transmission 350 motor bord 30 over with a 280 comp cam”

1986-stainless-steel-flattie-frankson-tx0 1986-stainless-steel-flattie-frankson-tx1 1986-stainless-steel-flattie-frankson-tx2 1986-stainless-steel-flattie-frankson-tx3

Continue reading

 
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1942? Custom Truck Morris, AL $2500

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, CJ-3A, MB, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Still Available.

(07/16/2020) Not sure how much value is here.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/906909283053138/

“1942 Jeep Willys Custom truck. Chevy 350 engine not currently running but I’m sure it wouldn’t take much to get going. Message me any questions. Got something to trade? Send it to me ”

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1977 CJ-7 4-Door Goffstown, NH **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-7, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500.

If you are looking for an oddball project, maybe this one is it.

“I HAVE TITLE! I really wanted to finish this but I dont have enough time ( delivery available) it’s a 1977 cj7 4 door!! A very solid project with 4 brand new racing seats ( with mounts and slides) I have a sbc350 and a 6.2 diesel and transmission either can go with it the jeeps already set up for the motor and trans just have to be dropped in! I was going to bed liner the inside throw the seats and a bunch of speakers on the roll bar but no time! Come get it may trade offer what you have!”

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January 1950 Popular Mechanics Article on Tinkertown

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

UPDATE: Jerry contacted me about a locomotive jeep he would like to restored (see near bottom). He noted that it was used at Tinkertown and found this older post while hoping to learn more. So, this post is a complete redo of an early post that focused just on photos in a January 1950 issue of Popular Mechanics.

It is probably no surprise that the Los Angeles metroplitan area was a hotbed of theme parks and carnivals following World War II. In particular, there was Beverly Park, which is claimed to be the park that stimulated Disney’s interests in theme parks.

One of those carnivals was a traveling kiddie carnival called Tinkertown. Articles show it existed at least from 1950 through 1952, operating in Monrovia, Wilmington, Los Angeles, and other LA area towns.

1951-12-06-wilmington-daily-press-tinkertown-carnival-lores

December 06, 1951, Wilmington Daily Press, Wilmington, California. Tinkertown Kiddie Carnival announcement.

Tinkertown appears to have owned, at one time or another, at least four unusual jeeps. One was a fire jeep made from a CJ-2A, shown below in red.

A second jeep appeared to have been a stretched (probably surplus) WWII jeep made into some kind of fire jeep used to tow a small Ferris wheel.

The article above refers to the jeep as a “fire engine”; perhaps it was modified during WWII? Here’s a better image:

1950-01-popular-mechanics-stretched-jeep-lores

A third jeep-related setup was a train possibly made from a jeep (or jeep-engine-powered at the very least). It is pictured here:

 

The fourth known jeep was a jeep turned into a locomotive. It’s the one Jerry now owns (along with two of the tram cars), one he’d like to restore. It’s in surprisingly complete condition. He’s hoping to learn more about the manufacturer and/or Tinkertown. Here’s a photo of his train:

jerry-tinkertown-train-lores

Here’s how it looked in 1950:

Continue reading

 
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1953? CJ-3B? International Falls, MN $1530

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, M-38A1, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Still Available.

(06/13/2020) This vehicle still runs and plows. It has at least some Jeep DNA, possibly from a CJ-3B or M-38A1 based on the year.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287655079061006/

“1953 government Jeep. Leo had used it for plowing snow. Runs great. Has snow plow .”

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Continue reading

 
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1942 Photo of the Fitch Jeep Station Wagon Car

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

UPDATE II: Marc noted the the rear of the vehicle is based on a Renault Juvaquatre. It just so happens this car is somewhat based on the German Opel, which Wally King used to create his Jeepster-like vehicle in Germany following WWII.

UPDATE:  UndiscoveredClassics.com had some additional insights into this vehicle. I tried to learn more about Captain Richard C. Fitch of the Second Regiment Mechanized Cavalry Reserve, Los Angeles, but didn’t have much luck. I did learn he was a design engineer for the Army and was responsible for the MT Tug design (see below post). Below is a photo of how it looked in a newspaper. 

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March 18, 1942, issue of the Sacramento Bee, page 14.

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Originally published March 2014:  I wonder what ever happened to this prototype? Marc spotted this unusual photo. The vehicle doesn’t seem very jeep-like, except in its compact design and front clip similarity. It doesn’t appear it was four wheel drive.

1942-03-08-fitch-jeep-wagon-car1 1942-03-08-fitch-jeep-wagon-car2

The image was picked up and published by a couple newspapers. Below are links to Newspaper.com that show a small image of the page. The caption vary slightly:
1. The Amarillo Globe (Amarillo, Texas) March 18th, 1942, on Page 2
2. The Statesville Record and Landmark (Statesville, NC) March 16th, 1942, Page 4

 
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Custom Ford-Jeep Jesup, GA $5500

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is a 1950 CJ-3A body grafted to a 2010 Ford Ranger.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/238527360590791/

“1950 Willys Jeep body cut and modified to fit the frame and motor of a 2010 Ford Ranger. It has the motor and tires from the Ranger, 28,000 miles on it”

1950-flattie-ford-ga1 1950-flattie-ford-ga2 1950-flattie-ford-ga3 1950-flattie-ford-ga4

 
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Odd Ball Jeeps

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

A few items I found on my phone. I think all these photos were on Facebook?

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Some thought when into the mods on this jeep:

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This sedan jeep is odd even for custom hardtop jeeps.

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Year? CJ-3A Valentine APU Central Point, OR **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $25,000.

I don’t see any of the APU equipment left, so while it’s a rare jeep, it’s also no longer an APU jeep. I don’t see anyone paying the asking price for it. That said, it’s got some interesting mods, including a custom lengthened rear cargo area, a custom spare tire well and holder, what appears to be the Hudson steering mod, and a custom modified top (shortened CJ-6 top perhaps). This also utilizes doors from a late model CJ-5 hardtop by Kelly. The rear portion may even be a modified Kelly CJ-6 top.

“Up for sale is a CJ3A Willys APU Jeep .
This APU Jeep was built for the military Navy and Air Force to start jets by the Valentine Welding Co. they made a total of 75, this is one of two know to still exist, and the only one with a windshield and top .
The newer F head engines were placed in and a custom hood made by the manufacturer
Asking 25k”

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Continue reading

 
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A Jeep Rambler on Flickr

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

UPDATE: Originally posted to Flickr in 2012 (https://www.flickr.com/…/71473…/in/set-72157629836314396 )
According to the photographer:

This was taken in Durkee, Oregon – about 1 block from the Durkee, Post Office. (I am not sure if the Post Office is still open). You can actually see this vehicle in Google Street View if you look in the field at the southeast portion of the intersection of Old US Highway 30 and Oxman Ranch Road in Durkee. ….

Link to Google (you can see all sides of it pretty well): https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5810948,-117.4643278,3a,75y,91.3h,96.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syRerHg5QL0Xrk9L1y8brfg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

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Originally posted in 2014:

Doug sent this beautiful photo of a Jeep Rambler hybrid he spotted on Flickr. One commenter called it a Jambler. All-in-all, this combo could have looked a lot worse! Note the builder even stenciled ‘JEEP’ onto the back tailgate.

The photo was taken by ‘Old White Truck’. There are some beautiful photos and some humorous captions on his Flickr photostream.

willys-truck-united-with-rambler-montana

 
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1945 Photo of Modified Jeep

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

This press photo and caption was posted to Facebook.

“THIS IS A “TWEEP”
MAJURO– This combination truck and jeep was constructed by Seabees fo materials salvaged from six abandoned jeeps. With a wheelbase one-half times longer than the standard jeep, the “Tweep” accommodates eight person and gear, carries gas in its fenders. Red Cross Field Director Robert De Lawny, Spring Lane, Ithaca, NY , Stands by the Vehicle.
CREDIT (Red Cross PHOTO FROM ACME) 11-20-45″
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