Wood bodies Research Archives

Generally, jeeps with wood bodies usually mean they are patched. However, wood was used in some fiberglass bodies for strength. But, there are a few exceptions to that rule.

To Top

1950 CJ-3A & 1947 CJ-2A Hubbard, OR **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

The CJ-2A’s body is wood from a Sears & Roebuck kit. Seems we have run across one of those kits before.

1947-cj2a-1950-cj3a-hubbard-or8

1947-cj2a-1950-cj3a-hubbard-or9

“Package deal of tona of parts and three Willy’s Jeeps. One ’47 CJ2A (white) complete but half the body is a plywood kit from Sears Roebuck. No title. Engine has lots of rust but repairable with a hot tank and time. Needs work but good frame and lots of good parts, or make it run again if you want.

One ’47 CJ2A just the body have the windshield, fenders, grille, seats, tailgate, and other metal for it.

And one ’50 CJ3A complete with title runs and drives but has bad tires, no brakes, no steering (the front crossmember is busted off, planned to chassis swap with the white 2A.) Grille is unbolted as is left fender to work on car. Has new starter and new ignition parts. Runs like a top stock fuel pump even works.

Planned to use the running gear from green one, body of the tub and parts, and chassis from the white one to make one nice stock jeep easily then use the remaining parts to build the remaining parts into crawlers or something fun.

Parts include:
Engine block in good shape will need cleaned up, cranks, cams, pistons, rods, oil pans, transfer cases, I think transmission, drive shafts, radiator, tons of body metal such as hoods fenders doors windshields (including glass) tailgates, parts to put a canvas top on, basically three entire jeeps worth of parts including lots of new parts worth ~450 from Kaiser Willy’s with receipt.

May split stuff. Yes the VW stuff is for sale too.

 
To Top

Wood Top on Rescued Jeep

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

Jordi bought this CJ-2A with an interesting hardtop (the plates indicate this is a jeep outside the US) and posted pics to Facebook. To me, this top looks most like a Station Wagons, Inc, body.  The suicide doors and certain elements are extremely close (especially in the Pop Mech ad), but not exact.

jordy-cj2a-wood-hardtop5 jordy-cj2a-wood-hardtop6 jordy-cj2a-wood-hardtop jordy-cj2a-wood-hardtop8 jordy-cj2a-wood-hardtop9

Popular Mechanics Ad from the January 1948 issue of Popular Mechanics, pg 266.  This ad appeared in the February 1948 issue as well.

1948-february-popular-mechanics-wood-tops

 
To Top

Wood Replica Mini-Jeep Lansing, IL $1500

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

It needs some work.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1269337530674990

“This is a replica scaled down army jeep made from wood. It has a 9hp motor with a forward and reverse transmission. Needs some work before it can be driven”

wood-model-jeep-lansing-il4 wood-model-jeep-lansing-il6 wood-model-jeep-lansing-il7 wood-model-jeep-lansing-il8 wood-model-jeep-lansing-il9

 
To Top

VEC CJ-2A W/ “Wagon” Hardtop Added

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

I found this photo on eBay. It shows a VEC CJ-2A with a wood-based hardtop. The back of the photograph suggests that the builder of the hardtop may have been manufacturing these for sale for $265. The seller of these called them Jeep Station Wagon Bodies and built at least one of them (as shown in the picture). It appears these were built in or near San Francisco. There was another manufacturer who built similar tops out of Cleveland, Ohio, and advertised them as Station Wagon Bodies.

jeep-station-wagon-bodies-photo1 jeep-station-wagon-bodies-photo2

 

 
To Top

1972 CJ-5 League City, TX $15,500

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

Only the one pic. There appears to be quite a bit of cherry woodwork on it.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/439962224656367

“Cherry Jeep! re-built head turner show winner”

1972-cj5-wood-tx

 
To Top

1950 Modified Wagon Sun Valley, NV Make Offer

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

UPDATE: This was sold out of NV in 2021. Now for sale (make offer) in Cali.

(04/03/2021) This is different. The price seems reasonable.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/501492705205201/

“Full custom 1950 Willy’s wagon completed 900 miles ago. Frame off, everything new, built 350/350 with tubbed Dana rear end, custom rumble seat, seats 8, custom sound system and led lighting. Looking for trades or make offer!”

1950-wagon-sunvalley-nv1 1950-wagon-sunvalley-nv2 1950-wagon-sunvalley-nv3 1950-wagon-sunvalley-nv4

Continue reading

 
To Top

Jeep Duriez Ads

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

UPDATE: The latest issue of the Europe-based 4X4 Story Magazine has images of a rare surviving Duriez jeep (see ads for the various Duriez models here).

https://www.4x4story.fr/index.php/2022/10/20/jeep-willys-de-1944-carrosserie-duriez/ 

There is also a video of the jeep here (in French): https://www.facebook.com/jeepvillage/videos/1170152156865967

Here are some additional pics:

Duriez-1

duriez-jeep-village Duriez-2

 

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

Originally posted Dec 14, 2014:  Marc found these vintage Duriez Ads from France. Duriez used the jeep platform (and other vehicles) to create more transportation options.

duriez-jeep-ads2-woodie-jeep

duriez-jeep-ads1

3. View all the information on eBay

duriez-jeep-ads2-woodie-jeep2

duriez-jeep-ads2

 
To Top

1947 Wagon JeepRod Running Springs, CA **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $35,000. This has been relisted (maybe by another owner). I have it last listed in 2016.

Lots of work has gone into this.

1947-wagon-jeeprod-discoverybay-ca2 1947-wagon-jeeprod-discoverybay-ca
1947-wagon-runningsprings-ca2 1947-wagon-runningsprings-ca4

Current post description: 1947 Willys Woody Wagon Hot Rod. 4 inch chop and lowered. Chrysler 413, automatic. Chrysler torsion bar front end with power disc brakes and power steering. Currie 9 inch rear end. Custom leather interior. Louvered hood. Faux woodie paint. Amazing how many people think it’s real wood. Much easier to maintain. So unique that it has won all kinds of car show awards. You won’t see another Willys wagon this customized.

Previous post description with more details:

Continue reading

 
To Top

Sturdee Hardtop Brochure

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

UPDATE: Roger Martin bought this rare color Sturdee brochure and shared some pics with us. This is a cool item!
sturdee-wood-products-brochure2

sturdee-wood-products-brochure1

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

Originally published March 26, 2018:  This is the only information I could find on this rare hardtop.

1940s-sturdee-hardtop-brochure1 1940s-sturdee-hardtop-brochure2

 
To Top

Metamet: British Jeep Rebuilders

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, GPW (Ford MB), International, MB, Sedan-jeep, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE II: There’s another 1954 Metamet 12-page brochure for sale on eBay (see bottom of post for pics)

View all the information on eBay

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

UPDATE Posted July 04, 2019: This post has been updated to reflect some more information and images. It was originally posted in March of 2013.

metamet-logo

Metamet was a British company that refurbished WWII jeeps and civilian jeeps, creating a slew of different models. According to the G503 Forum, “Metamet was run by an expat Pole, and latterly his son. It was a wonderful Aladdin’s caves of wartime Jeeps and Jeep bits and pieces located in a series of old mews stables in Daleham Mews. These places were commonly garage workshops in post-horse London, but nowdays are worth untold fortunes as residences.”

At one point in the early 1950s there were twelve different models of jeeps offered by Metamet, only one of which was the standard production model jeep. The rest were all customizations of one type or another. Seven models were 80″ wheel base, while the other five had 100″ wheel bases.  The models include, the Standard, De-luxe, Farmer, Five-in-one, Saloon, Shooting Brake, 10 CWT Truck, Metaplan, Station Wagon, 15 CWT Van, 20 CWT Lorry, and a 2 Ton Loadmaster.

metamet-jeep-models

Metamet’s early 1950s models. There were seven 80″ wheel base jeeps and five 100″ wheel base jeeps.

metamet-priced-catalogue-willys-jeep_

Here’s an example of Metamet’s advertising.

A 1952 Ad posted to Flicker by Johnathan confirms there were twelve models also:

1952-metamet-advertisement

Finally, here’s a 1954 12 page brochure that provides examples of different models that used to be linked to on the jeep farm website:

1954-metamet-brochure1

Continue reading

 
To Top

1951 Custom Woodie Truck Lake Forest, CA Make Offer

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

UPDATE: Was $35,000. Now Make Offer. This wagon was listed in California in 2020. Now it’s listed in Texas.

(01/31/2017) This one has been around a while.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/1951-willys-custom-woody/7445137286.html

“All custom 51 Willys woodie. Extensive sheet metal work, extended fenders, hood, roll pan and a tilt hood and more. All polished LS engine, with LS460e trans polished, hydro boost brakes. Custom dash, gauges, center console. Custom rebuilt painted frame blazer. All custom solid Maple wood with electric lift gate, PW, PB tilt etc. Custom interior, 6 way power seats with headrest monitors, custom made maple rear floor. Brand new 20″ rims and tires. So much more…view the photos for all the extras all top name brand parts. Less than 300 miles. Just testing the market. Serious offers only. Leave a message.”

1951-woodie-truck-lakeforest-ca02 1951-woodie-truck-lakeforest-ca01 1951-woodie-truck-lakeforest-ca0 1951-woodie-truck-lakeforest-ca1 1951-woodie-truck-lakeforest-ca2

Continue reading

 
To Top

Green Army’s Wood Body Reproduction

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

Here’s a good bit of history on the efforts to create a wood body for the WWII jeep. This group built a wood body replica, which, given the lack of specific info, was a good challenge. Check out the finished body using the link below:

https://www.greenarmyproductions.com/wooden-jeep-body-project/

green-army-productions-photo

 
To Top

CJ-2A w/ Beautiful Hardtop From Argentina

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

Diego Collia posted photos of this CJ-2A with a beautiful hardtop from Argentina on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/837017479769475/permalink/2093832107421333

cj2a-jeep-wood-top-argentina-1 cj2a-jeep-wood-top-argentina-2 cj2a-jeep-wood-top-argentina-3 cj2a-jeep-wood-top-argentina-4

 
To Top

1951 CJ-3A Wood-body Kalkaska, MI $6000

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

This unusual body deserves some more pics.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1137248250119632

“1951 Jeep Willy’s Willy’s · Small_car · Driven 500 miles All wood body Willy’s.”

1951-cj3a-kalkaska-mi-wood-jeep2 1951-cj3a-kalkaska-mi-wood-jeep3 1951-cj3a-kalkaska-mi-wood-jeep4 1951-cj3a-kalkaska-mi-wood-jeep5

 
To Top

1951 CJ-3A? Kalkaska, MI $5000

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(04/14/2021) Someone spent some time on that wood body.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/126990732737502

“1951 Jeep custom wood body runs good one of a kind.”

1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi0 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi1 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi2 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi3 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi4 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi5 1951-cj3a-wood-body-kalkaska-mi6

 
To Top

October 1952 Motor Trend Cover and Article

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Magazine, Wood bodies • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As I was packing, I pulled this issue of Motor Trend aside. When I leafed through it, I realized there was a jeep-related article I missed. So, here the “Unique Cars for Sportsmen” by Jim Earp. All the vehicles herein are interesting. The first page has a pic at the bottom of Vic Hickey’s famous jeep.

1952-10-motor-trend-m38a1-cover-camping-article1-lores

1952-10-motor-trend-m38a1-cover-camping-article2-lores

1952-10-motor-trend-m38a1-cover-camping-article3-lores

1952-10-motor-trend-m38a1-cover-camping-article4-lores

1952-10-motor-trend-m38a1-cover-camping-article5-lores

 
To Top

1944 MB? Idaho Falls, ID $9000

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

UPDATE: Price is now $9000.

(10/16/2020) What a crazy contraption. “El Burrito”‘s got style. It even has a mural on the back. I’m not quite sure how the rear extends, but it looks like someone would be safe from bugs.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/379875466485663

“A Prospector’s Dream or a mini RV!
A unique vehicle for the right individual. A fold out six foot bed behind the seats, and a “kitchen” underneath. Email me for videos showing the set ups. A 1944 WWII surplus jeep purchased in 1954. It is a Willy’s 4 cylinder. I think it might be a CJ 6.
Needs new gas tank (has 2 tanks, if you want to replace both) Seals and belts are dry, but should absorb fluids back when added. It was started, but turned off to avoid running bad gas through the carburetor. All the mini-van modifications can be removed to restore to original jeep without too much conversion.
If interested E-mail phone number to pungoriver@live.com and I will call you for further information. If you like make a bid.
It has been garaged.”

1944-mb-Idahofalls-id02 1944-mb-Idahofalls-id01 1944-mb-Idahofalls-id0 1944-mb-Idahofalls-id1 1944-mb-Idahofalls-id2 Continue reading

 
To Top

1962 Wagon Mission Viejo, CA $22,000

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

Bill shared this Hemmings link to a story about this 1962 Willys wagon that’s for sale. The seller explains why new wood panel was installed.

LISTING LINK: https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/willys/utility-wagon/2462262.html

1962-wagon-mv-ca5 1962-wagon-mv-ca6 1962-wagon-mv-ca7 1962-wagon-mv-ca8 1962-wagon-mv-ca9

“1962 Willys, Utility Wagon, 4 wheel drive. Current odometer reads 47,691 (not likely original), suitable as a daily driver with original “Hurricane” 6 totally professionally rebuilt (46,467miles). Straight through rebuilt transfer case (46,636 miles) Unlike original is very quiet. and later model Jeep all synchro 5 speed adapted to give freeway speeds in 5th gear. Car will do 65 MPH at 2300 RPM, will go faster but why would you? Added Tachometer, column mounted shown in pictures, helps to know when to shift.

New front hubs, All guages work. Front seat shoulder mounted seat belts added in front. Springs have been re-arched to raise to original level. Interior is like new green vinyl with recently carpeted front seat area. Excellent paint inside and out, resides in sunny southern California and has no rust. Wood panels recently added to cover previous wood panel effort *.

Continue reading

 
To Top

Photos of Modified Jeep with Wood Body on eBay

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

These two photos shows a CJ-2A with a modified body made of wood. While there are several similar “woodie” bodies (see all wood-related bodies here), the photos below appear to show a unique build.

View all the information on eBay

“Two original photographs of Woody automobile. The engine hood reads – Willy. I believe these were mock up advertising photos. The upper photo is mounted from the back – see photo. The lower photo is glued to the board. Photos measure 3 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches. Mounting board is 8 x 10 inches. Please ask questions.”

willys-woody-photo

 
To Top

1967 Jeepster Commando JeepRod Medford, NJ $35,000

• CATEGORIES: Features, Jeep Rods, Jeepster, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’m not sure if this is more Jeep Rod or Crawler.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/753721632024238

“’67 Jeepster. Clean title in hand. Also available without the Coyote engine for $28,000.”

1967-jeepster-commando-custom-medford-nj1

1967-jeepster-commando-custom-medford-nj2

1967-jeepster-commando-custom-medford-nj02 1967-jeepster-commando-custom-medford-nj0

Continue reading

 
To Top

Year? Jeep Chassis? Athens, ME $700

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

The hubs and jeep wheels make me think there’s some jeep DNA under this plow rig.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/321295522237972/

“This is a 196? Dodge power wagon i was told it was all running a few years ago then the starter went i put a new one in and it turns fine but theres a crack in the intake due to water so probly gonna need a engine if fixed its a 318 4 speed good little plow rig just dont have time plow setup works i figure 500 for plow and 200 for the rest of it so 700 firm you got to haul it thanks”

year-plow-jeep-athens-me0 year-plow-jeep-athens-me1 year-plow-jeep-athens-me2 year-plow-jeep-athens-me3 year-plow-jeep-athens-me4

 
To Top

Wrecked Jeep Photos (2 With Wood Bodies)

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

These photos appeared on Facebook, though some have made the rounds over the years. The pics that really caught my eye were the wooden test body pics. Kaiser Willys has some history and more pics on these wood-bodied test jeeps: https://blog.kaiserwillys.com/the-wooden-willys-jeep-test.

jeep-wreck-wood-body1

jeep-wreck-wood-body2

The remainder of the wrecked jeeps:

jeep-wreck14

Continue reading

 
To Top

1950 Sedan Delivery “Surf” Wagon Ruston, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was listed at $18,000. 

Looks in good shape. It has an air conditioner, but it still needs some finishing.

1950-wagon-surf-ruston-ca02 1950-wagon-surf-ruston-ca01 1950-wagon-surf-ruston-ca0 1950-wagon-surf-ruston-ca1

” HAVE A 1950 KUSTOM WILLY’S / JEEP SEDAN DELIVERY THAT I HAVE FABRICATED INTO A SURF WAGON WOODIE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WITH SLATTED WOOD IN THE INTERIOR AND WOOD PANELS ON EXTERIOR <> STAINED AND CLEAR COATED <>BODY EXTERIOR WAS FINISHED IN A YELLOW GLOSS AND COMBO WITH BLACK TRIM ,POWERED WITH A FRESH 283 V8 4 BARREL <> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH A LOKAR FLOOR SHIFTIER <>

VINYL BLACK TOP WITH YELLOW MATCHING SURFBOARD ON ROOF RACK <> THE WAGON HAS POWER STEERING <> POWER DISC BRAKES ON FRONT AND DRUMS ON REAR <> VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A/C 90% DONE JUST NEEDS WIRING AND CHARGE EVERYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED WITH COMPRESSOR ,DRYER ,HOSES, INTERIOR VENTS , AND ALL SWITCHES AND KNOBS <> ALL NEW DOLPHIN GAUGES <> POWER WINDOWS <> POWER DOOR LOCKS <> BANJO STEERING WHEEL AND TILT COLUMN.
Continue reading

 
To Top

1943 MB Amherst, NE **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

(10/19/2020) They don’t make them like this anymore….


1943-mb-amherst-ne01

1943-mb-amherst-ne02 1943-mb-amherst-ne0 1943-mb-amherst-ne1

Continue reading

 
To Top

1948 CJ-2A Dalles, OR $1800

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

Dan bought this jeep for the hardtop and plans to put it up for sale. As is with no Oregon title it is $1600 (parts jeep). Once he goes through the paperwork to give it an Oregon title, he plans to raise the price to $2000. The body is a unique wood kit. You can contact him at 971 704 1045 for more info or bosmate @ gmail.com (remove spaces around @).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2219840274827346/

Dan shared this ad. The seller of this jeep told Dan that his father bought a wood kit from Sears or Montgomery to make a wood body; this is the result. I searched my Sears and Montgomery catalogs, but couldn’t locate a body repair kit (but I don’t have all the old catalogs). Dan got some close of up pics which are at the bottom of this post.

“1948 Willys CJ2a Jeep. Was my dads jeep but he passed away recently. He had hopes to get it runnig and driving again as he used to drive it on his property 20 years ago. Needs work. Engine missing carb, distributor and starter. I don’t know where he put those, also I can’t seem to find the title for it so no title (unfortunately)…selling as parts.

The jeep has a wooden body from the mid body seam to the rear (forward body is original metal). My dad bought a kit to make the wooden body from sears or montgomery wards many years ago. I assume he did this due to rust in the rear body floors. It’s done very well as the kit included supports and corners. The frame and other parts are solid and only have surface rust. I was going to get this going again and purchased a rare Koening hard top for it which I will sell seperately if the new owner desires it. Also the jeep includes a nice roll bar which is not installed.”

1948-cj2a-wood-body-kit-snohomish-wa0 1948-cj2a-wood-body-kit-snohomish-wa1 1948-cj2a-wood-body-kit-snohomish-wa2 1948-cj2a-wood-body-kit-snohomish-wa3 1948-cj2a-wood-body-kit-snohomish-wa4

Wood body closeup pics:

cj2a-wood-body-kit-4 cj2a-wood-body-kit-5 cj2a-wood-body-kit-6 cj2a-wood-body-kit-7 cj2a-wood-body-kit-8 cj2a-wood-body-kit-9