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Builds: Claus Rebuilds a CJ-2A in South Africa

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

FEATURED JUNE 2010

Claus contacted me a little while back telling me he was from South Africa and asking if I’d be interested in seeing and sharing some pics of a CJ-2A he rebuilt.  Absolutely, I responded.  So, yesterday I received pics and a story of both his jeep and his brother’s jeep, which you can see here.  Thanks for sharing Claus!

Claus writes, “Its winter in the southern hemisphere and unfortunately this means wet weather for us folks in the Western Cape Area of South Africa. Sunny days are few in this time of year and I/we don’t plan many trips. It must be said that the nicest days are however also during the winter months – not too hot and no wind. All very positive aspects if you are day tripping with the old vehicles.

So now for the jeeps – There are not many flat fenders left in this part of the world – quite a few numbers of CJ2a were imported during the 1946-1949 for the purpose of farming. South Africa was also one of very few countries that ordered CJ2a’s in 1948 as Military vehicles. At that time the Union Defense Force (UDF) ordered 289 units, and these came in fact all standard from the factory in olive drap. Not many survived as they had to work hard on the farms or in service. Some that did continue to “exist” where built up as challenge vehicles and so the numbers decreased drastically. To date limited numbers are on the road – we don’t really have a vintage “jeep” club in the country so it is hard to tell how many are actually “alive”. It has however emerged that many people start to convert back to the original spec CJ’s which is nice.

I consider myself very lucky and after about 12 years of intensive searching, both here in South Africa as well as my home country Namibia, found a beautiful 1948 CJ2a in very good condition on a nearby farm. The Jeep stood for about 20 years on bricks in the owners shed so it has worked only for about 2/3 of its life and those must have been gentle years, because everything was still in very good condition. To top it all it had a complete PTO and monarch governor installed. The pto is currently off so I can restore it. I was also very fortunate to pick up a set of early WARN freewheel hubs (seen on the later pictures) So that in short is the story of my CJ2a. Attached are photos for reference.

Photo1: My Jeep when purchased

Photo2: My Jeep during a short day trip on a nice summer day in the Swartland district. (It just fits so perfectly into the landscape – water reservoir and windmill)

Photo3: My Jeep with new 10 piece canvas top ordered from New Life Canvas in USA

Photo4: My Jeep with original half cab installed

Photo5: My Jeep with new Half cab top installed

Photo6: My Jeep surf’ near Camps Bay

 
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Fire Jeeps out of the Netherlands

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, International, Old Images • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

FEATURED JANUARY 2011

I was trying to locate some more interesting willys-related museums, but instead stumbled across the atlantic, landing in the Netherlands (back in time no less).  The result were these 2 great images of old Fire Jeeps with extended rears and wonderful details.  There are a few more smaller images of these jeeps at the Netherland focused website Brandweerforum.  They have some other non-jeep firetrucks there as well.

 
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Sunday’s run into the hills

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

FEATURED MAY 2010

Despite some sketchy weather this Memorial Day weekend, I still managed to get into the hills.  Sunday proved to be the best day, so I chose to head out of Boise on 8th street again — otherwise known by me as trouble road.  You see, every time I’ve headed out that road, something has happened (one time, the fan stopped working .. last time, I broke the fender and almost got stuck near the hill top).  This trip was no exception.

Fixing my Carb

First, let’s talk carbs.  I thought I had gotten the carb running well, but hesitation problems continued over the past week.  By Friday of this week, I was getting ticked off at not being able to floor it and go — instead, I had to accelerate slowly.

My solution:  find a Carter/Edelbrock manual and get instructions.  Sure enough, I found one online that described my problem.  What I thought was the result of too much fuel was actually a problem of too little fuel.  So, I increased my primary jets to .86.  I also re-routed my PVC valve into the base of the carb.  Those two changes made ol’ Lost Biscuit much much happier.  Nothing like reading the manual ….

Now, onward and upward until …

So, with the carb functioning correctly, climbing out eighth avenue into the foothills went smoothly.  As usual, I checked my gauges frequently, especially my temperature gauge.  So, it was quite a surprise when I looked down and saw that the temp gauge had lept to 260 degrees!  SHIT!  I pulled over immediately and shut down the engine.  I jumped out to lift the hood to let the engine cool more; however, much to my surprise it turned out the engine was holding down a ready-to-explode radiator hose.  As soon as I lifted hood, the hose separated from a connection tube and a geyser that could be seen from Yellowstone NP let loose.  If I wasn’t so pissed off, it would have looked pretty cool.

So, there on the trail I sit scratching my head.  After letting things cool just a bit, I quickly found the cause of the problem — a wire had come loose at the base of the fan relay that was part of the original connection. So, I spliced around that loose connection and the fan started working again.

Now, how to get some water into the radiator?  I had a total of one bottle of water on me, so  I poured that in; unfortunately, I needed another 20 bottles or so.  That’s when lady-luck arrived in the form of a puddle around 20 feet behind me — I think it was the only puddle along that entire road.

So, I took my bottle, gathered water from the puddle and filtered the muddy water through a shirt.  After many trips back and forth, I got the radiator filled, cringing the entire time.  But, I figured it would work until I got it home to drain and clean it.

Now, onward and upward for real …

But I was sure about one thing in particular … I was getting to the top of that road this time!  And I did get there, all the way to the ridge road — finally!   Once I got to the top, I was having too much fun, so I just kept going and exploring.  And so, here are some pics from the trip.

First is a composition of images taken from the ‘road’ that ran along the mountain ridge.

On the north side of the ridge there is plenty of green, while the south side is pretty brown.

Here’s a bunch of sheep munching along the hillside.

I wanted to make sure I can get through the snow.  Without a winch, I don’t want to get stuck.

Finally, near the top of the highest mountain, too much snow filled the road to allow passage.  So, I have to save the very highest roads for some warmer weather 🙂

And here is the view looking west of this road.  You can just make out Bogus Basin road which carves upwards to Boise’s ski area, Bogus Basin.

And yes, once I arrive back home, I immediate drained the engine of water and flushed it with additional water.  I also changed the way the fan relay was mounted and simplified the wiring so that the damn fans won’t ever shut down again!

 
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Elizabeth Taylor on a CJ-2A

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

FEATURED DEC 2010.  

(NOTE: The link I had for this picture no longer works, but it was a part of the Getty Images)

I’m not sure if I’ve seen this before or not, but I don’t really care; that CJ-2A makes Elizabeth Taylor look mighty fine … or maybe it is the other way around.

A teenaged Elizabeth Taylor paints while sitting on the hood of a jeep in California, 1947. (KM Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

 
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More Jeep Pics from Life Magazine

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

FEATURED MAY 2009

There’s many more jeeps pics at the Life Magazine Photo Website.

Here’s how the Navy transported their rowing shell.

navy_skull_1950_mb

An MB or GPW pushing a Midget car to start it

life_magazine_midget_push

An early CJ-2A and a post hole digger

life_magazine_farm_posthole_cj2a

 
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A US Postal Willys Wagon image from the Smithsonian

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

FEATURED SEPTEMBER 2010

I didn’t know they made Willys postal right hand drive wagons!  The Smithsonian’s Postal Museum Exhibit has some great images of early original vehicles used to deliver mail.

From the website, “In August 1953, the first postal jeeps rolled off the Willys Motors assembly line. The model, the first U.S. car in three decades to have right-hand drive, was soon being tested on postal routes around the country.

Carriers used these right-hand drive vehicles to save delivery time on their routes. They were able to more easily reach the mailbox without having to park and go around their cars, or reach over the passenger’s seat to deliver the mail.”

 
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Builds — Edmund Angelus Automotive

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

dscn3831FEATURED IN FEBRUARY 2009

Matt’s provided us with a couple of projects completed by Edmund Angelus Automotive.  If you are near Roanoke, Virginia and are looking for someone to handle your rebuilds, you might consider them as they have rebuilt a couple of beauties.  Thanks for sharing Matt!  You can contact Matt at 540-354-4321.

Matt writes:  “Welcome to Edmund Angelus Automotive. Located at the foot of Bent Mountain in Roanoke Virginia. I do restorations and all kinds of custom work,heck I will paint a refridgerator if pays my rate of $38.00hr. The yellow jeep is a restoration w/a body kit installed. The Green CJ-3a is the second for the same customer, it also is a off-frame restoration with the original and complete make over with nearly 900hrs, the christmas jeep as it is called by the customers two little twin boys. These are taking an average of 18 to 20 weeks to do. I am currently doing B.J.#102, It is ’46 Willys Boyer Fire Jeep w/out the fire equipment. It found its way to me in literaly pieces and in lots of boxes. Now in week 19 I am acctually able to get in it fire it up and take it around the patch.”

Here’s a variety of pics related to these builds:

dscn3207

Continue reading

 
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Mannerspielplatz: Outdoor Adventures

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

2006_06_01_actionpark_planFEATURED IN JANUARY, 2009

So, you wanna shoot guns, dig with backhoes, race a suzuki, work a jackhammer, and drive a dozer all in one day?  Where do you go?  How about a Disneyland for Dudes?

The most recent edition of Wired Magazine ran a very interesting article about the Mannerspielplatz, which I roughly translate as a “play place for men” (I knew those 3 years of highschool german would come in handy someday).  I went to the Mannerspielplatz, but even my rudimentary German isn’t quite enough to translate all the things you can do at this unique German park.

However, it did get me thinking — could you pull off something similar in the U.S.?  Of course, the version in my head has an jeep/4×4 focus, but adding some big machinery along with some old automobiles, a tank or some other cool stuff might really be fun.  Frankly, there’s all kinds of vehicles I always wanted to drive but never have had the chance.  If the insurance and liability issues could be successfully negotiated, which I’m sure they could, then this could be a really cool idea.

 
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Around the World in a SEEP called Half Safe

• CATEGORIES: Books, Builds, Features, GPA (SEEP), Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

half_safe_9FEATURED IN MAY 2009

The next time you are in Perth, Australia, make sure you stop by and see Ben Carlin’s SEEP named Half Safe.  Ben Carlin and his wife navigated their SEEP around the world back in the 1950s.  I found two website’s that chronicle the adventure:  David Brooks shows pictures along with the story and Leisure Wheels has a large article with a single pic.  Below is the beginning of the story and below that are a few pictures.  Ben Carlin also wrote two books about his adventure “Half Safe” and later ““The Other Half of Half-Safe”.

half_safe_8FROM DAVID BROOKS WEBSITE:  “Ben Carlin (1912 – 1981) was born and attended school in Western Australia. While awaiting demobilisation after service in India in World War II, Ben noticed a US amphibious jeep among other war debris, and remarked “You know, Mac, with a bit of titivation you could go around the world in one of these things”. For some never-explained reason, Ben was not certified insane on the spot, and eventually fulfilled his dream ….”

>>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF THE STORY<<

Half Safe Pages

SEEP Pages:

 
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Aerial Jeep from Life Magazine

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

FEATURED IN MAY 2009

UPDATE:  I found a long discussion, details and the pic below at this website:

From this website, vectorsite.net, I’ll put some of the content just to make sure it isn’t lost.

flying_jeep

“The AirGeep was first flown on 12 October 1958. Apparently it proved grossly underpowered, barely able to fly over a fence, and it was sent back to the shop, where the piston engines were replaced by a single 317 kW (425 HP) Turbomeca Artouste IIB turbine engine. The upgraded AirGeep flew in late June 1959. It weighed 1.1 tonnes (2,500 pounds) and could carry a payload of 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds), including the pilot.

The AirGeep was put through trials for both the Army and the Navy over the next few years. The engine was upgraded again to a Garrett / Airesearch 331-6 engine, which had a higher power-to-weight ratio. For Navy trials, which began in June 1961, the rotorcraft was fitted with floats, and redesignated the “PA-59 SeaGeep”.

* Piasecki wanted to build a bigger and better AirGeep, and the Army Transportation Research Command obliged them by issuing a contract for what Piasecki called the “Model 59K” and what the Army called the “VZ-8P(B) AirGeep II”, which made its first flight in the summer of 1962.

The AirGeep II was similar to the AirGeep, except that the aircraft was “bent” in the middle so that the rotors were tilted fore and aft, it seems to improve forward flight characteristics. The AirGeep II used twin 298 kW (400 SHP) Turbomeca Artouste IIC turboshaft engines, once again linked so that if one failed the other would drive both rotors. One engine could also be coupled to the landing wheels to drive the machine on the ground. The increased power allowed a maximum take-off weight of 2.2 tonnes (4,800 pounds). The pilot and observer had “zero-zero” ejection seats, allowing safe escape if the machine was on the ground and standing still, and there were apparently seats for additional passengers.

As we learned, the rotabuggy was a bit of a failure. However that didn’t stop the military from investigating some type of ‘flying jeep’.  Now, I don’t know if the military really called it the Aerial Jeep or whether it was Life Magazine’s attempt to sell magazines, but the result is a pretty unusual flying machine:

life_magazine_aerialjeep

 
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Heading to Cedar Pockets to Camp

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

After discovering Snow Canyon State Park was full yesterday, we decided to hold up in a motel last night.  Because of the crazy winds, camping didn’t sound all that great anyway.  Today, the winds have died down and we’ve found a new area to try:  Cedar Pockets, Az, a small area a little ways from I-15 in the northwest corner of the state.  It’s off of that one exit in the middle of the plunge through the tight rocky canyon as I-15 descends from St. George, Utah, to Littlefield, Az.  So, we’ll see what we think of that spot.  I expect no cell service there, so if there aren’t any updates for a few days, that is why.  However, I will re-run some older feature stories each day for fun.

Here’s an image from the area (not ours):

 

 
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2012 FC Roundup Report

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

I wanted to extend our thanks to everyone who made our visit at this year’s Roundup memorable and fun.  And a special thanks to Jesse for inviting me to attend, despite the lack of my own FC.  Also, I really appreciated everyone who told me how much they enjoyed reading this website.  Your feedback makes my efforts worthwhile!

On Saturday I was able to win a raffle price, 2 headlight gaskets (courtesy of Roy).  After winning them,  I announced my grand plan to build an FC around the gaskets.  Yes, we’ll build from the front of the FC (fc-150? fc-170? something else) to its rear.  I expect this is going to be a slooowwww project.

I even found the perfect FC project in Tucson as we drove out of town on Sunday morning; well, drove is a stretch.  More like, plodded along due to an overturned semi in Black Canyon whose delivery of vegetables will likely be delayed (though the local rabbits should have some good forage for a while).  Unfortunately, Tucson was in the opposite direction from where we were going and I suspect this incredible deal will be gone by the time I could ever make it back down there.

1961 FC-170 $450: (SOLD quickly after I posted it; it was in Tucson).  Check out the early hubs on this, too.

So, until our FC is complete, I will just have to enjoy looking at and riding in other people’s FCs. Here’s some random pictures from the event.  Thanks again to everyone and I look forward to the FC Get Together in Washington.  If you don’t have an FC, find one and join the fun next year!

 
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Wood Chipper on CJ-2A From FAO Report

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

From a Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations  comes a 1950 report that includes this unusual wood chipper possibly developed by the Fitchburg Engineering Corporation (?).

 
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Smithsonian Institute Jeep in Panama

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

In this article by Lesley Panilla, Alexander Wetmore Stands Next to a Jeep at Rio Las Tablas, Panama, 1948.  “After a number of visits, correspondence in the collection indicates that Wetmore was using the same Jeep during successive visits. Eventually they painted SM-INS in the front bumper marking it for Smithsonian Institution use (see SIA2008-3201).”

 
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Bobcat Fiberglass Body Lewiston, Id Make Offer

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

This is in much better shape than my Bobcat body was.  I took a look at the engine mentioned in the Ad and I think it is a prewar engine.

“I have a Fiberglass Tub for a Willys 1945 thru 1952 CJ2A CJ3A. This needs a little work but overall in great condition.

Please make me an OFFER if you are interested.

http://lewiston.craigslist.org/pts/2934687786.html

========

I also have both front & rear differentials/drive lines & L-134 Engine/Transmission/Transfer Case. This Engine assembly is not original to this 1948 CJ2A, it looks older. There are no markings from willys on the Head. Take a look at my other posting & tell me what it is.

I believe this to be 1941 thru 1944 War Jeep Engine.

Please make offer if interested. two zero eight 7nineone0five1nine”

http://lewiston.craigslist.org/pts/2934667122.html

 

 
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2 Jeeps and a Chassis Hudson Valley, NY **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $700

Well there is value here.  But, please, a moment of silence for that poor CJ-2A; it may never have been a real soldier, but it looks like it got blown up just the same.

“I have 2 old willys mj jeeps. And a frame with rears and trans.”

 
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1961 Wagon East Texas $1,975

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

It runs and drives.  It appears to have potential.

“1961 Willys
Runs and drives
Original flat head six
214-755-2904 ”

http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/2935214265.html

 

 
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Year? Flattie Tupelo, Ms $2200

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

It looks like a parts jeep.  Did someone really think that rollbar system would work?

“51 willys with all original running gear but engine. I have a 4.0 inline six and a dana 35 rear with a dana 30 front that go with it. the axels are out of a cherokee and the front needs to be changed to leaf spring setup. i bought this with a bill of sale. I also have a front and rear bumper,front pictured. 2200.00 obo. 662-871-9two one 9.”

http://northmiss.craigslist.org/cto/2935573933.html

 
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1964 M-677 Sun Valley, CA

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

UPDATE:  Currently not for sale.

Dan had this M-677 up for sale. A scammer attempted to use photos of the vehicle (though not the exact ones below) in a scam.

1964 Jeep M-677 Forward Control 4 door, M-677 Four door Military crew cab Forward Control. One of the rarest and most sought after Jeeps. This is one of around 30 known.

Original 3 cylinder Cerlist Diesel motor. This is a rare military version of the FC 170 but with extra doors.”

 
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1942 MB Richmond, Va **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9000.

(11/12/2011) It looks nice enough, though not 100% original.

“Built in 1942 by the Willys-Overland Company for the United States Military, this magnificent truly original Willys MB ‘Jeep’ is a piece of living history. By the end of WWII, Willys had made 362,841 ‘Jeeps,’ Ford 281,448, and Bantam 2,675. These ‘Jeeps’ were manufactured at a cost of $738.74 per unit. Willys is generally accepted as the best of the three manufacturers. The standard specifications for the vast majority of these vehicles included a 3-speed manual transmission (floor mounted gearshift with an un-synchronized 1st gear), mated to a front mounted 134.2 cu in (2.2L) 8 valve Straight Four Cylinder engine (which made 54-hp at 4000 rpm, 95 ft.-lbs. torque at 2000 rpm, a 6.48:1 compression ratio, good for 45.4 lb/hp). A 15 gal fuel tank, six-volt electrical system, and pintle tow-hook were also standard fare. This vehicle is in amazing true and authentic condition. Its canvas top and canvas seats are in great shape, as are its two canvas doors, military styled tires (another has been ordered by the owner for the front spare), the flat Army Green military paint and white markings. It even comes with two helmets, authentic period goggles, a reprinted army owners manual, a book including documented history, photos, a good amount of its service history, and even a 1:18 scale die-cast model. This Jeep is a must see for anyone who is a Jeep collector, a fan of military vehicles, or just anyone who would like to own a living piece of American, World, and Vehicle History. This Jeep is all of that and more. You can’t look at it and not be captivated by it.”

 
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1951 CJ-3A Westminster, VT **SOLD**

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

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $3500.

Lots of changes to this flattie.

“Iam selling my 1951 Jeep cj3a. It has a 3 speed trans super lower transfer case. The engine is jeeps 4cyl F head instead of the flat head that was in it. The suspension has a 4 inch shackle lift. no body lift. We hand built the tube from the fire wall back. very stronge the under side is real 3M bed liner not the cheap stuff. Has a front mounted winch cable in great condition. Has front brush bumper. Custom build diff and trans skid plates. Custom built 6point roll bar very strong. reinforced on booth sides. The streering has been converted to GM power steering very nice off road. streers like dream.Has been converted to 12volts. led lights for turns on front, Has great bucket seats in the front and a bench in the back. Summer is here great rig to drive around on the weekends.
More pictures can be emailed if interested.”

 
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1970 DJ-5 Castle Rock, WA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $700

Chris spotted this, hoping it could find a home.

“1970 Jeep mail delivery for sale. Right hand drive. 2 wheel drive.I have an affidavid in lieu of title. The previous owner lost the title.. In good shape. Buick V6 is bad. Needs to be replaced. Good Turbo 350 transmission. $700 or best offer.”

 
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1944 MB? Winslow, AZ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $1500

(11/10/2011) “1944 willys jeep.With lots of parts. moveing getting rid af lots of stuff. new engine..three differant shops told me its worth.”

 
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Year? Model? Eugene, OR **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $600.

(03/13/2012) “set up for small block chev what will ya trade or best cash offer”

 

 
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1948 CJ-2A Tabor, SD $10,700

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $10,700.

(11/11/2012) This was listed as part of an auction back in 2009 of a collection of nice jeeps.

“1948 Willys Jeep
New body & tires.
Call 1-605-four 63-two 4 one 0.”

http://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/cto/3715077956.html

1948_cj2a_sternhagen