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No Updates Tonight — Am Moving (to a new computer)

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

For 4 1/2 years I’ve lived on this Macbook Pro Laptop, through three different batteries and 3 power cords; To its credit, it has been a dependable, daily workhorse.  It has outlasted my previous 2 Mac laptops I owned.  That’s probably because, unlike the other two, this one has never been dropped on the pavement. To be fair, both laptops I dropped were useable after I dropped them, but the dents were obvious.

Despite the dependability, there have been a few recent problems.  For example, the animation of windows opening or closing would cause the poor thing to freeze, the Safari Browser was crashing daily from Flash (ok, maybe that isn’t all that unusual) and, worst of all, the computer was demonstrating fits of jealousy over the computing power of my Droid phone.  The letters on the keyboard have even become blurry, though after I have a beer they seem easier to read.  Finally, to get the thing to charge requires gymnastics, pagan worship, and constant maintenance.  So, I knew it was time to upgrade.

Fortunately, I was blessed this month with some extra money and pulled the trigger a few days ago, ordering a new 17″ MacBook Pro (http://www.jr.com/apple/pe/APP_MC024LL_SL_A/ — By ordering from J&R I saved $180 on the discount, versus Apple’s list price, plus about $170 in sales tax, for total savings of $350!).  So, I get to reorganize all my files and play with the new system.  Should keep me busy!

See you tomorrow!

 
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Builds: Randy, His Boys, and Their Flatties

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

If you’ve never really looked at a map of Idaho, pull one out (or, I suppose you could use Google Maps).  Between where I live in Boise and Coeur D’ Alene in the North is one significant route — US 95.  Look to the East of US 95 and you’ll see National Forest after National Forest.  Then look about halfway between in central Idaho and, if you look close, you’ll see the town of Kamiah. That’s where a reader named Randy and his boys, Devon and Dusty, call home. And, at their doorstep are endless National Forests they can explore with their friends. It is a regular jeeptopia.

Before you get to Randy’s story, keep in mind, that each of these jeeps started as basket cases, so there is still hope for your project!  Also, a big thanks to Randy for taking the time to put together detailed descriptions of their rigs.  Finally, check out the last pic … I think Biscuit would fit in just fine there :-).

Randy’s Blue 1946 CJ2A: This Jeep was purchased new by my wife’s grandfather in 1946 and was used for decades on the family farm.  After her grandparents passed away we were able to purchase it from the estate for $200 in 1993; it was about $199 to much considering the shape it was in.

We completely rebuilt it from the ground up with a new steel tub and repaired fenders, grill and windshield. The tub is for an M38 but was all that we could locate at the time.  I did most of the body work and my brother in law painted it in our garage.  The motor, transmission and transfer case were all rebuilt and 11” brakes were installed, we also installed a rollbar, stereo, CB and a back seat.

I built a spare tire/gas can carrier/cooler rack on the back and we also have both a bikini and full soft top.  I run 32×11.50 tires in the summer and fall; 33×12.50 tires in the spring when running in the snow for better flotation.  The low range 2 wheel drive pill has been taken out of the transfer case and lock rights have been installed in both axles.  A Warn M8000 winch was installed a few years ago.

Dusty’s Green 1946 CJ2A: I (Randy) purchased this Jeep for spare parts around the year 2000.  It was a total basket case with a rusted up headless motor and most of the back of the tub missing.

We decided to rebuild and modify it for my two sons to share; at the time Dusty was a sophomore in high school and Devon was in junior high.  We started the project in November of 2004 and completed it for its first run on Memorial Day weekend of 2005.  The 4 banger was removed and a Buick 231 V6 was put in its place, the T90, Dana 18 and stock axles were all refurbished and reinstalled as were 11” brakes.

New front and rear floorboards along with new wheel wells were welded in and we decided to take out what was left of the tailgate area and welded a flat back MB style back panel in its place.  The lift is all from a spring over and we installed Saginaw power steering up front.  Racing seats and harnesses along with a full rollcage were installed for safety and a rear seat was put in for passengers.  A console contains a stereo and a CB is mounted to the front of it.

The tires and wheels are 35×14.50×15 TSL Boggers mounted on 15×12 Mickey Thompson wheels.  I did all of the body work myself and my brother in law painted it Olive drab in our garage, a star was put on the hood just for fun.  A Warn M8000 winch along with a winch mount and bumpers that we built ourselves were installed as well.  The Jeep stayed pretty much this way for 5 years until after we found another Jeep for Devon that had bigger and better components than were in this one.

Once it became Dusty’s Jeep alone, he decide to box the frame and install a warmed up 350 Chevy with an sm465 transmission, Dana 20 transfer case that has been twin sticked and axles from 1975 CJ5.  The axles are Dana 44 in the rear and Dana 30 in the front 3.73 gear ratios.  New gears and ARB air lockers have also been installed in both ends in the past year.  He currently has a set of wider Dana 44 axles to be installed some time in the future.  Dusty did the entire drive train swap himself with only minor advice from me.  He has since built a spare tire/gas can carrier/cooler rack for the back and plans on putting on a set of 40 inch tires after some fender trimming behind the back tires is done.

Devon’s Green 1942 MB: I purchased this Jeep off of E-bay for too much money but it already had the running gear that I was looking for which included a small block Chevy (283 not a 327 as advertised), sm420 transmission (no ceramic clutch as advertised), a twin sticked Dana 20 transfer case and Scout II axles; Dana 44 rear, Dana 30 front with 4.27 ratios.

The body was pretty rough and it had a thin skin of sheet metal installed all of the way around the tub that hid lots of holes and rust.  A home built gas tank was in the back where a seat normally goes and a heavy spare tire carrier/cooler rack was mounted on the back.  We started rebuilding this one on November of 2007 and had it mostly finished by Memorial Day weekend of 2008.

A warmed up 350 Chevy built to the same exact specs as Dusty’s was installed along with the refurbished running gear that came in the Jeep.  All new spring hangers and reversed shackle mounts were built and welded on the outside of the frame in the front because of the wider Scout II axles, a new mount for the Saginaw power steering unit was installed and the frame rails were boxed.

The rollbar was cut apart and welded back together then installed in the correct place.  The floor boards front and back were all replaced and the area between the rear fenders was increased by using narrower rear inner fender wells, as a result we were able to put in some comfortable small bucket seats.  The rear fenders were opened up 2 inches and the rear axle was moved back an inch to make room for bigger tires.

Racing seats and harnesses were also installed in the front along with a stereo and CB radio.  I had injured my shoulder during the winter and was dreading the thought of all of the sanding that would need to be done getting the body ready for paint when a friend of ours that owns a body shop (Orofino Body Shop) volunteered to do all of the body work and paint the Jeep as a graduation present for Devon; what a fantastic gift.  We also had a star put on the hood and Devon built a rear bumper with a spare tire/gas can/cooler rack mounted on it.

A Warn M8000 winch was mounted on a winch plate and front bumper that Devon built as well.  This winter he upgraded the axles to newer Scout II Dana 44’s in both ends with disc brakes in the front.  We turned the front knuckles 15 degrees which gave it 6 degrees of caster and turned the back of the pumpkin up 9 degrees for a better drive line angle, new perches were welded on to get the angles correct.  The axles now have 4.10 ratios with OX cable actuated lockers.  He built a center console that houses the locker shifters and cutting brake handles for each rear brake.  New shock mounts were welded on the axles and he built new shock hoops for the front, he added Bilstein 5150 shocks on both ends and a heavy duty tie rod and drag link set that is designed for Dana 60 axles was also installed, the tubing is 1.5 inch OD with .250 wall thickness and huge tie rod ends.

The tires and wheels are 13.50x37x15 TSL Boggers on Mickey Thompson wheels; 40 inch tires will be coming in the next year or two.  All most all of the work done recently has been done by Devon, I helped him with turning the knuckles and installing the lockers but he did everything else himself.

Here are the boys Jeeps at the inlaws cabin in OroGrande which is near Elk City and Dixie as well.  Every time the boys take their windshields off it rains, we got caught in a nice shower on this trip.

And, finally, this is a Jeep run with friends of ours that have cabins in the old mining town of Dixie (near Elk City) about 100 miles from Kamiah.

 
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Dexter’s 1943 MBT Trailer’s Custom Tailgate

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

Last week Dexter bought a MBT with an unusual tailgate modification that’s real practical for standard uses.  So, he took some pics for us and here they are.

 
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Flatfender Parts Denver, Co

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

No pics provided.

“Willys jeep parts. New diamond plate corner panels( never installed) Hood, body(rough) CJ3A. MISC PARTS 2A-3A- M38. ALSO HAVE MANY DAUNTLESS 225 PARTS. INCLUDING A FOUR BARRELL HOLLY MANIFOLD. MUST MAKE ROOM, OTHER ITEMS INCL. 1500 GMC HOOD. AND 65 MUSTANG VALNCE AND TAIL LIGHTS. CALL JOHN 303-669-3417”

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/2192610761.html

 
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1947 CJ-2A Johnson County, Mo $1000

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

This includes a rear PTO.

“1947 Willys Jeep CJ2a, its camo in color with custom front bumper with an old hand crank winch (on the hood of the jeep), and a PTO on back. Had the clutch rebuilt last winter. It does not run at this time, it ran last winter and with a little bit of time and a little bit of work you could have it running. It needs a new battery cable and solande.The wheels are locked up and the back right tire is flat, i tried airing it up. There is rust and the body is in very rough shape. Seats are Torn. SERIOUS INQIERES ONLY Firm on price. Thanks ”

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2171469492.html

 
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1964 Truck Ivor, Va eBay

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

This has got some good and some strange aspects.

“THIS IS A 1964 WILLYS LAST YEAR MADE I BOUGHT THIS AWHILE BACK AND AT THE TIME IT DIDN’T HAVE A BED ON IT I HAD A TRAILER AND I TOOK THE BED OFF IT AND MADE A BOX TO HOLD IT OUT OF 2X6 AND 4X4 SALT TREATED WOOD AND AS YOU CAN SEE IT FIT REALLY WELL WHEN I GOT IT IT NEEDED ALOT OF WORK AND IS STILL NOT FINISHED IT HAD ALOT OF RUST IN THE CAB AND STILL DOES I WAS JUST GOING TO USE IT ARROUND MY FARM ANYWAY SO AGAIN I USED 2X6 WOOD TO RAISE CAB UP I PUT NEW SHOCKS AND SPRINGS ON FRONT NEW STEERING KIT ON LINKAGE AND NEW BRAKES AND 1 WHEEL CYL. ON FRONT I PUT LIKE NEW MUSTANG SEATS IN IT NEW DOOR PANELS AND COVERED NEW GAUGES THAT ALL WORK I ALSO HAVE NEW CABLE FOR WINSHIELD WIPERS NOT INSTALLED YET I ALSO PUT 33″ TIRES ON BACK AN 32″ ON FRONT I PUE A NEW FUEL PUMP ON IT AND NEW MUFFLER IT HAS A LARGE GAS TANK INSTALLED BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL ONE WAS RUSTED OUT I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH IT HOLDS BECAUSE I HAVEN’T DRIVEN IT ON THE ROAD YET IT SHIFTS THRU ALL GEARS FINE BUT WHEN YOU DOWN SHIFT FROM THIRD TO SECOUND IT SCRAPES UNLESS YOU DOUBLE CLUTCH IT THE FOUR W/D WORKS FINE ALSO I RAN NEW WIRING AND NEW TAILIGHTS TO BACK I HAD BACK SURGERY AND CAN NO LONGER DO WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO TO THE TRUCK I AM TRYING TO LIST EVERYTHING BUT I KNOW I’M MISSING SOMETHING PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS OR CALL ME AT………………BILL….. 757 6422202   ………………WHEN I LIFTED CAB UP I TOOK FLOOR COVERS AROUND PEDALS AND TRANS MISSION COVERS AND I UNDID THE STEERING COLUME I STILL HAVE JUST NOT INSTALLED AND WHEN YOU FIRST CRANK IT UP IT RUNS ROUGH TILL IT WARMS UP I THINK THE CARBURETOR NEEDS AJUSTED OR REBUILT THE PAINT LOOKS GOOD FROM 20FT BUT IT WAS A HOMEMADE PAINT JOB AND THE TAGS ARE OFF OF MY 48 WILLYS I JUST STUCK THEM ON IT AND I CAN HOLD FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED IF IT IS PAYED FOR IN FULL”

View all info on eBay

 
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1943 MB Modesto, Ca **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: Dexter nabbed this one. **SOLD**

No pics.

“Original 1943 Army Military Jeep Barn Find in good as found original condition needs to be restored, 2,500 or B.O.”

http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/2194268430.html

 
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1952 M-38 Chattanooga, Tn **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,000.

This is interesting.  The seller says this is an unrestored M-38 in great condition.  If accurate, this might be an unusual find if you want a M-38.

“Up for sale is a 1952 Willys M38 Army jeep. Looks and runs good. Tires are new. No rust however certain parts are pitted. Willys flathead 4cyl engine original to the jeep, T90 trans, 4wd. This is a rare untouched, unrestored find. It came straight from the fire dept and runs very good. Shifts fine, Steers tight, stops as it should and does not leak any oil. It has been converted to 12 volt by the fire dept and has never been modified or in civilian hands untill recently. I have the original gov. release form. This jeep also has the original spring seat cushions.

the last photo is a picture of my yard, if you buy and pay you will recieve. Local pickup only however I can help with shipping to 48 states and overseas.”

 
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1943 MB? Toppenish, WA Call For Price

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

No pics provided.  I’m wondering if this is an WWII Jeep or not.

“Original 1943 Wileys jeep with full factory hardtop and matching trailer. Running condition with clear title. Only serious buyers: Call 509-969-6989”

http://yakima.craigslist.org/cto/2192300502.html

 
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2 1948 CJ-2As, 1 1949 CJ-3A Narrows, VA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1200.

All three look pretty rough.

“2-1948 CJ2A Willys Jeeps with complete drive trains. Both have 134 cubic inch flat head four cylinder engines. One has a Kelly Manufacturing safari hard top. The other is a 1949 CJ3A, and has a drive train less engine with front clip. It also has a completely solid frame.”

 

 
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1955 CJ-3B Lyons, Co $1200

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $1200.

(11/19/09) It’s got some rot near the step.

“Still needs minor repairs, motor runs. With out roll cage $1200. or offer. Roll cage seperate $300. J.Mac 303-823-5308”

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2193990157.html

1955_cj3b_lyons

 
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eWillys Quick Response (QR) Code

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

I just got done reading about the ‘boom’ in the use of QR codes among business people in Idaho.  I really hadn’t paid attention to this technology, but then i thought that putting these codes on the back of a business card might just make sense.  So, I thought I’d try generating an eWillys code for kicks.

To see what the code does, first you will need a smart phone (despite my fondness for apple computers, I have an Android Galaxy S Phone which I really like).

You will need to install barcode scanner software (I installed Barcode Scanner from ZXing Team, which I read about here).

Once you install the software, open the program and point it at the image above and it should bring up a link to eWillys on your phone.  I thought it was cool!

To generate your own Code for your business (or for any reason), you can drop by kaywa.com.  It takes only a few seconds to generate one.

 
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Builds: Chet’s 1965 CJ-3B Restoration

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

Chet contacted me today, telling me about the restoration he recently completed on his 1965 CJ-3B that was once owned by his Grandfather. He clearly suffers from the Willy’s sickness, as he’s got the restoration bug again and is thinking Surrey this time (but don’t tell his wife just yet).  His CJ-3B is evidence that any project he tackles will benefit from his good work.  You can read all about his restoration at the CJ-3B Page. (Make sure to read about the bottle opener.)

 
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1949 CJ-2A Colorado Springs, Co $600

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

There looks to be value here.

“1949 willys cj2. No motor,no title. Running gear from bellhousing back including rear drive pto. Body not bad but lot’s of bondo. Would be fun to drop in a bigger motor and turn into a rock crawler,ice racer or rat rod.”

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/2191485466.html

 
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2 Tubs Orting, Wa $100

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

No pics provided.

“I have 2 willys jeep tubs and willys jeep frame im asking $100.00 for all of it the fame is original and in good shape the tub is good with a solid floor and the other one is good spare parts also have a windshild frame, grill, and hood that goes with it if you have any questions my number is 360-893-1964 please no emails thanks.”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/2191096026.html

 
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1947 CJ-2A Hickman, NE $3000

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $3000.

(01/18/2011) This has a fiberglass tub.  It does need some work.

“Pretty solid Jeep. Motor runs very good. Top is very good. 31×10.5 mud terrain treadwrights. only downside is the fiberglass tub. Needs very little done to it. What it does need are spring bushings and shackles which are pretty cheap and the storage bin that the passenger seat is mounted to. Was also converted to a 12v system but I think it still has the original generator, so it has a little bit of a hard time keeping a charge in the 12v battery on short drives. has original wheels. I have doors also. I just never mounted them, because I saw no purpose. $3000 obo.”

http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/2192399417.html

 
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1961 CJ-3B Orlando, Fl $8500

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

Looks good.

“1961 Willys Jeep, 4 cylinder newly rebuilt engine, new clutch, aluminum wheels, 15″ tires, very good condition. $8,500.00 — all trades considered. call 352-217-0295 or email me your phone # and I will call you.”

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/2191433253.html

 
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1947 CJ-2A Hoquiam, Wa $1700

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

UPDATE:  Priced dropped to $1700.

(12/22/2010) No pics provided.

“47 flatfender all steel tub in good shape decent paint good project jeep I have a 302 ford motor and a t90 tranny with overdrive and a Dana 18 transfercase they just need to be put in it’s probably 90 percent complete it just needs some small parts I have a top for it also I can email pics I’m asking 1700 or best offer”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/pts/2192060815.html

 
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Wolfgang’s Travel Trailer & M-38

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

Wolfgang lives in Germany and has a great looking M-38.  But, I think that travel trailer is equally cool.  It was built in Belgium in 1977 and the model is a Coral T3.

BTW Wolfgang is looking for a Bell Crank.  Anyone have an extra one?  Just email me at d@ewillys.com.

Here’s the shot of the trailer:

Wolfgang and some friends were out jeeping recently.  As you can see, he’s not afraid to get it dirty, either.

I thought this was a really cool shot.  They are crossing a river on a small ferry.  The town in the background looks so picturesque!

 
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1942 Willys MB Parts Sumner, WA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was No Price.

The grille tines look straight.

“leftover parts from a willys flatfender project I abandoned. came from a 42 willys mb, but they should fit other jeeps. good hood, and grill. decent fenders, and one good seat frame.
call Alex”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Arlington, WA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1200.

Engine is pulled. Title says price is $1200, but the text says $1400.

“This 1946 CJ2A has a good running L134 Flathead 4cly, Drivetrain in good Condition, T-90 Trans, (Twin Stick) Transfer Case. Has the Dana 44 Rear Axle, Dana 25 Front. Recently the clutch started slipping. Pulled the engine about 1 month ago. Frame has been boxed in the front, To improve strength. Has the stronger 1″3/4 driveline. Wiring has been updated, 6V system. This Jeep Willys is Stock, In fair Condition. Has become more of a project than my little garage can handle… All pictures are recent. Asking $1,400 or best offer.”

 

 
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Parkette(?) Flat Fender Fiberglass Molds

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

UPDATE:   Steve and I believe these are the Parkette Molds.  They appear to have sold.

You don’t see these appear for sale often. The CJ-3B Molds are especially unusual.

“Old set of molds to build Willys fiberglass bodies
One floor pan mold in good shappe.
One High hood body mold, needs to be reworked, wooden supports rotted and broken
One high hood grille mold
One low hood grille mold
One high hood hood mold
One low hood hood mold
One tailgate mold
Couple other misc. molds”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Cedar Park, Tx $3500 + trailer

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

UPDATE: Mike notes in the comments that the pintle hitch was an option for the CJ-2As and bolts right up.  So, this could be a CJ-2A frame with a pintle.

The serial number suggests this is a little late to be a VEC CJ-2A.

“1946 Willys Jeep CJ-2A (VEC- very early civilian) SN#76584. Kept in garage. Not working but small repairs required. Trailer included”

http://austin.craigslist.org/atq/2183562157.html

 
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1953 Truck Kennewick, WA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1800

“1953 willys ok shape not rusted. 350cu in Stock running gear.. needs restored. call or email.”

 
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2 Jeepster NOS Grilles Aberdeen, MD $285 for the pair

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

Doug spotted these.

“I have two vintage Willys Jeepster or Jeep pick up truck grilles. 1940’s or early 1950’s. New old stock. Found in the attic of an old building that was a Willys dealership back in the 1950’s. Solid straight condition. Still in the red primer. Some surface rust and lots of dirt from years of storage. $285 for the pair. Call Ron 410-273-2489. Aberdeen, Maryland. Thanks!”

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts/2187316382.html