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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1175.
No motor with this VW Jeep. I doubt this is a ’42, but rather probably several decades later.
“this 42 willys has vw runnig gear spun bearing in motor dont have motor. is fun to drive yes i have a title u just need to find a motor i just dont have time thanks open to trades or cash”
NOTE: I suspect I will revisit and update this post as I learn more from both readers and the internet.
I’ve been meaning to get to a post about retreaded offroad tires for a while, but really wanted to do more research on it, such as obtaining actual prices, shipping estimates, etc.
But, then Jim emailed me excited that he found retreaded tires that could be delivered to his door step at a total cost less than $400. He said I needed to share this with readers and he is right.
I told him I already knew about the tires and was aware of sources; however, that thing called ‘time’ kept getting in the way of me posting information about it. Also, I was about ready to purchase some retreads about which I’d planned to share with readers as a part of the post, but then Mitch made me an offer on some tires that I simply HAD to explore, so a purchase of retreads got put aside.
But, Jim’s comment made me realize it would be better to talk about what I’ve learned so far and let readers add to the discussion rather than try to figure it all out myself. So, here it goes …..
SUMMARY
First, let me say that I have never used retreads, so I have no personal experience with them. My summary is based on research and some feedback from readers.
OFFROAD RETREAD OPTIONS
Stone Tire (Here’s a link to a post about them)
Import Export Tire from La Trobe Pa (You can see the V-Grips on Gerald’s CJ-3B).
Treadwright: https://www.treadwright.com/
Others:
SOS Tire in Martin’s Ferry, Oh, sells the V-Grip (possibly by another name). I have no link for the website, but a reader named Travis has purchased the tires for two of his vehicles and says they have worked great.
Check retread.org for more possible locations
RETREAD TIRES
The Tire Retread and Information Buruea at retread.org is a non-profit, member supported, industry association dedicated to the recycling of tires through tire retreading and tire repairing. Additionally, according to the website, this association is not engaged in legislative or technical matters, which I interpret to mean they are not a lobbying body, but purely an informational resource.
According to the website, retreaded tires can “be driven at the same speeds, including highway and Interstate speeds, as new tires, with no loss in safety or comfort. Virtually all of the world’s airlines use retreads. Retreaded tires are used on school buses, racing cars, taxis, trucks, and Federal and U.S. military vehicles. These users all know that retreaded tires can be depended upon for safe and dependable performance.”
EXPERIENCES
LINKS
Jeepandmedic.com is a great little website that features a French (?) family that is busy collecting jeeps (GPA, GP, Hotchkiss …) and more. It appears to be a total family affair. Their collection of jeep pedal vehicles is particularly interesting. The collection of book titles is worth reviewing as well.
Below are a few of the pedal jeeps. Note the last pic where they are hanging in a garage above what appears to be the Seep covered in canvas.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $7995.
“134c.i. 1BBL 4cyl, 3 Speed Manual Transmission, Dana 30 Rear w/ 5.38 Gear Ratio, Red Lights, Wipers, Heater, Seat Belts, 4 Wheel Drive, Working Siren, Removable Soft Top, Removable Side Doors w/ Zipper Windows, Side Mount Spare Tire, Factory Steel Wheels w/ Military Tread Tires, Side Mount Fuel Can, Owners Manual, Service Manual, Runs & Drives Great! U.S. Air Force Air Police Classic Jeep!!”
It looks good, but the image compression makes the body look rough.
“1951 Willys M38 World War II Army Jeep. Parade quality. 30 cal. resin machine gun for looks. Drives and runs good. Call for more information or to see (608) 362-3267.”
http://janesville.craigslist.org/cto/1424880569.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700
It’s rough, but runs.
“
make a great hunting vehicle. runs and drives 4 wheel drive works. gunna go fast”
UPDATE: These were for sale back in July. Chris sent these updated pics (which are close to what Simon sent) and writes that the seller is not interested in parting them out.
“I have around 10 to 15 original WWII Willy Jeeps for sale. The have original engines and are fixer uppers. If you are interested email me for pictures and more info.”
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1258850495.html
It’s a beauty. I was a little surprised to see the engine area isn’t as polished as the rest of the jeep.
“YOU ARE VIEWING A 1948 WILLYS JEEPSTER CONVERTIBLE THAT RUNS AND DRIVES FLAWLESS. THE INTERIOR HAS BEEN RE-UPHOLSTERED ABOUT 50 MILES AGO, ALONG WITH THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. IT IS A REAL 1960’S HOT ROD. THE ORIGINAL MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A STUDEBAKER V-8 WHICH RUNS FLAWLESSY. IT IS STICK WITH ORIGINAL JEEPSTER TRANS AND REAR AND FRONT END. JEEP IS FROM TENNESSEE IT NEVER HAS HAD ANY ROT OR RUST, SUPER CLEAN BODY. ALL ORIGINAL LAQUER PAINT JOB- CLEANS UP WELL, BUT COULD USE A REPAINT TO MAKE IT MINT. IT HAS A 3 SPEED WITH OVERDRIVE AND HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO 12 VOLTS. EVERYTHING WORKS THIS IS JUST A BEAUTIFUL FUN LITTLE HOT ROD …”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.
“Fresh tune up, Runs good, 4WD does not work, but parts are available to fix it.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000.
“I have a 1947 Willys Jeep. Needs some work. Asking $2000 or trade for a Polaris Sportsman 4 wheeler.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This has a few unusual features. (1) Note the location of the 2nd battery, (2) note the “Power Train” hubs [I don’t recognize this brand] and (3) the interesting location/position of the heater.
“Up for auction is ‘Ol Fred, my very rare 1948 Willy’s Overland CJ2A. Purchased two years ago, and has been stored indoors ever since. A restoration was done by previous owner.. not so much as to “show” the vehicle, but to use it. Drives like a new Jeep. This vehicle is extremely tight. The Original Go-Devil L-Head 60bhp engine runs perfectly, as does the Original 3-speed transmission. Shifts like new. Complete Drivetrain was overhauled. The Transfer Case is equipped with drive pulleys for running external implements such as water pumps, generators, etc. New Brakes. Still runs original 6 volt system with additional 6 volt battery…..”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $6000
This is one of the better hard top restorations that I’ve seen. Most people dump them.
“Have a 1948 Willys CJ 2-A in absolutely perfect condition Frame off restoration with a 198 Buick V-6 with warn overdrive that runs perfectly. All 12 volt with all new gauges that all work. All hat channels perfect as the rest of the tub. Really nice Sears aluminum top, insulated on the inside. Goes down the road like a dream and I drive it daily. Top speed 60 MPH with the overdrive. Absolutely no rust anywhere, frame perfect, and all wiring, lights are perfect. Have Pa title in my name Serious buyers only for more pics One NICE Willys 2-A Please call 814-590-7732”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $700.
This might be worth some closer pics, though the steering looks a little crazy. Is that a steering housing sitting on top of the front of the driver frame rail?
“1953 Willys Jeep flat fender, V6 motor from a 60s model Jeep this jeep originally came with a 4 cly motor, Jeep needs the wiring ,exhaust and brakes redone to get it going good . Motor starts up and runs . Would make a good beach or hunting Jeep .
Possible trades for early bronco project or maybe 65-66 mustang project . Like I said it is a PROJECT but it is a cool collectors Jeep. Thanks Robert, Cedar Park Tx 512-925-2597. Asking $ 700.00 OBO”
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/1423505715.html
Tellico4x4.com has a 3 day sale with up to 70% on clearance item and 10% off all purchases (don’t forget to use the Promo Code TW-10P-9 when making purchases). Sale valid Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2009.
I have no idea if this is of any use to anyone, but I thought it was interesting. Here’s a the link to download a 200+ government document that lists THE STANDARD NOMENCLATURE LIST of Spare Parts and Equipment as of January 1944 for GPW & MBs. Sections of the document include: Maintenance Parts Procurement List (Section 2); Vehicular Spare Parts and Equipment List (Section 3); Organizational Spare Parts and Equipment List (Section 4); Ordnance Maintenance Unit Stockage List (Section 5); Depot Stockage List (Section 6); Geographical or Seasonal Maintenance Parts List (Section 7); and Indexes (Seciion 8).
Another document highlights the OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF GPWS & MBs from 1944.
I found this and some other documents related to GPWs, MBs, M-38s and M-38A1s at Archive.org, a website that stores all kinds of information as a digital library and public resource (the site has movies, images, books, and more). To find this information, do a search on Willys (or just click this link)
Here’s a couple images from the NOMENCLATURE LIST:
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $600.
It runs and drives.
“This is a custom built 1/4 scale Willys Jeep with a wood and metal body using an electric motor from a walk along golf cart. It has a single disk brake and chain drive. The wheels are from a wheelbarrow. A real craftsman made this and he had lots of time on his hands!”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1100.
It runs. It is only $1100. What more do you need to know?
“’53 M38A1 military Willys. Runs, rough body, definately a project/hunting rig. Engine converted to 12volt, lights are still 24 volt. Also included is a ’52 frame and body. not street legal at this time…bill of sale only. Limited access to email”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2800.
It’s not clear how long it was in a barn. It appears to run.
“Barn Find 1947 Willys. Runs Good, everything works, great shape for 62 year old rig. Civilian model, original motor and tranny. Military Soft top and doors. ”
UPDATE: **SOLD — Purchased by an eWillys Reader** The reader got a great price (under $2k). It had very little rust. Receipts totaled $8k worth of work and included parts in boxes never installed.
(01/15/09) The above price is meant as a starting point. The seller will negotiate. It needs to leave the garage. It’s got some updates and new tires & wheels.
“If interested – make me an offer. My Jeep needs to go… Great Jeep, but Needs work – You want this Jeep, but you need to have the means, place, ability to work on it. (or pay someone to). 1948 CJ2A – runs, has great heavy duty tires/new wheels (tires/wheels > $1000). 1976? Ford 2.3L 4-cyl engine runs good (new camshaft). very, very little deep rust. new radiator & electric cooling fan. Stock transmission, transfer case. 11” drum brakes all around. GM steering column and steering gear …. I spent $$$$ having this Jeep “gone through”, however the synchronizers were not replaced so you have to double clutch or you will grind gears shifting down. The transfer case still leaks some, so that may need attention also, but everything is “supposed” to be sound …. Price is negotiable. I put what I would like to get as a starting price, you can feel free to make me an offer . The jeep has loads of sentimental value, but I need it gone… 🙁 ….. ”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500
I can’t tell much from this photo.
“1948 Willys flatfender Jeep. Bowtie Willys V8, Winch, BFGoodrich 31″ mud terrain w/ matching spare tire, 2″ receiver towbar, Hate to sell it, just had a baby…. you know the story… $5,500 OBO”
Randy emailed me this morning with some great family pics. Here’s a little bit about Randy and a variety of pics. He says we can expect a few irregular reports from the Austin area as he often spots flatfenders around there.
I learned how to drive in a ’48 CJ2A when I was 12 years old and thus started my “addiction” to Willys. I’m now 54 and still love ’em. I moved to the Austin TX area a few years back and have a small ranch; So, of course, I knew what I needed in terms of utility vehicles. I have a ’48 CJ2A that is all original and records for it since 1967. The hardtop and extended bed are from a company in Houston, both are Koenig. I’ve not seen another Willys with the extended bed [ED NOTE: Here’s some info about extended beds from the CJ-3B Page]. I use the ’48 to go to the feed store and drive around town.
My other jeep is a ’54 CJ3B which is non licensed. It’s a bit rough, but starts and drives great.
I have attached a picture of the Eifel Tower I took a couple years ago in the Crown Room in Paris. It’s a picture of a picture.
As I was deciding what pics to send I discovered I have MANY pics of different family members, friends, animals and more with a Willys in them. It seems I just realized my Jeeps are indeed a part of the family. The jeeps earn their keep and are always a hit. I’ve taught a number of young folks how to drive a standard in these, and hope in some way I have started a passion for Willys as it did for me some 42 years ago!
Here’s Randy’s pic of a pic from Paris:
Here’s Randy and his jeeps:
View more pics — click the link below —
Jim, take it away … (thanks for sharing!)
Got a call today. Guy says,”I hear you like willys jeeps?” Yep, that sounds like me I thought. He said,”I have one here with flat fenders, all original, hasn’t been started in a while, will probably need a battery, some tires, gas.” Sounds like my kinda deal I thought, then I asked the fatal question,”when was it last run running?” “Oh, maybe 30-35 years ago when I was a kid,” he said.
Wow, it had been sitting in the same spot in a field on a fence line for so long that the diffs were touching the ground and part of all 4 rims and tires were 6-8 inches under ground. The 8000 lb warn winch on my trailer wound up pretty damn tight for a few seconds and then the whole jeep “popped” up and out of the ground as if it had sat on a tack!
2 trash bags of old carpet, wood, leaves, clumps of moss (yes, moss) rotted tools, a rusty hunting knife, 3 hornets nest and one poor little very unhappy wet field mouse later [ed note: see last pic] I found some very decent floor boards, perfect hat channels underneath, factory paint still on the frame, a surprisingly straight body, all stock everything and a super trashed windshield frame, but I have a spare here at the cabin.
The owner said they parked it originally cause it needed a fuel pump; so, what do you want to bet I will be driving this old rig in a few weeks? A lot of fun for an afternoon of flat fender hunting! Cocktail time to celebrate!
PS. my sincere apologies to the owners of the carwash I spent $10 at to remove the worst of the goo; sorry bout the mess …… serial number CJ2A 211636
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500.
This truck is in PRISTINE CONDITION? Maybe I’m confused about what “pristine” means? Nope, I’m not wrong. Stock & Raw might be a better description. The price looks good.
“1947 Willy’s PU Truck. 90% Original, runable. 265 Chevrolet 6 cylinder engin runs. 4 wheel drive. H-Lo Range. Body Complete, Extra Doors, Tailgate (original). Vehicle is in pristine condition. Ready for customizing or restoration.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,500.
“1942 willys MB “army jeep”. Completely restored 6 years ago. ONLY only 500 miles since rebuild.
RUNS LIKE A TOP, NEVER FAILS TO START, RUN, STOP, PERRS LIKE A KITTEN. NEW:
steel tub, fenders, w/shield frame, hood, grill, seat pads, tires, gages, wire harnes, breaks, gas tank, all lines, master cyl, inner and outer tie rods etc etc etc. REBUILT: 1946 cj-2 engine top to bottom, block line bored, turned crank, new pistones/rings, valves, carb, cam. Radiator recored used oe tanks.
Front and rear end completely gone though w/new seals and bearings. Starter. both front and rear drive shaft(propeller shafts). Transmission and tranfer case. spring rebuilt. FRAME: straightened, frame hornes correctly repaired, rear x-member replaced. EVERY THING IS EITHER NEW OR REBUILT BUMPER TO BUMPER, TIRES TO WINDSHIELD AND STEERING. IF IT IS NOT MENTIONS I JUST FOR GOT TO LIST IT. ANY ONE LOOKING TO BUILD ONE KNOW HOW MUCH TIME AND MONEY GOES INTO A FULL RESTO. there are a decent amount of gpw parts on the engine *********************************** PLEASE : NO TIRE KICKERS, NO LOW BALLERS, I DO NOT “NEED THE MONEY”. ORIGINALLY BUILT THE JEEP FOR MY DAD(WWII VET), HE IS GETTING A LITTLE OLDER TO ENJOY IT ANY MORE.”
This comes with a snow plow, but I was curious if this is a tow truck as well?
“Willys jeep 1 ton pickup , flat 6 3speed. turns over but have not got it running. comes with a plow. Would have to be trailered. Asking a $1,000 dollars for it or best offer.”
http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/1421127815.html
