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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 .
Bill spotted this Converto Airborne Trailer on eBay. Has some rust.
View all the information on eBay
“WWII US ARMY JEEP AIRBORNE 1944 CONVERTO DUMP TRAILER
GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION, HAS ORIGINAL COMBAT RIMS
The 1945 Converto T6/T7 Airborne Dump Trailer for Willys MB Jeeps, was made in limited numbers.”
UPDATE: As of July 13, 2021, this GPW APU is now in Stefan’s hands in Germany. As you can see, by the time he acquired it parts had already been removed (see original post from 2017 at the bottom of this post). He does not want the APU parts. I figured it is a long shot, but that I would check to see if anyone had an interest in the APU-related parts (some are O.E. Szekely); Stefan is willing to part with them. Comment below if interested or email me at d@deilers.com and I’ll connect you with Stefan.
Here’s how the jeep looked prior to pulling the parts:
Here are the parts related to the PTO:
PTO APU Cover:
Bob shared this online-only auction for a converted M-170 jeep. It has a few updates, including the fire equipment. The auction ends July 21st.
https://baerauctions.hibid.com/catalog/293919/vehicles–tools–auto-parts–columbiana-7-21-21/?q=jeep
“Power Steering, Tilt Steering Wheel, Ss Sleeves & Piston”
UPDATE: I have to second Mark’s reaction to this book. This has been a great read! Gerhard Neumann feels Forest-Gumpian at times, as his life bebops from adventures to mis-adventures. The jeep trip is a neat aspect to the book, and kudos to his good natured wife for suggesting it. But, his life story is so much more than just the jeep trip. His good natured attitude bubbles through his prose. And, don’t miss his tips and tricks, such as using horse manure to plug radiator holes.
Here are two pics from the jeep trip:
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Originally posted Jun 27, 2021: Mark Doepel shared news on Facebook of a book he found at his local Goodwill called Herman the German: Just Lucky I guess. It’s an autobiography by Gerhard Neumann. Mark really enjoyed the read.
A paperback version of the book is available on Amazon and you can probably find hard copies out there as well (I just bought a hard copy version). Here are some general reviews by a couple influential folks from the Amazon page:
“This fascinating and amusing account of his life is told by a colorful and highly capable German who became one of America’s most successful technical managers in the development of jet engines for aircraft.”-David S. Lewis ChairmanGeneral Dynamics Corporation.
“Not only has Gerhard Neumann’s life been filled with exotic and exciting adventures, but he was a highly successful engineer and executive-truly a superior individual and one of my favorite people.”-Sanford N. McDonnellChairman, McDonnell Douglas Corporation.
“Readers of Gerhard’s book will probably come to the same conclusion I formed while doing business with him; there is still room in industry for free spirits.” -T. A. WilsonChairman, The Boeing Company.
His colorful life included a jeep trip across Asia in 1947 documented in part by this 1948 Kansas City Times article from January 13, 1948:
This article about the release of Gerhard’s autobiography came out in the June 17, 1984, issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
This obituary was published following his death on November 6, 1997, in the Cincinnati Enquirer:
One more article on the Colorado Calvacade, this time from the July 23, 1960, issue of Grand Junction’s The Daily Sentinel. The newspaper reported that the Cavalcades had escalated in popularity to the point that instead of one grand event, it was divided into four weekend events.
Steve shared this early Sedan Delivery project.
https://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/d/reamstown-1946-willys-for-sale/7349188711.html
“The Willys has a complete body but no engine. Have other Willys parts for sale too.”
This report on the 1959 Jeep Cavalcade was published in Grand Junction’s The Daily Sentinel, August 25, 1959.
This seller added a few customizations to this Struck Mini-Beep. It’s the first one I’ve seen for sale west of the Mississippi.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/563279231502761
“This is a wood kit using plywood and wood boards. Craftsman 19 hr power and riding lawn mower axles. LED lights as well as a winch. Trailer was made from a child carrier. LED’s function. This was a project started by an ole friend, I finished it. Lots more options can be added for Parades or family functions”
When looking over the 1960 Jeep Cavalcade brochure, I noticed it was the 3rd annual event. However, the 1959 brochure doesn’t mention it being the 2nd annual event. A newspaper clipping from 1958 solved that question. It turns out there was a 1958 advance trail exploration in 1958 to prep for the 1959 event, though it seems to have been more of a low key event when compared to the 1959 and 1960 cavalcades. This short newspaper article in the June 1, 1958, issue of the Fort Collins Coloradoan explains it:
This article appeared in Grand Junction’s Dailys Sentinenl on August 23, 1959:
UPDATE: Will Corbett shared this 1959 ‘Jeep’ Cavalcade “Rush to the Rockies” Centennial event brochure with Gone-Gpn on Facebook. It is a tri-fold brochure that opens up with a full-page on the back. I’ve pieced together the back page from two separate pages, so it isn’t quite a perfect example.
This is the front of the brochure:
This is the back of the brochure:
This image shows the back of the brochure when fully opened:
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Originally Posted October 18, 2018:
This information covers the 1959 Jeep Cavalcade “Rush to the Rockies” Centennial. The 1959 Cavalcade was part of the 100th anniversary of the John Gregory’s Central City May 1859 strike, which led to a wave of hopeful miners descending upon what would become the Denver area. The Centennial was celebrate throughout Colorado through a variety of celebrations and merchandise (like these bottles and this Centential booklet).
A subsequent ‘Jeep’ Cavalcade was organized for 1960, as shown in this brochure.
Photo from the Denver Post. Both Life Magazine and the Denver Post covered the event. Note the white wagon above. It appears in a couple of the color photos below.
Some folks attached these flags to their rigs.
Here are photos of the 1959 Jeep Calvacade that appeared in the December 28, 1959, issue of Life Magazine (the one below).
This jeep has been modified with a truck bed. It’s listed as a 1958, so maybe it was originally a DJ-3A or maybe it is a modified CJ-3B or CJ-5.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/197222075670198
“I am selling my one of a kind custom Willys Jeep. This Jeep has a CJ3A front end with a custom stepside Willys pickup style bed. It is powered by a Ford 302 v8 with a T150 three speed manual transmission. That is paired to a Dana 18 transfer case that puts power to a Dana 44 rear axle and a Dana 35 front axle. The Jeep has 33” tires with front locking hubs. Jeep runs, but needs a new battery and fuel, possible the carb cleaned. I’m asking $4750 or best offer.”
Steve shared this one. The seller indicates they are parting it out, but it also has a price of $5000.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/d/richboro-1961-jeep-fj3-fleetvan-engine/7345781077.html
“Complete part out of FJ3 FLEETVAN
Call with needs”
Might be worth a look, especially if it includes the winch.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/198013002250705
“1953 Jeep m38 only 47,000 made-$3,500”
The writing on the door suggests this was a ranch vehicle out of Meeker, Colorado. The Koenig half top looks in good shape.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/343935637272342
“Rare barn find. Original 1960 “Farm Hand” CJ5. Original, removable, fully enclosed cab. Runs and drives well. 4 wheel drive works well also. Front rods and steering updated with new old stock (got rid of “death wobble”). New and correct fuel pump, plus and electric fuel pump for cold morning starts. Great patina and original Colorado farm logo on the doors.”
UPDATE II: Hans shared this photo of a Willys Rail truck’s speedometer. The Auf Schiene appears to translate as “on track”, meaning the interior speedometer should be used while driving on a track.
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UPDATE: This article features the third Delaware & Hudson Hy-Rail Jeep Truck. It appears to be either #152 or #162. The article appeared in the July 30, 1957, issue of the Press and Sun Bulletin out of Binghamton, NY:
I am happy to report that rumors of my imminent demise were grossly exaggerated, though said rumors likely evolved from my own posts. So, you can place your pall-bearer suits (or jeans and t-shirts) and your mourning outfits back on their hangers. It looks like I will be around for a little while longer!
Of course, God, with a sense of humor unmatched, plucked me off that frying pan (the first bed they gave me seemed hard as one) and dropped me into the fire, that being the record heat we had around here. For all my Arizona brethren, you can have your crazy 115+ temps! Though, I will say the hot temps made it very easy to stay inside and get well.
Back on the fateful day when I checked myself into the emergency room, and once they determined my near death seemed avoidable, I had plenty of time to kill and a full charge on my phone: dangerous bedfellows! Yet, I didn’t know if I was out-of-the-woods totally, so I figured I might as well let folks know that, as my father used to say in his understated manner, ‘there’s a problem’. Thankfully, I now feel reassured enough to say that, there is currently no longer a problem (knuckles meet wood).
But, that doesn’t mean eWillys will be back anytime soon. I’m enjoying this extended break. It may be that eWillys never returns to its original format. Instead, I’ll take this time to figure out a way that the site can be of use without the time demands of the past.
Before I go, I once again have to thank everyone who shared their stories about eWillys. It is always gratifying and humbling to see strange idea of mine evolved into something worthwhile.
Finally, I will leave you with two posts below, both oddities deserving of attention.
Dave
While some may question the design, there is certainly some good workmanship here.
I apologize for keeping everyone in the dark over the past week, but I felt it necessary so I could give you the best information I have.
But, before I begin, I just have to say that I greatly appreciate all the kind comments that were attached to the last post. They were a wonderful counterpoint to an article I read while laying in the emergency room’s hospital bed (for 12 hours). The article stated that men are losing close-male friendships at a greater pace than ever before. So, as each of you added comments, I was a warmly reminded at just how many friends I have, even if we have never seen each other face-to-face.
So, why was I in the ER? The most important reason was to determine whether I was having either a stroke or a heart attack, as I was feeling some numbness along my face, arms, and hands, along with some light chest tension (there is also family history with both strokes and heart issues). Moreover, my ability to control my blood pressure had subsided, meaning when I laid down to rest, it was still high. All this had been preceded by several days of feeling odd.
The initial tests in the ER indicated that I was not having a heart attack (that was a plus), but the EKG suggested I might have had one a few days before. Skipping over most of the drudgery and boredom that consumed my visit, eventually the next day they had me perform a stress test.
For those unfamiliar with it, imagine a very large ipod strapped to your side, affixed with multiple cables, along with body-hair-wrenching stickers attached to various parts of your body. Then, you climb on a tread mill and fast-walk it (in my head I thought I would be sprinting on it) as the heart tech raises the treadmill’s incline mode.
By the end of the stress test, I didn’t care what the results were: I felt great. It was the best I had felt in a couple weeks; I finally felt normal again. After that, I returned to my room and, while waiting for the results of the test, fell asleep.
Several hours later, I awoke to the nurse telling me I was going home. I guess the results were good enough that the doc didn’t bother to explain them to me. Besides, I had an appointment scheduled for July 1st with my new primary care provider, so I figured he would delve into the results with me.
At home I put myself on bedrest. I felt that if anything was a principal cause of all this, it was EXHAUSTION. So, that meant No eWillys, no computering (though I have been using my phone), and no physical labor for the near future. I am taking a long needed break from life, as best I can.
While waiting for the July 1st appointment to arrive, I also started some blood pressure medication. Unfortunately, that seems to have some side effects, but I can’t tell if it is the BP meds or some other issue causing them. After this third day of taking the meds (and feeling wierd), the first request I planned to make to my new doc was to remove me from the new med so I can establish a baseline of blood pressure and health. I need to know if there are lingering effects from this “Exhaustion” or if there was another factor that is causing some of the issues.
On positive side, my new doc explained to me that he felt I did not have a heart attack. Though he and I may have some debate over the state of my cholesterol (don’t get me started on that topic) and my blood pressure, overall he didn’t seem to have any worries about my health.
And, if you have any wonder as to why I was exhausted, not only had I been working my butt off for 4.5 months (getting the house ready to sell, packing, prepping the new house, then making changes to the new house), but I also stopped exercising (lack of time) and eating more poorly. Add to that, another cancer diagnosis for Ann’s mom (and the general friction we have with her). Then, there’s my own mother’s recent stroke(s) and the need to get her in a better situation, and the result is that I may have become overwhelmed by it all.
So, the plan of action is to get some rest (meaning keep ewillys on Hiatus for longer), start exercising again, start carefully tracking my blood pressure to establish a baseline, and do a sleep study. Hopefully, all this reset’s me back to my ol’ self.
Perhaps in another week or so I can add another report. Until then, I am doing my best to take care of myself.
Best wishes and again, sorry to worry you all (I have certainly been worried) and hopefully all this will work itself out just fine.
– Dave
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9000.
(03/11/2021) Lots of custom jeep here.
“1961 Jeep willys custom 1400 miles from frame off restoration chop windshield 270 v 6 two wheel drive headers duel exhaust!! Disk breaks !! Fiber glass hood !! One of a kind !!”
I am sorry to report that, until further notice, ewillys is on hiatus. I will provide an update in the next few days when I learn more about my health situation.
Thanks for your support, interactions, corrections, and, in many cases, friendship. It has been a most interesting journey.
-Dave
UPDATE: This post was first published September 25, 2014:
Joshua Regula-Morris has a neighbor who had an MB in Germany. The first photo shows him on his Jeep in 1946. The second photo shows the text on the back of the first photo. Apparently, some Germans restyled the jeep, resulting in photo #3. Joshua’s neighbor swears this is the same jeep. Before leaving Germany he sold it to a friend. You can just make out the shackles at the front below the bumpers. Unfortunately, there aren’t any photos from the side.
UPDATE: Sorry, but just this one post for Saturday. Besides the long day, I’m just not feeling my best (not Covid or virus-related). It’s been an on-off issue for the last week or so. I see a doc about it in a few days.
At the start of this video is a modified jeep named ‘Deloris’ built to keep the driver pretty mud free inside the cab.
0:00 “Doloris” on jeep with unit sign and formation sign painted out.
0:09 Artillery tractor also has unit and formation sign obscured. Transfer of Canadian forces from Italy to the Netherlands had been kept a secret. The obscuring of the signs may be part of that effort.
No updates today.
Thanks for everyone’s suggestions on the Allen bolts. I greatly appreciate them.
I made progress on the shop and garage-gym yesterday, and entertained Ann’s family. There may not be any Saturday morning either, as I need to mow, fix a few sprinklers, then drive Ann to Walla Walla this afternoon for dental surgery, the other guests arrive tonight.
Temps have been adjusted upward. High will now be 116 degrees.
I’m sure you are as shocked as I am that this post is about yours truly working on a jeep! It’s truly a miracle!
This all started because this weekend and into the early part of next week, we will have record hot temperatures, the hottest of which seem to be centered on ol’ little Prosser, Washington! (See the Axios story here) … records are going to fall.
Because things are supposed to heat up, I wanted to clear room in the shop so we could move a couple more vehicles in there. To do that, I wanted to move the racing jeep underneath Patterson (which would be lifted up on the hoist). But, to drive the racer within the hoist stands, I wanted to remove the wheel spacers to reduce the width.
Sounds simple enough, right? So, I jacked up the rear, pulled one rear tire. That’s when I saw this mess: several of the Allen bolts have been stripped. Ugh. WTF?
I figured I had a minimum of 2 solutions:
Thankfully, I don’t want the spacers anyway; if they get ruined in the process, so be it.
But, before I started, I figured I would throw my dilemma out to you folks to see if there are any other ideas floating around?
Joe-in-Mesa was kind enough to donate an FC-150 sign he won a few years ago while attending the FC-Roundup to eWillys HQ. It will have a ‘most excellent’ place of honor in the shop. Thanks Joe!
To keep it safe for the moment, I put it on the fireplace mantle. It is covering a lithograph my great grandfather bought in the UK in 1924.
In case you are curious, this is how it normally looks. Upon his return from Britain in 1924, my great grandfather Karl Eilers gave it to the Engineer’s Club (this was shortly after the club built their golf course and country club near Roslyn, NY, on Long Island), where Karl was a member. At some point, my grandfather, who was also a member of the club (and President in 1930) was given the lithograph back. Subsequently, the lithograph hung for years at my grandparents house over their fireplace, which was a done floor to ceiling in rock.
You can just see the edge of it in this mid-1960s Christmas time photo of their house on Hayden Lake. It’s interesting how much lighter the matte looks in this photo. It must just be the light, as I doubt the matte was ever changed.
Grandfather Eilers on the left. My aunt Martha on the swivel chair. My grandmother Eilers standing. That place looks smaller than my the way my child-self remembers it, lol.