California-Modded Research Archives

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1943 Flattie Fresno, CA $21,000

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $21,000.

(01/14/2024) Thanks to Mike for sharing this Fresno-area modified flat fender. It’s got the stylish doors, the muller top, and many other updates. Note the care taken to build the front drive shaft around the automatic transmission.

https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/fresno-jeep/7705250995.html

“I have a custom 1943 Willy’s for sale. She is powered by a Chevy v8 350 with a t350 automatic transmission and a split transfer case. Chevy rear end with 3.73’s. Custom removable vinyl windows and roof to make it a fully convertible vehicle. Steering box was pushed forward to accommodate the power steering, custom made drivelines to GM front and rear end. Everything from suspension to interior and paint has been customized and done right. Everything on this rig works as it should. She is a 4×4 Hotrod that gets tons of looks and compliments!”

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1951 CJ-3A Fresno, CA $24,999

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

This is a classic Fresno-area build with the oversize glass in the windshield, the doors, and more. It may include a soft top. I see no evidence it includes a Muller top.

https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/fresno-1951-jeep-cj3a/7672608100.html

“Very clean Jeep CJ3a, 2nd owner, owned by the seller over 50 yrs.
SBC 350, Turbo 400, Spicer 18 transfer case, Warn overdrive 25%,
Dana 30 front, fresh Dana 44 rear
(new bearings, gears and LSD), Warn winch, big brakes, clean paint, good tires, and new dual fuel tanks. Upholstery and carpet is 4 yrs old with very little use.
Can be seen by appointment in Fresno CA.
You don’t see many like this one for sale. Odometer just rolled over last week, perfect starting point for the new owner”

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1953 CJ-3A Boise, ID $13,995

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

UPDATE: This is now being sold by a dealership. The lengthy list of “Vehicle Options” is quite strange.

(10/11/2022) This jeep came out of the Fresno, California, area and has been for sale previously. It’s got a Muller top, expanded windshield, and doors similar to some other California-jeeps from that region. One thing I hadn’t noticed was that the generator has a power steering pump mounted behind it. Is that out of some vehicle? It seems like a handy setup.

https://boise.craigslist.org/ctd/d/boise-1953-jeep-cj-willys-financing/7606848454.html

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1953 M-38A1 Fresno, CA $11,500

• CATEGORIES: M-38A1 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Mike spotted this classic Fresno-modded jeep. The Muller top, the side doors, the upgraded engine, and more are common among jeeps with Fresno mods.

https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/fresno-1953-m38a1-willys-jeep/7457895956.html

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“’53 Willys M38-A1 Military Gunner Jeep. This model has the highly desired heavy duty turret frame because they were often used with a tripod mounted 50 caliber machine gun.
This Jeep now sports a ’69 Chevy 327 V-8 engine w/overdrive, 4-stick shifts (4-speed, 2wd-4wd, Hi-Lo, Overdrive), power steering, power brakes, Warn Locking hubs all around so you can tow it free-wheeling. Two Heaters. An extra external radiator fan. Two gas tanks. All new wiring harness. New Brake Lights, seat belts, modern fuse box built into custom glove box.
Also includes soft side windows & doors, roll bars, tow bar, trailer hitch.
Front winch & wipers are not hooked up.”

 
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1943 GPW Milpitas, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.

This has some old school updates. Some, like the tail lights, doors, and fender flares, are similar to some of the Fresno jeep mods.

“I have a 1943 Ford GPW for sale. It has the original gpw chassis and tub but the grill and hood are from a cj3a. The seats are from a Chevrolet car and sit on custom fabricated frames. The gas tank has been moved to the back to sit under the tub. It comes with a Chevy 152 engine which has 90hp and 152 lb ft of torque. Nice little 4 cyclinder engine, starts up first crank and runs smooth. The transmission is a T90 and needs to be rebuilt. Right now the third gear synchro is broken and second gear grinds. It come with a really nice roll cage, set of doors that lock, and a rear seat. The price is $6500 OBO. I paid $7500 for it, and was hoping to throw a new tranny in her and have some fun. But I’ve been busy and just don’t have time to work on it.”

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1948 CJ-2A Fort Mohave, AZ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** … This one finally found a good home.

(08/17/2017) This has a variety of upgrades.  The grille reminds me of a Nuffield.

“One of a kind
1948 Willys Jeep 4 wheel drive ( 81 ” wheel base )
I’ve owned this Jeep for over 40 years
All steel body (no rust or damage)
Complete frame including spring hangers etc. are boxed in
Hi performance 350 cu.in. fresh small block Chevy / chrome custom headers
Turbo 400 trans, electric lock up tork converter, custom made dash and hood
Halibrand quick-change rear end (extra gear sets)
Custom body work-exhaust exits out rear of body,
Flaring on wheel wells / license plate recessed
Enlarged windshield / frenched head lights /custom grill
Stainless fuel tank
Custom Fresno top / side panels included
Tilt steering wheel / power steering
Disk brakes all around
Double chain driven transfer case
Chrome traction bars
Roll cage
Bucket seats
Street legal, titled and registered
Has never been outside my shop over night, always indoors”

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1945 MB Central Point, OR $8000

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(10/29/2020) Lots of mods, including the cali windshield mod and reversed and lengthened front springs.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3075544135887896/

“225 v6 auto trans, power steering, electronic ignition, tilt steering wheel.runs great comes with soft top doors runs great also I’m posting the for my father”

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1961 CJ-5 Fresno, CA $6500

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(08/01/2020) Looks like a good price for a Fresno-modified CJ-5 with a Muller top.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/274518483875493/

“WILLYS CJ5 61 CUSTOMIZED IN 65 283V8 3SPEED OVERDRIVE ENGINE FRESH REBUILT NEW BRAKES DANA 44 REAREND CUSTOM FUEL TANKS MUELLER TOP INSIDE CLEAN TIRES GOOD RADIO WORKS WILL CONSIDER PART TRADE”

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1943/65 Flattie Rio Rancho, NM $13,000

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $13,000. 

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/rio-rancho-willys-jeep/6828048488.html

(04/18/2018) Chad spotted another California modified Flattie. It’s nearly identify to three other jeeps (same body updates, same dash, same custom windshield, same Muller custom top, etc). The differences are slightly, such as this one has a black rear bumper rather than a chrome one like the others.

  1. For example, Here’s one that was also listed as a 1965. They have different valve covers and different rear bumpers, but pretty much everything else looks the same: http://www.ewillys.com/2015/06/10/1965-custom-flattie-las-vegas-nv-ebay/#more-113889
  2. Here’s another (this has a 302 and chrome bumper): http://www.ewillys.com/2014/08/25/1948-cj-2a-kerman-ca-6950/
  3. And another (black seats): http://www.ewillys.com/2012/03/13/1948-cj-2a-clovis-ca-ebay/
  4. This has more differences than the others, but similar look: http://www.ewillys.com/2017/08/17/1948-cj-2a-fort-mohave-az-16500/ 

Here’s the ad …

“I’m selling my willys jeep. I hate to see it go but i don’t use it at all. Its in perfect shape. So many upgrades to the small block 305 v8. I don’t need to get rid of it so no low ballers. I am open to some trades and reasonable offers. I dont need help selling it and cash only. No scammers or tire kickers.”

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1948 CJ-2A Fresno, CA $1800

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/15/2018) This looks like a neat project. I’d love to get my hands on the doors and the customized windshield. And, it also has the first Muller half-top I’ve seen. Cool! I’ll be this has been sitting for years.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/188625431823502

“1948 Willy’s CJ2A rebuild project. Chevy 283 goes with it, T-90 transmission and transfer case needs to be gone through, Chevy power steering box installed, have all the body parts”

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1951 CJ-3A Chico, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE **SOLD** Was $3750.

“I have a 1951 Willys Jeep and I am looking to trade for a pre smog muscle car or truck. The jeep is in pretty good condition besides interior and a couple spots on the body. The jeep is running and driving it has a Chevrolet GM Goodwrench crate 350 runs great! Starts right up. 3 speed with overdrive. Brakes need to be worked on. Trade for pre smog V8 muscle car or truck”

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1947 CJ-2A Merlin, OR $11,500

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(03/16/2017) Looks good. Has a variety of updates.

“Buick V6 225, Power steering, Lockers Front and Rear, Hydraulic winch, Tow Bar, Bikini Top, and Full Top.  Chevy Transmission four speed and transfer case. Tilt Wheel, custom dash, two fuel tanks. New tires and wheels. Box of Parts and rear seat. Electric Wipers.”

https://medford.craigslist.org/cto/6075442558.html

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1942 GPW Fresno, CA $25,000 obo

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(11/07/2016) Has a Muller Top and other custom updates.

http://fresno.craigslist.org/wan/5863460545.html

1942-gpw-cali-modded-fresno-ca1
1942-gpw-cali-modded-fresno-ca9“1942 Ford Jeep
• 34,806 miles
• Clean Title In hand
• 74 Year Old Military Jeep
• No DMV FEES

• Original Body
• All Chevy Products
• Top is Cooper Custom Made
• Top Can Be Removed
• Panels Can Be Removed
• Custom Made Doors
• Windshield Folds Down
• No Row Bar
• Bucket Seats From 1960 Mustang
• Custom Made Backseat
• Carpeted

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1946 CJ-2A Gardnerville, NV $6500

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

Has the “Fresno” expanded windshield.

“1946 Willies Jeep 283 with a rebuilt Chevy engine. Power steering 85% restored, need linkage hooked up. Automatic transmission. Please call for more information, no text messages please.”

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/5857184600.html

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1961 CJ-5 Fresno, CA $2995

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

UPDATE: The price has been bouncing around a bit. This is the lowest I’ve seen.

This has the muller hardtop and a few other California-esque mods, such as the rear bumper (note it looks similar to the rear bumper in the muller ad). Despite sitting, this might be worth a look. It’s probably a well-built jeep.

“1 owner
283 chevy v-8 80,000 miles
Runs/on non op
new starter
new battery
new alternator
power steering
overdrive
new tires
muller top
rear seat
towbar
soft doors and sides”

http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/5652861097.html

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1942 GPW Carroll County, MD $8500

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $8500

(10/26/2014) I wonder if this came from California. It’s got the unusual windshield mod done in Fresno.

“Restored 1942 ford GPW rock crawler
231 oddfire v6 with HEI
t98 granny low 4 speed manual
Spicer 18 t case (new)
New clutch
Dana 25 front axle
Dana 44 rear axle with locker
Power steering
Gunmetal grey
20 gallon stainless gas tank
Aluminum alloys with 33″ tires
Clear title
Original VIN plate
No rust!!!”

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/5268451504.html

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1949 CJ-3A Sonora, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.

This has one of those unique California modified windshields.

“1949 jeep willys buick v6 with rebuilt carb t-90 3 speed transmission rebuilt, dana 18 twinstick transfercase rebuilt, warn overdrive gone through everything has just been rebuilt no more then a few miles on it ,lifted on 33 in mud tires , warn front locking hubs, front tow bar , winch has no remote , tilt steering, needs exhaust put on its and brakes need to be bleed but they still work”

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1951 CJ-3A Fresno, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was No Price listed.

This has the California windshield mod.

“I have jeep 1951 for sale runs really strong 350 motor and 3 gears only tags dated”

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Directions for Muller Custom Top

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Features, How To, Magazine • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Hard to believe it has been almost three years since I published this post!

I discovered these directions for the Muller Custom Top in the August 1965 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine that we’ve seen on nicely modified Fresno area Jeeps.  I’m considering building one of these for Biscuit and selling my Kayline.

Page 40 (last page of article) below:1965-08-fourwheeler-muller-top-pg40

 
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1965 Custom Flattie Fresno, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,5000. It has a Muller Top

“THIS IS A 1965 WILLYS THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH A 1969 WINDSOR 302 MOTOR WITH HEADERS AND A C4 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE BODY IS AN AFTERMARKET ONE PIECE ALLUMINUM BODY MOUNTED ON A 1965 JEEP CHASSIS. (REGISTERED AS 1965 JEEP). TOTAL FRAME OFF RESTORATION FROM THE GROUND UP. WAY TO MUCH TO LIST, ONE YOU MUST SEE AND DRIVE.”

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Rancho Cordova Flat Fender Builder

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

In 2010, Chris commented that a retired Ford Mechanic in Rancho Cordova, CA, built about 40 flatfenders.  I believe he’s responsible for a variety of jeeps I call the “California Modded” jeeps.  They often have an expanded windshield, implement a Muller Top, and have a lip added on the rear wheel wells.

Does anyone know the name of this mechanic or have any other information about him?

Here was Chris’ comment from this post:

There was a retired Ford mechanic in Rancho Cordova, Ca. that was building flatfenders for a while as a hobby. Back in the early 90′s he had built closed to 40. When he picked up a willys that didn’t have a a good windshield,the large windshield is what he put on. He has since passed away.

 
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1948 CJ-2A Clovis, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,500.  The seller says this jeep has a Cooper top, but it looks just like a Muller Top to me.  Maybe they are one-in-the-same?

“Ole Yeller” is up for sale or trade. Sporty, fun and dependable head turner. Comes complete with all snap on soft sides and windows and has original Black plates. It has a 48 Willys body, 69 Ford Windsor 302 motor with J-series cast iron heads, Keith Black pistons, Edelbrock cam, intake and timing chain, FMC carb, 69 C4 3 speed auto trans with stage 2 shift kit and B&M 2000 stall converter, Dana 25 front axle, Dana 44 rear axle with 427 gears, Spicer model 30 transfer case, SoCal gauges, Tilt steering wheel, electric parking brake, new hi performance battery, CD player, ceramic coated headers, like new tires. Only 6000 miles on it since build. Paint is not perfect and the Cooper top has a small repair patch in it, other than that it’s a fantastic little Jeep. I want $12,500.00 or trade for a custom vehicle of equal value. Please no texting or low ballers. Read the list of components and add them up, this is a good deal.

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1949 CJ-3A Lodi, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000

(06/19/2014) This might be a good price. It’s got some of the Fresno area mods (doors and the windshield). PIcs could be old or the camera’s date mixed up.

“1949 Willy’s Jeep with new 33″ tires. Chrystler V6 engine, tow bar and winch. $4000 or best offer.”

 

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1947 CJ-2A Superior, MT $4000

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

Looks like this has a ‘California Modded’ windshield.

Good running Jeep, needs upholster work on seats, has full soft cab to go with”

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/4472963659.html

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1942 GPW Clovis, CA $6500

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

UPDATE: Price dropped to $6500.

(02/23/2014) This has a windshield mod as well as some updates.

“1942 Jeep/Ford GPW military jeep. Looks and runs great. Very reliable for a vehicle 70+ years old. Has a Buick 231 odd-fire V6, T-98 Granny low 4 speed transmission, new rebuilt transfer case, new clutch, Dana 44 rear end with locker. Trail proven and turns heads anywhere you drive. Call or text Brad at 593-9017. Please don’t waste my time with low ball offers.”

http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/4345645399.html

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