UPDATE: Still Available?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/412008219661947/
“All original, has a metal top. Runs good but needs battery. 4 cylinder flat head”
UPDATE: Still Available?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/412008219661947/
“All original, has a metal top. Runs good but needs battery. 4 cylinder flat head”
UPDATE: Thanks to Dave, we have some additional Koenig history:
“The son of the founder built the company up into a successful business making winches, “truck bodies”, and other stuff. His name was Herbert Koenig and he died in 2011 at age 95. An obit mentions that Koenig Iron Works (of Houston) was sold in 1978, and is now known as “RKI” and makes truck equipment (in Houston). They are RKI-US.com. Nothing indicates they care about Jeeps anymore!
Also, a Danish guy seems to have a website named Koenigwinches.com and it seems he makes parts for Koenig winches.”
=========================
Original Post November 2019:
This is a good example of simple post that spun out of control. Initially, I wanted to look at some changes in Koenig’s CJ-5 hardtop model numbers over the years; But, that then expanded to a look at twenty years (or so) of brochures.
THE EARLY YEARS:
The timeline of the early Koenig brochures are pretty easy to identify based on the jeeps used. In later years, Koenig began using numbered ‘bulletins’ to identify brochures. At first, I thought the numbered bulletins should be ordered by ascending number, but after closer examination, I the later two digits of each bulletin number reflect the year of the brochure. As you will see, other brochure elements back this theory.
Before we start, you can find installation instructions for some Koenig hardtops here.
The earliest Koenig brochure I can find was published in an early Willys-Overland Equipment brochure (1949?). The models consisted of “Full Cab” and “Half Cab”. This brochure was included among a surprisingly large number of hardtop competitors’ brochures, including Worman tops, CarsonCraft tops, Boston Top tops, Sturdee tops, Porter & Reed tops, Body V7 Works tops, Blue Star tops, Lambert tops, Hills Custom Built tops and Meyers tops (which became sears tops and a company that was different from the one that produced later Meyer tops).
This brochure circa 1949 showed half and full cabs on a CJ-3A:
UPDATE: This post started out as a post about Koenig hardtops, but that lead to updates on the Car Craft and Blue Star hardtops. I should have the Koenig post done for Saturday morning.
This updated post provides more info on the CARCRAFT hardtop. An early Special Equipment catalog contained two different versions of the Carson Machine & Supply Company’s Car Craft brochure. I’ve added a third brochure at the bottom which I’d found off of eBay years ago. Here are two real-world examples: one jeep and another jeep.
This brochure was published back in 2017. It features a CJ-2A and does not have the stylized CARCRAFT branding. Instead, it shows a plain “Car Craft” brand with a space added.
This is the first time I’ve published this brochure. It includes the new CARCRAFT branding and used a CJ-3A jeep:
This brochure was available on eBay in 2013. It appears to be the company’s signature brochure for the hardtop. I haven’t tracked down another copy:
UPDATE: This post from 2014 has been updated with additional brochure examples. See all the Blue Star hardtops documented thus far:
(From 2014) This Blue Star aluminum top was built by the Blue Manufacturing Company, founded in Kansas by Max Blue circa 1946. ‘Blue Star’ was the brand name used on several products he produced. There’s some conflicting information, but it appears In 1946 Blue Manufacturing was building aluminum airline parts. About that time, as a hobby, Max began building aluminum boats. He also tried manufacturing and selling jeep hard tops.
Demand was so great for the boats that in 1948 he leased space and built boats full-time. Meanwhile, he either sold or abandoned the jeep top business altogether. Given only a few Blue Star tops have surfaced over the last few years, I imagine he didn’t sell too many of them.
However, Max was able to sell boats. By 1953 the company was building 1,000 boats a year. In July of 1953 he moved the company from Goddard, Kansas, to Miami, Oklahoma. There are various articles into 1960 that talk about the Blue Manufacturing Company. However, the company appears to have ceased boat production in 1964.
This brochure featuring a CJ-2A is the earliest example I have of this top. It was part of an early industrial equipment book.
Here’s another example, this time with a CJ-3A:
Here’s an ad that was featured on eBay.
Here’s an example of the logo badge:
Here is an example of the half tops:
Actual top:
Here are some photos of actual full hardtops:
During the summer of 2013 a seller on eBay had two jeeps with Blue Star tops for sale:
Jeep 1)
Jeep 2)
Neither the hood nor the tailgate have a Willys script, so the tub seems to be newer than 1960. The top appears to be for a CJ-5. Not that the steps have been modified and the drain hole removed.
https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/pts/d/north-fort-myers-willys-jeep-cj3b-1960/7012632492.html
“1960 Willys Jeep CJ3B
Runs and Drives
Has overhead Valve original engine and running gear
Needs Master Cylinder
Jeep is complete
Has aftermarket Cab (maybe Sears)”
Listed as a 1950, this may be an MB.
https://watertown.craigslist.org/cto/d/hailesboro-1950-willies-jeep/7012789565.html
“1950 Willies Jeep with arctic factory top. All glass is good. Brakes work. 4 wheel drive works. Clutch is good. Has been driven. Running on 3 cylinders. Has 1 broken valve. No piston or cylinder damage. $800.00 obo.”
Jeeps runs, but needs brake work.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/rancho-cucamonga-1949-willys-jeep/7012869097.html
“Hard to find 1949 Willys 4X4 Jeep With very hard to find original M38 aluminum Arctic enclosed top, good windows,original paint jeep has no bondo or old repairs nothing fizz caned or repaired it has dents and dings and scratches,the rear and tailgate are very solid all the front end pieces hood, fenders, fender wells. grill .firewall all are good no rust there is rest under fuel tank drive side, Has new OEM fuel tank, had the orig carb rebuilt new fuel pump and lines! Jeep starts right up doesn’t smoke goes in n out of gear and drives I have all the parts to go thru the brake system all parts go with jeep and I have spares,It has 90lbs of comp in all 4 cylls Fun project I can’t finish”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.
Could be a good price.
“Are you looking for a great project? This is the vehicle for you! 1963 Willys Jeep for sale $1000.00 or best offer. Cash only sale!”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
Has a custom half cab. It’s not road worthy.
“1955 Willys Jeep CJ3-B for parts. 4 wheel drive. Has custom enclosed cab with removable doors, Open rear cargo bed. Lock-out Hubs. Electric Fuel Pump. Brakes are Good. New Battery. Original 4 cyl motor Runs but starter sticks. NO TITLE. Vehicle is not road worthy. Comes with many extras, Starter (used), 2 New Electrical Wiring Harnesses, 2 extra tires on rims, 2 sets Brakes, Set of Snow Chains, Radiator Hoses, 6′ Heater Hose, Coolant expansion Tank, Repair Manuals and more. Sold “as is”. Can arrange shipping Transport.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $300.
Looks like a good price. Seller has a Ramsey PTO and CJ-5 cage (won’t fit flat fenders) for sale, too.
“Complete steel cab for CJ Jeep.
No rust it’s all there even the glass is intact. Just need nuts and bolts to mount it.
$300.00
Ramsey PTO winch. It turns by hand, it’s just the winch I have NO parts for the pto.
$150.00
Full roll cage came off a CJ5 but should fit any Jeep.
$200.00”
Might have a modified Porter & Reed hardtop.
https://cosprings.craigslist.org/pts/d/colorado-springs-last-chance-yard-sale/7006409036.html
“Selling:1948 willyscj2a,Studebaker eng, re-built, trans&T-case,steering,brakes,12volt,dual front shocks,11″brakes,lockout hubs,turn signals,hard top,(have doors),rear seat,new glass,15x8Kelsey-Hayes wheels,good tires, clean title,cash only in full at time of purchase, cash&carry only”
I’m sure someone with a Kelly CJ-5 Hardtop could use these doors.
https://carbondale.craigslist.org/pts/d/eldorado-cj5-hard-doors/6979572694.html
“Pair of Willys Jeep early CJ5 hard top doors. Both have good glass but will need some cleaning up. Very rare”
Doors are a bit damaged.
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/pts/d/baldwinsville-cab-for-willys-jeep-cj2a/7002646709.html
“Complete cab for CJ2A. Yes some rust but all panels very solid. A tree fell on it so the bottom of the doors are a bit curled. Some glass broken – one door has unbroken glass. Has all original handles on both doors and rear window. Includes side closeout panels/door hinges. I acquired this for my early 60’s CJ5 but it is too short to fit.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $14,500.
(10/02/2018) Looks in very good shape. Has a Koenig top. Might have a custom, lockable compartment in the dash?
“Beautiful ’54 Willy’s Jeep.. Rare with steel top.. Original motor, original trans.. original engine bay.. 6v.. Accessory original heater.. This Jeep turns heads like no other.. Everything works as should.. interior is mint.. no rust.. Don’t need help selling, no low ballers, don’t waste our time..”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000
(09/15/2018) Mike’s selling this rare CJ-V35/U military CJ-3A.
““This is a very Rare 1950 Willys CJV35/U Waterproof radio Jeep. Only 1000 of these were built in may of 1950 for the USMC. This was the only Military Contract Willys Radio Jeep between WW2 and Korea. Only a handful of these survive. These Jeeps were built on the Willys line side by side with CJ-3A’s but were upgraded at the Willys Factory for the USMC Contract to include a deep water fording kit, waterproof underhood components and other improvements that would later end up on the M-38. Included with this Jeep are many hard to find original parts. Tow Hooks, 2 Lifting Rings, Fuel Tank, Tool Box, Fording Kit, Air Cleaner, Floor Mount Generator casting, Headlight Rings, Pintle Hitch, PTO. The Jeep is running and driving and has new brakes installed. This is S/N CJV-10824. The body is all original except the Hood. The Drivetrain is all original including the V prefix engine that was only in this series of Jeeps. The Body is rough but restorable. The jeep runs, drives shifts and stops. Clean AZ Title. Ready to go to a new home. Email me a phone number and i will contact you.”
UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $2700. This was previously listed in Irvine.
(09/16/2019) From the pics, it looks like there was some good work done on this.
“Very cool Willy’s Jeep all original drivetrain does not run. It looks like the cowl and windshield were grafted from a Willy’s wagon, and the steel cab is all one piece. Probably not a prototype vehicle or a relative to the CJ4, but a cool “missing link” CJ2a built with awesome craftsmanship 40+ years ago. Possibly a non-US made Jeep wagonette. Suicide doors latch. Great patina. This will be the coolest Jeep at Easter Jeep safari.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.
Listed as a 3A, the body is a 2A.
“I have a 1949-1953 (unsure exact year) Jeep willys CJ3A. Asking 3,000 OBO. I believe it has all original parts (sorry I am from out of state and will be driving up in a few weeks to get it sold), but I doubt it runs.”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(10/03/2019) Top looks in good shape. This has the early speedo.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2322507178064257/
“1955 Willy’s CJ5 1st year CJ Ran and Drove when parked 5 yrs ago ( no 6v battery to get it started)
has a 6ft plow to go with no title no lowballing $2000”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $3000.
(08/28/2019) Appears to have a plow and was set up with a pulley/lift system off the front.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/443333599580828/
“Started and ran 2 years ago. No trades or payments”
DJ-3A body on a 4WD chassis?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/402087830705607
“Willy’s Jeep needs work only real rust is by doors on floor pan”
I believe these are Koenig Standard Cab doors for a CJ-5/6 hardtop: https://www.cj3b.info/Photos/Hardtops/Koenig/KoenigFolder2.JPG
https://wichita.craigslist.org/pts/d/olmitz-early-jeep-cj-metal-doors-cj2a/6992779080.html
“Pair of doors for early Jeep CJ with metal top. Not sure what years? Doors are super solid with no rust through. Includes regulators & latches. $100 for the pair.”
Looks like a good price.
https://wichita.craigslist.org/pts/d/wichita-aluminum-hard-top-willys-cj2a/6992815703.html
“Very nice original vintage aluminum hard top. All glass is in one piece and not cracked. This came off this running 1948 cj2a very original jeep. Just in time for winter!”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was No Price.
This might have a modified Meyer hardtop.
“one of a kind 1957 cj6.
Only 1230 of these made in 1957.
250 Ford straight 6
Power steering
Custom hardtop
The awesome patina is from sitting for 30 years after it came from California to Oregon in the early 80s and parked.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.
(08/31/2019) Has some extra vents in the floor. This might have some free-lock hubs, but I can’t tell for sure.
“1953 Willys Jeep CJ-3B $3000 obo This Jeep is in pretty good shape and mostly original for its age. The Good: Mostly original, except for the Solex carb and screw on oil filter; these are both improvements unless you’re after a nut and bolt restoration, and it would be easy to go back to stock if you want. Steel hardtop. Starts easily and runs and drives well. Body is in good condition for the age. The Bad: Brakes are adequate but not excellent. Some rust, the worst of it is in the passenger floorboard. Wiring is sketchy at best. The Ugly: It’s a CJ-3B. Some people love them, most think they’re hideous. I like it, but I guess I’m in the minority. In any case, I have too many projects and I don’t think I’ll ever get to this one”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500.
(06/05/2019) Looks like this has a rare Worman jee-cab hardtop.
“1948 Willys Jeep flathead four-cylinder tub a little rough has been setting for about three years now good title1500 or best offer”