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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.
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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: Kevin from the UK wrote me today to say that he spotted the same CJ-2A Kevin saw while on vacation on Maui in 2002. Too funny! He also took a picture and provided it for our viewing pleasure. Thanks Kevin!
Steve was visiting Hawaii a few years ago and spotted this VEC CJ-2A on the island of Maui in Hawaii. There can’t be too many of these on the island!
Brett found another interesting deal in Utah. The seller labels this a 1952, but it looks like a VEC CJ-2A to me. It looks like it was also a column shift at some point.
“Sold As Is. 1952 CJ2A Jeep. Has 2 motors needs install. Asking 1000.00 or best offer.”
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=2222121
UPDATE: Mike notes the general consensus on this VEC is that maybe only the frame and running gear is from the ’45.
With a serial number of 10,077, this is an early CJ-2A. Unfortunately, it appears someone spray painted this wildly. Interestingly, it is missing the tool indents.
“This Jeep is the 77th Civilian Jeep manufactured by Willy’s and includes a ” 3 Point Hitch ” for the Farmers of America. The engine is a “Flat Head 4 cylinder that runs good ….no smoke”. The shift for this jeep is a 3 speed on the column. The tires are new and are mounted on original solid Jeep rims. The brakes have been worked on. There has been some body work and the Jeep was painted recently. Mechanically the Jeep is in good condition but will require some tinkering (TLC)….”
Here’s an early CJ-2A.
“1945 CJ2A – Only 1800 CJ2A’s were made in 1945. Has tool indent on driver side. Has tube front cross member. Serial # 11495. Runs and drives. All lights work. Transmission has been rebuilt. Brakes have been converted to 11″. Original 134 Flathead – smokes. Floor has been replaced with new metal in rear. Includes hand wench with crank. This is a hard to find jeep that actually runs and looks good. Email with questions.”
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1601552861.html
It runs, but has to be compression started. It’s got the tool divets.
“1946 Willys Jeep. Rebuilt 134ci. L-head jeep motor. Later model T-90 tranny and spicer 18 transfer case w/1.25″ intermediate shaft ( largest available for spicer 18). Dana 25 with Lock Rite front locker, dana 44 19spline with military limited slip from m38 jeep. 31×10.5×15 Swampers, more than 2/3s tread left. 2.5″ Rancho leaf springs. Front shackle reversal. Rear extended shackles. Home brew extended front shock mounts. Custom drive shafts front and rear. Brakes are toast from sitting. Starter is siezed. Can be pull started (I ran it like this to move it, scetchy with out brakes though). Awesome project, only $800. Call Dustin 509-881-0335”
http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/cto/1600903375.html
The outside of the body looks solid.
“This an early cj2a, serial # 11325 which puts it being built in 1945. This jeep would make a great start for a restoration. It is very straight with little hat channel rust for 65 years.The side steps are solid and support weight. Runs good ( smokes a little) , all lights, dash light, horn work. Fourwheel drive and all gears work. Brakes work good for 9″. Things that are new: BATTERY 6 VOLT, 4 NEW TIRES, SEAT CUSHIONS, SIDE MIRROR, SPARE TIRE MOUNT, PROPER SIDE MOUNT MUFFLER WITH NEW MOUNTING HARDWARE. Been trying to put back original equipment. Shifting was put back on floor with a MB transmission . A lot of WWII parts on it. Sold as is , no warranty, Non refundable doposit of $500.00 48 hours at end of bidding. Balance due within 7 days unless other arrangments are made. Buyer responsible for shipping. Vehicle is towable. Oriqinal paint was forest green and autumn yellow….”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $1500
(01/12/10) It appears to have tool indents. It looks like it runs.
“this 1946 willeys jeep cj2a .good roolling .bottom end no top.minor rust under seet..”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $100.
This might be a good deal on a VEC body.
“Just Selling body”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,000.
(11/04/2010)
“First of all please note my stellar feedback so you can bid with confidence. I expect the buyer to be the same. Out of my collection is this very original 1946 CJ-2A Willys with matching civilian 1946 TC-3B Bantam trailer. This Willys is a frame off restoration. It is refinished in the original and correct color of Harvest Green. It has the correct original running gear: 134-L Go Devil engine, T-90 trans and Dana 18 transfer case. This Willys would do well in any show and is turn key ready. Best of all, you can drive it anywhere. The reserve is set MUCH less than comparable vehicles on the market and this INCLUDES the Bantam trailer. Odometer shows 47,290. I don’t know if this is actual or not. The following are all new or professionally rebuilt. Look at the pic’s…”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000
It’s an unusual color scheme. It looks in solid shape and will likely make a great restoration.
“
1946 Willys Jeep, all original. This Jeep has been in storage for many years and not started. It has also been owned by the same family for over 40 years.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay
(10/22/09) There’s something growing out of the driver’s side fender ….. This seller is selling about 5 other jeeps (CJ-5s) on ebay as well.
“1946 Willys cj-2a column shift jeep. No engine is installed, just the original transmission and rest of drivetrain. Unfortunately, no serial number plates have been left on this jeep. Many very good parts like the hood, grill and fenders. Complete column shift linkage and working transmission is also present. Frame is very good, except for one of the front horns where some metal was welded on to reinforce one side. Looks like it should be removable with frame remaining intact. Snowplow lift is bolted on. The body has rust in the front floors and on the side bottoms. Body can be restored with repairs in the front floor area and the right rear corner. Rear area is pretty good and amazingly not dented up.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** .. and it is heading to Norway. Congrats to James and to the new owner (whom I hope sends pics of it from Norway!). James wants to thank Ron from the G503 Site for helping out with this.
James has decided to sell his 1946 VEC CJ-2A #18526, column shift, driver’s indents, no rust. original docs and rear glass light. It works great and is in fantastic shape. He simply wants to have something he can modify and he doesn’t want to modify this CJ-2A because it is in such good shape.
James writes: It has original motor and all ACMs match 8057. A lot of work was done in 1985 at Archer Bros, Hayward. Motor wa rebuilt at 51k and is now at almost 62k. There is no rust. The springs and shackles not original; instead it has a superlift 2.5″. The top bow side holders and rear corner brackets have been removed. The front bumper mount has one ‘bubba weld’ and the rear bumper removed. I have the original rear light, trailer socket cover, and vacuum wiper. There are rear ‘bubba’ 4″ cutouts for lights. I’m the 4th owner and have lots of reciepts and docs. The Original owner had it until 1985, the 2nd to 2007, the 3rd to last year then me. This cj is a blast to drive and my family loves it, but I just can’t mod it like I want. It has survived 63 years without any major mods and I don’t have the heart to start ripping it up now.
****SOLD ****
Pic from when first purchased, before James cleaned it up a little:
Recent pic — James pulled off the diamond plating and, to his amazement, found no rust or damage:
You can see this sports a column shift. And, it sports a seized motor.
“i have a 1946 willys jeep (an old army jeep) motor is seized but all origanal no roit surfaced rust only it has a steel top that was custum made for it that was made in west vergina a good old jeep ideal for somone to restore i have more pictures i can send if needed $4000.00 or best offer call robin 1-413-659-2621 leave message speak slowy and clearly thanks”
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/1466329478.html
Here’s a VEC CJ-2A with a snow plow. The body doesn’t sound good. No pics just yet.
“Just a feeler – I have an early 46 CJ2A with title. This is a column shift jeep that was a local find. It currently has a plow on the front, the frame is good on the jeep, needs new floor pans and windshield. It is a flat head 4 cylinder that I was told was used up until last year when the individual that owned it passed away. I have not tried to fire the engine up because there is no fuel tank and I wanted to change the oil first. Engine is complete all the way to the air filter and I have no reason to believe it won’t start right up. They were using a marine gas can in the back of the jeep to run it when they drove it but I left that there when I picked it up. Definately a diamond in the rough but the jeep sits up nice – tires are dry rotted but hold air. Pictures available upon request and if I have time later this evening I will post a few. I was keeping this one to fix up but have found a different project for $800 that I would like to buy instead. dangaruss@comcast.net.”
It appears in good shape. It’s not “all” original. That steering wheel looks like a later model wheel of some type.
“1946 CJ-2A fully restored. chevy orange. all original. 4.88 gears. clean title. 4×4. no rust. $7500 obo or possible trades? call me at 443-375-7446 or email me for other questions.”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $1900 without the Hardtop or $2200 with it. The seller has included the serial number, in the previous AD — #36930. The engine is seized, but it includes an extra engine.
“I am reposting my CJ2A to see if by chance if there is anyone interested. It is a complete all orignall 46 CJ2A with a hard top. I will sell the 2A less the hard top as I have a buyer for the hard top, but will not let the hard top go until the 2A has a home. The brand on the hard top is Carson Car Craft (built in Oklahoma City). I have an extra engine as the engine in the 2A is locked up. The extra engine is not locked and is rebuildable. I also have all 5 orignal wheels that will also go with the 2A. I have a extra pair of front fenders as part of the deal. I had been asking $2500.00 for the 2A with the hard top, but at this point I would take $2200.00 for the 2A with the hard top or just the 2A less the hard top for $1900.00!! Thanks, Chris 316-655-6722”
http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/1395873820.html
UPDATE: Was $2800. **SOLD**
“1946 Willys Jeep, vin#cj2a5390, One of the first Civilian jeeps produced in 1945, built in willy’s Overland Jeep Plant on Willys Parkway in Toledo Ohio. The production of the CJ-2A for 1946 was71,554. This Jeep has been one owner since 1950. It runs very good, transmission shifts great, 4 wheel drive works great. pictures show body wear, Serious inquires, Willys collectors will be very interested.”
UPDATE: During the math portion of my analysis below, I forgot the serial numbers started at 10,000, so there was more like 28,000 column shift CJ-2As. Thanks for spotting this Lee!
Here’s a VEC with a serial number of 15777. According to the CJ-2A page, the number of column shifting CJ-2As was more like 28,000 jeeps 38,000 rather than 15,000 mentioned by the seller.
“Serial number 15777, CJ2A with 3-on the tree. Very rare as only about 15,000 produced with the gear shifter on the column. Great for rock crawling as you can keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears. Runs good, has good tires. I use it in the mountains near Lake Tahoe during the summer months and store it at my house in San Jose during the winter months. I also used it to pull floats in parades, but no longer retain current DNV registration. I put new Ford/Chevy large brakes on the front axle, replaced brake shoes on the rear. I also replaced the oil bath air filter and old filter systems. I have all original older parts plus some spare stuff. Email me for more info and pictures. Mike”
Jim’s giving us an early look at the VEC CJ-2A he pulled out of Crawford, Colorado. He’s planning on listing this on eBay very soon (unless he gets a good offer before then). He’d really like it to go to someone who will give it a good restore.
He writes: “I pulled this CJ-2A out of Crawford Colorado. It has an early serial number, three on the tree, tool indents, 3 piece agri dash plate, early wire steering wheel, 6 volt, very little rust, runs great, motor is super quiet. The serial number is 17614.”
Here’s a VEC with a VIN #11325.
“This is an early 46 # 11325 ( some might call it a 45). It was a column shift and somebody put it on the floor. It has military differentals,windshield hardware, steering wheel and oil filter that says (military standard) on it.. This is a running jeep that could be put on the road. All I can see it needs to be original is a driver seat and be put back to column shift. The gas tank has had a few holes plugged, and is not leaking. The body is in good shape and has very little rot for its age as you can see in the pictures.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This is a nice looking VEC #11425.
You are bidding on a 1946 CJ2A VIN # 11425.This willys is registered as a 46 but could be a 45 due to VIn number being so low.Last vin in 45 was 11824 this is 11425 out of 1824 built that first year released to public.This willys is Michigan Yellow with sunset red rims ( no black stripe ) I bought this Willys in December and have driven it around for about 400 miles. I lost my job so now the toy has to go.My lose is your gain.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500
There’s been some body work that has obscured one of the two driver-side indents. It still has the column shifter. It’s sort of running.
“This is a 1945 Willys CJ2A with all the matching tags. It is serial number 11752 which means it was the 1752 CJ2A made in 1945 out of a total of 1824 for that year and it is the 1752 CJ ever built. This is a project but certainly can be put back into shape. There aren’t too many of these 1945 CJ’s left around. It has the 3 speed on the column which seems to work as it should. The head and valves were pulled by the previous owner because of a broken valve guide. He said that it ran fine before. It does turn over freely and seems to have good compression and no strange noises. I believe I have all the engine parts but you know how that goes, so please plan on something missing…..”
There’s a good deal of junk here, but the opening bid is only $195, so maybe there’s some value. I can see there’s the column shift parts at the very least.
“You are bidding on a 1946 JEEP WILLYS. 4 cylinder, 4 wheel drive low. Column shift, transmission & under gear is all there. Full radiator assembily w/shrowd. Floating hubs for front, starter. Overall condition is restorable. Willys OJ2A 32336. Jeep does not have title….”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.
Here’s what appears to be a very restorable VEC CJ-2A. And it runs!
“Here is a 1945 Jeep Willy’s for sale. Its been off the road for about 12 years. Stock flat head engine. The oil’s been changed and a tune up has been performed. Carb rebuild, plugs, wires, points, condensor, interstate battery. It runs but “pops” back through the intake. It drives but needs brake work. Someone left the lid off of the master cylinder for quite some time. The rust is around as you can see in the pictures, some parts are very rusty but the chassis is sound. I was planning on fixing this for the ranch I live on but I just do not have the time. Clear tiitle. I will deliver it if I get the right price for it. Can be seen 9 to5 monday through friday and weekends by appointment”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4000
Here’s a fine looking early ’46 CJ-2A with the driver side cutouts.
“Straight CJ2A willys jeep mostly all original. L-head (flat head) four cylinder, Custom Cool air intake with K&N air filter , Remote spin on oil filter, GM alternator, Converted to 12 volt, Engine has been recently gone through, replaced rings, main and rod bearings, cam chain and sprocket. Auto machine shop polished crank and miked it, (still within stock tolerance)
Warn 8000lb wench….