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Rich’s Family CJ-2A

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

Bought new by his grandfather, Rich’s CJ-2A is still serves the family.

Rich writes, “The 48 CJ2A was bought new by grandfather.   My dad got it in 1956  and I got it in 73.  Someday my son will be the owner.  Here are a few old pic’s from back in the  50’s . Me  and my sister are in a few shots.”

Thanks for sharing Rich!

And the Jeep today:

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Lynn’s 1943 GPW

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

Paul wrote to say that a friend of his brought this GPW by for a look.

Paul writes, “My friend Lynn stopped by a few days ago to show me his most recently purchased Jeep.  It’s a 1943 Ford, in pretty solid shape considering the fact it’s been parked outside under a spruce tree for many years.  Lots of spruce needles covering the inside of the tub, the usual rust in the floors along with dents and dings but a pretty darn complete 69 year old Jeep.  Also included with this Jeep (but stored in the tow vehicle for the trip home) were both front seats and the folding rear seat.  Numerous parts are stamped with the letter F and all three data plates are still attached to the glove box door.  Not only did the neighbors come over to eyeball the Jeep when it was parked in front of the house but Lynn mentioned on the way home while stopped in traffic and while in a parking lot folks were wanting to look the Jeep over and some even tried to buy it.  Anyway, this old Ford arrived safely at it’s new home where a pressure wash will remove the grime and plant residue and allow a more in depth inspection of this steel soldier.”

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Full-Size Tamiya Wild Willys

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

Matt spotted this gem.  Not satisfied with the toy-sized, remote control version of the Tamiya Wild Willys Jeep, the people over at The Bug Box, a German company, decided to build a life size version.  They documented the process.  Very cool.

See all the images here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307694835915312.80520.187259324625531&type=3

Here are a few selected pics:

 

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Tennessee Flat Fender Club

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features, Women & Jeeps This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

William, the President of the Tennessee Flat Fender Club, recently contacted me with some kind notes about my book.  I told him I had been planning to do a post about the club, so he provided me some information.

The Tennessee Flat Fender Club is an unofficial association with no dues, no rules, no mandatory meetings or rites of passage. You don’t even need to own a flat fender ‘jeep’ to call yourself a member. Only need to have an interest in these classic vehicles.
The Club is an affiliate of the International Flat Fender Club.  There is a club for most states and the ones where there isn’t a club they are looking for people to lead one.
You can learn more about the club at these websites:
If you are curious about William’s build, you can read all about it at the CJ-2A page.  The very first picture is an image of the engine sitting in the house next to an open tool box.  This picture underscores the support of Wiliam’s family; so, it only seems natural that his mother, wife, and grandmother should have their pictures taken in front of it (shown below).
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James Breaks the Oil Line Fitting — Could use some suggestions . . .

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

Well, we all eventually arrive at one of these places where the unexpected happens, inevitably followed by the ‘what do I do now’ question.  That’s where James is at and he needs a few suggestions.  You might remember James from when I visited his father and him in Denver back in October.

“I was replacing the old inlet oil line into the engine (below the fuel pump). I was loosening the oil line that went into the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket (Walck4wd part number 384569) and accidently torqued the bracket. The fuel line came off, but the thread from the 90 degree brass fitting oil line bracket broke off inside the engine in the oil inlet. Great.. So, I bought an extractor from Sears and have been trying to extract the remaining thread left inside the oil inlet (below the fuel pump) with no luck. There is hardly any room to hammer the extractor into the block. So now here I am, stuck. Any idea how to remove the remaining thread? Thanks, James DeBartolomeis”

Here’s a pic:

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The Earth Moved Under Paul’s Feet

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

Paul sent this to my inbox today. A couple days ago he removed his stainless steel body from his frame so he can complete the work on his frame.  It’s a good thing he listened to his intuition!

“I spent a few hours yesterday in the connex cleaning up my mess and double checking the security of the Willys body resting on the 2X4 support framework.  For the most part I felt the body was safely held three feet above the floor but my mind kept coming back to the thought “Would it stay in position during an earthquake?”  Since it’s much faster and easier to add additional support structure than it is to repair damaged stainless body panels I fitted eight more bracing legs to the existing body holder.  I really didn’t think any additional strength was necessary but I’d sleep easier with this bit of overkill engineering and the cost in time and money was negligible.  

While taking a shower this morning I was surprised when the house started rocking back and forth as several sharp jolts announced the arrival of an earthquake.  The quake was a small one, only about 4.6 but it was close to Anchorage (about ten miles away) and it was over quickly.  After getting dressed I hurried to the connex, opened the door and viewed a beautiful sight. The Willys body was safely resting on the framework undamaged and perfectly aligned on the supports.  

I realize rebuilding Jeeps can be an experience in frustration when money and time conflict with dreams but I really could do without adding earthquakes into the mix.  I’m slow enough as it is, I don’t need Mother Nature increasing my heart rate with exciting special effects.  On the other hand I’m happy the Willys is safe, the body support held and I don’t have to repair any damaged body panels.  Now all I have to do is to hurry to get the frame work accomplished and reattach the body to the chassis before anymore earthquakes visit my workspace.”

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Don’s 1950 M-38 & M-35

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

Don forwarded us some pictures of his M-38 and M-35. It took him one year to build the M-38 from parts.  I think it looks terrific!

He joked that he built it to match his M-35 and says he has to keep busy doing something, noting he doesn’t want to become a couch potato.  Thanks for sharing Don!

 

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Kevin’s Moab Odyssey Begins …

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

Two and a half years ago Kevin purchased a solid fixer-upper wagon out of Conifer, Co, that he saw on eWillys and had it shipped to Georgia.  Despite battling a few health issues, Kevin managed to complete his wagon build.  Even better, in one week he expects to embark on a trip to a place he’d never heard of prior to launching his build; he’s headed to Moab, Ut, for the 3rd Annual Willys Overland Rally.

Not only does he have a chance to share this adventure with his children, but he also plans to adapt his wagon so that his daughter, who uses a wheelchair, can “get some gravel in her travel”.

I hope you have a grand adventure Kevin! Congrats on your wagon!

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Nice Flattie Build

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

John from R&P 4WD forwarded pics of his customer’s nice flattie build. It has YJ SOA, R&P High Pinion Dana 44’s front and rear, Buick V6, GM SM 420, Dana Model 20, crusing around on 35″ rubber..

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Gary Updates his CJ-5

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

Gary forwarded these updates on his CJ-5.  See an earlier post about his jeep here.

“I first want to say the NP435 transmission was a challenge but it was worth the work. It shifts very well. I like the extra low first gear and reverse. In one of the pictures you can see the transmission cover with cup holders I made. I took and modified an electrical box and covered it with spray on bed liner then, I used the same boot that I had on my T90.

I decided to go back with stock manifold on my exhaust. Lawrence uses a good method instead of using a Y-pipe he uses a dual flow muffler with two inlets and one outlet. I am much happier with this. It puts all the fumes out the back and is a lot quieter. I will send you a picture of the build Lawrence is working on which shows this application. After looking at his, I took my Jeep to the same muffler shop and ordered a duplicate.

The master cylinder reservoir works nice as well, you can see it on the driver side in one of the pictures.

I added a detachable Reece brand tow bar, the brackets are on the front bumper.

I am finished working on it until cold weather comes again. I have some axles out of a parts Jeep that have 3.73 gears. That will be my next project.”

Below is the exhaust system Lawrence has installed on his jeep.

 

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