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About eWillys
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. This section used to be split into jeeps, parts and other categories, but recent changes to eBay will require this information to be recoded.
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.
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 .
A reader had mentioned at some point about a modification that involved replacing the front clip of a Commando with a CJ-5 front clip. I asked for pictures and Gerald produced some from the first jeep he owned. I really like the looks of the CJ-5 front clip on it.
He writes, “Since you are talking Jeepsters, this was my first ride. I bought it for 60 bucks in October of 1979. That means it was only 11 years old; yet look how rough it was. Compare that to a 99 vehicle today. Vehicles have certainly improved. Anyway, I though I was the shit at 14 with my own jeep.”
We got her going with another axle, tiger hair and spray can red from K-Mart. Dad would take it to the trail and then I could drive.
Then at 18 came the lift, new body panels and paint. I had to knock the corners off the grille and put a CJ-5 Hood on it.
Brian has provided a very thorough look at his approach to wiring his CJ-3B. My only wish is that he had written this BEFORE I had wired my Jeep, because I would have created a mockup dash like he did. Many thanks Brian!
Brian writes, I had a major setback in my 3b project when I damaged the valve train on my CPI engine, stopping oil from getting to the lifters. So, I had to swap engines before I could really start my test-drive shake-down period. As part of my swap, I chose to go with the TBI 4.3L V6. What really hurt was that I almost had the wiring complete for a CPI engine, but I knew what worked for the CPI would not work for the TBI engine. This meant a major layout change was in order.
If I had to label this part of my build I would have to call it “The things Painless does not want you to know”, because I feel I was able to save well over $1000.00 by utilizing a free wiring harness I pulled from a Blazer I junked. By working with the stock harness, I was able to use fuel pump relays and other items that help me avoid the nickel and dime effect that can add up to big bucks. I also learned some sort-cuts and where to get OEM parts to help complete the job correctly. So, here’s my adventure ….
LAYING OUT THE WIRING
Because the limited amount of space under the dash of my 3b, I had to move things around from the stock location in the Blazer. Fortunately, the harness I salvaged had enough wire to do this. However, trying to rewire and do everything I needed to do underneath the dash wasn’t an option. So, I made a mockup of the dash out of wood that allowed me to easily organize, size and create a well designed electrical layout.
Fuse box firewall bulkhead connector assembly used for mockup.
The harness enters the engine space in the same place as the Blazer.Note the valve covers, anyone seeing a nice set of center bolt aluminum valve covers for a 4.3 let me know.
Having the right tool for wire splicing and terminal connectors is a key. I contacted a small company I was an engineer for and borrowed a ratcheting-crimping tool that you can see below. It took only three tries to get the crimping technique mastered, making my wiring appear professional. (crimping tools from PCS)
Read the entire post by clicking on the link below:
Paul writes that the days are getting longer and the temperatures warmer, allowing him to check in on friends across Alaska. While looking over one collection recently, he spotted this unusually well done transformation. Those terra tires sure looking in good condition, too! Paul, be sure to thank your friend for sharing this with us!
Paul writes, “I’ll try to remember what he told me concerning the construction / modification of this Jeep but it appears a Ford pickup cab was grafted onto the Jeep body, the four cylinder engine was replaced with a V8, Scout axles replaced the original axles and I think he said the transmission was replaced with a T90 along with numerous other modifications but you can see for yourself when you check out the pictures. With the power of the V8 this little Jeep can quickly dig holes with the tires while in low range and gassing it just about makes the Jeep jump in high range…”
A student from Mississippi State University named Cliff contacted me yesterday. He’s in the Aerospace program and also employed at the Raspet Flight Research Lab. The lab owns and operates the M-38 Fire Jeep shown below. They have a problem with their jeep and need some help.
According to Cliff, the M-38 had developed a knock (after being loaned out temporarily), so Cliff and another co-worker tore the engine apart during some down time recently.
Cliff writes, “Here comes the bad news, once we got the motor on the stand and pulled the rod caps we find that the rod bearings on the 3rd and 4th cylinders have ground in to nothing, which was thought to be the case when a ton of metal shavings were found in the oil pan. The motor is not original to the jeep, it had been replaced in ’88 with an F-head and a hole cut in the hood to accommodate it, and seems to be a rebuilt engine because the crank has already been turned once. So here is the dilemma. The lab is low on money and is not wanting to pay a lot for repairs but many of us here would like to save the jeep from the scrap yard and return it to its duties as our fire truck. So I am here to ask for your help in saving this Jeep, we are in need of a new crank and badly need a new wiring harness and am asking for donations on these parts but am also willing to trade the entire F-head motor(which other then needing a new crank is in great shape) for a L-head motor.”
I responded to Cliff to see if I can get a little more information about this project and what else they might need (for example, bearings, seals, etc) to get this running again.
Unless someone wants to contact Cliff themselves (I’ll be happy to forward an addy) and provide assistance (maybe you live close or graduated from the Mississippi State or for some other reason), I will be happy to organize some help for Cliff and his project.
Here are some pics of the jeep before disassembly:
Late last year Mark took the plunge and bought himself a Jeepster project. After about 6 months, he has completed phase 1 of the project, has learned his Willys isn’t 100% Willys, and, as you can see, is enjoying his efforts now that Spring is fully here. Thanks for sharing!
Mark writes, “I completed phase one last night when I closed the gaping hole in the firewall caused by an incomplete Chevy V8 conversion long long ago, so now my Jeepster may be eligible to be honored on your site. I was going to name her “Cheapster Jeepster” due to my desire to spend less money than a new vehicle, but after falling in love with my Willys I christened it “Her Royal Highness” and I’ve still only got $4200 bucks invested so far. I got her up to 60mph and drove 75 miles straight with no problems.
Purchased her on Halloween Day 2009 and quickly found out she wasn’t all Willys. She’s a ’48 Jeepster body set on a ’49 4wd Station Wagon chassis & floorboard. It has got a 1956 Chevy 265 V8, Lockheed hydraulic clutch, 1955 Ford F-100 rear brakes and MC, John Deere tractor fuel pump and a Caterpillar temp gauge. The gauge cluster is from a M38 and the gas tank, mounted behind the back seat, is from a 1958 Dodge pickup. And those are just the parts I’ve been able to identify so far.
Phase 1 seemed like a simple task: Start, Stop and roll down the road without leaking out all its fluids, make her safe and legal and do all this without knowing jack about restoring a 60 year old automobile. It’s been a lot of fun and a real stress reliever for me.
-new complete brake system
-new complete suspension front & back
-new fuel line setup
-new wireing harness and firewall rebuild
-clean & paint interior
-fluid change and tuneup
Oh, and of course phase 1 couldn’t be complete without…….cup holders.
Much thanks to your site, I get lot’s of great ideas looking at all the other builds you profile and just knowing I’m not the only crazy, insane Willys addict gives me great comfort. Although I’ve seen other Jeepster 4wd conversions on your site I haven’t seen one that used another Willys to make the jump. I’ll keep you posted on Phase II (Body/interior & drive train improvements).”
Diego describes himself as a ‘new willys lover’ who discovered a CJ-2A project on eWillys that he just had to have — a clear sign that he has been overcome with the damned ‘Willys Sickness’.
Despite the severity of his illness, which he has shaken off with bravado, Diego has made substantial progress with a project jeep he spotted on ewillys. As you can see in the first couple of images, at sometime in this jeep’s life an owner felt they wanted to combine the starkness of a jeep with the peacefulness of a natural setting, so it was only logical to turn the cockpit into a park bench. I can’t imagine that made the ride any softer; maybe they had a really padded bottom?
One other unusual change was the additional coil springs between the axles and the frame and all four corners, which I’m sure made the ride all that more stiff! I can’t remember ever seeing that modification.
Anyway, Diego’s turning this back into a real jeep and he has made good progress! Btw, if anyone has any experience with titling Jeeps in Florida, he’d be happy to get some advice as he only has a bill of sale at the moment, though he does have the serial number.
Before:
In Progress:
And now (it’s a little blurry, but you get the point):
Every now and then a reader sends me a picture of an old willys they want to buy and asks my opinion. Had George sent me a picture of the Wagon he purchased years ago, I would have said, “I think we can find you something else”.
However, George wasn’t swayed by his purchase and spent about a decade raising kids, working, and using his extra time to slowly save his Willys.
George writes, “My wife tells me I have Willys on the brain – hey what can I say! This Wagon is all original with the exception of possibly some extra chrome on the grill. The grill inserts were chrome plated when I purchased the wagon, so I figured I would put it back like I found it. Everything was rebuilt, including the front and rear ends. I wish now that I would have changed the gearing a bit. I think it is a 5.38:1. This thing has a mean granny gear! Once I get all the small oil leaks fixed I’ll invest in OD.”
He has every right to be proud of his efforts, because out of an awkward, rough wagon he built a beauty. For his next project, George is looking for a deal on a solid 1953 CJ-3A. If you know of one in the Texas area, let him know!
Nice work George and thanks for sharing your story and pics! Here is a before and an after pic:
Gerald and his brother have completed his brother’s low budget build. It just demonstrates that with some creativity, a low budget build can look great! Nice work guys. To see more, go here.
Gary has completed his build just in time for some warm weather. It looks great! Thanks for sharing. You can learn more about his build here: http://www.ewillys.com/?p=29757
UPDATE: This slattie was bought in early 2010 and resold a few months later. It demonstrates how a little work can go a long way. Dexter found a variety of deals using craigslist and managed to improve this inexpensively.
