Jim writes that this jeep came with a “Big 4 bolt camaro 350 V8, auto trans, power steering, disc, later model CJ5 running gear, M38 33/10/15 muds etc. Still have the beast, havent decided what to do with it but its a ton of fun and a handful with all that power!”
Builds Research Archives
Builds — Jim’s 1951 CJ-3A Makeover
Jiim writes, “Ironically, was already sort of OD green when I got it. That nasty bench seat weighed about 250 lbs when I pulled it out, kept thinking it was still bolted in somewhere, nope, just that heavy…”
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Builds — Oklahoma Green and One Bad Apple
I was searching for an image of original CJ-3A gauges when i stumbled upon this article. Both of these are well modified, good looking road and trail jeeps. One of the more interesting features of the ‘Oklahoma Green’ Jeep is the number of gauges that are installed. One Bad Apple certainly has an usual paint job.
Here’s 2 excerpts from an Off Road Adventures Article; each one discuss a little bit about each jeep:
Oklahoma Green: “… Below the CJ3A Willys’ windshield is a dashboard that would be more than adequate in a J3 Super Cub airplane of the same vintage. The aircraft-like dash sports a full compliment of gauges: fuel, fuel pressure, oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, vacuum, and air pressure gauges along with a voltmeter, hourmeter, and altimeter by Hobbs. A Lev-O-Gauge rounds out the impressive array. Lights and buzzers backup the critical gages. From the dash, Ken can switch on the fuel pump, fast idle solenoid, headlights, heater, and winch. Indicator lights report the status of 4WD, seat belts, ARB, emergency brake, and air compressor…. ”
One Bad Apple: “… The frame was lengthened 6-inches to incorporate a GM 4.3 V6 CMFI 195 hp at 4500 rpm engine with K&N Air Cleaner and Painless Wiring, a GM 700R4 with a manual shift kit, and a Dana 300 transfer case with CV driveshaft. With 4.88 gears, the final crawl ratio is 80:1. The front axle is a Dana 30 with an ARB Air Locker and disk brakes. The rear axle is a Dana 44 with a Detroit Locker. Four-inch lift springs, an off-road track bar, and Rancho 5000 Shocks control 33×12.50 BFG Mud Terrain T/As …..”
Builds — Jim’s Mighty Mites
Here’s some pictures of Jim’s two Mighty Mites. He notes that they are a horror to work on. In two years, I’ve only seen two or three of these for sale on craigslist. They appear very hard to find.
Here’s the first one:
Reader Builds — Jim’s 1952 M-38A1
Here’s an example of how an M-38A1 can be improved with some paint, some parts, and creativity. As Jim notes, “from ugly yellow hunting jeep back to what it should be…”
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Readers Builds — Another M-38A1 from Jim
Here’s another M-38A1. By painting it green, installing some parts, and adding some touches, it adds a great deal to the military feel.
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Reader Builds — CJ-3B Ugly Duckling Transformed by Jim
Jim writes that this one was “One of my favorites, had a lot of character. This CJ3B was a really ugly ranch jeep I found in Montrose Colorado. Ran and drove well and after I got it home, figured out a way to make use of that ugly bed extension. Every tourist and kid in downtown Durango loved this thing!”
When I saw this thing for sale, I bluntly said I didn’t understand it. But, after looking at the ‘before’ pictures, I can see Jim took the hand he was dealt and played it creatively. Make sure to see the pics of the backend.
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1948 CJ-2A **SOLD**
**SOLD**
“The good stuff and everything I’ve added, replaced, rebuilt, etc: Clear Colorado title, Jeep is turn key, start it and go, needs nothing major right now. Original flathead 4 cylinder, Solex carb, 12 volt, rebuilt a few years ago, runs great, excellent oil pressure, no smoke etc. Original transmission/transfer case, also rebuilt, shifts tight, quiet, never does the “2nd gear pop” like so many Willys. Body’s in great shape, CJ3A windshield frame, The usual minor rust in the tool box (see picture) and at the ends of the hat channels. The rest of the Jeep’s in great shape, perfect floor boards front/back, some dents in the rear corners that someone repaired with bondo in the last 60 years….”
Below are some exclusive before pictures of this jeep:
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Reader’s Builds — Jim’s Barn
A reader named Jim has been working with jeeps for quite a while, rebuilding roughly 70 jeeps over the years. He started rebuilding jeeps by adding v8s, lifting them, and hot rodding them a bit. Over the years, he did something unusual, he paid attention to what customers seemed to want. The result, as you will see, is that he has taken a variety of jeeps, provided a military theme, and accessorized them well without investing large amounts of time or money. He said he found that people seem to really respond to the military theme. In addition, he wrote to me, “I cant stand to see an old ranch jeep neglected in some field or some backyard; I have to make it run, make it fun, and bring it back to life again.” He’s found a great niche, has fun, and gets to collect some jeeps. We should all be as fortunate 🙂
Here’s got 9 willys, an m-38, m-38a1, aussie land cruiser troop carrier and plenty of extra parts. Here’s a shot of his barn. I’ll be provided some glimpses of his projects over the next few days (I’ve run out of time tonight). Thanks Jim!
Readers Builds — William’s 1948 CJ-2A
William, a reader from Costa Rica, contacted me this weekend with a question. After exchanging a few emails, he offered to share his project with readers. The 1st picture was taken in April of 2005 and the second in November of 2007. He has made some nice improvements that have made this jeep look much better. You can see all the pics here at cardomain.com. Thanks for sharing William!















