Roberto Flores shared this image from another group of an older jeep pulling floats. The hardtop is unusual and was usually seen in Europe, but it’s my guess that this was taken in California somewhere. I was able to use Google search to locate the same pic on Jalopy Journal.
Features Research Archives
MB: From Jack’s Gov Surplus to Toledo Fest
Thanks to Bill for sharing this news. Back in 2013 Ann and I drove by Jack’s Government Surplus outside of Tucson. We photographed this jeep. I assumed it was junk:
I’m sure others of you have seen the jeep as well. Well, that jeep was acquired and restored. Here it is at the 2024 Toledo Fest:
You can watch a video (that I can’t seem to embed) and read more here: https://www.wtol.com/article/life/automotive/jeep/toledoan-restores-wwii-era-jeep-for-showcase-at-toledo-jeep-fest/
More Progress on the FC & New Mobile eWillys HQ
We’ve spent the past couple of weeks researching and viewing motorhomes (so much learned). We have decided upon one we like (powerful, 10k towing, easier to maintain, strong resell market, locally made, plentiful solar power), which I’ll unveil later this week, assuming everything goes well (we have a bit of a drive to go get it). I’ll discuss this more later.
It’s first ‘event’ will be in two weeks at the PNW4WDA summer convention. Here is a sneak peak (again, if all goes well);
All that time and research, plus more heat and Ann’s short vacation, definitely slowed progress on the FC. But, I was able to get most of the wires labeled using Ann’s label maker, though I didn’t realize until half-way through that I could create multiple lines (insert head exploding emoji here); so, for example, “Bat-to-Ign” on one line could be better labeled “Battery to Ignition” on three lines.
Once I complete that task, then I can bind the wires up more tightly and cleanly and begin testing systems. As you can kind of see below (not the best pic), the wiper knob, the light switch, the ignition switch, the dash-turn blinkers, and the speedometer are all connected using plugs. They all have labels, so identifying their corresponding plug should be easy. In addition, I tried to use different types of plugs so that plugging something incorrectly would be nearly impossible. The lighter is also easy to unplug. More difficult is the three gauges under the dash, as two of them are mechanical (I couldn’t find 1.5″ electric temp and oil gauges). So, the gauge panel has to be unbolted if the dash is completely removed.
Here, most of the wires have been labeled. I can’t wait to clean up the spaghetti!
April 1956 Willys Service and Parts News
This four-page service news has an interesting article on page two about one potential cause of driving vibration when traveling down grade. Page three includes an axle gear gauge block guide for various models. Finally, page four documents recommended service station colors, which isn’t something I’ve ever encountered.
1955ish? Postcard of Wentworth Motors in Alabama on eBay
This postcard from Wentworth motors of Alabama appears to show a CJ-5 with a PTO supporting a posthole digger. So, I *think* this is from around 1955-56, given the lack of DJs or FCs. Note the Willys Bermuda in the parking lot. This would also suggest post 1955.
VIDEO: Driving a 1945 MB Through LA
Steve shared this video of a couple guys driving through the LA area. Good luck to them!
March 1956 Willys Service and Parts News
1955? Hardtop Brochure on eBay
UPDATE II: Here is a color version of the CJ-5 w/hardtop that appears in the brochure below. I found this on Flickr. One commenter there noted that, “Reinforced Plastics Corporation was in operation on Martha’s Vineyard from 1952 to 1959. They made these tops as well as other fiberglass items.”
================================
UPDATE from October 26, 2017: Here’s another one of these rare brochures for sale. Thanks to Bill Norris and Derek Redmond for the extra pics. This brochure has been for sale on the same eBay pager for four years. It’s on sale at the moment.
This unusual fiberglass hardtop was created by the Reinforced Plastics Corp. I have yet to see one in the wild. Two journal articles (Chemical Week 1957, Volume 81 and National Defense Transportation Journal 1957, Volumes 13-14) both have announcements for the new top, pegging its inception around mid-1957. Unfortunately, Google will only provide snipped views of these University of Michigan scanned journals. The date of these journals suggests the lister of this brochure is probably wrong about the 1955 date for the brochure.
February 1956 Willys Service and Parts News
This February 1956 issue shows repair part kits for wheel cylinders. Unless I am confused, certainly nothing extraordinary, it seems the newsletter is suggesting that CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B, CJ-5, CJ-6 and DJ-3A all used the same Wheel Cylinder kits, but actually the DJ-3A, unfortunately, is different from all those.
3 Jeep Al Toy Collection on eBay
Andy spotted these three Al-Toys for sale for $4000 or best offer. One pic shows two Al-Toy Fire Engine, but, according to the description, they are not included.
View all the information on eBay
“This Al Toy Toy Collection features a Jeepster, Truck, and Wagon, all in excellent working order. The intricate details of each vehicle will impress any collector or enthusiast. The collection includes toys from various eras, making it a great addition to any vintage toy collection. The vehicles are ready for display or play, and are sure to bring joy to anyone who owns them.”
Louis Marx “Build-Up” Toy Jeep (from UK) on eBay
Andy shared this Louis Marx “Build-Up” plastic jeep kit, which looks a lot like the domestically produced Fix-All jeep. Note that the windshield on this jeep is broken (passenger arm).
View all the information on eBay
“Rear wheel axle plastic support broken missing as picks show plus front windshield one end broken missing.trolley jack missing.there are 5 wheels only 4 tyres. unsure if large red disc is for this?.the bonnet is very tight only opened as far as pics show didn’t want to force as might snap one or both lugs so beware on this.the grey tin lid with number eight will not come with this as I’m pretty certain it’s not for this”
November 1955 Willys Service and Parts News
This November 1955 issue points out service bulletin 302 (have to look to see if I have that one), which introduces a new part to repair the column shift mechanism in wagons and sedan delivery vehicles.

































