I spent yesterday been working on a series of marketing posts related to the Kaiser Willys integration in 1953 and 1954. So, just a handful of posts today.
Features Research Archives
Blackstone Laboratories’ Engine Oil Testing

July 23, 2017, after a long day of driving, Scott had a long night of engine work.
Some of you may remember the July 2017 Alaska Or Rust adventure and the problems that Scott Gilbert’s wagon engine gave him (and Bob Christy and, part of the way, Rick Pacholski) … how has it already been 2 1/2 years?? Yikes!
After several engine rebuilds during the trip, the Scott and Bob were forced to turn back early and could not complete the trip. Eventually, Scott reinstalled a rebuilt engine and got the wagon going again. However, not surprisingly, Scott’s especially diligent these days about checking the condition of his wagon’s engine.
In an effort to monitor the engine’s condition, he wondered if there was any way to test the oil (he runs Lucas classic 10-30 oil) to be sure there wasn’t extra engine wear occurring. After checking with other folks and finding no answers, he hit the internet. Eventually, he tracked down Blackstone Laboratories. For only $25, Blackstone tested his oil and reported the results within a week.
About Scotts’ engine, the lab reported that the oil looked in good shape, which provides Scott with more reassurance that his newest rebuild will serve him well over the coming years. Still, he plans to do a few more tests occasionally, just to be sure. So, if you are concerned about your engine oil, you might check out Blackstone Laboratories.
Canadian Made CJ-5s
Barney Goodwin of Barney’s Jeep Parts brought up an interesting bit of history regarding Canadian made Kaiser Jeep CJ-5s for the US (and Canadian?) market.
He wrote, “Your Canadian made Commando brochure post got me thinking. A customer of mine in my hometown of Houston has his dad’s ’69 CJ5 bought brand new at Woodie’s Jeep in Houston .
And, it was made in Canada!
Dave, the only reason I can think this happened is that Toledo had a military contract(s) they were running at the late 1960s and required the Toledo capacity. Around that same time, Kaiser Jeep had a short contract for M-151A1 MUTTs, contracts for M-274 Mules, and contracts for the Kaiser Jeep M-35 Deuces. Keep in mind it was also the first year for the Postal D100 Dispatcher DJ-5A. All of this was before AMC bought Jeep and moved government products production to Indiana as AMGeneral.
Kaiser Jeep’s solution? Shift the production of CJ-5s (and other vehicles?) to Canada.
Below is a picture of the data plate for my friend’s 1969, the one bought in Houston. Note the location of it and size. It’s right below the regular VIN plate on the firewall.
Most CJ-5s of that era had the 4 holes already punched in that location and they exist on our Toledo made 13,000 mile 1971 CJ-5.
If anyone else has insights into this, we’d welcome them!
Mid-1950s Willys Motors ‘Jeep’ Specialized Equipment Binder on eBay
Unfortunately, this got wet. Starting bid is $149.99. Or you can have two different binders for $300 off of Facebook (again, both water damaged) (Located at Front Royal, VA).
View all the information on ebay
“Jeep Specialized Vehicles & Equipment Catalog 1950s Binder Ambulance Fire Engine. Was wet at one time so most pages are wrinkled but none are stuck together. The binder is solid no mold. The white stuff is from another book that was on it when it got wet. Its completely dry and ready to be used.”
Photo of PFC. Richard Schweers Using Field Radio on eBay
No date or location on this image.
View all the information on ebay
“This is an original press photo. Pfc Richard Schweers uses field radio in Army jeep. Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated –none.”

Ted’s Newest Model Jeep

A few days ago while looking at Facebook in the Massachusetts area, this model jeep caught my eye. It was just different enough to cause me to look closer at it and, at 21″ long, I could tell it was an unusually large model. Even better, it was a very reasonable price. I contacted the seller, but, unfortunately, she was unwilling to ship it (I shed lots of tears!!). Since Ted Jordan lives in the area, I contacted him, but unsurprisingly, he had already had his eye on it. His daughter finally picked it up the other day and, thanks to Ted, we have some great detail pics of it.
According to Ted, “After closer inspection this thing is a beast weighing in at 18lbs and 21″ long and 9 1/2″ tall. Its super cool and I would have to say home made by somebody. Just doesn’t look like something you’d find at a store, very well built but also a little crude in some ways. The guy is also pretty neat; he’s molded to sit in an upright position and, although Im not sure if he was made at the time of the Jeep, he seems to fit with the size and overall look of the piece. Jeep seems to be a mix of wood and metal fenders, windshield frame, underside, and most of the small parts as well being metal.
I’ve taken the some of the pics with a few more common Jeeps (Tonka,Marx,and the small JH Millstein Glass candy container Jeep) to show the crazy size comparison. I’d love it if you could post some pics of this Jeep and see if any of the other guys have any info on this thing or anyone has ever seen one like it.”


1953 Photo of an Early Experimental Mail Jeep
This photo and caption appeared in the October 1953 issue of Popular Science (page 124). There are several interesting things in this photo. First, this jeep is setup with right-hand-drive; second, the body has been cut similar to the way some of the DJ-3As would be trimmed on the sides; third, this vehicle is only two-wheel-drive. This is the earliest photo that I know showing an experimental mail jeep that, arguably, led to the DJ-3A Dispatcher/Delivery/Convertible production models. The picture, without the caption, can also be found on the CJ-3B page about mail jeeps.
1955 Service Station “Mr. Service” Mailer
This was mailed to the Anderson Willys Company in Portland, Oregon, at some point. This is one of the 1955 mailing pieces as part of the Kaiser Willys advertising push. It was one of several targets mailers produced for dealers.
Service Station (Mr. Service) 1955 mailer:
The Pee Wee Jeeplet
This 600lb jeep-like vehicle was built by O.L. Munding of Glendale, California. It was included in the October 1953 issue of Popular Science (page 124). On the same page, the magazine also featured a rat rod vehicle built by Munding that was powered by two air-rolled Ranger engines, war surplus items originally used to start big bomber engines.
Cab Enclosure Hardtop Cheney, WA $400
Maybe someone can put this to good use.
https://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/d/four-lakes-willys-m38-arctic-top/7049174102.html
“Aluminum arctic top for Willys M38 flat fender Jeeps. Good shape. All windows are there but cracked. Have a set of metal doors but I believe they’re for a CJ5.”














