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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 .
“This is an original press photo. An interesting method of fording an unformable stream is demonstrated in these picture by the men of the Fourth Division motorized at Upatoi Creek near Fort Benning. The quarter ton reconnaissance carps “jeeps” are literally floated across the stream as shown here. At the top, the jeep is backed onto a square of canvas, part of which rests on the surface of the water. The canvas is then pulled up and tied just as you would wrap a package and the jeep is tied up in canvas, which also contains water, then the machine, which weighs slightly more than one ton empty, then displaces enough water to float. It is then pushed across the stream and is ready for another go at the enemy. Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches. Photo is dated 7-15-1941.”
The “A1”, a CJ-3B Fire Jeep, served as Elko airport’s first fire truck. Still in good shape, it was recently put to use for the “fill the boot” Muscular Distrophy campaign.
This video demonstrates how many different types of vehicles were participating. At several points you’ll see a rare siting of an Austin Champ going offroad. Note also the nearly brand-new looking Tux Park. Great stuff!
I’m not sure how the reporter knew the sign was erected by New Zealanders?
“This is an original press photo. New Zealanders, who probably got their information from a close contest with Nazi Bullets, erected his sign which temporarily halts an American Jeep on famed Highway “6” which leads to Rome. “Achtung” is the German word for “attention” and the warning it headlines is situated a few miles from where the Rapido River crosses the highway south of Cassino. Photo measures 8.25 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 3-18-1944.”
(06/19/2017) The Jeepney doesn’t run. The oil filter mount isn’t a triangle nor is it a circle. It’s an oval. What’s that from? It also has an interesting dash, too.
“This is for the Willys collector who thought they had everything. It’s an awesome project and you’ll be the hit of the show. Very complete and unusual. Does not run. Do not contact with offers to help sell. No trades.”
The new issue of Dispatcher Magazine was just released. In it you can read my updated version of the Free Lock article that I wrote as a post several months ago.
“This is an original press photo. The jeep takes on cargo at the loading platform in an air depot. The jeep has only one small trailer. In jeep is Sgt. D. Kelly, of Betava N.Y. Private Ed L. Ward of Kenton Ohio, directs from the platform, while Pvt. Henry Martion of Great Falls, Mont. is in the truck on platform. Sgt. M. J. Bacciarina from Merced California stands at rear of trailer.Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 8-20-1943.”
We were a little slow getting going, but eventually we got back on the road.
This kindly Canadian waved us goodbye from Prince George.
Upon leaving Prince George, we headed south, straight for the fires; and, it showed.
We were driving south in hopes we could see the Frasier Valley (Hugo’s wish), but the relentless fires in BC drove us West at highway 24, a normally scenic backroad made a mess due to the traffic diversion coupled with road work. It made the short detour a very long one. When we finally reached the end of highway 24, we were greeted with a long, steep downhill drive that required I shift down to 2nd. Patterson was pushing us pretty good down that hill, the first time I’d felt that the entire trip.
At Hwy 5 we turned south toward Kamloops, then ran into stop and go traffic. We also picked up just enough cell reception to text. About then I received a text from Marty. We began texting back and forth about the fact that we were stuck in a traffic jam. It turns out we were only about fifteen minutes apart. Throughout this trip this group just found ways to run into each other.
Since the four of them planned to stop in Abbotsford, we stuck with our plan to reach Renton as soon as we could. What we didn’t expect were the mountains between Kelowna and Abbotsford. There were multiple climbs and multiple drops, larger than any others we’d experience anywhere else in the trip (the exception being the steep drop earlier in the day at the end of highway 24 .. it was steep, but not as long). It was the first time I felt our Grand Cherokee struggle a little as we pulled Patterson. It was relief when we left those mountains behind!
It was also a relief when we arrived at the Sumas border and found a short line to cross into the US. We went through first. Fortunately, they didn’t ask where all our t-shirts went! Though our crossing was easy, the customs discovered that folks at the Alaska border hadn’t stamped Hugo’s passport, which meant they had to go inside and explain why. Inside, they asked when Hugo was flying out of the country. Fernando told them the correct date, but Hugo got confused and said a different date. This caused some confusion. Ann and I waited about twenty minutes before we saw their jeep approach us.
In Sumas, the Vidals removed their stickers and gave them to me.
After that, we began our two hour drive to Renton, arriving in the dark. The next morning, we put Patterson away, effectively ending his trip. He might have only driven a small portion of the highway, but it was a blast while we were doing it. It worked out better that way in the end, as I could drive while Ann took video and snapped pictures.
EPILOGUE
On Saturday morning we unpacked quickly, carefully washing Patterson in the process. The ol’ DJ-3A needed a gentle wash before being put away. We plan to preserve all the signatures with a clear coat. Continue reading →
The farther south we got, the smokier it got. Eventually, Ann had to wear her mask.
Back together with our traveling buddies, we and the Vidals had another long day of driving, almost entirely without cell service.
The early morning was beautiful. Ann shot this photo of some random lake.
A couple hours later we stopped at this rest stop. Signs all over the rest stop warned us to beware of bears. By this time we’d seen several bears along the road, so we took the signs seriously.