I found this Hurricane Engine Introduction on eBay. It’s the first one I’ve seen. It credits Barney Roos for redeveloping the L-head into a more powerful engine without forcing a complete retooling.
Features Research Archives
M-151 Mutt Engine Removal Video
I think this method of filming engine removals of L-134 and other vintage jeep engines could prove useful to folks. I didn’t know the radiator was attached to the “power pack” on the M-151. That’s handy!
Camping at Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Cottonwood Canyon State Park near Wasco, Oregon, was a delightful surprise (read more about it here). We liked it so much, we spent an extra day there. We’ll be going back again when we get the chance.
Opened September 2013, the former ranch has been turned into Oregon’s second largest State Park. It is nestled amongst Eastern Oregon’s rolling hills and what its camping spots lack in amenities–it’s campground has been left purposefully void of hookups: no sewer, water, cable, electrical, or cell service–it makes up for with a peaceful quiet. The camp sites are widely dispersed, farther apart than the houses in many modern suburb developments. In our book, it’s a gem. Here are some pics:

The wheat fields may be taking the winter off, but we passed endless windmills churning on our way to the park.
The day-use area of the park looks very welcoming. I imagine they do special events on the grassy area. There’s an information booth in the foreground and a barn in the background.
1944 Photo of Town in Italy on eBay
There’s a jeep the just appears near the bottom of the photo highlighting the scope of the devastation. I can’t quite make out the town’s name. Castelmuzio would put it in Siena, Italy.
“1944 Press Photo A Military jeep travels along the ruined Italian Streets. This is an original press photo. Dwarfed by towering ruins, a Jeep threads way through streets of battered Castlemouse(? aka Castelmuzio?), Italy, a German stronghold until the second day of current Allied offensive, when the fifth army overwhelmed its defenders. Photo measures 8.25 x 6.25 inches. Photo is dated 5-19-1944.”
Eye-Catching Ice Cream and Diaper Service Jeeps
UPDATE: This was previously published in July of 2014.
This great article from the July 1947 issue of W-O Sales News highlights the use of jeeps as ice-cream distributors and as a diaper service. Companies highlighted include Better Brands Ice Cream Novelties, Swell Time Ice Cream Corporation, and Wee Folk Laundry.
1951 Photo of M-38s Ready for Shipment on eBay
That’s a large amount of M-38s!
“1951 Press Photo Military Jeeps on field at Philadelphia ready to ship overseas. This is an original press photo. Hundreds of jeeps stand in precise military rows on a field at Philadelphia as they are prepared for shipment overseas. The vehicles, from plants all over the United States are assembled in a motor pool before being loaded aboard ships (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) (Military jeeps) (Europe defense) Photo measures 8.75 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated 12-13-1951.”
Some Folks Playing w/ Their Jeeps
I ran across this video of some folks playing with their jeeps.
Canadian-Made Bell Crank
Maury met up with Lawrence, the ex-jeep mechanic who makes modified bell cranks, a couple days ago. Lawrence showed him the unusual crank pictured below. Neither man knew what it was (nor did I), so Maury did a little sleuthing and discovered it seems to be a Canadian made part, built for the M-38/M-38A1 CDN.
You can learn more at G503: http://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=80292#p463590
From the G503 site:
1945 Photo of MB Pulling Farm Equipment **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on ebay.
This May 1945 photo appears to show an MB (rather than a CJ-2) pulling hay rake. It’s curious that the jeep has “WILLYS” written over the rear wheel well.
“1945 Press Photo Farmer Uses A Jeep As A Tractor To Rake Hay. This is an original press photo. Jeep has a future in postwar America The versatile jeep, which has become known as the “Sweetheart of the Army,” has a future in postwar America, both as an agricultural and industrial machine. All kinds of special bodies, air compressors, and pulley attachments for postwar units can be used with the jeep. Here a farmer uses the jeep to rake hay. This in only one of the farm chores a jeep will do. Others are plowing, harrowing, disking, rolling, drilling, cultivating, reaping and binding. Photo measures 8 x 6.25 inches. Photo is dated 05-26-1945.”
Datsun 620 with Jeep Mods
Blaine told me there used to be some companies that convert Datsun 620 trucks to 4WD using jeep parts. He provided a few examples:
And here’s another. This one is for sale:
http://www.shoppok.com/corvallis/a,45,63757,1975-Datsun-620-4×4-Conversion—-4200–Lebanon-.htm
A comment on cargurus also mentions the use of jeep parts with Datsuns:
“There were machine shops who did the conversions that individual dealer had contracts with .Datsun were built by spencer low, southbay, quadco,northwest atv. They used early jeep components dana axles and the semi tough dana 300 tease. Early models used Jeep rear end also to keep 5 on 5 1/2 matching wheels but them the datsun rears were retained with a machined front hubs to run the standard datsun 6 lug wheel.. most conversion company’s added a tag under the vin tag on the back of the driver door sil ,quadco had stamped shift knobs I’ve owned 5 datsuns 73-79 converted to 4×4 a 76 courier sasquatch 4×4 conversion.”