The machine shown below was used to thaw front axles, among other things I’m sure. It was published in the January 1947 issue of Popular Mechanics.
Features Research Archives
Disassembling A DJ-3A Dimmer Switch
Last week when we were in Renton, we tested Patterson’s headlights and discovered the foot-based dimmer switch wasn’t always working correctly. After a little research, I discovered the CJ-3A page had a useful thread on the topic, but naturally the switch demonstrated wasn’t exactly like the DJ-3A switch. The one shown on the CJ-3A page had a square end, while the DJ (and I’m assuming others of the same vintage?) have a rounded end. In fact, It isn’t clear to me which models use which dimmer switches?

Example dimmer switch from the CJ-3A page forum.
So, here’s a look at Patterson’s switch. The first obvious difference is that the housing doesn’t have tabs. Instead, it has crimps and, let me tell you, those crimps wouldn’t bend easily outward.
Using a small screwdriver, I eventually got the crimps straightened. As soon as I tugged at the top part to remove it, everything kind of tumbled onto the table (oops).
- #1 is the bottom piece. When the actuator is depressed it catches on #1 on the bottom of the piece and spins it.
- The metal tab that sticks up on #1 connects to #2 and spins it. #2 is actually made up of 3 pieces a) the disc, b) a shaft, and c) a spring.
- #3 is a copper propeller that rotates in conjunction with #2 and #1 each time the actuator is depressed. As you can see, it is very dirty.
- Part #3 connects with copper highpoints on #4, which shifts the electricity from the high beam to the low beam, then to the high beam, etc, in a circular pattern. The contacts on #4 were dirty, too, but hard to clean without scraping the copper points. I did not have a good cleaner handy, so I only gently cleaned them.
- This is a gasket.
1947 Popular Mechanics Article on Submarine Jeeps
Using the fording kit, a jeep could operate for more than 15 minutes while under a foot or more of water. It was published in the January 1947 issue of Popular Mechanics.
This December 1943 article from Popular Mechanics highlighted an early attempt at a water proof jeep. In this case it was accompanied by a waterproof trailer.
Hubs on eBay
1. Looks like these Allstate hubs are in reasonable condition.
“Sears Locking hubs for most early jeeps. Show normal ware but work great. Includes bolts. Removed from 1953 CJ3A.”
2. These “heavy duty” Selectro units, which came out in the early 70s, could use some cleaning on the outside.
“Selectro 11024 Locking Hub GPW Jeep CJ CJ2A CJ3A CJ3B CJ5 M38 Willys 10 Spline”
Chris McKay’s on the Road Again
Chris Mckay will be doing a fast road trip to Indiana starting Wednesday.
“If anyone needs something hauled like parts and/or vehicles let me know. I’ll be going to northern Indiana and Grand Rapids , MI. I’ll be in MN, WI, IA, IL, IN and MI and NW Ohio” (nscustoms@hotmail.com)
Based on the above info, I drew up a map of his route. I might not have it quite right….
1944 Popular Mechanics Article on Target Jeeps
This April 1944 article from Popular Mechanics explains how target jeeps work. The photo shows a slat grille MB sacrificed for the greater good.
More Pics from Charles
These first four are from the Korea War:
These photos show the Minerva, an armored jeep-like vehicle. The famous MINERVA (built under license of land rover) not the nicest, but served for several years in the belgian army -this is an exceptional version (and very rare to find these days) of the recon group – it’s heavy plated and gunned – greetz
$150 Kaiser Willys Gift Certificate Giveaway
The Alaska Or Rust Crew and Chris McKay (https://www.facebook.com/groups/533087846854829/) are giving away a second $150 gift certificate for Kaiser Willys. The winner will be chosen at random.
To enter, simply add a comment to this post OR, if you have a Facebook Account, add a comment to the Alaska Or Rust Facebook post. In your comment, indicate the first jeep you owned or drove (either one). On Thursday, July 6th, at 5pm PST we’ll select the winner.
Please don’t enter twice. We’ll be going through the all the names and then using a random number generator to determine the winner.
Many thanks to Kaiser Willys for these certificates! #alaskaorurst #kaiserwillys #ewillys
Willys America Open House July 8th, 2017
UPDATE: Dan’s laid out a caravan schedule for next weekend’s Open House.
Subsitute caravan leader Dan “scramboleer” here. Just a reminder that the Willys America Open House and BBQ is just a few Saturdays away on July 8.
The 2017 Caravan basically takes the morning to drive from Millbrae (south of San Francisco), across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then out through western Wine Country to Cazadero where Willys America hosts an open house and BBQ.
Here are the details:
Begin route on Hwy 280 North.
Stop 1: 8:00 am – 8:15 am Trousdale Exit on northbound Highway 280. (This exit is in Millbrae, meet on the east side parking area after the off ramp). The exit is about 5 miles north of Hwy 92.
Follow 280 North. Take 19th Avenue north through San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge (Hwy 101).
Stop 2: 8:45 am – 9:15 am Golden Gate Bridge vista point. (Located on northeast side of bridge.) Great picture spot!
Continue Hwy 101 north to Petaluma. Exit west onto Lakeville Road., Stop at McDonald’s at the shopping center on Lakeville Rd.
Stop 3: 10:00 am-10:20 am McDonald’s parking lot in Petaluma. (Exit west on 116/Lakeville St. and look for McDonald’s)
Continue on North 101 and exit at Hwy 116 West (Gravenstein Hwy towards Guerneville). Follow Hwy 116 through Forestville, Monte Rio and turn North onto the Cazadero Hwy. Follow Cazadero Hwy until you see Willys America, 6152 Cazadero Highway Cazadero, CA 95421.

1950 Photo of Jeep Landing in Korea on eBay
This jeep seems to be expecting to be deep in water.
“1950 Press Photo American Jeep with supplies for 1st Calvary Division
This is an original press photo. An American Jeep hits the beach in South Korea with supplies for the front lines. The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division smashed a 14-hour tank-led attack by the North Koreans,. Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 07-23-1950.”




















