Seth, from the Red Eye Cafe Garage interviewed our friend Russ about his modified wagon.
Features Research Archives
August 1969 Cars & Parts Jeep History Article
I ran across this August 1969 Cars & Parts magazine on ebay with the below history about jeep history. In it, the author references the use of “GP” or “General Purpose”, claiming that was how the military referred to the jeep. I still have yet to document any evidence that during WWII jeeps were labeled or referred to as “GP” or “General Purpose”. So, I wish the article’s author would have included a reference or example (and welcome any examples).
As I have argued before, the switch from Ford calling its prototype a Pygmy to the company calling it a GP happened without explanation, other than this excuse: G=government and P=80″ wheelbase. But, if that’s the case, why wasn’t the first one called a GP? And, where is the GL, GO, GQ, GR, GT, GV, VW models built by Ford? And what are the chances Ford’s initialism, when sounded out as an acronym, *just happened* to sound like the word “jeep”, a term that was making the rounds about the time the Pygmy was dropped off at Holabird (according to later court testimony).
Anyway, here’s the article:
1962? Go For Digger Brochure
This four-page Go-For-Digger brochure is something I’ve not yet posted. It has a Catalog Number 8162, which might mean the brochure was released August 1, 1962.
Pics from the Mason Dixon Show
Roger Martin took these photos from the last weekend’s Mason Dixon show. In no particular order …
Photos of the WWII Museum in Gettysburg
Roger Martin also snapped some photos at the WWII American Experience Museum in Gettysburg. I don’t know how Ann and I missed going here. As you can see, they have a pretty good jeep collection! A big thanks to Roger for all the photos!
Various Brochures w/ 1973 Berens Catalog
These rare brochures advertising after market parts were loosely packed into a 1973 Berens Catalog that I posted back in 2020.
I never tried an offenhauser manifold. I currently have a hi-rise Edelbrock for Biscuit’s V-6.
I assume these would fit on a Willys wagon?
The following roll bars, tow bar, rocker panels, and wide rims were either made by Berens or for Berens for resale.
Andy Poncic Has Passed Away
I just heard the news that Andy Poncic, of Phoenicia, New York, passed away September 6, 2023. He was a collector of (mostly) WWII jeeps and an early reader of eWillys.
During our 2011 trip to the East Coast, Andy and his then girlfriend/now wife Wallis invited Ann and I to stay at their place in the Catskills. It was a rainy November day when we pulled up at their small house in the woods. Visiting readers was a new thing at that point, let alone spending the night (they were our second overnight visit, the first being with Bob and Mindy in Ohio earlier in the trip).
At the time I didn’t comment on the extensive collection Andy had, as he preferred I didn’t. To this day it is still one of the largest collections I’ve ever seen, though many were in varying states of disrepair. He told me he didn’t like to fix them up; instead, he liked to buy and sell. That was his hobby. In recent years Andy sold a number of jeeps, so I have no idea what, if any, he had left before he passed away.
During our stay, Andy introduced us to his friend Terry, who ran Terry’s Jeep Farm, which I highlighted in this post.
The most memorable event happened as we chatted following dinner. That’s when the rainy weather turned to a storm, knocking out power. That’s remained a funny memory both Ann and I; you just never know what will happen when visiting readers.
I know Andy was hoping we’d drop by again, as he invited us several times, but we just never got back to that area of NY.
Dating PTO Gearboxes
Marcelo Boni assembled a series of images that separate rear PTO gearboxes into eight types. 1) I didn’t know there were that many and 2) I never thought to do this. Unfortunately, this is currently on Facebook, so not everyone will likely see it.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/18657808157/permalink/10160989656268158/
He wrote, “After a post on the CJ2A forum a long time ago
“Dating a rear PTO gearbox”
I started gathering pictures of Rear PTO gearboxes. I was expecting to identify the box period correct for my 1952 CJ3A.
I found 8 different variations.
Early ones are 24/20 tooth configuration.
When does the tooth config have changed to 22/22?”
If anyone knows the answer to that questions, I’ll make sure he gets the info.
Year? Economy Delivery Van Roseburg, OR **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $700.
A sale is pending as I write this, but these Economy Delivery Van’s, introduced in 1958, are super rare. I have probably documented three of them in 15 years?
“PENDING. 1950 ish jeep delivery panel. No engine. No title. Unknown mileage.”
May 1948 Outdoor Life – Bountiful Jeep Posse
Here’s another story with images about the Bountiful Jeep Posse. This appeared in the May 1948 issue of Outdoor Life. Interestingly, this article summarizes the environmental history and purpose behind the creation of the Bountiful Jeep Posse.