A July 1943 Popular Mechanics article looks at young men training for war and, in part, how the jeep plays a useful role.
Features Research Archives
1944 Photo of Cameraman Shooting Movie in Burma **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
I bet there is still a bunch of WWII raw footage buried in archives.
“This original WWII photo is identified as – CBI – 44-60780. Sgt. Nicholas A. Ackerman, Beverly Hills, Calif. Signal Corps cameraman shooting a movie story on yhr Burma Road from back of a Jeep. 30 Sept 1944 – Photog: T/ sgt Greenburg.
A great an clear photo with natives in the shot. This US Army Signal Corps photo is in good condition and measures 8″ X 10″. A nice World War Two photograph.”
Local Newspaper Features a Willys Truck Story
A local northwest community magazine shared this story by truck owner Tom Berg:
http://www.nwnews.com/index.php/feature/auto/14315-classic-car-corner-another-willys
David Tracy’s 1948 Project is Ruining Him
How many of us bought that first project flat fender knowing it would be an easy restoration. After all, they are such simple vehicles, right? Well, David Tracy got an introduction into the hazards of purchasing a “fixer-upper”. He documents some of his trials and tribulations on Jalopnick. It’s a reminder that when picking your first jeep, choose wisely!
http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/my-1948-jeep-off-road-project-is-ruining-me-1792102804
Willys Overland Mechanic’s Manual on eBay
This appears to be a collection of service manuals and more.
“Purchased from an estate sale of a Vietnam veteran that was a mechanic there…as the story goes. This binder is in very good condition for it’s age. No breaks or signs of visual wear. It is packed full, as seen in the last picture, of all different types of service type manuals from the mid 60’s to early 70’s as best as I can tell. There are some Willys, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Renault, Chevrolet, tons of other service information. So much information that would be impossible to list it all. All pages are also in very good condition. Very interesting piece of history!”
1943 Article From Popular Mechanics on Hub Winching
This is the earliest use of jeep hubs as winches that I can remember documenting. It was publishing in the July 1943 issue of Popular Mechanics. The McCain hub was a similar, much later idea.
Portarator Generator Brochure
UPDATE: I’ve added some photos of an actual Portarator.
Merton Day obtained this brochure years ago. It’s not a jeep specific item, but it is easy to see how one of these generators hooked to a jeep could prove useful. The Portarator was installed in the engine compartment for power tools or other electric devices (such as a margarita blender, should the mood strike).
B&B manufacturing produced other Portarator products, as this brochure demonstrates, but I couldn’t find any Portarator’s for sale. Here’s the brochure Merton saved:
1941 Willys MA Tech Book on eBay
Thanks to Pascal for spotting this one.
“You are bidding on a rare original maintenance manual for the Willys MA prototype jeep. It’s a little dirty buy all pages are present. And in good shape. Will consider trading for other prototype parts or manuals for GP or bantam brc. Good luck and happy bidding!”
What Years Were Ventilating Windshields Offered?
UPDATE: Here’s a split ventilating windshield that’s on Christiaan’s South African jeep (mentioned in the comments).
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Originally post February 12, 2017: Jim and I were discussing ventilating windshields the other day, but we lacked some overall stats. So, I’m hoping to gather such information under one post. It seems that ventilating windshields were offered in the following variations on the following models:
- M-38A1, CJ-5, CJ-6, M-606a2, M-606a3 (militarized CJ-5 & 6): Split Window (2 panes) version of the ventilating windshield. Jim’s research has confirmed these windshields were available, at a minimum, on 1958-1961 CJ-5s/6s, Additional photo and anecdotal evidence suggests they were available for longer (perhaps only has export options). These windshields probably were available on M-170s as well. A comment on the M-series forum claimed the Army didn’t order M-38A1s with ventilating windshields, which is probably true, but they may have been an option that was offered none-the-less.
- CJ-3B, M-606, DJ-3A, Hotchkiss CJ-3B: Single pane windows. They were available as early as 1955 on the DJ-3A (based on a 1955 DJ-3A parts manual) and as late as 1958 on the CJ-3B. Why they were single pane and not dual pane isn’t clear to me. Other international licensees may also have offered the ventilating windshield, such as Mistubishi.
- MB/CJ-2A: This chart of CJ-2A windshields documents early windshield styles.. Since these are pretty well documented, they are ignored for this discussion.
Can anyone add to part 1 or 2?
Some Examples:
- DJ-3A Manual (We have learned the DJ manuals aren’t always accurate sources):

- CJ-3B photos of windshield:

- Hotchkiss JH-101 (CJ-3B style). Note the clamps near the bottom of the windshield for holding it down or releasing it. See the full brochure on the CJ-3B Page

- Jim’s CJ-5:

- M-606 with Ventilating windshield:

- M606A2 & 3:

Ventilating Windshield Links:
- Early CJ-5 Discussion: http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/attention-ventilating-windshield-owners-help.103248/
- eWillys examples: http://www.ewillys.com/?s=%22ventilating+windshield%22
- CJ-3B Page: https://cj3b.info/Dating/Dating1.html
- Willys M Series forum: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1871&highlight=
- CJ-5 style ventilating windshield photos: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album339
- CJ-3B style ventilating windshield photos: http://z4.invisionfree.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/ar/t3976.htm
- Hotchkiss Ad showing ventilated windshield
1951 Ad for Blitz Buggy Fire Truck on eBay
We know a couple of these exist. One sold back in 2014.The fire truck has “Blitz Wagon” on it, while the company marketed it as a “Blitz Buggy” The company that produced these was the Hi Pressure Fog Equipment Company.
“This is an original advertisement,NOT a reproduction, no rips or tears. Size of ad is app 5 X 5.”
View all the information on eBay
The same company also made this alternative version. Anyone recognize the vehicle? This ad also appeared in a 1951 magazine accord to the seller.





















