Seth just finished his winter project: a VW diesel conversion on his CJ-3A. Last November he bought a 1949 CJ-3A, but didn’t discover it had a bad block until he pulled the engine apart. So he decided to install a VW engine, while keeping everything else as close to original as he could; it still has the t-90, Spicer-18, Saturn overdrive, Dana 25/41 (lockrite F/R). As a result, the new engine produces 110hp/190ft and he is averaging 38 miles per gallon!

I asked Seth a few questions. Here are his answers:

1) What gave you the idea to us that engine?
I’ve always been a fan of diesel swapped jeeps. My CJ-5 has a Mercedes diesel in it. When I started rebuilding the CJ-3A I realized the l-head would need some work. So, I thought rather than spend money on that, why not put a TDI in it? The engine was already sitting under the work bench as a spare for my daily driver (TDI jetta wagon). I have a small lathe & mill in my basement. It took endless nights making chips and taking measurements. But it’s in and it works!

2) Did you run into any unexpected issues?
I ran into many issues. Some were expected, others were a total surprise. My biggest challenge is that this was not a previously documented swap. So, I was on my own. Honestly there were a few times I almost threw in the towel. The biggest issue was just physically fitting the engine in the jeep. My goal was to keep the jeep as untouched as possible. that meant leaving the drive train in the stock location. I wanted all original driveshafts, cross member and trans cover, etc.

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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $16,000.

For those looking for GPW/MB parts, at the end of this post Josh notes that he’s willing to sell groups of parts:

“I should also mention if you want to make it a full load, I have a very large number of GPW mb parts (windshields, fenders, gas tanks, transmissions.transfers, tandem tow bar and many little pieces about 6 large totes full.) As well as a few WW2 trailers that I could put into a larger package deal. I don’t currently have time to sell these things individually.”

“For sale: 1941 Ford GP #9714 dod 5/2/1941 first series project. The GP has all three data plates and the frame and tub #’s match. Engine is also first series GP #8966 but not matching.

The good:
Original data plates in good readable condition.
original pintle hook
Original solid wheels x2
Original spare tire carrier
original front seats (slightly altered)
original voltage regulator
brown coil
original radiator
original scalloped axles
original Knee shocks x4
original windshield frame, inner, and clamps.
original transmission hump (cut but not missing material)
Frame is very good condition
original transmission/ transfer. transmission is free, transfer case levers are not.
I believe to be an original jack is present.
3 partial 0-100 instrument clusters.
GP engine turns and looks good inside.
most major and minor body components are present and dash is intact nice fenders
reproduction front brake line
Rolls and steers very easy.
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