Wood bodies Research Archives

Generally, jeeps with wood bodies usually mean they are patched. However, wood was used in some fiberglass bodies for strength. But, there are a few exceptions to that rule.

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Metamet: British Jeep Rebuilders

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, GPW (Ford MB), International, MB, Sedan-jeep, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE II: There’s another 1954 Metamet 12-page brochure for sale on eBay (see bottom of post for pics)

View all the information on eBay

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UPDATE Posted July 04, 2019: This post has been updated to reflect some more information and images. It was originally posted in March of 2013.

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Metamet was a British company that refurbished WWII jeeps and civilian jeeps, creating a slew of different models. According to the G503 Forum, “Metamet was run by an expat Pole, and latterly his son. It was a wonderful Aladdin’s caves of wartime Jeeps and Jeep bits and pieces located in a series of old mews stables in Daleham Mews. These places were commonly garage workshops in post-horse London, but nowdays are worth untold fortunes as residences.”

At one point in the early 1950s there were twelve different models of jeeps offered by Metamet, only one of which was the standard production model jeep. The rest were all customizations of one type or another. Seven models were 80″ wheel base, while the other five had 100″ wheel bases.  The models include, the Standard, De-luxe, Farmer, Five-in-one, Saloon, Shooting Brake, 10 CWT Truck, Metaplan, Station Wagon, 15 CWT Van, 20 CWT Lorry, and a 2 Ton Loadmaster.

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Metamet’s early 1950s models. There were seven 80″ wheel base jeeps and five 100″ wheel base jeeps.

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Here’s an example of Metamet’s advertising.

A 1952 Ad posted to Flicker by Johnathan confirms there were twelve models also:

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Finally, here’s a 1954 12 page brochure that provides examples of different models that used to be linked to on the jeep farm website:

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1951 Custom Woodie Truck Lake Forest, CA Make Offer

• CATEGORIES: Features, Willys Trucks, Wood bodies • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $35,000. Now Make Offer. This wagon was listed in California in 2020. Now it’s listed in Texas.

(01/31/2017) This one has been around a while.

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/1951-willys-custom-woody/7445137286.html

“All custom 51 Willys woodie. Extensive sheet metal work, extended fenders, hood, roll pan and a tilt hood and more. All polished LS engine, with LS460e trans polished, hydro boost brakes. Custom dash, gauges, center console. Custom rebuilt painted frame blazer. All custom solid Maple wood with electric lift gate, PW, PB tilt etc. Custom interior, 6 way power seats with headrest monitors, custom made maple rear floor. Brand new 20″ rims and tires. So much more…view the photos for all the extras all top name brand parts. Less than 300 miles. Just testing the market. Serious offers only. Leave a message.”

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Green Army’s Wood Body Reproduction

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features, Wood bodies This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a good bit of history on the efforts to create a wood body for the WWII jeep. This group built a wood body replica, which, given the lack of specific info, was a good challenge. Check out the finished body using the link below:

https://www.greenarmyproductions.com/wooden-jeep-body-project/

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October 1952 Motor Trend Cover and Article

• CATEGORIES: Camping, Features, Magazine, Wood bodies • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As I was packing, I pulled this issue of Motor Trend aside. When I leafed through it, I realized there was a jeep-related article I missed. So, here the “Unique Cars for Sportsmen” by Jim Earp. All the vehicles herein are interesting. The first page has a pic at the bottom of Vic Hickey’s famous jeep.

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1944 MB? Idaho Falls, ID $9000

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price is now $9000.

(10/16/2020) What a crazy contraption. “El Burrito”‘s got style. It even has a mural on the back. I’m not quite sure how the rear extends, but it looks like someone would be safe from bugs.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/379875466485663

“A Prospector’s Dream or a mini RV!
A unique vehicle for the right individual. A fold out six foot bed behind the seats, and a “kitchen” underneath. Email me for videos showing the set ups. A 1944 WWII surplus jeep purchased in 1954. It is a Willy’s 4 cylinder. I think it might be a CJ 6.
Needs new gas tank (has 2 tanks, if you want to replace both) Seals and belts are dry, but should absorb fluids back when added. It was started, but turned off to avoid running bad gas through the carburetor. All the mini-van modifications can be removed to restore to original jeep without too much conversion.
If interested E-mail phone number to pungoriver@live.com and I will call you for further information. If you like make a bid.
It has been garaged.”

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1962 Wagon Mission Viejo, CA $22,000

• CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bill shared this Hemmings link to a story about this 1962 Willys wagon that’s for sale. The seller explains why new wood panel was installed.

LISTING LINK: https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/willys/utility-wagon/2462262.html

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“1962 Willys, Utility Wagon, 4 wheel drive. Current odometer reads 47,691 (not likely original), suitable as a daily driver with original “Hurricane” 6 totally professionally rebuilt (46,467miles). Straight through rebuilt transfer case (46,636 miles) Unlike original is very quiet. and later model Jeep all synchro 5 speed adapted to give freeway speeds in 5th gear. Car will do 65 MPH at 2300 RPM, will go faster but why would you? Added Tachometer, column mounted shown in pictures, helps to know when to shift.

New front hubs, All guages work. Front seat shoulder mounted seat belts added in front. Springs have been re-arched to raise to original level. Interior is like new green vinyl with recently carpeted front seat area. Excellent paint inside and out, resides in sunny southern California and has no rust. Wood panels recently added to cover previous wood panel effort *.

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Photos of Modified Jeep with Wood Body on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Wood bodies This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

These two photos shows a CJ-2A with a modified body made of wood. While there are several similar “woodie” bodies (see all wood-related bodies here), the photos below appear to show a unique build.

View all the information on eBay

“Two original photographs of Woody automobile. The engine hood reads – Willy. I believe these were mock up advertising photos. The upper photo is mounted from the back – see photo. The lower photo is glued to the board. Photos measure 3 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches. Mounting board is 8 x 10 inches. Please ask questions.”

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1967 Jeepster Commando JeepRod Medford, NJ $35,000

• CATEGORIES: Features, Jeep Rods, Jeepster, Wood bodies • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’m not sure if this is more Jeep Rod or Crawler.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/753721632024238

“’67 Jeepster. Clean title in hand. Also available without the Coyote engine for $28,000.”

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Year? Jeep Chassis? Athens, ME $700

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s, Wood bodies • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The hubs and jeep wheels make me think there’s some jeep DNA under this plow rig.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/321295522237972/

“This is a 196? Dodge power wagon i was told it was all running a few years ago then the starter went i put a new one in and it turns fine but theres a crack in the intake due to water so probly gonna need a engine if fixed its a 318 4 speed good little plow rig just dont have time plow setup works i figure 500 for plow and 200 for the rest of it so 700 firm you got to haul it thanks”

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