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About eWillys
Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example. This section used to be split into jeeps, parts and other categories, but recent changes to eBay will require this information to be recoded.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
The truth in advertising here? “1952 Willys Overland CJ-3A runs, drives, might stop.” I can’t say I’ve ever seen a grille damaged quite like that. Check out the gear shift in the third pic. It’s also a mix of CJ-2A and 3A.
“Here’s the good: This vehicle runs well. -Starting is accomplished using the factory center foot pedal starter engagement. -The following have been replaced recently (last 4 months) -fuel tank, intake, exhaust manifold, intake valves, head gasket, spark plugs, points, condenser, master cylinder, filters, and oil. -the carburetor and fuel pump have been rebuilt recently. -starts, steers, shifts, rides fine. doesn’t stop well right now. (wheel cylinders need rebuilding, i have the rear kits.) -transfer case works well and is twin stick case. (high/low and 2/4 wheel drive.)”
One source argues that the Topeka Hiway Mowers were built by ‘Shorty’ Meinhardt, who founded Meinholt Machine and Welding in Topeka Kansas. Shorty’s grandson Dean Fechter now runs the business. According to Meinhardt’s cousin, the first mower they built rolled over and broke Shorty’s back. But, that didn’t stop them from building more tractors.
Yet, according to at least one data plate, the Topeka Hiway mower was produced out of Irwindale, California, a product of the American Hoist & Derrick Company. Can anyone clear up the discrepancy between producers of the mower?
I have kept records of all of the people I know who have these mowers and information about the style, age and attachments. So far I have found three distinct styles. The oldest style appears to date to the late 1930s and uses Ford-style sheet metal and running gear. Examples are owned by collectors near Seattle, Wash., and Hartsville, Tenn.
The second style closely follows a CJ Willys/Jeep and uses a Continental 4-cylinder flathead engine, 3- or 4-speed transmission, and Dana 18 transfer case. The mower attachments on these were either a sickle bar or rotary. I think later mowers of this style included a windshield. I have found two examples of the later style Topeka Hi Way mower. One was recently sold by the Montana Highway Dept., and the other is in Lyons, Colo.
Most, if not all, of the mowers were painted yellow. To date, I have recorded the names and addresses of 11 owners in eight states. Just today I added two more contacts. By including my previous letter in your magazine, you have generated many of my contacts. I’d like to receive information from your readers about anyone who has one of these mowers or knows where one might be found. Thank you for producing such a wonderful magazine and assisting me in researching the Topeka Hi Way mower.
Here are some examples of the jeep version of the Topeka Mower:
“RARE WILLYS TOPEKA MODEL. ASSEMBLED IN TOPEKA KANSAS. ALL HYDRAULIC WITH POWER STEERING. HAS A CONTINENTAL FOUR CYLINDER INDUSTRIAL ENGINE WITH ABOUT 1100 HUNDRED HOURS. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, TWO WHEEL DRIVE, HIGH LOW RANGE, FOUR WHEEL IN AND OUT AND HAND THROTTLE FOR THE REAR HYDROLICS SUCH AS LOG SPLITTER, DISC ETC. FOUR WAY PLOW, HEATER, WITH DEFROST AND REMOVEABLE CAB. GREAT FOR THE SUMMER ALSO. A SICKLE BAR OR ROTARY MOWER CAN BE ADDED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. HAS REAR HYDRAULIC REMOTES FOR ATTACHMENTS. TITLE NOT NEEDED AS ITS CONSIDERED AS A MOWER OR YOU COULD GET ONE AS IT HAS ALL THE STREET LEGAL ITEMS. NEW TIRES AND RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT.”
I’m sure the February temperatures that have blown into this month Boise are the ones that are rippling across the US. Jim shared with us the effects of storms at his place, along with a note that it dropped to -15 last night …. brrrrr. Jim, I’m assuming you’ve put that new/old snow plow you got to work?
Jim wrote, “Not a single bit of anything on the ground 2 days ago, then we got slammed! Its gonna be a white Christmas around here for sure!”
“I am selling this rig only because of seriously failing health. I bought it nearly three years ago so I could fiddle with it and drive it as a hobby. It gets a lot of attention wherever it goes.I can still drive it but can no longer work on it. The previous owner was a mid seventies retired MP who had restored three Willys MB’s. This 1942 was his third and he said it was time to let it go. I liked it so much I had it shipped in a covered trailer all the way from Ruffsdale, PA to Baton Rouge, LA. I was an MP myself in the mid 60’s so I had a lot of Jeep time in the M151 but always wanted a WWII version. It and the trailer have been garaged before and since my acquisition. The Jeep speaks for itself. It’s in really good condition. It was not cleaned up in any fashion prior to the pictures being taken. Didn’t even wash it. I didn’t “shiny” anything up under the hood to try to put a fresh look on it…..
The trailer is a rare Bantam. One source has it as a very early post war where the first two hundred were produced with a military style seamed axle, combat wheels, and were painted olive drab. This trailer fits. The Bantam letters on the data plate are block rather than Italic placing it wartime or immediate post war. It also has the heavy three position shoe and thick lunette for the military pintle hitch, chains and hooks. It’s also got blackout lights. Go figure ….”
This is highly customized. One of the more unusual customizations is the unusual change to the grille.
“1942 Willy’s Jeep, 327 Motor, 400 Auto, Posi-front & rear. 36 inch Tires. New-Carb, Fuel Pump, Starter, Aluminum Radiator, Electric Fan, and Much More. Clean….and Strong Runner. Will Consider trades for Motorcycles, Guns, ATV’S and Classic Cars”
This looks a good price on a CJ-2A. This is listed as a ’43, but I see nothing to indicate that this is anything other than a CJ-2A.
“Turn key ready to go. Overdrive works great. Transfer case smooth and easy. Converted 12 volt system. Immaculate seats and back seats. L4-134 purrs like a kitten.
*Less than 7500 miles on rebuilt original L4-134 (four cylinder) engine *A rebuilt carburetor *All steering components are either new or rebuilt *New speedometer and cable *A new radiator *A new master cylinder *New windshield and rubber *original four speed transmission and overdrive *Two speed heater *New floor pans *Canvas soft top *Upholstery and tires in good condition * AM radio, C.B. ready *Tow bar and trailer hitch *Epuipped for hunting with rear mounted deer deck *Interior lights, lights under hood and back up lights *Gas, amp and water temperature gauges *Two locking tool boxes mounted inside the jeep *Two five gallon powder coated gas cans mounted on the rear with locks *The jeep comes with more that $500.00 worth of spare miscellaneous parts *11″ brakes not installed, but still in the box *PTO *The jeep is in excellent condition and has been hightly maintained and serviced on a regular basis. Only addition I put on are knew front hubs. We are not using it. This jeep needs a great home. The only flaw is that hood could use new paint. There are a couple of paint chips. Machanically it is in great condition. For more info you can call or text me at (530) 906-2229 my name is Scott”
“1965 Jeep Willys CJ6, 4 Wheel Drive, 3 Speed on the floor with additional Over-Drive Gear, 134 Overhead Valve 4 Cylinder Engine, 3 Inch Lift with Big 32X12.50R15 Off Road Tires, New Paint, No Rust, Body and Frame in Great Condition, New Brakes, New Shocks, New Front End Suspension, Full Roll Bar Cage, Runs Strong, California Original now with Florida Title. Rare Find and a Real “Head Turner”. For Show or Fun. $7,800 or make offer.”
