Restoring a Willys Jeep-The Selection Process

Restoring a Willys Jeep- A quick overview
The vehicle with which you begin plays the most important part in your restoration
success. As the first car I ever drove, (CJ2A on a golf course at age 14) it initially held
great fascination and thoughts of driving a “real car”.
Actually taking it down the highway to get gas in that leaky tank was an event I will
always appreciate. It took 4 years to purchase a CJ2A for the then (1967) huge sum of
$400.00. It was described as having a totally rebuilt engine which warranted that price.
Remember that I was only acquiring a 20 year old machine at the time and the body had
not seen a bad life. It ran well until we attempted to drive it from my Wisconsin
University to Chicagoland. Unaware that high RPM’s were not good for that vehicle, the
engine only lasted to the border and then failed. After that experience, I acquired a tow
bar and eventually a large trailer to haul my new finds. This sat in the garage for 2 years
while being rebuilt again. The resources of the day were few and certain Chilton repair
manuals had wrong information which caused a lot of grief. Todays world assures that
correct info is readily available to those who seek it.Try www.willysjeep.com for free
information.
Which model appeals? Choose between a CJ2A,3A,or 3B. A wagon or truck may also suit
your interest. Each have their own unique capabilities and appeal. CJ5/CJ7 and some
later trucks are more refined and have stronger drivetrains. Where are you going to
store it while its being restored. I have pushed and pulled far too many vehicles around
my city yard to ever recommend outdoor storage within limited space. Its a PAIN!
So, once you have picked a Jeep, factored in your original cost and transportation fees
…… where do you go? It all depends on your use. Will it be a daily driver or the
occasional parade vehicle? Most people will not find it suitable as a daily vehicle because
of a variety of limitations, (speed,weather,cargo,etc.) but if you choose this path,how do
you make it a safe, reliable machine without breaking the bank?
I am a purist when it comes to restoration and have only accepted original parts and
configuration. Of course, aftermarket mechanical wear parts are acceptable. As of this
writing in 2010, it is still possible to obtain NOS and original takeoff parts, but supplies
continue to dwindle and prices to climb. JC Whitney /Archer Bros in Chicago used to
have a ton of Willys surplus parts, but those are long gone now.
Fortunately, there are many vendors of replacement parts and you could probably build
an entire jeep from new parts if that was your goal.
The changing of drivetrains to “soup up” your Willys does not hold any interest for me
and I strongly discourage this practice. If you go this route, please make the old parts
available to someone who can use them. Changing brakes to a larger shoe for safety is
one feature that you might consider. I, personally would never add a roll bar.

….Continued in” Getting the Work accomplished”