Let the Fun Begin

For years I drove by this old Willys tucked back in a field under a tree. I finally decided it was time to give it some life. All the locals told me to stay away. The old farmer would never let it go. But I couldn't let it go. I had to get a closer look. So I dropped by to introduce myself and enjoyed a two-hour visit and tour of the dozens of old cars and trucks he had accumulated over the years. We finally came upon Willy. It was quite a sight. But I was eager to get my hands on it. And that old farmer turned out to be a mighty fine gentleman. He was able to part with it. For a small fee! Let the fun begin...

That Willys has class! I like it.   get it running and the brakes going and drive it back to the old guy and take him for a ride!  Good luck on the project.

Congratulations! Nice find.

I like it!

That looks like a barn find, not a field find...

Edited by mbullism - 25 Jan. 2016 at 10:16am

Very Nice... You're going to have a blast with it. Enjoy!!

Looks like the twin brother of my 46 when I first got it. Same faded red paint, same oil leaks (I assume that is what the oildri is for and not the cat's litter box), same problems with tub sides. Mine didn't have hub locks and still doesn't.

My build starts pretty much like everyone else's build. The engine leaked, transfer case leaked, transmission leaked, differentials, hoses, gas tank, & tires all leaked. One of the previous owners must have got a welder for Christmas. If something broke no problem weld it. Broken bolt, no problem weld the two parts together.Bumper welded to frame, Fenders to the tub,tub to the frame and so on. Bubba wants a lift kit , no problem made his own.

OK, Got some parts, lets have some fun. The P.O. says "it runs". We will come to have a difference of opinion of what "it runs" means.The last time he had it running it died while driving it through a creek. He thought it needs a carb. so he bought a new Solex carb for it.I could turn the engine over by hand, it had compression & spark, but wouldn't start. I've rebuilt the transmission & transfer case, installed E-brake assembly(mine was missing) using the outer cases from that pile of parts I bought. Man that guy was right! Got the rolling chassis completed. The engine will have to wait for now. Because , guess what ? We're moving! Buy new tub, assemble as much as possible, pack & move.

Back to work. Off to primer & paint