CJ-3A Willys Jeep, Fully Rebuilt, Buick V6, Built to Last Another 70 Years

1949 Willys CJ

This jeep was completely restored, frame up, by me (a Mechanical Engineer)and my daughter as a father/daughter project started in 2012.

I have always owned Willys jeeps and this was my dream restorationproject.

Restoration completed in 2014.

Incredible attention to detail in every aspect of the restoration.

Built to last another 70 years – Nearly everything is replaced with stainlesssteel, powder coated, line X coated, or polyurethane painted.

Well over 1,500 hours spent on the restoration.

Nearly every nut, bolt, screw, and washer was replaced with 18-8stainless.

Lots of custom, laser cut, stainless steel parts.

Features:

·Engineand drive train:

o225Buick V6 (odd fire) engine block never rebuilt but showed no measurable wear

oRebuiltheads

oHookerheaders

oDualstainless steel mufflers

oWarnoverdrive

oMileMarker Lock-out hubs

oOriginaltransmission, transfer case, and differentials, all completely rebuilt

·Brakes:

o8”drum brakes with new shoes

oNewslave cylinders

oAllnew stainless steel break lines

oNewmaster cylinder with remote mounted reservoirs

·Suspensionand steering:

oNewshocks and urethane spring bushings

oLeafsprings were disassembled and individually powder coated

oCustomstainless steel spring bend clips

oCustomsolid spring shackles

oSaginawsteering box

oNewtilt steering column (adds hazard lights and self-canceling signals)

·Body:

oFullbody and all hardware was sandblasted

oBodytub sides and driver floor pan were replaced

oRearwheel wells were replaced with 1/8” steel plate to provide better support forthe roll bar

oZink-chromateprimmer, Urethane enamel paint with clear-coat

oLine-Xon full underside and interior of body fenders and hood

oReplacedpassenger side storage box with ammo cans

oCustomadjustable seat mounts with forward and back tilt and easy removal

oFullpadded roll cage

oWeldedin 1/8 steel bulkhead in front and behind seats provides ridged seatmounts. Also prevents things from rolling under the seats.

oStainlesscable and hooks for tailgate support.

oCustomtilting spare tire carrier allows use of square receiver and access to tailgate

oNewwindshield

·Electrical

oAllnew wiring with firewall bulkhead connector (allows easy removal of body)

oElectronicignition

oAlllights are LED (except headlights)

oHighpowered halogen headlights

oCustomlaser cut stainless steel instrument panel.Removable with 4 screws and electrical connector for easy maintenanceand body wash down.

oFrontand rear Anderson connectors with 6 gage wire for jumper or winch.

oFuel switching valve andtankselector switch on dash for second fuel tank.

·Misc.

oFrontand rear 2” square receiver hitch (for receiver mounted winch)

oSetupfor tow bar attachment with light connector on front and back

oRear seat is removable and can be replaced with the aluminum gal. fuel tank. Simply plug in fuel line to switching valve and electrical connector for the fuel gage.

·Issuesand Problems

oNeedsnew tires - current tires are very old.

oSomepaint damage/missing (see pictures)

oRightfender and bumper damaged when being towed. The hitch wasn’t properly setup and the jeeprolled into the back of my motorhome (see pictures).

oSlightoil leak from transmission/transfer case (a couple drips per day) this is normal for these early model jeeps.