My grandfather, Ron Randall, and I started working on this truck when it was a rusted out shell. It did not have an engine, transmission, transfer case, drive lines, or brake lines. The truck was in bad shape. We undertook the project of restoring it two summers ago. We first stripped the truck down to the frame to figure out what parts needed to be ordered and which ones could be cleaned up. I spent day in and day out using the media blaster cleaning numerous parts which sometimes was awful because the blaster is outside in the freezing cold Oregon weather. I remember being out there when it was snowing on several occasions. Using ebay and ordering parts from Kaiser Willys, we managed to obtain all the parts we needed and put them all on, several times. The truck was completed in September of this year. Before this project I knew nothing about cars, and my grandpa took this opportunity to pass along his knowledge. This truck became my first car as I recently turned sixteen. The two years I spent working with my grandfather is one of the most memorable experience I have.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Steven Haugaard
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Is it true tha in the transition year of 1950 Willy’s trucks, both the go devil and hurricane motors were used?
You’ve really got a FINE truck there, young man! Your story about working on the project with your Grandpa reminded me of a similar experience that I had with my own father and my first project—a well-worn 1957 Chevy Bel-aire four-door sedan. My dad’s been gone now for almost 25 years and those memories were some that I, like you, will long cherish. God speed and best wishes to you and your Grandpa!
Thats a very nice Jeep. You and your grandpa fixed up. That time spent working with him and learning from him. Will be with you. The rest of your life. You and him did a great job. Remeber who all helped you and who didn,t . Those who didn,t will want you to haul them around or take it in some bad places and try and lay rubber with it. Yes they like to dare you and when it tears up. They,ll laugh at you and make fun of you. Listen to you granda and he,ll teach you right. Great job you and him did together.
That is a very nice truck it must turn a lot of heads you both did a nice job
the best way to learn and rcv knowledge from a man of the times these great machines were made .
the kaiser willeys group is really doing a wonderful work helping restoring these great machines.
igot my willys back on the road only by the help of kaisers
great going
bwishes and happy driving
She’s a beauty! One of my favorite years of Willys trucks.
I purchased a 1953 truck last year and love it – I have a history of these Willys vehicles my family– KEEP IT AND TAKE CARE OF IT!! LIKE TO SPEAK WITH YOU SOMETIME!!
BOB WILLIAMS
Great story, hope I too can do a project with my grandsons as they have. Bet it made Granpa very happy.
A great way to be with your gramps! And what a nice job you two accomplished! It’s always nice knowing us Old Guys are handing down knowledge to our grand kids! Again,GREAT JOB!
Great story. The time you spent with your grandfather will stay with you for the rest of your life! Ride safe.