This is a tale of “two Jeep’s” to make “one Jeep”! I salvaged “usable” parts from two Jeeps; a 1955 M38A1 and a 1955 CJ-5, rebuilt the F-134 engine, clean up and installed the PTO, purchased a bunch of new parts from ‘Kaiser Willys”, swapped and scrounged used parts at the ‘Iola, WI, Military Vehicle Show & Gun Swap”, and finally tracked down the remaining used parts from private parties all around the country. All in all it took my son Max and me over 4 years to complete. We did not do it alone… special “thanks” to the mechanical talents of Blake Thums and Dave Brost of Riverside Auto, Medford, WI, Dave and the good folks at Carquest, Medford, WI, Len & Kevin Frahm and the team at Frahm’s Autobody, Athens, WI, and US Army veteran Ken Weiler, Athens, WI! Without the knowledge, labor, and encouragement of these good people, I don’t know if we would have ever finished. My ’55 Willy’s, it is not a “pure” M38A1, nor is it a “True” CJ-5, but it’s a Willy’s just the same. Maybe it’s best to say that she’s a hybrid reflection of what I saw as the “best” of both ’55 Willys models.
Today this Jeep has began a life of her own. She’s done up in honor of the 32nd Infantry Division (my recently deceased Uncle Tom’s old unit) and the 1st Cav – Black Horse (my brothers and late Uncle Butch’s old unit; Butch was a Vietnam “Black Horse” veteran). I use the Jeep as a parade vehicle to support my local -northern Wisconsin VFW posts and for family fun. I think it important to say, that the Korean and Vietnam War vets really connect. I have met so many veterans that just “light up” when they see my Willys! Many will tell me a funny story or two; some just climb right in the front and don’t say a word; while others, tell of their sad and sullen experiences. My Uncle Bruce said it best… “Not all of them may want to get too close to it….as some memories are best recalled from a distance.” (My Uncle Bruce is another Veteran…he served with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Combat Support Group in Thailand during the Viet Nam conflict as Chief of Flight Management and as a forward communicator between F-4 fighters and home base ground control stations in Cambodia and Laos. Thanks Bruce!)
All regress in age…right in front of your eyes. They go “back in time” and it is a special thing to see a 65 – 95 year old become “18 or 20” once again (if only for a few brief moments).
The Willys Jeep is a “SPECIAL VEHICLE”. Take it from me…if you’re reading this and are planning to restore a Willys…do it! It is worth every cut, scrape, and frustration. The rewards for your hard work will come in many shapes and forms.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Rich Harding
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Congratulations for all who helped bring this Gem alive! Thank all you veterans who’ve
kept us all safe! God Bless and “Keep on Jeepin”! —–Dave in New London,O
Nice looking Jeep! Just a note for further research, “Black Horse” is the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. 11th Cav was known as Black Horse in Vietnam as well. I’ve never seen a reference to 1st Cavalry Division as Black Horse. Also, in case you meant another 1st Cav, the 1st US Cavalry Regiment is Blackhawk. 20 year Army veteran and former Blackhawk here.
Really great restoration. You mentioned rebuilding the pto. Was it for a winch, generator, etc??
The jeep Rich restored was my dad’s. Years ago we would drive it to school, and it was the “coolest” vehicle in the lot. LOL. It had been in our family ever since I can remember. I’m happy to see it has been given a 2nd chance. It looks great!!!
Hi Jerry,
Glad you read the note…what is your Uncle Bruce’s last name…I’ll pass it on to my Uncle Bruce Brennan, they may know each other???
Thanks!
Rich
(My Uncle Bruce is another Veteran…he served with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Combat Support Group in Thailand during the Viet Nam conflict as Chief of Flight Management and as a forward communicator between F-4 fighters and home base ground control stations in Cambodia and Laos. Thanks Bruce!)
I saw this note about your Uncle Bruce, I was a aircraft refueler (4/1965 – 4/1966) for the F-4 fighters at Ubon air base in Thiland.
I am from PA. My honey is from southeastern WI and a couple years back we were visiting her family and took a spin out to East Troy. I beheld this beautiful jeep sitting in a gas station / restaurant parking lot and at first glance was upset at the Olive Gloss finish to the vehicle. I did NOT know it was a hybrid resto! Knowing that, I believe the gloss is a perfect color choice! Beautiful Jeep!
Very nice. I live in Wausau and have a 46 CJ 2A and a 65 CJ 5, (both non military) Both are in very original condition, but need some work to look as nice as yours do. Maybe someday they will be at the same show!
Beautiful job. I have a M38A and a M-1 rifle. Nice 03 Springfield too.