Willys Jeep Life Story – Hannah Lauzon
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It is a pleasure seeing and reading about your truck rebuild…I have owned and worked on Willys and Jeeps
since age 16. I ran them hard and in some tough conditions.. Now at 70 I am settled in with a 1961 truck the same color as yours. I purchased it from the original owner who took good care of his (Nelleibell).. Also have
a 1948 Willys Delivery on top of 1963 4X4 frame. As you have most likely already seen, people give you a special look while driving your classic truck!! Enjoy your ride and keep your eye out for that next find (:< )
🙏
Great to see your passion has saved a heritage .
Congratulations to you and your dad. For doing a great job on The Jeep. Glad you kept it original too. . You have something worth having and will give you years more of good service . Taking care of it. Again,Congratulations on a beautiful job well done.
Wow! Great job Hanna Jo. I have the same 56 truck except it’s red. I have entertained the idea of changing to green, maybe someday. It was also a barn find out of Sun Prairie Wisconson approx 12 years ago. It took me about 7 years to get it all restored, with plenty of help from Kaiser Willy’s of course, and its been the most reliable vehicle now that I’ve ever owned, and in 68 years I’ve had plenty! When jeep came out with the new trucks I hoped they would incorporate some of the esthetic looks of these old beauty’s but they just made a truck out of the new jeeps. Oh well, I guess that just ensures we still have the best lookin trucks ever made! I know you and your Dad will enjoy that ol truck for many years to come. Amen. Best Regards, John
Finally someone who knows something besides foolishness. Congratulations Hanna. If only I were 40 years younger!
Great job! I have a 51 that I hope to work on some day it’s been in my garage for 20 yrs.
Great Job Hannah!
First of all congrats on having the sense of mind to understand how valuable this vehicle as original and not as some chopped up piece of scrap metal as so many others do. Secondly, hats off to you for undertaking this project with your dad. I am not being sexist here because I teach Ind Tech for a living and know the capabilities of young ladies are just as good ,( if not better since they don’t seem that they have to prove anything) then young men. Glad to see you take on this project and spend that time with your dad. I am sure that was just as rewarding to him as anything.. My daughter learned to drive on my 1947 CJ2A which she still fondly remembers. It will be going into the shop next spring, after I am done with it for the winter, to get a complete refresher. Maybe my daughter will be able to help me out on it some too….!
Keep enjoying the jeep!!!
Hannah nice work. I also had a 56, the same color. I had to sell it in the 80’s during some hard times. I miss it, but it is great to see what you have done with yours. Keep it for your kids to enjoy.
Hannah Jo!
Fantastic Job! I had to wait 30 years to finally get my ’54 Willys truck. I am so happy for you and the great job you and your dad are doing. Thanks to mom for letting you have her place in the garage.
My wife gave up her spot too during my restoration. (only wish mine was all original like yours )
Great job in keeping yours all together.
Take care and happy Willys ownership!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan
Hanna,
If more people had your common sense whether it’s with you Jeep, or any other vehicle it would be a better world. Use it wisely, and you will have a lifelong buddy!
Dave
Wonderful that you put it back original.
I agree this is a great looking truck. I have a 1949 Willys Pickup that I have been restoring as well. Sometimes I put off working on it because the garage floor is too cold, or the garage itself is too cold. I live in Northern California, and seeing the picture of your father laying in the driveway, in the snow, in Minnesota, makes me realize I really am a sissy. This is inspiring. No more complaining from me.
I am glad you are enjoying the fruits of your labor. Willys trucks bring a smile to your face and the face of others that see them on the road. Great job. Enjoy (I hope the heater works).
Signed: A sissy from Northern California.
Awesome Hannah, live in Minnesota to, working on a 1956 station wagon the same color, have an extra steering box and column if you want it. My wife wants it as a DD for winter and for Back to the 50’s. Have an extra radiator also if you want it to come pick them up there yours. I have been trying to get my girls involved with my build as well, one is 8 other is 9, they like to help on some things but not all yet. They are told girls are not supposed to do things like that, but I say watch “All Girls Garage” and you can do what ever you want to do, no limits. You’re an inspiration, great job!
What an awesome Willys!! I love that green color. Thank you for sharing!
I had one, a 1965, a great truck. The most annoying shortfalls were the cable driven windshield wipers and the ever loose steering arm. You will find the wiper cables break if the snow gets too heavy. I got so I could change one without all the disassembly the “book” calls for. I put wire to hold the Steering arm bolts by drilling holes in the heads as is done on airplane assemblies. Mine had a flathead 6 cylinder and also a transfer case under the drivers seat for front and rear PTOs. It did everything except float! It was better than a farm tractor for hauling out trees for firewood and it rescued many other 4X4 trucks out of their stuck situation. HAVE FUN!
Great Job Hannah !! I’m on my 5th Willys Jeep restoration and they never get easier. With a little work and some luck, that old truck will serve you well for years to come.
Hannah, it’s a pleasure to see someone your age recognize the value , utility and plain classic good look of an old Willys truck! I’m still looking for mine, but I did manage to find and restore a 1955 Willys Wagon while enjoying my 62nd year. Back when I was a teenager (very long time ago) my dad and I repowered a 1953 Wagon with a 283 c.i. chevy V8 while leaving the rest of the drivetrain all Jeep. Still one of my fondest memories today. Good luck with your Willys Jeep Pickup !
Great Job Hannah! Love to see the younger generation with a hands on can do attitude. Great save for the future generations, these old machines made of real steel will be around forever with the proper care and storage they will never fade into history.
I congratulate you, I know what is hard work. I am in the process of restoring one equal to yours.
I hope to finish this summer, I saw neither the cold or snow intimidate you .
welcome the Willys family.
Nice job rescuing an old Willy’s from the clutches of someone willing to chop it apart! Good luck and enjoy, it looks great!!!!!!!!