~ Sent by Michael Kordyak
My father bought the Wagon about 20 years ago from the famous Pomona Car Show & Swap Meet. My father was a hot rod builder/car restoration expert. As my father’s health declined in 2012 he gave the wagon to me for he never was able to start his project. He passed in 2015, so it was my turn to carry on with his project. Though I may have not done it the same as my father and there were many parts that needed to be sought out to complete the restoration, I think my father would be proud of the outcome.
This wagon was about bone stock and the engine in it was a locked up 327 Chevy. Since it already had a small block chevy bell housing and engine mounts, that gave me the direction. The trans was shot as was most of the other running gear. The body had surface rust and the under side was pretty well worn and caked with mud and rust. The body had to come off for a full restoration and to my surprise when I sand blasted the frame there was no deterioration. The body cleaned up nice but the driver & passenger floor was rusted out and new sheet metal was fabricated and welded in.
The running gear was all rebuilt, I rebuilt the transmission and transfer case using Novak parts and some internal reinforcement. My friend Robert rebuilt the front and rear differentials, eliminating the spider gear for lockers and now running 411 gears. The engine is a 240 HP 350 chevy crate engine dressed to impress. I went for low HP so the 350 torque would have some mercy on the stock beefed up running gear. New spring packs to handle the weight of the 350 chevy, custom aluminum radiator and fan shroud by Hot Rod City.
I had my wagon painted by Jonny Ramirez, of San Bernardino. Jonny prepped and laid down a quality, durable paint job as a base coat, then camo was applied for the final finish. Jonny passed away last year at 40 years old. (RIP Jonny we miss you). The interior seats were redone in vinyl carpet kit in the rear, the dash paint was in good condition and was able to polish it out. 33/12.50/15 Good Year mud terrain tires on steel 10″ rims. Steering was beefed up but now going to a ford reverse power steering box, drag link & tie rod. I have driven it all over the California desert without issue for the last 6 years. It is amazing outdoing many newer Jeeps.
My wagon will always be evolving and thanks to Kaiser Willys I have been able to find the parts I needed to make this build possible.
- Michael Kordyak Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We’d love to meet your Jeep.
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Great story and a solid wagon! Can you share any details on the power steering setup you have? That’s the next project on my wagon.