At 16 (1967), my first car was a 1947 CJ-2A. It was a sad day when I came home from school and found my Dad had sold my little Jeep to one of his friends. After only 2 years and a frame off restoration done, and without my knowledge. I never got over loosing that little Jeep. Over the years there have been other Jeeps; 2 Grand Wagoneers, 2 Wranglers, a CJ-7 and CJ-5, a Comanche, and now a new Grand Cherokee Overland. Nothing ever replaced the little CJ-2A Jeep Universal.
I never thought I would ever have a CJ-2A again. Five years ago, we bought this 1946 CJ-2A! Wow! It is like being 16 all over again! The restoration started off slow, but is in high gear now. (Retirement is awesome) With the help of Kaiser Willys, a complete new fuel system has been installed; tank, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel lines and fuel pump. Restored the original oil bath air cleaner. (Love those original Hose clamps). The ignition tune up, gauges and controls also has been gone through. Getting the dash and wiring correct was needed and very important. All done now and to see it all working is great fun. New BFG AT tires installed on the existing 15 inch wheels. The best bias mud tire was kept as a spare for the “Old School Look”. The existing flush mount tail lights are headed to Ebay, and the holes must be filled. New tail light has been collected. Somewhere along the way a CJ-3A windshield found it’s way on the Jeep, someday, maybe, might replace… The frame was shortened up front, don’t know why. This will be corrected, later. A very large ranch gate was removed from the front. It was used as a bumper guard, fence, or something. Wall to wall indoor and outdoor carpeting was removed, yeah it looked bad. The oil filter was relocated along the way too, not sure why. Maybe to support the alternator installation. A new radiator and hoses are on the list. All in all, the Jeep was very solid. Working on it brings a lot pleasure. It responds well to attention. My only question now is, why did I wait so long to replace the 1947! This little Jeep is so much fun!
8-15-2017 Update:
Since my original write up on my CJ2A, I have now completed my restoration. I was able to add new stock wheels and NDT tires, new original windshield, seat covers, seat springs, rubber floor mat, rear floor mat and all of the hoses under the hood. All of the body repairs made over the years were kept. Minimal body work was performed. I chose the 1946 color of Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels and black pin stripe. I also chose the OD canvas seat covers. All of the engine and engine bay was cleaned and repainted. All work was performed by me. I did get someone to help me wrap the seat springs and install the new glass. I consider getting a top, in the future. My jeep is a daily driver and is a joy to drive and use. It brings a lot of enjoyment.
Would you sell this Jeep?
I am currently working on restoring my grandfather’s/dad’s 1946 CJ-2A. I have pretty much decided on this color scheme you used with the Harvest Tan / Sunset Red wheels. I think the harvest tan is pretty easy to get to – there are codes and such I have found in various places. However, the sunest red for the wheels seems to be elusive. I plan to get my wheels powder coated (i have the original 16″ wheels). Would you mind sharing with me the color codes you used or maybe whom you had it painted with? I love these colors, but want to make sure I am getting the right ones specified before I get the work done. Thanks!
Charles
Ron,
Love your jeep. Would you be willing to send me your paint color codes? I like your color combinations for the Harvest Tan and Sunset. I think it matches the best to original from what I have seen.
Much appreciated!
Kent Thompson