My ol’ girl is still fresh. 35k miles fresh, although she does not shine on the outside, she glows with character. The original 4cyl/3spd drivetrain is still intact minus the Saturn OD it came with. The only mechanical upgrade to 11″ brakes was made some thirty-plus years ago. The stock seats went long ago in favor of something a bit more cushioned and the hard top, added after I purchased the CJ-6, is also not original. It’s a Koenig, that, according to the serial number, was manufactured in 1957. So it’s period correct. What makes this CJ-6 special to me is the meticulous loving care with which the previous owner engaged in for the 38 years he’d owned it. That is not to say it wasn’t used. This little truck has been VERY well traveled.
A retired engineer, the previous owner had a young son going to the same school as my own young daughter. He’d noticed that I frequently drove one Jeep or another to school (CJ-7, Wrangler YJ, and an absurdly over-built Wrangler TJ), ferrying my daughter to school. We’d briefly acknowledged each other but never really talked. One day, he passed in front of my Jeep looking anxious and dejected and and harried by something. He u-turned, shuffled up to my door rather abruptly and asked if I knew anyone who might be interested in his Jeep, described it as an old CJ type that he’d had a long time, and was thinking it was time to move on. I said I might (most certainly not me, my wife would kill me if I brought home another Jeep orphan). Over the ensuing weeks, we’d had several conversations about Jeepin’, various aspects of Jeeps, build philosophies, etc, all the while he’s (turns out he’s a “Bob” too) hem n’ ha’n about whether or not he really, truly wanted to part with his truck. It became quite clear, there was a LOT of history there between Bob and this little truck. I’d still not inquired much about it, so I still knew only that it was a CJ. CJ-what I never pressed. I told him of my other Willys, a 46′ CJ-2A with 32k on the odo and acquired from the original owner’s grandson, still pulling well duty on the ranch it had been acquired for. I guess Bob finally came to the conclusion that I was not a hatchet man. I had stock Jeeps and crazy Jeeps and we both had a parallel notion of what not to butcher because it was just cool, as-is.
Bob came to me one day in the school parking lot and asked if I would come over and take a look at his little truck and help him value it and maybe find an appropriate home. Sure, no problem. At Bob’s house, HOLY FREAKIN COW. It’s a CJ-6. The only beast my lovely wife couldn’t – WOULDN’T – stop me from dragging home. It’s her favorite model. Yes, Bob. I’ve found a buyer. Bob seemed to be relieved that I was interested in his little truck and that it might well go to a loving home. -Of course, Bob, why didn’t you tell me months ago it was a CJ-6? He could’ve saved himself the grief of fretting over whether or not to sell it and I could’ve begun the pride of ownership much earlier. Bob and I still meet on Friday mornings at a little coffee shop to chat about all manner of things from geology, to guns and politics, to (of course) old Jeeps and classic motorcycles. Jeeps are more than just a way to get off the beaten path. I think they are a way to connect with just about anyone on a visceral level.
Thank you, Bob. I love your truck. Well… my truck now.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Robert Stapleton
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Did you know that Ronald Reagan had an old CJ-6 that he drove around his ranch in California?
Hi J.I. Try posting your CJ-6 for sale on http://www.willysforsale.com it’s our free Willys Jeep classifieds site!
I have a cj6 for sale it’s been total body off restored about 90 percent. I’m looking to sell .for $8000 it needs a little more work.its painted butterfly blue ,it’s a beautiful jeep,I have $12,000 in it my phone number is 859 536 7017
If anything ever happens to my IH Scout II, and I felt the need for a second vehicle to replace it (my primary is my 2005 LJ), the CJ-6 with a hard top would be the one to go for, but it would have to be restored at the time of purchase. I’m not going through this, AGAIN. Only will I do the restoration with a reputable, proven shop for the LJ’s first restoration cycle decades from now. The Scout’s first restoration was ROUGH. Hopefully, the next one will be easier.
Very nice Jeep! I would have to add shoulder belts and a cage under the hard top.
I enjoyed reading about the cj6 . I have a 1966 cj6 it has a hard top that has never been off , power take off for a winch . A very special friend of mine got the cj at Fort Mchenry in Baltimore at a public auction . It was used in the mountains of Pa for years . I started riding in it in the early 80 ‘s . It stayed in a garage for years and only used doing hunting season . I bought it about 2 years ago . Restoring the cj .still on the road I should say on the beach . I still use it for hunting Sea turtles on st pete beach Fl . Hope one day to leave the Cj to my grandsons.
Cheers
Bruno
As an addendum, I really must say, I probably have the silliest grin each time I drive this little truck to work. It’s 16 miles and I try to take it once or twice a week. At the neck-snapping pace of 38-40 mph, it’s a time consuming trip that I thoroughly enjoy. My wife is the most amazing and supportive woman I’ve ever met and I’m fortunate to have met her AND have her love Jeeps too! And I’m lucky to have met a new friend and taken over his beloved CJ. Thanks for the kind comments! Take care all!
Bob, your story touches home with me, I own a 1965 CJ-6 and 1957 M38A1. But the CJ6 is special, it belonged to a friend I grew up with in south Florida. He saved me from Quicksand on our Ranch when I was young. Al Dean moved to California, then to Alaska with this CJ6, Eventually back to so. Cal. then to Atlanta Ga. where I live now. More than 30 years have past since he was killed, the jeep sat for more than 20 years on his fathers farm, parts scavenged, engine missing.. on the ground in a field. When his father decided to move and sell the farm, I helped get things ready for Auction, many things went to the scrap yard. I was bound and determined the CJ6 would not go to that fate. I offered to buy the Jeep and to my surprise he said I could have it for helping.. let me tell you, it did not take long to round up some wheels and get it loaded on a trailer. It’s been a slow process and a long way to go yet. Too many Projects, and bad health… Maybe I’ll post some pictures soon… wish you the best with your fine CJ-6….
CJ6 the odd one in the family Jeeps for years.But the new 2011 Big 4 door Jeep is the oddest and ugliest Jeep.
Great looking old jeep, not too many originals still around that you can just hop into and drive especially a CJ6. Great story thanks for sharing Bob.
Great story and awesome aquisition.
Bob : Sure is a great story especially about how you met this youngman and have shared so much. The CJ 6s are great and the Koenig Top really helps
it along. Other top makers were Kelly Cab and others. Seems that Bob and Bob have established a fantastic relationship. I am so glad your wife allowed you the pleasure of having the CJ 6 but then again she does like it too.
Idea for you here: Post a pic of both Bobs with the CJ6 I like to see what Jeep Folks look like. I can here a conversation beyween you two Bobs. “Hey Bob did you realize? No Bob I did not what was I supose to realize? Well Bob
when we are sitting here talking people think we are talking to ourselves”
Hey Bob really that is a nice jeep inded show the others too.