Here are some war-time Willys adaptations that you may have never seen before. All were innovations in terrain navigation… some were successful and some were not. Our favorite is the “Short Cut”!
The eight-wheeled XM170 was designed for better flotation; however, eight 7.00×16 tires pushed together only stressed bearings and made control an ordeal (results found in a 1943 test report).
Paddle Wheels. These paddles were actually a separate unit that could be removed and stored while not in use.
This Willy MB is fit with 2 ply tractor tires and chains intended to transverse the snow.
The Willys MB rail fitting above (called a “Short Cut”) was created because although many 3rd world countries had established rail systems, working roads were in short supply. This innovation was a success.
Did you like the photos above? They all came from “Volume Three: All-American Wonder – The Photographic History of the U.S. Military 1/4 Ton Truck” by Fred W. Crimson.
If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys replacement parts, Willys body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out our sister site, LiveOffroad, an online site dedicated to offering the lowest prices on parts and accessories for 1976+Up CJ & Wrangler! Live Well. Offroad Better.
JOHN WILLYS MÜTHİŞ BİR ADAM VE MÜTHİŞ BİR ZEKA BİZ YİNE AYNI İNSANLARI İSTİYORUZ VE AYNI TEKNOLOJİ DEVAM ETSİN İSTİYORUZ…
TÜRKİYE AND ÇANAKKALE…
SEVGİLERLE
PARSTEKNİK CO.
MR.PARS USTA
ITS AMAZING THAT THE WHOLE WILLYS THING THROUGH OUT THE WORLD WAS
STARTED BY A GUY BY NAME OF JOHN WILLYS , WHO GREW UP
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD IN ELMIRA , NEW YORK. TWO STREETS STILL BEAR THE
NAME WILLYS STREET AND OVERLAND STREET WHERE THE PLANT WAS LOCATED ..
MY MOM TOLD ME HOW THE PRIEST AT CHURCH WOULD SAY, ANYONE CAUGHT
DOING ANYTHING WRONG WILL BE SENT TO THE WILLYS PLANT TO WORK. THE WORK
THERE IS MORE PUNISHING THAN GOING TO PRISON ..
Great pictures/information except for the first picture(XM170). The caption cites a 1943 report while the XM170/M170 field ambulance came along in the 1950s. The picture is of a M170 so it fits the story regarding trying doubling the wheels/tires for floatation. Perhaps there was also a 1943 test using the MB/GPW and it was tested again on a XM170?
Everything that God gives us is made of clay. And God gave us the WIllys. Boy are we having fun.
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