I’ve loved jeeps for as long as I can remember. Even my fifth birthday presents included a toy army jeep. My older brother Trevor, restored a 3B back when I was around 14. He owned several MBs and a CJ6 and was the person who introduced me to the jeep ‘cult’. Driving with him in the sand dunes of Stockton beach is one of my most cherished childhood memories. Over the years my enthusiasm for jeeps never waned and I’ve owned a CJ5, ZJ, WJ, TJ, two JK Unlimited Rubicons and I recently bought a Cherokee KL Trailhawk. In 2010 the time came to scratch an itch I’d had for a long time and start a jeep restoration. CJ3Bs hold a special place in my heart, so I looked for one that wasn’t not too far from where I live in Newcastle, Australia. I didn’t have a large budget or mechanical experience so this was always going to be a slow restoration. Besides, I’m about the journey – not just the destination.
In early 2011 I found a 3B which has been in a farm shed for 20 years, around 200 kilometres from my home. It was rough but the frame and body seemed to be in reasonable condition. The speedo was gone, as were the data plates, so I didn’t know its age or mileage and the previous owner didn’t know either. With help from the CJ3B website, Kaiser Willys and a good exchange rate for the Australian dollar, I was able to start buying parts in 2011 and the learning began. I bought tools and a shop manual and started with the axles, brakes, suspension. My intention was to make it driveable, but the ‘bug’ bit me hard and next thing I was removing the body, having the front cross-member replaced and removing the engine to clean it up. I wanted a classic look with skinny tyres, rather than a modified look.
I bought a MiG welder and tried to patch up the old body for months, but the metal was so brittle it would just burn away. Finally I bit the bullet and bought a replacement tub. As time and budget allowed, I worked on my 3B in my garage (thanks to my patient wife) and progressively built my knowledge, innovated fixes and fell in love with this jeep. There’s something addictive about the mix of boyhood memories, the simple, robust design and the promise of wind-in-your-hair off-roading that kept the enthusiasm going and the credit card well used. In early 2016 I finally got it roadworthy, checked by an engineer and registered for road use. Since then I have made numerous adjustments and tweaks and with each one and with each kilometre I drive, it just seems to be getting better. I don’t know if it will ever be truly finished. I still want a top, winch, overdrive, and a lock-rite for the rear diff. I took it for some windscreen-down off-roading recently and it bought back a lot of fond memories. Sadly, my brother passed away in 2000 at age 52 from bowel cancer, so I named my 3B in honour of him – Trevor.
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Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
A Fitting tribute to your brother Tevor! A Beautiful restoration! Old Willys jeeps span the tests of time!
Restoring 2 Willys jeeps myself and like you,I have a great wife whose never complained about my
hobby! Congratulations on a job well done! —-Dave Hollingsworth, New London,Ohio
G’Day Peter.
I will give you a ring so we can have a yarn, I have had a struggle finding Australian early Jeep owners. My main problem is a very noisy grinding sound when I have let my foot off the throttle. I have rebuilt the gearbox with a full kit, aligned the rear tailshaft, removed the front tailshaft.
My CJ6 is registered and driven often. Although not so much with this as yet unidentified noise.
That little white machine looks a ripper
Hi
The above comment by Steve Donaldson about his Brisbane assembled CJ^ was interesting. I have a Brisband QLD assembled CJ6 from 1959 that was military specified for the Australian Airforce ( RAAF ).
It drives ior steers pretty well but in a 1950s large steering wheel kind of way, which i take as normal for this kind of set up.
Can I please be put in contact with Steve Donaldson from Australia from an email above.
Peter Stephenson from Melbourne 0415 3786 95 so I can check his set up with him.
Sometime its hard for Australians to find other Australian Jeep guys so any help would be appreciated.
***** Without Kaiser Willys a lot of Jeeps in Australia would be just sitting in paddocks or in sheds doing nothing … Thank you Kaiser Willys for sending parts to us Down Under Jeep drivers and restorers.
The steering on these old jeeps are a problem. I converted my Cj3b to power Saginaw steering from a Y J.
It sounds like your front wheels are towing in too much have the front end aligned.
Looks like a U.S. mail Jeep! It’s a great looking down under Jeep for sure. Keep on Jeep n!
G’day
I own a cj6 ex Brisbane assembly, and have it on the road and running well. My biggest problem is steering, or at least keeping it in the middle of my lane. I have put a new kit in the steering box, and all new front end ball joints etc, but still no luck.
How does your CJ steer?
As your in Australia and RHD I would be interested in how yours steers.
Great job and great story brings back some really good memories of my past.
Thank you
Bob
I own a 1950 Willys Jeepster convertible with a Ford Mustang drive train. It has canvass side curtains, and a custom dash. The cloth seats were custom built by a local furniture upholsteror. the body is pale green gloss;
the fenders are glossy rootbeer.
I have been seeking original side mirrors, but am told they are not in stock.
Can you help?
Thanks for the comment Bob. Actually, it’s a true ‘righty’. I look forward to you posting about your 2a one day.
Just about the “BEST” right hand drive CJ3B I have ever seen !!! Outstanding Job.
Wow, a true lefty. What a great job you did. Had a 3b before I got married but sold it after second daughter was born. As you say it gets in your blood. Bought a cj2a two years ago and am working on it.