030: Chris Veal’s 1962 Willys Truck
Although no car project is ever really “finished,” I completed the original build in spring of ’03. My goal was to produce a vehicle I could drive every day (and I do) in comfort, while maintaining the original appearance. So, no huge tires; no custom rims, no late model steering column/wheel, etc.
What it does have is a 330 hp Chevy 350 coupled to a 700R4 with a mid-80’s GMC transfer case. The axles front and rear are from Curry, with 3.71, 9-inch Ford limited slip differentials and disk brakes all around. Steering is a Saginaw power unit.
I can’t remember offhand, how much I’ve purchased from your company, but I can tell you the speedometer unit you see in the interior shot is from Kaiser Willys Auto Supply recently. The temperature unit in the old speedometer cratered. It’s good to know there is a place where “original” parts can still be had.
-Chris Veal
Lakehead, CA
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Hallo Chris Veal,
I have your Willys truck on my willys- foto- file, and I look at it quite frequently. I am restoring my Willys truck, and yours is an inspiration to me.
Thank you.
Regards
Peter
Queensland
Great Job!
Can you tell me if you used the orginal 62 Willy’s frame and if modified? If not, what vehicle frame did you use?
Thanks!
Beautiful!