130: Dave Lewis’ 1946 Willys CJ-2A
This CJ-2A spent all of its life in the South, I recently purchased it and she is just about ready for cruises and enjoyment. Thanks to KAISER WILLYS Auto Supply, getting this CJ-2A was an easy project to get back on the road. The color is Normandy Blue, an original color as you know. I thought about changing the wheels to their original color, but I intend to use the WILLYS in local parades and disguise it as “AIR FORCE”.
I am 60 years old, I have owned many JEEPS in my day and I was a motor mechanic in the U.S. Army, and I worked on many JEEPS in my tour of duty. The one I regret not keeping was a 1973 CJ-5 with a 304 c.i. engine I bought on October 6, 1972, then I was drafted on November 3rd, and was inducted on December 7th. My AMC JEEP sat in my parents garage while I was in the service, then my interests changed, (women) when I got home… and I parted with it at 6,000 miles.
Happy Motoring!!
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Mr. Graves,
Thank You! I enjoy every time I get in it and hit the highway!
Dave
Mr. Tribe,
No, this CJ2A is a floor shift, though we owned a column shift way back in 1958. We rebuilt the transmission, transfer case, brakes, and other components from a good inventory of parts from KAISER WILLYS Auto Supply!
Dave
Mr. Mitchell,
The top and cushions came from Beachwood Canvas Works in Island Heights New Jersey. It is a great top, and little maintenance though it needs treated with CANVAK canvas treatment several times per year.
Dave
A fine looking Cj2a. Does it have column mounted shifter? If so what challenges if any did that represent for you in your restoration? I am also doing a 46 with a column shift. The engine, trans, trans. case, both axles and all springs and frame are finished ready for assembly. Body however was shot so I bought a new one.
Thanks, Bob Tribe
Dave, Your blue bird Willys CJ is beautiful, I’m in love with it. Enjoy for ever. John
Where did you get that great umbrella top? I have been looking for something like that since I got a CJ2a. That jeep is beautiful.
Fred,
I spent most of my life on this farm, and I rarely get disgusted with things that break down. Yes Fred, just get in and drive…enjoy the Jeep ride!
Tom,
The tire brand is TRAIL MARK M/S RADIAL, and the size is LT215/85 R16. They are very agressive and they ride nice too!
Dave; I like your project and support your idea to continue using it to have fun and show. I also owned a CJ5 in 1974 a special order with the big six engine and I sure regret selling it. The only up side to not keeping that model is the poor body coating quality that some have to deal with today restoring those models. Keeping active with our jeep and keeping it in excellent shape is the way to stay interested and not growing disgusted with some of the down side to owning a jeep. Love your jeep and use it daily is the answer to happiness. fred
Looks great, Dave. Can I ask what size and make or tires you are running. I’m guessing they are radials…would like to know the particulars. Thanks.