This jeep is dedicated to my 86 year old Uncle, who served in the China-Burma-India Theater during WWII: He had a Jeep in Kunming, China, and this one is restored to “as remembered.” As an example, he remembers that his Jeep had a green plastic-type seat cover (not canvas); he remembers that his Jeep had large taillights so that the Jeep could be seen on the flight line at night, and he remembers that his Jeep did NOT have windshield wipers. So, although it is NOT period correct, I could easily make it so…I also have the original switch system to start and operate the vehicle – I made it a key-start to discourage people from playing with it when parked and displayed.
The markings on the Jeep are as follows: The Serial Number on the hood is NOT the Jeep serial number: it is actually the RA number for my Uncle; the RF bumper marking is the day he entered the US Army Air Force (also depicted on the hood); the LF bumper marking is the day he was honorably discharged; the RR bumper marking is his unit of assignment (1340th ATU – or Air Transport Unit) and the LR bumper marking is his name and rank: TSGT Estes.
This Jeep was originally sold as US Army Surplus in Vicksburg, Mississippi in May of 1953, to a friend of our family. He used it for several years as a farm vehicle, and sold it to a member of our family in 1960, who used it extensively as a hunting and fishing vehicle, and pretty well beat it up. It was given to me in 1996 in a non-operational status, and since has had a frame-off. During the frame-off, I discovered that the MWO to make it into a radio Jeep had been applied sometime during its military career: the center hole for the V-Belt to drive the radio generators is present, as is the proper covering. The pulley for the generator drive was present on the transmission, but I have since given that to another individual who is restoring an original Navy Radio Jeep.
I found the trailer on EBay – located in Abingdon, VA…the trailer had been used and abused for a number of years – and it also has received a frame-off; however, I did NOT totally straighten the tub, as I wanted to leave some of the dents and dings…I think it adds character! All other aspects of the trailer are as built.
I have the documentation on this Jeep since its sale as surplus. It is regularly driven, and consistently shown in parades and shows.
I am currently doing a frame-off on a 1949 4×4 Willys Utility Wagon, with the sedan delivery-type rear door…this vehicle was originally used as a “Paddy Wagon” by the local Sheriff’s Department – I rescued it from the crusher – and it will be returned to a “Paddy Wagon” configuration…complete with Sheriff Department markings, lights, etc. I plan to place two mannequins, in proper prison attire for the period, in the rear, handcuffed to the (added) center rail.
Thanks for your interest, and thanks for the wonderful Kaiser Willys store – you have bailed me out a number of times!
Warm Regards, Marcus
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Marcus Ellis
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Marcus, what a tribute to your uncle and to the memory of the armed forces. While in Korea in 1963 I had a Jeep assigned to the 7th Log Cmd Avn Det at Taegu. Used it to go from Camp Henry where lived to the airfield A-805 and every night when checking airfield security. Also, had my own Jeep as commander of A/1/14 FA 2nd AD Fort Hood and as CO HQs Troop 7/17Air Cav Sqdn Pleiku Vietnam. I can still remember the ride and the smell of the canvas. Thanks for all you did for me along our journey and for preserving a bit of my memory of a 28 year military career! The a navy would say, “Bravo Zulu,” while the army says, “Attaboy!” I say, “God bless you!”
Awesome restore! I love the approach you took and that it’s in honor of a vet! Very inspiring! thanks for sharing!
I am very impressed with your Willy’s ’42. I myself have a Ford ’42, which I have dedicated to my Dad, a B-24 pilot. I can’t thank you enough for remembering veterans and giving them something to see and touch.
Thanks again for your beautiful addition to Kaiser Willy’s!!
REB
Wow! Your work is greatly appreciated by everyone, especially those of us who are Jeep Nuts! Each time I see such excellent work it motivates me and I make more progress on my 46 CJ2A which I hope to have an article about someday. Thanks
Our Jeeps in Vietnam were basically the same. Instead of a keyed ignition switch we had a small chain welded to the floor which we would wrap around the steering wheel and put a padlock on it.
Thanks for preserving another piece of history! A great tribute to your uncle. I’m working on an M-38 and an M-37 as we speak. I’m striving to have the M-37 done for this years Memorial Day Parade in Kennett Square,Pa.Happy Motoring!
Great job on the Jeep and a fine tribute to your uncle. I have a M38A1. A woman in the Georgia town where I lived asked if I would let her disabled husband sit in it as he drove a Jeep in the Korean War. I took him for a ride, which he loved. I had a M151 in the Army as an Infantry Platoon Leader. One thing I remember about military vehicles is the canvas smell. Veterans never forget it.
Nice Job ! I have restored two jeeps , one a military 1950 with tralier and a 1958 cilivan and I can appriciate the work you have done it looks great.
Marcus:
What a blessing this is to read the work and dedication you have achived. And all this to the memory of your Uncle. I was in the Air Force myself
with Security Police and also as a Crew Chief on a SR71 Blackbird. So I have Jeep experience myself.
Very well done man lets see some before and afters of the This Jeep and also your Paddy Wagon when done.
God Bless you and above all America..
This is a great story and tribute to your uncle. I salute you both. Great job on the restoration, story and photos. I am restoring a ’58 wagon in memory of my grandfather.