The story of my 1960 Willys wagon starts this way – I was a trade show vendor at the 2009 Turkey Rod Run in Daytona Beach, FL. and I had seen 2 un-restored Willys pick-ups and instantly decided it was time to build my first rod. I was so busy at the show that I couldn’t focus my attention on the trucks that I had seen, but did spy a fire engine red Willys Wagon. The seller was from West Virginia and had brought several cars to sell in the car corral. I fell in love with the soon-to-be-mine Willys as it brought back memories of my first car, a red 1962 CJ-5. The seller informed me that it drove like a dream (and I trusted him), yet I couldn’t drive it at the show.
After I paid my money and started to drive it home from West Virginia, I learned that it was far from a solid, road worthy ride. It was time to start making this thing “fun” to drive. A complete re-build of the front suspension and steering gear mostly fixed the problems of keeping it straight on the road, but further tweaking of the front end finally made it “fun”.
My first show was the PA Jeeps event in York, PA and it almost overheated on the way up. Ok, back to the shop and a new custom radiator with electric fan and a new transmission cooler with its own fan, remote mounted under the body in the rear of the vehicle. Oh, I won best in class at that show two years in a row.
Now I had a reliable “street rod 4X4” that’s fun to drive. It’s never been trailered to any show and my Willys has been to multiple events in York, PA, Carlisle, PA, Ocean City, MD and a ton more.
And the fire department red connection? I am a retired firefighter and my Willys has a mild F.D. theme. Red color (of course), red flashing grill lights and rear light, ear splitting fire truck air horn mounted under body and a 360 degree undercarriage red LED lighting package that includes the grill and air cleaner.
I get looks and a lot of “thumbs up” when I’m tooling around town and I really enjoy the uniqueness of my ride. My next show is at the Discovery Channel headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. at the 3rd annual Velocity Channel Car show. It’s invite only and I’m really honored to be invited!
FEATURES
GM 350 Motor w/Lots of Chrome
GM 350 Turbo Hydramatic Transmission
GM 205 Transfer Case – (’79 Chevy truck)
Jeep Cherokee Front and Rear Axle’s (1979)
GM Master Cylinder & Booster
1978 Chevy Malibu Steering Box
American Racing Wheels
Dick Cepek Fun Country II Tires
Up-dated disc brakes, cylinders & lines
Skyjacker Shocks
Vintage Air & Heat
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Tilt Steering Wheel – Chevy Impala
Power Drivers Seat
Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Custom Interior and dash
Alpine Stereo w/ 4X40 Watt Amp
New Fuel Pump
New Front Springs, Shackles, Perches, Bushings & Spacers
Update Rear Suspension Mounting Hardware
Griffin Radiator – aluminum w/ electric fan & shroud
Derale Transmission Cooler w/ Fan
Full Coverage Car Cover
Track Bar
Ceramic Coated Headers
Stainless Steel Mandrel Bent Exhaust with 18” Magnaflow Tips
Flowmaster Mufflers – single chamber
Visor’s by Amy – visor
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Stacey Stone
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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!
Hi Mr Stone .Im in costa rica I fell in love with your willys If I understand wright you sold it ,but I was wondering where you bought the piece that goes under the dash on the picture is says jeep just above the cap. Thank you and god bless. Have a great week.
I am looking to buy a Willy’s Jeep Station Wagon just like this.
Do you have any ideas?
Best Regards & Cheers,
Jon Wallin
Have questions on this build can you contact me at henrytillman46@gmail.com
Great job, it is a head turner, I have a 46 cj2a and really enjoy it, Got to keep these ols classics going,,,,Good job…Mike
I was wondering what type of seats you used for the front and back.
bad ass dude rebuilding 61 wagon myself all stock
very very nice! I am just starting to work on a 49 Willy truck. can you tell me what AC unit you used?
If I may offer a suggestion, I used a rear seat from a 1983 Jeep Cherokee Chief supported with custom brackets fabbed from parts from an early ’90s Suburban jump seat.
A BEAUTIFUL job! I once had a 1952 Willys Wagon, but it was 2WD with overdrive.
I now have a 1965 NAVY CJ5. You can view it in the photo files. (I think it is under my wife’s name, Nannette).
Before everything is said and done, I want to congratulate you for a job well done; excellent. cver-the-top!
Second, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your writeup. The tone in which you wrote was with unbridled enthusiasm and pride – and that’s the way it should be!
Again, thank you for sharing and inspiring!
love u r 60 I got a52 wagon trying to upgrade wipers for wa driving what did u do thank you
Nice rig. Compliments on the build.
What front brake upgrade did u go with?
I am looking to upgrade a stock 63 …as we all know stock drums reduce speed not halt forward motion!
Outstanding. Congratulations on your beautiful build.
I am restoring a 60 wagon mostly to original. Only thing left to do is the interior. I don’t like the original seats and was wondering what this wagon owner used for his rear seat?