At 16 in 1967, my first car was a 1947 CJ-2A. It was a sad day when I came home from school and found my Dad had sold my little Jeep to one of his friends. This was after only 2 years and a frame off restoration done, and without my knowledge. I never got over loosing that little Jeep. Over the years there have been other Jeeps; 2 Grand Wagoneers, 2 Wranglers, a CJ-7 and CJ-5, a Comanche, and now a new Grand Cherokee Overland. Nothing ever replaced the little CJ-2A Jeep Universal.
I never thought I would ever have a CJ-2A again. Five years ago, we bought this 1946 CJ-2A! Wow! It is like being 16 all over again! The restoration started off slow, but is in high gear now. Retirement is awesome! With the help of Kaiser Willys, a complete new fuel system has been installed; tank, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel lines and fuel pump. Restored the original oil bath air cleaner. I love those original hose clamps. The ignition tune up, gauges and controls also has been gone through. Getting the dash and wiring correct was needed and very important. All done now and to see it all working is great fun. New BFG AT tires installed on the existing 15 inch wheels. The best bias mud tire was kept as a spare for the “Old School Look”. The existing flush mount tail lights are headed to Ebay, and the holes must be filled. New tail light has been collected. Somewhere along the way a CJ-3A windshield found it’s way on the Jeep, someday, maybe, might replace… The frame was shortened up front, don’t know why. This will be corrected, later. A very large ranch gate was removed from the front. It was used as a bumper guard, fence, or something. Wall to wall indoor and outdoor carpeting was removed, yeah it looked bad. The oil filter was relocated along the way too, not sure why. Maybe to support the alternator installation. A new radiator and hoses are on the list. All in all, the Jeep was very solid. Working on it brings a lot of pleasure. It responds well to attention. My only question now is, why did I wait so long to replace the 1947! This little Jeep is so much fun!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Ron Eubanks
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Where did you get the fuel filter? I would like to have one for my Cj2a.
Mine has the F head engine,not original.
Thanks
Scott
The story about “Nothing Can Replace My Willys CJ-2A Jeep” struck a chord with me. Due to family circumstances I had to part with my 1950 Willys Jeepster. Since then I’ve had about 15 different Jeeps, from CJ-7, to Jeep Wagoneers, XJ Cherokees, Grand Wagoneers, Wranglers, more than I can recall…… But I lament losing that ’50 Jeepster.
Suggest putting a tarp under that beautiful CJ-2A to keep the rust away from the underbody when it is in the garage or the storage unit.
Phil Payne
Cool Jeep! I got my 1947 CJ-2A in 1980. It cost me two weeks on the couch when my EX didn’t approve of the trade. I’ve now owned the Jeep 12 years longer that I was married. Looks like the Willys was a far better match for me! I did a complete restoration when I got it and it’s overdue for another one.
Thanks for all the cool comments. I enjoyed them all.
Yes, I did know I had found the wrong air cleaner when I got it. It was quite a while before I knew. One day, I can change it, This one was cheap… now I know why, Thanks for clearifing.
Thanks for the cattle jeep comments. Cool to know.
Good story, is great that these old flat fenders can still find a home. Dad, brother, and myself picked up a 46 CJ-2A back in 65. My dad along with every GI from WWII had to have one you know. We towed that old sucker everywhere to go camping and hunting. Did a engine and drivetrain restoration in high school mid 70’s but let it set until last year so put a chunk of change into it again only to take it to the high country so my kids could enjoy it. Blew the clutch and tranny trying to get to the buffalo hump here in ID and after more jars of change I think it will be ready for the summer. Must be a Jeep thing anyway will report back if we make it or have to drag it out again. No man or Jeep left behind and never ever sold.
Fantastic story! In 1967 I was 14 years old and pulled the transmission and transfer case out of my 48 CJ2A, got them rebuilt for $25 bench labor then re-installed them. Mine was the same color green as yours is. I am doing a frame off on that same Jeep as we speak. Everyone thinks I am nuts for keeping the best bias ply tire from way back then to use as a nostalgic spare, feel better knowing you did that as well. Like your padded side seats. We road as kids on a flat piece of plywood that covered the entire tub. Man was that ever hard on rough roads…ha! Thanks for sharing your story and posting the pics.
I have a CJ-2A and have always loved them. When I was 16 I had this fellow high pressure me into selling my first one. I hated him all of my life for that.. No body should EVER tamper with a guys Jeep!
I enjoyed your article alot. Made me go out into the garage and softly stroke the hood of my old girl.
Ron–Nice Jeep! No more restoration needed, no need for period correct airlift hangers, if it drives nice, drive it! That gate/fence section you removed from the front is used by cattle ranchers to help steer/coax ornery bulls into the next pasture, corral, or chute. Keeping it closer to the grill keeps them from trying to get behind it, and injuring your jeep, and it probably made it more maneuverable. My dad’s friend owns a black angus ranch, and we learned to drive there in his CJ2A, a little rougher looking than yours, and we even got to shift it into second gear, quite fun for a 12 year old! Also, the CJ3A windshield helps the taller torso’d gentelmen keep from having to slouch to see out the lower CJ2A windshield. If it fits you well, drive it as is!!
I know what you mean about being hooked on Jeeps. I restored a ’42 GPW, have owned a ’71 Jeepster, a ’99 Wrangler Sahara and currently drive an ’05 Wrangler Unlimited. We take the GPW out for spins on the weekends, parades – stuff like that. Did the frame-off restoration myself.
There will never be anything like an old flatfender. The feel, sound, looks, or any other characteristics. I’ll take my CJ2A to an outside car show, park outside the displays and watch people gather around it.
Mark Compall
Southern Indiana
1945? CJ2A
Hoping to find an affordable Station Wagon, truck AM151 to use on living history programs and family safety
Ryan’s SW in Nov would of been great if I had beef repaid on some things. Ryan was very patient on explaining his SW . Thanks to him, Willys and all the members that are part of this living history program.
Would sure like an affordable Willys , AM151, or Station wagon, truck for my living history programs and family survival . Willys and owners have a great living history program that I have recommended to others
Best SW was Ryan’s in Ill but had a finance shortage in Dec. He was very patient explaining the many advantages of his SW Hoping to get repaid soon on some things .
We also have aircraft vehicles PBR protocol boat and others programs at Cpl Smedly Vietnam ( and now all Vets ) museum in Orlando Fl. We are hoping relocate to MCO airport in Orlando.
Welcome back
Great littler Jeep
You need to find the correct airfilter for the CJ2A.
The one you have installed is from a later model
Good luck with the continued restoration work
Great story and a really fun looking Willys. Glad you found a stand in. You’re last photo made me chuckle because I noticed the Airstream in the background. I also have a small Airstream and a ’51 CJ-3A. Great combo. Enjoy!
Tnx for the story. I never “forgave” Dad when he refused to help me buy a storekeep’s 46 CJ2A. 🙂 In high school I was in love with the quirky little Jeep I used to deliver groceries in after school. Only $300 sale price, and I could work after school at the store, in the school office, and on Saturdays at a local truck body shop. But, no. 🙁 ……….Dad simply believed that a 16 y/o had no business with a car. I was a “kid”, and if I needed transport, I could borrow Pop’s Ford if he didn’t need the sedan. But, O how I wanted that little yellow Jeep with the metal top. Didn’t happen. But a few years ago, I found an M38, which is very similar to the CJ and it is now MINE. All MINE! 🙂 So I know how you and all Jeep lovers feel. I never got over that feeling, that “singing” sound they make going down the road.
To the outsider who has never experienced Jeep, well, ……………….”Its a Jeep thing; you wouldn’t understand!” No, you wouldn’t understand at all………………………………………..!