I bought this Wagon 29 years ago. It was advertised as having a rebuilt 226. I had nothing but problems with it, and finally the radiator blew and the head cracked. That was it, I bought a ’67 327, took it to a machine shop and had them make it new again. I put it in front of the T90, the transmission didn’t like that much. It was hard to stop with the original brakes too. So it got a Muncie four speed truck transmission, disc-brakes in the front, 13″ drums in the rear and a Warn overdrive for a total of 14 gears. Two years ago it still looked like hell, and I had $17,000 in it, so I decided to bite the bullet and put another chunk of change into it to finish what I’d started. Tore the body all apart, had it sandblasted, bumpers re-chromed, the stainless trim buffed, painted, new tinted glass, all new wiring, new rims, and upholstery. About $55,000 later, it’s all done. Woopee!!!!
Willys Jeep Life Story – Peter Meyer
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To bad it’s not the VIGILANTE 327 like I have in my ‘68 Gladiator.
I would love a discussion about roof rack options for the wagons. I am hoping to NOT bolt one on, but options seem few. I really only want a kayak rack, not a full luggage rack which I see so many of.
Please let me learn form the collective wisdom and experience of Willys wagon owners.
Thank you
The wagon looks great and I have a few questions if you would be kind enough to answer..
Can you give me some advice on how you set up your braking and 4 speed? I see the power booster and you had to move the battery tray to do that. Also any advice on lifting the original suspension. I have a ’58 that I restored and it too has a 1968 327 in it with a 1968 GM 3 Speed.
I would like the additional gear and the ability to cruise at highway speeds a little better. I swapped out the 4:88 for 3:53 gears already.
Thanks!
the T-90’s neede the mainshaft shimmed a head or they would like to ump out of gear when worn or stressed. As far as the brakes go consider putting a hydravac in line vacuum booster in them, andit will greatly improve stopping performance.
Dave
Dude – very nice. Love what you did for the wagon.
I got two 1950 models – one have hundreds of man hours into and still got a ways to go. Like the wagons but darn if they didn’t make them to grow some serious rust.
Really like your 56 wagon,I had one same year 56 4×4 all stock 226 superhurricane engine. loved that wagon. it was painted gray. warn overdrive .my wife did not care for it so much, made me sell it in 1988.long road trips when 65 is top speed. not too many comforts , no a/c a little rough and noisy ride. I still liked it. take care ,thanks for sharing your wagon, carl