When God created the Big Cypress – Everglades. He knew he had to do something else for man kind. He wanted us to be able to enjoy his creation. So he gave someone the knowledge to create the Jeep. I have obliged him 56 of my 78 years. I’m planning to continue to do so with a little help from Kaiser, from time to time.
1952 Willys Truck. It had tough use in the well drilling business for five years. I drove it. I turned it into a swamp buggy in 1957. The engine has been rebuilt one time in about 1966. The buggy has been used in the Everglades (South Florida) for 56 years. It has traveled over most all of the million acres that is now the Big Cypress National Preserve. I personally own property in the preserve that was purchased prior to the preserves creation. I go there quite frequently. Only access is by buggy or ATV. The old Jeep gets me in and out of the preserve without failure. Several parts on this old Truck came from Kaiser.
My wife is 81 and I’m 78 years old. I probably wouldn’t have landed her without the buggy. She is as tough as that old Jeep. I’ve owned a Jeep for 60 years, a model A Ford before that. Both my sons ex marines currently own Jeeps. Many pretty shined up Jeeps are shown in your catalog. Jeeps were never built with this in mind. It’s a tough simple to maintain, go anywhere vehicle. I spent 30 years in the army witnessing this every day. My Jeep only impresses others when it passes them buried to the frame in mud.
Pictures:
House camp – 60 years.
Custodian – Charlie 12 feet 30 years old, eats with us.
Foxy Lady on milk crate – Christina my wife.
Lady – Dog – Christina and Sadie, doing what they love most.
First picture – old ugly man – that’s me. Didn’t have my canvas top when picture was taken.
Hi Jim ,
Just stumbled on to you brief story on your Kaiser buggy .
I;ve been riding and hunting in the Cypress since the late 70;s .
This place is God’s country in my opinion , its a shame the devil (the NPS ) was chosen to manage it .
Thanks for sharing your story
Robert Cruz
Hialeah , Fla