This is “Elmo,” my ’54 Willys Pickup. Like many projects, it took two trucks to make one finished product. Now 29, I’ve owned one of the two since I was in high school and was always determined to make the time to restore it, but knew I needed a lot of missing parts. About two years ago I came across a really solid littermate listed on Craigslist that had been stored in a barn in Tennessee. Lacking engine and trans it was the perfect donor to kickstart what my wife calls “a real investment.” My son Emmitt and I spent a lot time on weekends and weeknights wrestling Willys parts and slowly piece by piece put it back together into one good truck. I let my little boy, who will be three soon, choose the truck’s name and color, which at the time was watching a fair share of sesame street. Our first trip together to our local Dairy Queen in “Elmo” is something I will never forget. Willys have always been in my family and I can honestly say that just like my dad I learned to drive in a CJ2A. Long live these pioneers. Thanks for all your help and advice through our restoration.
Josh-
What a great looking Jeep, you did a super job. I am currently restoring a 60 pickup and was looking for a color and I think I may have just found it!!! Would you be willing to share what red you chose for yours?
Wishing you your son many years of enjoyment.
Don
Hello Josh.
It nice to see my year of truck restored. When I purchase mine it had all ready had the entire power train converted to an automatic. Someday I hope to have an all original beauty like yours.
Thanks for sharing. Very cool!
Alan