I purchased my 1957 Willys DJ-3A in 1968 when I was a junior in high school, it cost me $350. The Jeep was painted green and had about 37,000 miles or at least that was what the broken speedometer read. In the windshield two faded stickers from Air Force at Chicago O’Hare Airport and also under the green paint it was Air Force Blue. So in it’s younger days it served the country. I’m not sure what it’s duty was in between the Air Force and my ownership. On my call it had many high school escapades including many a weekend boon docking with high school friends in the sand dunes and swamps around Lake Michigan. I found out with the tires late a night.
The 57 Jeep spent many a summer night scooping the loop in Waukegan, Illinois. The again years latter when scoop the loop came back as a summer weekend celebration. Also during my high school and college years I made 3 1/2 trips to Canada. The first trip I left at 10PM right after I got home from High School graduation. two friends and myself drove straight thru the 665 miles from Waukegan to Nestor Falls Ontario, arriving in 15 hours to Canada for a fishing trip.
When I refer to the 1/2 a Canada trip is when I broke down in Cook, MN an hour south of International Falls, MN. Three college kids spent 3 days in Cook population 500 (including outlying areas). We had to be towed 10 miles to town by Erv’s Garage. He diagnosed the problem, loaned us his tools and got us a ride 35 miles to the nearest parts house. He also let us stay in an abandoned house and helped us replace the exhaust valve. At last it was done and running. As we packed the Jeep we were trying to figure out how we were going to pay in a time of no cell phones, no credit cards, no ATMs etc. I was handed the bill. We could not believe that it was for a total of $17.86! We were able to pay the bill, buy gas and make it home. And found out there are real anglers among us. As I found a job, married and had 3 kids the Jeep was used less and less do to no money or time to fix. As my wife would tell many a inquiry, is that Jeep for Sale in the backyard I would hem/haw and say No. Now that I am retired I had the time and money to fix it up and get it running to honor all the good times we had with it and it’s 60th birthday. This complete tear down to the frame and rebuild has taken me 80+ weeks.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Patrick Grams
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That’s a very nice vehicle and a great story to go with it.
That’s a very nice vehicle and a great story to go with it.
Nice Willys. What is the difference between the CJ and DJ? I had thought the DJ was the 2wd postal jeeps of the 80s
Nice Willys. What is the difference between the CJ and DJ? I had thought the DJ was the 2wd postal jeeps of the 80s
Great jeep and greater story. I also have a DJ3A. It’s a 1958 that I’ve had since 1963 . I’m the 2nd owner. It’s all original. Did you have any problem getting parts? Not many DJ’s out there.
After reading your story I’m so enticed to get to work on it and bring it back to its original glory . Thanks for sharing.
Great jeep and greater story. I also have a DJ3A. It’s a 1958 that I’ve had since 1963 . I’m the 2nd owner. It’s all original. Did you have any problem getting parts? Not many DJ’s out there.
After reading your story I’m so enticed to get to work on it and bring it back to its original glory . Thanks for sharing.
Very happy you hung on to your memory mobile, I hope you can make many more new memories.
Very happy you hung on to your memory mobile, I hope you can make many more new memories.
Nothing not to like about You or your Jeep. Nice finish. I didn’t know that flat fender look went into the late 50’s. I have a 48 I intend to do a “Petina” finish on. So far, it has 5 different colors.
Have FUN!!!
Nothing not to like about You or your Jeep. Nice finish. I didn’t know that flat fender look went into the late 50’s. I have a 48 I intend to do a “Petina” finish on. So far, it has 5 different colors.
Have FUN!!!
what is the rear axle gear ratio? nice jeep. you must have had good luck with that engine
what is the rear axle gear ratio? nice jeep. you must have had good luck with that engine
Beautiful job Great story !!!!
Beautiful job Great story !!!!
The early DJ3A Series 1956 – 1961 (Dispatcher) was a lost cost version of the Willys Jeep. My 1957 DJ3A had the flat fenders, single glass windshield with center vent, rear tailgate, gas tank behind the rear end, the L134 Flat head engine, 6V ystem and 2WD,. It shared alot of parts from the older CJ3A SERIES 1949 -1953.
The Willys Overland Production Figures:
1956 DJ3A model 56337: S/N 10001 2510 units
1957 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 12512 794 units
1958 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 13306 1388 unts
1959 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 14694 1948 units
1960 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 16643 2725 units
1961 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 19368 1542 units
Thank you for all the nice comments!
I look forward to driving it this spring when the temperature warms up, two days ago it was -5F..
The rear end ratio on my DJ is 4.10:1
Patrick
The early DJ3A Series 1956 – 1961 (Dispatcher) was a lost cost version of the Willys Jeep. My 1957 DJ3A had the flat fenders, single glass windshield with center vent, rear tailgate, gas tank behind the rear end, the L134 Flat head engine, 6V ystem and 2WD,. It shared alot of parts from the older CJ3A SERIES 1949 -1953.
The Willys Overland Production Figures:
1956 DJ3A model 56337: S/N 10001 2510 units
1957 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 12512 794 units
1958 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 13306 1388 unts
1959 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 14694 1948 units
1960 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 16643 2725 units
1961 DJ3A model 56337 S/N 19368 1542 units
Thank you for all the nice comments!
I look forward to driving it this spring when the temperature warms up, two days ago it was -5F..
The rear end ratio on my DJ is 4.10:1
Patrick
Bob you asked if I had any problem finding parts for the DJ3A. The best money I ever spent was buying the original Parts List for the Model DJ-3A. from Oringinal Reproductions LLC. It not only gives you the original part numbers ( many from the CJ3A Series) but some of the assrembly drawings give more detail then the Service Manual. My sevice manual copyright 1965 includes Jeep Dispatcher DJ3A.
My jeep was pretty bad shape from sitting outside too long with out a top. So I had to disassemble the jeep all the way down to the frame. The frame needed welding in spots and I had to replace four of the body mounts. The I got the frame powder coated black.
My worst mistake not taking more pictures before I started disassembling and during disassembly. I guess I thought I would remmeber more than I did. Some assemblies were not detailed in eiither the parts list or the service manual .
I’ll send you my email if you would like more information on what I ran into rebuilding my DJ3A.
Patrick
Bob you asked if I had any problem finding parts for the DJ3A. The best money I ever spent was buying the original Parts List for the Model DJ-3A. from Oringinal Reproductions LLC. It not only gives you the original part numbers ( many from the CJ3A Series) but some of the assrembly drawings give more detail then the Service Manual. My sevice manual copyright 1965 includes Jeep Dispatcher DJ3A.
My jeep was pretty bad shape from sitting outside too long with out a top. So I had to disassemble the jeep all the way down to the frame. The frame needed welding in spots and I had to replace four of the body mounts. The I got the frame powder coated black.
My worst mistake not taking more pictures before I started disassembling and during disassembly. I guess I thought I would remmeber more than I did. Some assemblies were not detailed in eiither the parts list or the service manual .
I’ll send you my email if you would like more information on what I ran into rebuilding my DJ3A.
Patrick
Bob
If you need more information on thr DJ3A drop me a line.
Pat
fcg51@frontier.com
Bob
If you need more information on thr DJ3A drop me a line.
Pat
fcg51@frontier.com
It is a SS Body rhat I bought from Oregon Metal Works. My body that I took off was badly rusted especially the tub. I looked all around an decided t t0 buy the Stainless Steel body.. I had read about it in a Hemmings Motors issue.The place advertised many different models. I bought the CJ3A body which my 1957 DJ3A used.
SS was not the easist to machine but now I don’t have to worry about rust..
The body was pretty much to size of the old one with exception of the Grill and floor of the Tub. These were built as not to infringe on Jeep’s copy rights.
The Grill was just a front shell stamping, I used my old grill and had it powder coated black. Welded 90 degree weld studs to the back of the SS Grill and bolted it to the old grill. Then my radaitor bolted to the original grill.
The SS Tub has flat floor so I needed to make a spacer adapter for the transmission and shifter. Then I used the original steel cover and powder coated it and bolted oit to the adapter.
Oregon Metal Works
Murtle Creek, Oregon 97457
1-800-822-6273
Any questions and I an more then happy to reply
Patrick Grams
It is a SS Body rhat I bought from Oregon Metal Works. My body that I took off was badly rusted especially the tub. I looked all around an decided t t0 buy the Stainless Steel body.. I had read about it in a Hemmings Motors issue.The place advertised many different models. I bought the CJ3A body which my 1957 DJ3A used.
SS was not the easist to machine but now I don’t have to worry about rust..
The body was pretty much to size of the old one with exception of the Grill and floor of the Tub. These were built as not to infringe on Jeep’s copy rights.
The Grill was just a front shell stamping, I used my old grill and had it powder coated black. Welded 90 degree weld studs to the back of the SS Grill and bolted it to the old grill. Then my radaitor bolted to the original grill.
The SS Tub has flat floor so I needed to make a spacer adapter for the transmission and shifter. Then I used the original steel cover and powder coated it and bolted oit to the adapter.
Oregon Metal Works
Murtle Creek, Oregon 97457
1-800-822-6273
Any questions and I an more then happy to reply
Patrick Grams
I just aquired this same Willy’s dj3a, wonder if we could communicate on help to where to find parts. Thanks
I just aquired this same Willy’s dj3a, wonder if we could communicate on help to where to find parts. Thanks
Nice jeep, very well done! Thanks for your comments and insight. I just “acquired” a 1965 DJ-3A that was sitting in a shed for the last 30+ years, less than a mile from my house. Not even 100′ from my favorite cut through street. I have driven past it thouands of times over the years and never knew it was there.
First thing I did was request a Kaiser Willys catalog, and there was your article!
I will be looking for lots of information and wisdom as I get it running and road worthy. I hope we can connect, and would also like to get in touch with Dale and Bob and any others who own DJ-3A’s.
nicholsmd@comcast.net
Nice jeep, very well done! Thanks for your comments and insight. I just “acquired” a 1965 DJ-3A that was sitting in a shed for the last 30+ years, less than a mile from my house. Not even 100′ from my favorite cut through street. I have driven past it thouands of times over the years and never knew it was there.
First thing I did was request a Kaiser Willys catalog, and there was your article!
I will be looking for lots of information and wisdom as I get it running and road worthy. I hope we can connect, and would also like to get in touch with Dale and Bob and any others who own DJ-3A’s.
nicholsmd@comcast.net
In need of 1956 DJ3A fuel tank, any ideas?
In need of 1956 DJ3A fuel tank, any ideas?
I am at the beginning of reassembly of my 1963 DJ3A. Right now no two parts are touching. The frame is fully restored. The front end is completely rebuilt. The rear axle (4.56 Dana 27) is getting a new Thorton Powr-Lok and full restoration. The body is finished to fitment. Then it will go to paint. Had to make all the parts for the steering and shifter due to lack of availability of parts. Wiring harness has been completely duplicated. The 60/40 seats were missing so I am fabricating a set from a pair I was able to borrow for pattern. The DJ is an ex Navy jeep and has some oddities for the contract. 15″ wheels with 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern being one.
Fun project to go along with our M38 (fully restored) and M37 (driving survivor)
I am at the beginning of reassembly of my 1963 DJ3A. Right now no two parts are touching. The frame is fully restored. The front end is completely rebuilt. The rear axle (4.56 Dana 27) is getting a new Thorton Powr-Lok and full restoration. The body is finished to fitment. Then it will go to paint. Had to make all the parts for the steering and shifter due to lack of availability of parts. Wiring harness has been completely duplicated. The 60/40 seats were missing so I am fabricating a set from a pair I was able to borrow for pattern. The DJ is an ex Navy jeep and has some oddities for the contract. 15″ wheels with 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern being one.
Fun project to go along with our M38 (fully restored) and M37 (driving survivor)
Just purchased a 1959 DJ-3A. Work will be Beginnings in a year so hopefully. This Jeep has flat entry surface where you’re getting in/out of it, unlike any pictures I’ve scene.
Just purchased a 1959 DJ-3A. Work will be Beginnings in a year so hopefully. This Jeep has flat entry surface where you’re getting in/out of it, unlike any pictures I’ve scene.
Hi Patrick, what size tires are you running on your DJ?
Hi Patrick, what size tires are you running on your DJ?
Nice looking Jeep you have . Glad you fixed it back up . You have a real Jeep their. A well made dependable vehicle. You can work on and easier to repair. Not like the over priced junk Chrysler is putting out now. Which came out first the Jeep or Ford one?
Nice looking Jeep you have . Glad you fixed it back up . You have a real Jeep their. A well made dependable vehicle. You can work on and easier to repair. Not like the over priced junk Chrysler is putting out now. Which came out first the Jeep or Ford one?
Very cool story, on the west coast of MI and spent many hours with my old 2A doing about the same things, but never drove it to Canada, guess I was lucky or she may have broken down too.
So many good times with that old girl, now I have 2 pickups 48 and 53, a jeepster and a 2A, and going to thin them out soon.
Love these old Willys.
Stony
Very cool story, on the west coast of MI and spent many hours with my old 2A doing about the same things, but never drove it to Canada, guess I was lucky or she may have broken down too.
So many good times with that old girl, now I have 2 pickups 48 and 53, a jeepster and a 2A, and going to thin them out soon.
Love these old Willys.
Stony
Oregon Metal Works seems to be out of business. The website is hijacked.
Oregon Metal Works seems to be out of business. The website is hijacked.
I had a 1957 CJD3 Dispatcher that was used in the aircraft factories in LA. It had large baloon tires on it and was great in the desert sand at Edwards AFB. However if you took it out on paved hiway the front end was so bad you couldn’t control it over 20 mph very scary. By 1968 while I was stationed there the fiberglass roof had deteriorated so bad that it leaked air, water, whatever came down. Neat little car however, only kept it a short time and sold it to a civilian in Lancaster, Ca.
I had a 1957 CJD3 Dispatcher that was used in the aircraft factories in LA. It had large baloon tires on it and was great in the desert sand at Edwards AFB. However if you took it out on paved hiway the front end was so bad you couldn’t control it over 20 mph very scary. By 1968 while I was stationed there the fiberglass roof had deteriorated so bad that it leaked air, water, whatever came down. Neat little car however, only kept it a short time and sold it to a civilian in Lancaster, Ca.
Hard to find any DJ3A communities, does anyone know or have measurements to make the convertible top? If anyone has any info please email me at matt@matthewdeal.com
Hard to find any DJ3A communities, does anyone know or have measurements to make the convertible top? If anyone has any info please email me at matt@matthewdeal.com