It all began in 2007 when I traded my Kawasaki mule for a 1955 four-wheel-drive Willys Wagon powered by a L 6-226 Super Hurricane engine. It quickly became my favorite vehicle, “Old Blue” began its frame-off restoration in 2007 at Brandy’s Rod Shop in Bakersfield, California. The shop was owned and operated by a mother daughter team. Following the passing of her husband the founder of Brandy’s, his dedicated crew stayed on to to help the family keep his dream alive. The restoration brought “Old Blue” back to its original state, with the exception of the paint color, (Bermuda Blue,) and the custom upholstery. The paint color was chosen to reflect the color of my dad‘s eyes, and the vintage wood kayak was a present from my mother. The most astonishing thing is that there was no actual bodywork other than sanding. The tailgate hinge was replaced and the wheel well beading was sanded smooth. The wood slats were gingerly sanded and varnished bringing back the original beauty. All of the chrome was triple plated. Although “Old Blue” doesn’t have a big fancy engine she has still won her share of trophies at the shows, and brought many smiles and stories from patrons for years.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Konny Boyd
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Very beautiful piece of History, Konny , and a nice job!
Very beautiful piece of History, Konny , and a nice job!
MY GOD What a tough and beautiful machine. I’ve had to park a towel under my chin to catch all the drool. I’m retired now and this is the greatest hobby of all in my opinion. The history, the fun, the challenge of restoring or building your own creation. One day about 40 years ago, I was slapped in the face with the Willys addiction. The red mark is still there. Currently I’m restoring a 1946 Ag jeep ( After WWII Willys sold jeeps as small tractors ). The jeep was equipped with a PTO and 3-point hitch to pull farm implements like plows, cultivators, planters, hay balers, etc. I started with a $300 disaster and stripped it to the frame. After sand blasting, undercoating, new springs, new brakes, new wiring, etc. I rebuilt the motor ( a high performance engine builder surfaced the block and head, installed new valve seats, bored the cylinders, and turned the crankshaft ) I did the rest. This winter I will be welding up the rusted body. I am planning on painting the body in the spring when the weather gets warm enough here in Minnesota. Then final assembly ! The 3-point hitch is rare and expensive and I only have Social Security to live on, so I will be making the 3-point. Anyone have any plan’s ?
MY GOD What a tough and beautiful machine. I’ve had to park a towel under my chin to catch all the drool. I’m retired now and this is the greatest hobby of all in my opinion. The history, the fun, the challenge of restoring or building your own creation. One day about 40 years ago, I was slapped in the face with the Willys addiction. The red mark is still there. Currently I’m restoring a 1946 Ag jeep ( After WWII Willys sold jeeps as small tractors ). The jeep was equipped with a PTO and 3-point hitch to pull farm implements like plows, cultivators, planters, hay balers, etc. I started with a $300 disaster and stripped it to the frame. After sand blasting, undercoating, new springs, new brakes, new wiring, etc. I rebuilt the motor ( a high performance engine builder surfaced the block and head, installed new valve seats, bored the cylinders, and turned the crankshaft ) I did the rest. This winter I will be welding up the rusted body. I am planning on painting the body in the spring when the weather gets warm enough here in Minnesota. Then final assembly ! The 3-point hitch is rare and expensive and I only have Social Security to live on, so I will be making the 3-point. Anyone have any plan’s ?
I’ve had 23 jeeps in my time, have built them up mostly, engine swaps, lifted, automatic, etc. but have never restored one. have a CJ2A and a CJ5 now, both with hot engines et al.
I salute you on the job you’ve done, you have a beautiful wagon!!
I’ve had 23 jeeps in my time, have built them up mostly, engine swaps, lifted, automatic, etc. but have never restored one. have a CJ2A and a CJ5 now, both with hot engines et al.
I salute you on the job you’ve done, you have a beautiful wagon!!
Very nice ride !
Very nice ride !
Holy cow, the before and after is amazing – great job !!!
Holy cow, the before and after is amazing – great job !!!
outstanding upholstery work! A thing of beauty, nice attention to detail. Winch is the icing on the cake.
outstanding upholstery work! A thing of beauty, nice attention to detail. Winch is the icing on the cake.
I’m inspired! I have a ’59 with the L6-226 engine. Love your upholstery.
I’m inspired! I have a ’59 with the L6-226 engine. Love your upholstery.
Excellent work!!
Congratulations and enjoy it for many years to come
Please share photos of the interior to karlzaza@gmail,com
Many thank,
Carlos Z
Excellent work!!
Congratulations and enjoy it for many years to come
Please share photos of the interior to karlzaza@gmail,com
Many thank,
Carlos Z