083: Giancarlo Lugo’s Willys Jeep CJ-2A/MB/GPW
When I found this jeep, it was just a wreck in a coffee farm at Castañer (Lares, Puerto Rico). This is a mix of a 1946 CJ2-A with a 1942 MB & GPW. I spent about two years working in this vehicle (starting in April 2010). There are many details that I have to correct, but now I’m close to finishing.
According to the last owner, this vehicle was fixed in the mid 60’s using original military parts from another wreck found in Ramey Air Force Base (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico). For example, the front axle shaft was marked with “F” (FORD), and is a rare ‘Rzeppa’ model. Also manifold, bolts, pedals, etc., were marked with “F”. The carburetor is a Carter 536 S (1941-1945) and works perfectly.
The engine is a Willy’s Overland L134 mounted over a CJ-2 ‘chassis’. Some replacements were used to complete my restoration. I’m still looking for a DANA 27 rear axle and a T-84 Transmission to finish the job, but right now this jeep is perfectly running
.
Numbers, marks and colors were selected to commemorate the LRDG and the 880 Ethiopian Commonwealth Group (North Africa,WWII). Some historical references were used for the paint job. For me, this is not only an old MB jeep, it’s also a great time machine. Thanks to the people of ‘Kaiser Willys’.
-Giancarlo Lugo
Have Willys Jeep photos? Submit them to our blog webmaster.
Get Connected. Stay Inspired. Build Your Willys.
NICE! What is the can on the grill?
NICE! What is the can on the grill?
I may can help locate the original type rear differential in my old stuff if you still want to change it out. I like the one you have as is if it is a D44. You have a very rewarding project. I give you a plus for the paint choice. fred
I may can help locate the original type rear differential in my old stuff if you still want to change it out. I like the one you have as is if it is a D44. You have a very rewarding project. I give you a plus for the paint choice. fred
GREAT work…My question like Muskrat what is the can on the grille ?
GREAT work…My question like Muskrat what is the can on the grille ?
Absolutly AWSOME……great “attention to detail”..I’m also curious about the can on the grill…as a vet of desert storm I know that our M-813’s ( 5 ton ) we’re equipped with a similar can that allowed for more water due to the dessert heat….my other question is the “rail slides” that hold the windshield up out of the frame, is that stock or was it your option rather than the “scissor mounts” that I have on my 46 CJ2A?…regardless, that is one sharp “ICON”….you did well!!!
Absolutly AWSOME……great “attention to detail”..I’m also curious about the can on the grill…as a vet of desert storm I know that our M-813’s ( 5 ton ) we’re equipped with a similar can that allowed for more water due to the dessert heat….my other question is the “rail slides” that hold the windshield up out of the frame, is that stock or was it your option rather than the “scissor mounts” that I have on my 46 CJ2A?…regardless, that is one sharp “ICON”….you did well!!!
The can on the grill is an overflow expansion reservoir, connected to the radiator.
You see photos of these on SAS Jeeps used in the Sahara and North African campaign.
The can on the grill is an overflow expansion reservoir, connected to the radiator.
You see photos of these on SAS Jeeps used in the Sahara and North African campaign.
MUY BONITO mi pana q lo difrute positivooooo.
MUY BONITO mi pana q lo difrute positivooooo.
Hi All,
In case you were wondering what the canister on the grill is, I received response from the owner:
“Ok! This is the ‘surge tank’. Like modern vehicles, this canister is just a radiator enhancer and was added during WWII to upgrade jeeps for hot enviroment conditions. Also, dessert commandos jeeps (SAS, LRDG) was upgraded with ‘condensators’ (bigger, complex and more efficient ‘canister’ mounted also in the front grill, and with the same principle). “
Hi All,
In case you were wondering what the canister on the grill is, I received response from the owner:
“Ok! This is the ‘surge tank’. Like modern vehicles, this canister is just a radiator enhancer and was added during WWII to upgrade jeeps for hot enviroment conditions. Also, dessert commandos jeeps (SAS, LRDG) was upgraded with ‘condensators’ (bigger, complex and more efficient ‘canister’ mounted also in the front grill, and with the same principle). “