302: John Ragone 1946 Willys CJ-2A
This is my 1946 Willys CJ-2A. It has 36,000 original miles, frame off restoration in my garage. I painted it Normandy Blue, original Kelsey Hayes wheels. The body was completely rotted away and the frame was cracked in half on both sides.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – John Ragone
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Hi John,
We also have a 1946 CJ2A and I was with my parents when they purchased it! Congrats of your fine work. Really tickled to see you left the Go Devil engine and all the other stuff original. I see lots of “restored”Jeeps that are actually not Jeeps anymore. You know, a huge V-8 and huge tires and such.
That top of yours looks great. My Dad actually constructed a metal top for ours and though it is quite heavy it works just fine.
We’ve thought of moving the spare to the back but never have. It sure would make a difference when you are trying to squeeze through a spot.
Again, congrats on the excellent work.
Joe Stokes, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Hi John,
We also have a 1946 CJ2A and I was with my parents when they purchased it! Congrats of your fine work. Really tickled to see you left the Go Devil engine and all the other stuff original. I see lots of “restored”Jeeps that are actually not Jeeps anymore. You know, a huge V-8 and huge tires and such.
That top of yours looks great. My Dad actually constructed a metal top for ours and though it is quite heavy it works just fine.
We’ve thought of moving the spare to the back but never have. It sure would make a difference when you are trying to squeeze through a spot.
Again, congrats on the excellent work.
Joe Stokes, Idaho Falls, Idaho
John,
My first Jeep was a ‘2A, and I had more fun and enjoyment with it than any others. It had the deep gearing in the axles and with an overdrive I still got as much as 27 MPG with a V-6 conversion engine. It made a monkey of the new vehicles on the trails. Many were extremely jealous of the vehicle’s performance. You have done a fine restoration job.
Dave
John,
My first Jeep was a ‘2A, and I had more fun and enjoyment with it than any others. It had the deep gearing in the axles and with an overdrive I still got as much as 27 MPG with a V-6 conversion engine. It made a monkey of the new vehicles on the trails. Many were extremely jealous of the vehicle’s performance. You have done a fine restoration job.
Dave
John —
Looks great . . . very nice job. I’m mid-project in my garage, as well, on my ’47 Normandy Blue (originally that color, anyway). Would love to hear some of your restoration stories . . . how it went, what you’d do differently, problems overcome, etc. . . . if you’d care to post that stuff either here or in an e-mail.
Thanks.
Jim Mackay
Fairfax, VA
’47 2A #93453
John —
Looks great . . . very nice job. I’m mid-project in my garage, as well, on my ’47 Normandy Blue (originally that color, anyway). Would love to hear some of your restoration stories . . . how it went, what you’d do differently, problems overcome, etc. . . . if you’d care to post that stuff either here or in an e-mail.
Thanks.
Jim Mackay
Fairfax, VA
’47 2A #93453
Where did you have your made ? It looks awesome.
Where did you have your made ? It looks awesome.
Great looking CJ2A I love the top. The spare and gas can on the back are nice addition.
My CJ2A is harvest tan. I like the blue much better.
Great looking CJ2A I love the top. The spare and gas can on the back are nice addition.
My CJ2A is harvest tan. I like the blue much better.
Beautiful job. That top is the icing on the cake. I know they are a little more money then the others, but it’s way worth it. When I finish mine, it’s going to have a top like that.
Beautiful job. That top is the icing on the cake. I know they are a little more money then the others, but it’s way worth it. When I finish mine, it’s going to have a top like that.