Kaiser Willys Jeep of the Week: 043

043: Richard H. Koehler’s 1956 Willys Pickup Truck

Well–this is my 1956 6-226 Pick up. I bought this in Oakland CA in 1994—apparently had been in the huge central valley farm lands for it’s entire life, so zero rust.

It was fairly well restored, although you’ll notice it has a wagon hood rather than the truck hood (note the vacant mounting hole at the front, and the trim on the side below the “4-wheel-drive” trim. These were wagon trim pieces, not truck–I’ve heard anyway.) 

Note the recent 20 inch snow fall last Dec!

I’ve had it on Martha’s Vineyard, MA since 1994, and remarkably–with a lot of persistence on my part–it has not succombed to rust as did all it’s predecessors who’s remains scatter the Northern New England junk yards–including one here on the Vineyard. (Actually I have grabbed detailing items from those local hulks, like trim, instrument knobs, horn bottoms etc.) 

I do most of the work myself—-replaced the head gasket and rebuilt the carb most recently. Handbrake’s next, etc etc.

-Richard H. Koehler 

West Coast Willys member 83 (and one of the few east coast contingents!)

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