I have been selling cars for about 10 years, however I have never personally restored a car myself until now. My husband bought me a 1950 Willys Pickup as a gift to me so I could learn how to restore it. I have affectionately named him “Bootstrap”. It was not running and didn’t even come with a key! We had no idea if the engine would even turn over, but we got to work on it anyways! It’s been a couple months, and while I haven’t had the chance to take it out on the road yet I can say I have replaced the wiring harness and other necessary parts in order to turn the engine over and get him running. It is one of the most satisfying projects I have ever undertaken and I am in love with my Truck. While there are seemingly endless small items that need to be repaired or replaced overall “Bootstrap” is almost to the point where I can take him out on the road for the first time and I could not be more excited! Granted the seats are out so I’ll probably have to sit on an egg crate, but that’s all part of the experience in my opinion.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Colleen Sheehan
If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We’d love to meet your Jeep.
Like Us. Facebook
Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
Congrats to you and enjoy the experience
I restored a 1950 that was in worst shape than what it looks like you started with
Stay with it and you will love it
I bust listed mine for sale on http://www.willysforsale.com
Enjoy the process it’s worth it
Congrats to you and enjoy the experience
I restored a 1950 that was in worst shape than what it looks like you started with
Stay with it and you will love it
I bust listed mine for sale on http://www.willysforsale.com
Enjoy the process it’s worth it
Some guys have all of the luck when it comes to marriage. The family that jeeps together stays together!
Some guys have all of the luck when it comes to marriage. The family that jeeps together stays together!
Trucks, dogs and girls – what a photo spread!
What’s one of these worth or two not running
G but complete
Trucks, dogs and girls – what a photo spread!
Very nice looking Jeep you have. It is nice to see someone isn,t lazy or afraid to get their hands dirty. To take one fixing a old Jeep or anything old up. Congratulations on a job well done.
Very nice looking Jeep you have. It is nice to see someone isn,t lazy or afraid to get their hands dirty. To take one fixing a old Jeep or anything old up. Congratulations on a job well done.
we also have restored a kaiser willy’s station wagon 1965 model. would like to share our experiences.
we also have restored a kaiser willy’s station wagon 1965 model. would like to share our experiences.
It looks like a good first experience. I Wish you lots of fun..
It looks like a good first experience. I Wish you lots of fun..
I like “Bootstrap”. Jepps are fun! Enjoy yours>
I like “Bootstrap”. Jepps are fun! Enjoy yours>
That is really nice that you will be doing this restoration. You may luck out and even have it running before a rebuild, something to discover as you begin.
If the timing, fuel and spark are good, and you squirt some oil into the spark plug holes prior, let it soak, and then gently turn the engine over by hand to be sure it is not frozen, you might be able to check if it will start and run.
This will be a wonderful adventure for you!! Best of luck.
Once you get it running, and with any repairs you have to do, you can install a Capacitive Discharge Ignition, even homemade, and it will be a real solid rig, it will start easy, get a bit better mileage and run like a top.
I have had my Jeep CJ-5 for 62 years, with two homemade Cap. Discharge Ignitions I first put in during the 1970’s, and they have worked wonderfully, first a 6 volt version, then a 12 volt version after I converted the Jeep to 12 volts.
Best wishes for your efforts and successful finish. These are wonderful old machines!!!
Have fun!!
That is really nice that you will be doing this restoration. You may luck out and even have it running before a rebuild, something to discover as you begin.
If the timing, fuel and spark are good, and you squirt some oil into the spark plug holes prior, let it soak, and then gently turn the engine over by hand to be sure it is not frozen, you might be able to check if it will start and run.
This will be a wonderful adventure for you!! Best of luck.
Once you get it running, and with any repairs you have to do, you can install a Capacitive Discharge Ignition, even homemade, and it will be a real solid rig, it will start easy, get a bit better mileage and run like a top.
I have had my Jeep CJ-5 for 62 years, with two homemade Cap. Discharge Ignitions I first put in during the 1970’s, and they have worked wonderfully, first a 6 volt version, then a 12 volt version after I converted the Jeep to 12 volts.
Best wishes for your efforts and successful finish. These are wonderful old machines!!!
Have fun!!
Awesome Rachel!! I hope to be driving my 61 Willy’s truck before the end of the year and like you have had a BALL working on it!!!
Awesome Rachel!! I hope to be driving my 61 Willy’s truck before the end of the year and like you have had a BALL working on it!!!