A Willys that has been fast asleep sometimes does not take kindly to being awoken. There were times I completely doubted my mechanical ability and screamed at the Willys Gods for deliverance. I learned some brand new cusswords. At 65 years old, that right there is something. But, I did it! Yeah!! So fun to drive it around the beach, no locater chip, no computer, no BS. AMERICAN STEEL!
It runs! I replaced the tires, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, alternator, gas tank, carburetor, filter, hoses and electric water pump. She runs, starts and stops!! 289 V8 Ford with standard Willys drive train. Rebuilt the T90 and changed all fluids in everything. Now for the lights and wipers, then maybe I will get to the outside appearance. Removing the mechanical gremlins after 20 years asleep is the most pressing thing. It Lives! Now I know what the term “Blood, sweat, and tears” means. Plenty of all three of those things, but when it wakes up and growls… it’s worth every drop of blood. Hooray for Kaiser Willys for having the hard to find parts!!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Life – Doug Roehr
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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!
I am working on 1959 Wagon. I found it on the Kaiser Willys emails. It was a project for several people, one after another. Many parts were missing and many changes made by the other owners.
I bought a 2015 Grand Cherokee as a donor car. Transplanting the Hemi, 10 speed tranny and AWD hardware. I’m also making it modern with AC, navigation system, seats, gauges and many other parts from the grand Cherokee. It has a four link suspension front and rear.
I hope to complete it next year.
Great job Doug.
I have been working on my 1949 Willy wagon 4×4 for about 4-years to bring it back to life. Yes, a labor of love & commitment for sure. I replaced the entire brake system on mine & was very disappointed, ha, more like slow-me-downs. Yes, I would recommend front disc brakes instead. I have maintained the factory running gear, 4 cylinder OHV engine, very slow, max about 45 MPH. Fine for chugging around the flat SW desert, but no hill climber. I wish I had a SBF or SBC in mine. Anyway, all my buddy’s love it & do enjoy putting around in 4×4 outback & country roads . . . only. It has a set of custom bumpers with a towbar which does tow around for long distances really well. Fun times. Enjoy.
Just reading the comments from the other people on this sit I can tell we are all drive it dont state at it bunch!!! The built to enjoy not to destroy is my way also. I gotta send in my pics.
Just reading the comments from the other people on this sit I can tell we are all drive it dont state at it bunch!!! The built to enjoy not to destroy is my way also. I gotta send in my pucs.
I bought a 1961 Willys Wagon 3 weeks ago and am tearing into the swsybar,tierods,leaky steering box but seems smooth!, spring assisted shocks,and I am just starting. I am 63 in a couple months and I feel 20 years younger since I found the best car I ever had!
I want to add, my wagon has an old 235 straight 6 Chevrolet engine in it with the original Willys transmission. I am looking forward to driving the old thing as soon as the brakes are repaired and master cylinder replaced.
I just would like to confirm, the shifter that sits right in front of the seat, (behind the gear and transfer case shifters), is for an overdrive? Is this correct? My 53 wagon has a similar setup, I am just starting to work the gremlins out and bring her back to a running and driving project.
Also, are you satisfied with the drum brakes and their stopping power? I grew up in old chevy trucks with d wheel drum brakes, but I have to admit its been a while since I drove one and don’t remember the stopping abilities.
Howdy everyone! The 289 was in there when I bought the Willys up at the Alpine Ranch where it was dozing under a tree. They had rebuilt the engine and trans before it was parked, so both are in nice working condition. The V8 really helps the wagon up hills, but one must use common sense and not floor it and pretend you are in the Baja 1000. That’s not the ticket. It would unwind and be all over the highway in many parts if treated like that. These drivetrains handle a V8 quite well if you keep your lead foot off the gas pedal. Not the kind of vehicle for those seeking to attempt it’s destruction with every use. It is not an urban assault vehicle 4 door lifted Ford F350 with 42 inch tires with a 455 double humper V12.. Good grief….it’s just an old friend, an old Willys….not something you beat into submission while you destroy the landscape??
Also, my intention was not to build a concourse show car that was 100% original, never driven, only taken out for pictures, never touched vanity mobile. I drive it around. It is a lovingly USED vehicle.
Remember the original Willys drive train was designed for a four cylinder engine and had a top speed of 50 mph downhill. It will be interesting to see how it will hold up to the V-8 HP and torque.
Good Luck
Great pics, I have a 58 Willys Wagon. I replaced the old engine that was in it when I brought it back in 95, when I lived out on the West cost, with a “Rebuilt 72, Bronco 302 engine. It really gets down the road now, BUT, this 302 is really to much engine and power. Well, good post and love the pics. Keep them coming…Dave
Congrats for seeing your project through…! Thanks for the inspiration as I start my rebuild of my 1960 Willys Truck!
That thing looks great as it is. You ‘doll’ it up too much, you’ll be afraid to drive it. Good luck, have fun!
Very nice! I have a 55 Green Ford powered wagon very similar and for sale on the oldantiquecars.com website in Ellington Ct.
it’s been a long tine since I have seen the 5 gallon Jerry can carriers behind the front fender.
Dave
I agree on engines. I replaced my m38 a1 hurricane with a rebuilt one from army issue.
A great exercise in perseverance!!
Steel is real!
DEAR DOUG
every initiative to recover is remarkable. Two things that makes your jeep valuable is always:
the original engine, hurricane f4 or 6 cylinders
that perfectly takes you everywhere and economically
and the wheels 16 ring factory.
It is my personal taste in any case.
to break ground and vehicle better an oriental