Hello from South Africa! For years I have been following other peoples projects and beautiful flat fenders! Now I can FINALLY contribute! During my university years I was introduced to the CJ-2A by friends who had an uncle who had one. I was immediately smitten. A couple years later these friends also managed to find and purchase a CJ-2A. I just had to have one, but money was tight, especially as a student.
Early in 1987 I did some inquiries and found my dream Jeep! Drove it some 100 miles before the engine developed a “miss”. I then proceeded to strip it completely and on a limited budget have work done on the springs, chassis and differentials. Also a complete engine overhaul was done – this is where the jammed exhaust valve due to a damaged valve seat insert was found. New pistons, rings, big-end and small-end bearings were replaced. The half rolling chassis and crates filled with bits and pieces followed me for the next 20 years!
Eventually in 2022 I had to accept I would never be able to restore the Jeep myself and contact was made with CJ2 Engineering in the Western Cape, South Africa. Over the next 3 years they did an absolutely amazing restoration job. All the body work is manufactured locally. A Saginaw steering conversion was done. The required spares are sourced from Kaiser Willys at high cost due to the ZAR:USD exchange rate and import costs, but I had budgeted accordingly! Finally a day before my birthday in October the completed Jeep was delivered to me. After 38 years my CJ-2A is alive! It drives like a treat and will be used as a spare daily runner and weekend and holiday off-road vehicle.
Keep up the great work and try to make it cheaper for us Africans to source Willys spares!
- Leon Havemann
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – 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!
Great Job! Always good to see the old CJ’s getting back on the road! Get ahold of Gary Player and give him a ride in it! One of my favorite golfers! I’ve got 2 ’47’s and a 1950. All running but as I tell everybody…My kids like to drive them, my Grandkids like to ride in them…and I do the maintenance! -Stephen Gage, Auburn, NY USA