I received my CJ-3B from a family friend who purchased the Jeep new in ’53. It was a plow Jeep with a snowblower attachment on the back for most of its years. When I got it some 4 years ago it was in rough shape. The tub was rotted, the engine was seized, everything needed redoing. Over the years I have slowly rebuilt it. I had the engine totally overhauled and rebuilt it over one Christmas break. My Dad and I repainted the frame. I welded new sheet steel onto the tub sides, floors, and wheel wells. Last summer I painted all the body components in my grandparents driveway under the hot August sun. Last fall I wired the Jeep to get it running. 12 volt instead of the original 6. Had my seats redone and such.
Last winter I was able to show the previous owner, John Jukuri of Laurium, Michigan the near finished product by driving the Jeep to the care facility which he was staying at. After 40 plus years he finally got to see his old Jeep run again. He promised to take a ride “when the snow and cold are gone”. Sadly John passed away that winter without riding. I am thankful he was able to see it run and drive tho, that cold winter day in January. I think he would be proud to see how it is now. It means a lot to me, my family, and Johns family to see the CJ-3B run again.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Dillon Bennetts
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!
You imply that Jeeps may go to heaven. I believe it’s true. They become such a loving part of our families that it would be a shame to see them die forever. Jeeps are eternal. Like us, and animals. Perhaps they will become iron angels.
You imply that Jeeps may go to heaven. I believe it’s true. They become such a loving part of our families that it would be a shame to see them die forever. Jeeps are eternal. Like us, and animals. Perhaps they will become iron angels.
I know how much it takes to put a Willys together when it has been left idle for so long. Glad to see the dents and dings that make it unique. I’m sure you are as proud of yours as I am of mine. Congrats on a great job.
I know how much it takes to put a Willys together when it has been left idle for so long. Glad to see the dents and dings that make it unique. I’m sure you are as proud of yours as I am of mine. Congrats on a great job.