~ Sent to us by Robert Mislivec
The 1952 Willys Pickup is my summer weekend camping driver in the Glacier National Park area. The vehicle was running, but not drive-able, when purchased.
The 350 Goodwrench engine with an Edelbrock carburetor was sound. Using many parts from Kaiser Willys, I rebuilt the stock front steering components, brakes and steering gearbox, along with a new radiator, starter, alternator and wiring updates. I also rebuilt the Spicer transfer case and had the original Warn Overdrive reconditioned by Herm “The Overdrive Guy” to help make the vehicle roadworthy.
I custom crafted the Vardo camper topper to complement the lines of the pickup. The faded patina paint and minor blemishes are perfect for the brushes, branches and washboard potholes of backwoods trails.
- Robert Mislivec
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Just right for that truck. Reminds me of a gypsy wagon or early canteen. If I may suggest a small chimney pipe with a metal corrugated hat might add to what is already very nice. Truck paint is so nice. No spray gun could beat that. Sounds like your upgrades do it well. Thanks for showing us.
Thank you Frank. You are correct about the stovepipe addition, which was characteristic of a traditional Vardo Wagon.. The custom Vardo camper topper I crafted on my Willys pickup is most representative of a “Ledge” design. I also appreciate the comment on the faded patina paint, which I intend to leave original.
Really a nice little addition and handy for excursions in the woods, very nice, Robert!
Thank you Gary. Herm “The Overdrive Guy” did a masterful reconditioning of the original Warn Overdrive. I did the other mechanical upgrades myself, including rebuilding the Spicer transfer case, with many parts from Kaiser Willys Jeep. The Willys pickup is now a trusty, roadworthy driver. I personally prefer to keep the pickup body a vintage stock look, given it has a 350 Goodwrench engine under the hood.