Barn Yard Restoration and Trip of a Willys M170 – Part 2

Continued from last week:

It was in running condition when I purchased it, though there were some minor problems with the transfer case, so I had both the transfer case and the transmission rebuilt and a new clutch; replaced the carburetor with the correct one, which I found as rebuilt one on eBay (no core exchange needed) and a new exhaust system.  The brakes were rebuilt.  New plugs and wires.  A parking brake handle was found on eBay from Athens (Greece). It was cheaper than anywhere else, and it was new and painted orange and I rigged it to work with the correct parking brake on the driver shaft.  I replaced the fuel pump and had the fuel tank (a Holy Grail) interior epoxied.  The motor mounts and all the body mounts were replaced.  When I first got it had that really “death rattle” and I discovered that the tires had never been balanced.  Now 35 or 40 MPH is about the top speed, that is on level ground.  

The data plate on the dash is original and in rough condition.  I can make out the vin/serial number 10181.  The plate on the passenger side wheel well is completely obliterated.  The engine is the correct Willys F4-134 Hurricane, but is not original to the jeep.  A number on the front of the engine indicates that it is replaced / rebuilt at a repair depot.

I replaced the guts of the oil bath air filter.  I ran across the post on the internet about replacing the guts with a NAPA Gold 2036 air filter and putting two “Fluidmaster Better Than Wax 5.5 inch Wax-Free” Commode floor gaskets (from Lowes) on the top and bottom of the canister.  It fit and worked perfectly.  I used a section of automobile ac/heat tubing to connect the carburetor to the filter. 

I use it here on my farm in Polkville, NC where we raise goats and Llamas.  I drive it most everyday, weather permitting.  I have the correct frame for the top and trying to figure out the canvas.   My 14-year-old grandson has learned to drive the jeep.  All kids should learn to drive a vehicle like this before that get the “aim down the road” cars of today.  You cannot work a cell phone driving such a jeep.

The driver and passenger seats for the M-170 are almost impossible to find.  Passenger jump seat is the “holy grail”.   Sure, wish I could have found the correct passenger seat.   I was able to fit a M38A1 passenger seat on the drivers and passenger side adding a peg to the right side of the frames.  The seat cushions were found on eBay and the back cushions slide over the back frame of the seat and added a plywood to the seat bottom.  They are covered with awning canvas which should hold up.  They come close to the correct color.  

I talked with a neighbor of mine who is a retired Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant  who served in the Korean and Vietnam war and he recognized the extra gauges and heavy tailgate and some modifications that would been done by the Marines.   Also, a contributor on the Steelsolders.com told me that it was a USMC vehicle since there were modifications and holes on the dash that were common USMC radio jeeps.  On M170’s there was a toolbox on the rear driver side fender.  On mine the forward toolbox has been removed and the fender has been made to match the passenger side.  

My paint shop was a bay in a hay shed.  The painting was done over many days which turn into weeks.  I had to wait until the Barn Swallows left for Brazil to start the sanding and painting.  Some delays for rain, wind, high humidity, and temperature.  8 spray cans and ½ a gallon of paint brushed on the flat interior portions.

I left the dented fenders and scratches on the body.  I did discover that t here is a learning curve to working with Bondo.  

I left the cracked windshield because my grandson Wyatt said, “papaw that makes it look like it was in the war”.  Probably was not even close to a war. 

I just finished painting it Lusterless Marine Corps Forest Green #3452, the correct color for the Korean War era.  The imperfections do not show up (the 15-foot rule) with that paint.

I was in the Marine Corps from April 1969-73 and stationed much of the time at the Air Station Beaufort, SC working on F-4 Phantom Jets.  Never rode or drove a jeep but rode miles in a bunch of deuce and a half’s.  Just had an urge to buy a Jeep.

A lot of people have been helpful in this adventure including Christian and Kort.  I want to thank my wife for supporting me, the barn cats for staying off it, Daisy the donkey and the three Llamas for not using it during the painting as a scratching post.  Many thanks of course to Ellie the Great Pyrenees, Ranger the Anatolian Shepard livestock guardians and Hamlet the Great Dane house dog for staying out of it.  Goats are in a fenced in pasture otherwise they would have been all over it.  The folks at Kaiser Willys Auto Supply were ever helpful especially Mike Meditz and others.

I am still hunting parts especially a complete passenger seat, which is folding jump seat.  I did find half of one on eBay and still looking.  There are several M170’s that have been completely restored as ambulances.

I am not trying to completely restore, just so that it looks good at 15 feet and traveling down the road.  It is a working farm truck.  I use it here in Polkville, NC (pop 543 maybe) on my farm and around town.  35-40 MPH is fine but above that it is a little shaky.  

Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Bill Lane

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