In 2004 I found the frankenjeep ( various parts, bondo & rust ) for sale, after it had been sitting for many years in a California farmers field. As time & money allowed, I began the frame-off restoration. It wasn’t until I removed the rusted body tub, that I discovered the F-stamps on the shock mounts and frame members. The engine and transmission were original as well and I had them professionally rebuilt at a shop in Lompoc, California that specialized in tractors and other farm equipment from the ’30’s and 40’s. When we moved to Arizona in 2005, the frankenjeep was trailored over here with us. All of the assembly and paint was done by myself. The engine fine-tuning was done by a mechanic in Phoenix, AZ, who works on military vehicles of all types. The lettering on the GPW is specific to an actual Army National Guard composite unit from Arizona, California & Nevada that served in Europe during WWII. In addition to zipping around towm, we also take it out to local parades and car shows.
Oh yeah, I’ve seen only one of these sedans on the road in recent decades! Not many of them still in service….
Hi, this is a beautiful restoration.. Great work you and other folks have done. I enjoy seeing these vintage jeeps, a great part of our history. My parents bought a new 1953 Willys *sedan* in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Two doors, heater, straight 6, can’t remember if it had a radio! We had it for about 12 years. That’s our connection to the Willys brand.